Mike Zacharias

Mike Zakariasu (ミケ・ザカリアス) was a Squad Leader and trusted member of the Survey Corps, and was considered humanity's second strongest fighter after Levi. Mike has a curiously acute sense of smell which allows him to detect Titans from great distances.

Appearance
Mike is a tall and well-built man. The bangs of his blond hair are parted down the middle, and he sports a mustache and beard. Similar to his commander, Mike is almost always seen wearing a serious, calm face. He is typically seen dressed in standard military garb, but also wears the Survey Corps' signature cape when on missions.

Personality
Mike was an acknowledged leader with a brave heart and a tactical mind. He was a loyal member of the Survey Corps, and an adamant vanguard for mankind's freedom, believing humans can only lose when they stop fighting. He also seemed to care a great deal for his squad, as he sacrificed himself to allow them to escape.

During times of ease, Mike was shown to be a quiet man, rarely speaking unless it concerned a more serious matter. He also had a bizarre habit of "sniffing" people out when he met them.

Despite his courage, Mike proved, in the end, to be human. Faced with certain death, even he could only weep and scream in horror of his fate.

History
In 844, prior to fall of Wall Maria, Mike served as a member of the Survey Corps under the then-Squad Leader Erwin's command. As one of Erwin's most trusted comrades, he was present when Erwin captured Levi and recruited him into the Survey Corps.

Years later, in 850, Mike took part in the Survey Corps' 49th Expedition, where the Corps would find Ilse Langnar's notebook. During the expedition, Mike's sense of smell alerted him of the Aberrant Titan that had killed Ilse.

Story
Mike is a veteran member of the Survey Corps, having served at Erwin's side before the fall of Wall Maria. Having little introduction at first, he is more formerly introduced when he escorts Eren to court for his trial.

Mike later participates in the Survey Corps' first attempt at apprehending Annie Leonhart in her Titan form during their 57th expedition outside the wall. Once Annie is caught in their trap, Mike, alongside Levi, attempts to carve her out but are unsuccessful due to her ability to harden parts of her body. Mike's inclusion in this part of the plan illustrates the amount of faith and respect Erwin has in him.

After they return, Mike is tasked with watching over a number of Survey Corps members who are under suspicion of being Annie's accomplices when Titans unexpectedly appear within Wall Rose. After ordering the others to escape and warn the surrounding towns, Mike takes on nine Titans by himself in order to buy them time to get away. He manages to kill five of them before he encounters a Deviant Type Titan that worries him due to the mass amount of fur on its body, a trait never before heard of in Titans, making it look bestial. To Mike's horror, the Beast-like Titan grabs his horse and hurls it towards him, which forces Mike to jump off the building. Caught in a nearby Titan's mouth, it attempts to swallow him whole, but the Beast Titan tells the Titan to halt, as it wishes to question Mike. The Titan ignores the command, and the Beast Titan squishes its head with its hands. It then questions Mike about the weapon around his waist, referencing his 3D Maneuver Gear. In shock, Mike does not respond, which causes the Beast-like Titan to become impatient, having believed that they speak the same language. The Beast Titan then proceeds to snatch up Mike's 3D Maneuver Gear, and promptly orders the surrounding Titans to do as they please with him. Immobilized and deprived of maneuverability, Mike screams as he is devoured. The Beast Titan is amused to know that they do indeed speak the same language.

Abilities
His combat prowess was considered to be only second to Levi and the fact that he easily disposed of 5 Titans single handedly, and in an open area, emphasizes that statement.

His olfaction (sense of smell) was extremely acute, to the point that he could detect approaching Titans before other members of the Survey Corps, such as Levi and Erwin.

Relationships
Erwin Smith - Mike and Erwin shared a deep trust due to their lengthy time in service together, as well as a mutual respect for one another's skills as soldiers. For much of the story, he was by Erwin's side serving as his right hand man.

Levi Ackerman - Mike and Levi did not have much association with each other, but when they were together, they were shown to compliment each other's outstanding fighting skills, creating a fairly formidable team.

Hange Zoë - Mike and Hange were shown to have a mutual respect for each other, and were typically seen together serving directly under Erwin.

Trivia

 * Mike had a habit of sniffing people he'd just met and then smirking.
 * Mike was one of the few Survey Corps members that Erwin trusted to share his plot to capture the Female Titan with.
 * According to chapter 35, Mike is the second strongest soldier next to Levi.

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Mike Zakarius