The Crimson Tower

Guren no Kyotō (紅蓮の巨塔) is the ninth chapter of the Before the Fall manga, written by Ryō Suzukaze and illustrated by Satoshi Shiki.

Summary
As Kuklo confirms that he can enact his plan, Carlo Pikale orders the Survey Corps to begin retreating to Shiganshina District. As the Titan begins to pursue them, Carlo rides up and cuts its leg, causing it to lose its footing. As the Titan turns to them, Kuklo asks Carlo if it is okay for him to be leaving everything to Kuklo, but Carlo tells him that, in such a situation, they are all comrades in their common fight against the Titans.

Riding towards the Titan, Carlo cuts through its leg again. As the Titan keels over, Carlo orders Kuklo to take the Horse's reigns, and as Kuklo steers, begins cutting the Titan's outstretched hand. As they begin retreating, Carlo informs Kuklo that it's time to enact his plan. As the Titan pursues them, Carlo and Kuklo approach the wrecked cart Kuklo was hiding in, and as they jump over it, Kuklo drops his canister of gunpowder into the cart, causing an explosion that engulfs the pursuing Titan. Turning to see if their plan worked, Kuklo is horrified to see that the Titan is still alive, Carlo tells Kuklo to ignore it, as they are heading for Shiganshina immediately. Wondering if the Titan can still move, Kuklo turns to look at the Titan again, and is horrified to see it stumble out of the flames, and begin following them again.

Atop Wall Maria, members of the Garrison watch the explosion as they prepare their Cannons. As the Survey Corps begins to enter the gates of Wall Maria, a few stop to watch Carlo and Kuklo, who are approaching with the Titan close behind them. The Garrison members begin to fire upon the Titan, as Carlo and Kuklo enter Shiganshina, and Wall Maria's gates are closed behind them. As Kuklo listens to the cannons, he wonders if they will kill the Titan, but Carlo informs him that the cannons will not hurt it, which is why the Survey Corps must fight to the extent that they do.