After partially transforming himself to protect Armin and Mikasa, Eren climbs out from the Titan to talk with Mikasa and Armin regarding the basement in his former house and how he believes that it holds the secret to mankind's preservation and the key to destroying the Titans. Commander Kitz is still afraid and once again orders the cannon to be loaded. Eren comes up with two plans of escape. the first is for him to transform into a Titan and run away on his own, forever criminalizing himself in the eyes of humanity. The second is to have Armin convince to Kitz that Eren is an asset, not a danger. Armin has several flashbacks and comes to the realization that even if he is a coward physically, he can still defend his friends regardless and decides to talk their way out of being executed. Armin tentatively convinces Kitz, only to have him overcome by fear and give the order to fire once more. But the order is halted when Commander Pixis and his men intervene, sparing their lives. In return, Pixis asks Eren if he will transform himself to block the gap in Wall Rosé to prevent further Titan invasions. He agrees, regardless of whether or not he is able to control his Titan form.