Attack on titan: The Last Stand

The giant's emotions, or lack thereof, were unclear, but the three of them might already be staring death in the face. Bai Li stared intently ahead, hoping to find an opening to slip past the giant's legs.

Suddenly, a loud noise came from the sky, drawing closer. The giant paused mid-action, distracted by the sound, and looked upward to investigate.

A "Wuzhi-10" Thunderfire attack helicopter roared overhead, grabbing the giant's attention. Xu Shixiong's sharp eyes immediately identified the model.

"Wuzhi-10, Thunderfire," he said with excitement as he gazed at the helicopter. The Thunderfire was a special attack helicopter in service for their country, and its presence over Japanese airspace could only mean that the reinforcements requested by Toyama had arrived.

The giant's attention was fully drawn to the helicopter, which flew at a safe height, luring the giant away while ignoring the small car at the alley's end.

The helicopter maintained a safe distance, baiting the giant's movements. Bai Li, whose chest had been heaving with anxiety, finally relaxed a little. "At least we're safe for now," she said softly.

Xu Shixiong, however, looked at her skeptically. The giant was still only tens of meters away. Though distracted by the helicopter for the moment, a single turn could crush them in an instant.

"Don't let your guard down!" Xu Shixiong warned, ready to flee at any moment.

"Reinforcements have arrived," Bai Li added, as a formation of helicopters flew overhead in a strikingly organized line. The giant stretched its arm, attempting to catch the "noisy flies" in midair.

"It's a drop in the bucket," Xu Shixiong muttered, knowing that a few helicopters wouldn't be enough to drive off the giant.

The thunderous noise from the helicopter engines kept the giant distracted as it lumbered after them, leaving the three behind. The path ahead, however, was blocked by debris, rendering the car immobile.

"This is Colonel Bai Li on channel 109. If you can hear me, please respond." Bai Li pulled out a walkie-talkie from her uniform, attempting to contact the reinforcements.

"We need to leave now!" Xu Shixiong said, urging them to take the chance while the giant was distracted.

"The road's blocked by rubble. I have to call for a helicopter to pick us up. Toyama, check our current coordinates," Bai Li ordered, continuing to call for reinforcements.

"Channel 109, this is Colonel Bai Li requesting assistance," she repeated, but received no response. The reinforcement units and the 177th Military Command weren't on the same channel.

Xu Shixiong sighed as he watched her persistence. "Look, if this doesn't work, let's just get out of the car and walk. Waiting here is a death sentence. Please!"

Finally, a crisp voice came through the walkie-talkie. "Colonel Bai Li, this is the Wuhan ship. Report your coordinates, and we will send a landing team to assist!"

Bai Li smiled brightly, relieved that the reinforcements had received her signal.

Xu Shixiong, however, chose silence. He resigned himself to waiting for rescue.

"Coordinates found," Toyama said, handing his phone to Bai Li. After reporting their position to the Wuhan ship, the team was instructed to stay put and wait for reinforcements to arrive within ten minutes.

Xu Shixiong gazed at the desolate surroundings. The once-proud skyscrapers were now crumbling ruins, with debris scattered everywhere.

"If it weren't for that meteor, this place would've been bustling with life," he muttered.

"This is Shinjuku," Toyama said, staring out the car window at the destruction. "The collapsed building ahead is the Kyoto Metropolitan Government Tower. Shinjuku was once filled with clubs and the Kabukicho district's vibrant nightlife. I used to imagine a tsunami, an earthquake, or Mount Fuji erupting might destroy Kyoto, but I never imagined it would fall like this."

Overhead, the helicopter hovered, and a voice called through the walkie-talkie: "Colonel, are you in the car?"

"Yes! Over here!" Bai Li responded, leaning out of the car to wave.

"This area isn't suitable for landing. We'll drop a rope ladder," came the reply. A ladder was tossed down, and Bai Li tugged it to ensure it was secure.

"Toyama, you go first," she instructed, opening the car door and gesturing for him to climb. Toyama wasted no time, quickly ascending. Midway up, he glanced into the distance and shouted, "Hurry! Type-A giant is back!"

From his higher vantage point, Toyama could see much farther than Bai Li and Xu Shixiong on the ground.

Hearing his warning, Bai Li gritted her teeth and yanked Xu Shixiong from the passenger seat. "What are you standing there for? Move!"

Xu Shixiong scrambled to the ladder as the sound of rumbling reached them. The Type-A giant emerged from the rubble, its massive form blocking out half the sky.

Even at half its height, it was taller than the hovering helicopter.

"Damn," Xu Shixiong muttered, frozen as he gripped the ladder. Bai Li climbed up after him as the helicopter pilot lifted off, with all three of them clinging tightly to the ladder.

The Type-A giant didn't move, its gaze fixed on the helicopter as it carried the trio away, close enough to brush past its face. The giant didn't even seem inclined to raise a hand.

Pressed tightly against Bai Li, Xu Shixiong swallowed hard. "I've never even dreamed of seeing something like this."

Bai Li glanced at him. "It seems this giant may be large, but it isn't aggressive."

Before she could finish her sentence, the Type-A giant suddenly moved. Its hand shot up with astonishing speed, far faster than its massive body suggested. The lead helicopter in the formation was struck instantly, tumbling from the sky like a bird with broken wings and exploding on impact.

Xu Shixiong stared in shock. "Why didn't it attack us?"

No one could answer. The remaining helicopters scattered and began bombarding the giant indiscriminately. Missiles exploded on its body, but the Type-A giant seemed unfazed. With a casual swipe, it caught another helicopter, crushing it in its palm.

The helicopter carrying Xu Shixiong and the others quickly retreated toward Kamakura Harbor, heading for the Wuhan ship stationed offshore.

"Wuhan ship, requesting permission to land," the pilot said as they approached. The Wuhan ship was stationed over 10 kilometers from Kamakura City, standing alone on the vast sea. The ship granted permission for a vertical landing.

For Xu Shixiong, this was his first time boarding a warship. Once the three of them disembarked from the helicopter, he stood on the deck, breathing in the salty sea air, feeling a sense of relief after surviving the ordeal.

The national flag on the deck swayed in the wind, vibrant and vivid against the blue sky.

A middle-aged man in a military uniform approached them, saluting smartly. "I am the captain of the Wuhan ship. Please follow me; someone is waiting to meet you."

Bai Li returned the salute and followed the captain.

"From what you've seen of Kyoto, I trust you're aware of the situation," the captain said gravely. "The helicopter squadron we deployed earlier has been completely wiped out. Kyoto has fallen, and the giants are spreading across the Japanese islands. The Prime Minister has submitted a request for aid to the United States, hoping they will dispatch reinforcements."

"When will the U.S. reinforcements arrive?!" Toyama asked urgently.

The captain looked out over the distant sea, where the hazy outline of Japan could be seen.

"The Japanese military has suffered devastating losses, and the United States doesn't have the confidence to drive out the giants," the captain explained, leading the group into the radar room where someone was waiting for them.

"They have so many advanced weapons—tanks, cannons, and all sorts of equipment. Why can't they just bring them over to fight the giants?" Xu Shixiong asked impatiently, still thinking about the unpaid balance from his construction projects in Japan. If the giants took over, the fifty million he was owed might never be recovered.

"It's clear now that conventional weapons, other than mechanized suits, barely harm the giants. Sending more would only result in higher casualties," the captain replied calmly.

"This is unbelievable! Old man, is your 'Aokyu' (青丘 - Qingqiu) really that powerful?" Xu Shixiong turned to Toyama, his tone incredulous.

"Japan has fallen," Toyama replied vaguely, staring bitterly into the distance where his homeland lay.

The radar room was filled with rows of monitors and bustling soldiers moving between consoles. The atmosphere was tense, with the hum of equipment and the sharp beeps of radar screens filling the air. Xu Shixiong couldn't help but feel like he was in a sci-fi movie.

A man stood with his back to them, his tall, confident posture exuding authority. From his stature alone, he appeared imposing.

When Bai Li caught sight of him, her lips trembled slightly, her eyes lit up, and her expression showed excitement. Xu Shixiong noticed her reaction and leaned closer to whisper, "Who is he? You're acting like a fan meeting their idol."

Snapping back to reality, Bai Li quickly regained her composure. "He's my fiancé," she said softly.

Before Xu Shixiong could even process this information, the man turned around. His sharp, well-fitted military uniform emphasized his handsome, chiseled features. Next to him, Xu Shixiong felt awkward and unkempt by comparison. Scratching his head, he awkwardly muttered, "Your fiancé is… really handsome."

Toyama chuckled dryly from the side. "Xu Shixiong, it looks like your rival is a tough opponent."

"Don't be ridiculous!" Xu Shixiong shot back. "Who would even be interested in her? Not me, that's for sure. Of course… not including him." Realizing his mistake, he quickly tried to backpedal.

Bai Li smacked the back of his head. "You? A rival? Don't make me laugh!"

The captain saluted the man and reported, "Major General, they've arrived."

The major general straightened his cuffs and nodded. "You can return to your duties. A surviving helicopter unit has sent a distress signal, and I've dispatched a landing team for rescue."

He then turned to Bai Li, his tone softening. "It's been a while."

Bai Li blushed, lowering her head. Xu Shixiong glanced at her in disdain and muttered under his breath, "She acts all tough, but now she's playing the delicate lady."

The major general continued, "Preparations for the rescue team are complete. I will personally lead them into action. Please wait for me here. My name is Qin Feng."

As Qin Feng adjusted his uniform and shook Toyama's hand, the captain interjected, "Sir, your mission is to escort Toyama back to his country. Please don't risk complicating the situation further!"

Qin Feng responded decisively. "I saw the giants on the radar earlier. This is an opportunity to observe them up close. Only by understanding the enemy can we prepare an effective strategy after returning home."

Xu Shixiong muttered to himself, "Looks like being a major general has gone to his head. Going to meet the giants face-to-face? Talk about reckless bravery!"

Qin Feng seemed to anticipate their thoughts. "I understand what you're all thinking, but this is a rare chance to study the giants at close range. I can't let it pass."

The captain knew it was futile to argue further. Bai Li, however, suddenly stepped forward and said, "I'll go with you."

The captain frowned. "This isn't a game. You can't treat this like some adventure!"

Qin Feng considered for a moment before nodding firmly. "Alright." Bai Li smiled brightly, her excitement unmistakable. To Xu Shixiong, it looked more like they were planning a romantic getaway than a dangerous mission.

Toyama nudged Xu Shixiong and teased, "Aren't you going too?"

"Why would I go? I just escaped the wolf's den, and now you want me to walk into the tiger's mouth?" Xu Shixiong retorted.

Toyama gave him a knowing look. "You sure?"

"Fine! I'll go! What's with that look?!" Xu Shixiong snapped.

Qin Feng glanced at him and said flatly, "If you're coming, I won't stop you."

Realizing the misunderstanding, Xu Shixiong quickly clarified, "No, no, that was just an expression. I'm not going anywhere!"

Qin Feng didn't bother to listen further, turning instead to prepare for the mission.

Toyama quietly handed Xu Shixiong a walkie-talkie and whispered, "Keep this. Relay coordinates to me, and I'll give you artillery support from the Wuhan ship."

"Why should I help you?" Xu Shixiong asked, confused.

"The Wuhan ship is operating covertly in Japanese waters without government permission. Openly launching missiles is out of the question. I'll sneak into the weapon systems and assist you from here," Toyama explained, giving him a thumbs-up.

"You can do that?" Xu Shixiong was stunned.

"Stop wasting time. Go to the armory and get some defensive equipment," Toyama urged.

"If I don't make it back, I'll haunt you as a ghost!" Xu Shixiong grumbled, reluctantly joining the rescue mission.

"Don't worry. You'll be fine," Toyama said with a grin.

Xu Shixiong wasn't convinced. With his limited combat skills, he feared he'd only be a liability in the fight.

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