**Chapter 4: Gathering Storms**

The hours ticked by with agonizing slowness as Hange and I walked back to our quarters. The air was thick with tension, and I could feel the weight of the impending battle settling heavy on my shoulders. I tried to shake off the feeling of unease, but it only seemed to intensify as we walked. As we entered our quarters, Hange began to pace back and forth, his eyes fixed on some point in the distance. I knew that look; it was the same one he wore when he was deep in thought, strategizing. I sat down on the bed, watching him as he moved. "Hange," I said, my voice soft. "What's going through your mind?" He stopped pacing and turned to face me, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in my expression. "I was thinking about the message from the Scout Regiment," he said, his voice measured. "If the Titans are moving in larger numbers, it means they're being coordinated somehow." I frowned, my mind racing. "What do you mean?" Hange walked over to the map of Wall Rose that was pinned to the wall and traced a finger over the terrain. "I mean that the Titans are usually solitary creatures, but if they're moving in larger numbers, it means they're being directed by something or someone. And that something or someone is likely to be a Titan Shifter." My heart skipped a beat at the mention of the Titan Shifters. Those creatures were the most terrifying of all, with the ability to transform into Titans at will. I had heard rumors of a mysterious figure, known only as "The Founding Titan", who was said to be able to control the Titans. As Hange continued to study the map, I couldn't help but think about the soldiers who would be fighting alongside us. I had grown close to many of them, and the thought of losing any of them was unbearable. Just then, there was a knock at the door, and Captain Floch's voice called out. "Section Commander, we've received new orders from Commander Erwin. We're to report to the armory immediately for deployment." Hange's eyes locked onto mine, his expression grim. "It seems our time is up," he said, his voice low. "We have to go." I nodded, my heart racing with anticipation. As we made our way to the armory, I couldn't help but think about the battle ahead. What would we face? Would we emerge victorious, or would the Titans prove too strong? The armory was a flurry of activity as soldiers scrambled to gather their gear and prepare for deployment. Hange and I made our way through the chaos, our eyes scanning the area for our unit. As we reached the designated assembly point, I saw the familiar faces of my fellow soldiers, all of whom were dressed in their 3D maneuver gear. They were a mix of seasoned veterans and new recruits, all of whom were united in their determination to protect humanity. Hange stood before us, his eyes scanning the group. "Listen up, everyone," he said, his voice clear and commanding. "We have a long and difficult road ahead of us. But I know that together, we can overcome anything. Let's gear up and get moving. We have a wall to defend." With that, our unit set off towards Wall Rose, ready to face whatever lay ahead. As we marched, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and purpose. We were in this together, as a team, and we would do everything in our power to protect each other and our home.