Eren's footsteps faltered, coming to a complete stop just a few yards from the massive bounty board where the golden posters were displayed. Logically, he should have felt a surge of relief, even triumph. He had seen the posters; he held the secret that could unlock a level of wealth he had never dared to imagine in his wildest dreams. Yet, instead of warmth, a cold, paralyzing fear began to crawl up his spine like thousands of fire ants, stinging his skin from the inside out.
He turned his gaze toward the Spire Tower, which loomed over the city like a giant white spear piercing the sky. Then, he looked back toward the gate, toward the gathering darkness of the forest that led to Lamping Village.
