Summary

Levi's past in The Underground shaped him into a caring yet skilled leader.
Levi joined the Survey Corps to fulfill a hidden mission and avenge his fallen comrades.
Despite his initial failure, Levi found purpose and loyalty in following Erwin's vision for humanity.

When one thinks of the most iconic characters from Attack on Titan, they're bound to think of Levi Ackerman. Levi has been one of the central characters in Attack on Titan since Season 1. Fans have always known him as a strong, fearless warrior who easily defeated countless Titans. But what was his life like before?

Levi has been part of the central cast since the early episodes of Attack on Titan, but his character still feels mysterious. He's considered "Humanity's Strongest Soldier", but what drives him to keep fighting, and why did he join the Survey Corps, to begin with?

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By Alex McCann

Levi's Life Before Joining the Survey Corps

The Underground

The Attack on Titan: No Regrets spin-off introduced The Underground. It is an underground city underneath Wall Sheena. This is where Levi was born and spent the majority of his young life. Levi was born accidentally to a prostitute named Kuchel Ackerman, but despite her situation, she loved Levi enough to give birth to him and raise him as a single mother. But soon she died suddenly of an unknown disease.

Kenny Ackerman

Kenny Ackerman was Levi's uncle and, considering her profession, was against Kuchel giving birth to Levi. When he visited his sister again, she was already dead and he found a young Levi starving. Out of sympathy, he started to look after Levi. He taught Levi how to use a knife to fight. Once he felt Levi was strong enough to live on his own, he left. Kenny felt that he was incapable of being a father figure and also never once told Levi that he was his uncle.

The Life of a Criminal

Levi went on to grow into a strong individual. He led a small group of youngsters who seemed to deeply respect him. The life of the Underground was harsh, and they depended on stealing and fighting to make a living. But despite his actions, Levi had not grown into an evil individual. He deeply cared for his comrades and genuinely looked after them. He caused trouble only for the people with money and power and acted like a Robin Hood.

Why Levi Joined the Survey Corps

Levi's Squad

Levi's small squad consisted of three members: Furlan Church, Isabel Magnolia, and himself. The three were proficient in using 3D Maneuver Gear and often caused trouble for the rich who exploited the poor. The squad deeply cared for their other comrades, which was evident when Furlan willingly gave extra cash to a boy named Jan who was suffering from a bad leg. The squad was soon hired by Nicholas Lovof and was promised Jan's treatment but also the citizenship of the surface world.

The Hidden Mission

As a part of completing Lovof's mission, Levi and his squad were willingly arrested by the Survey Corps. Erwin met Levi for the first time and, acknowledging his skill with the 3D Maneuver Gear, offered him to join the Survey Corps. Erwin stated that if they join the Corps, their previous crimes will be overlooked, but if they refuse, they will be handed to the Military Police. Levi's squad joined with the secret objective to erase a document about Lovof's crimes and kill Erwin.

Levi's Failure

Despite their hidden mission, Levi and his comrades had genuine skills to be members of the Survey Corps. They manage to kill two Titans instantly despite it being their first time outside the walls. But once it started raining, Levi decided to split up and kill Erwin. He failed to find Erwin and instead came across a group slaughtered by Titans. He immediately rushed back to Furlan and Isabel, only to find them dead.

Moments later, he encountered Erwin, who already knew about his plans. Levi broke down as he failed to save his precious comrades, but Erwin boldly suggested that he have no regrets. He also asked Levi to continue to fight alongside the Survey Corps. Levi, having lost everything, decided to put his faith in Erwin, whom he believed had a vision for humanity's future.

I don't know. And I never will. Even if I believe in my own strength... Even if I believe in the choices of my trustworthy comrades... Nobody knows the outcome.

But this guy's looking at something I can't see. Fine. I'll go along with you, Erwin Smith! I'll never regret this decision. Not ever.

- Levi, Attack on Titan: No Regrets, Episode 2

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By Matthew Magnus Lundeen

Levi's past was harsh, but despite everything he went through, he always respected and loved his comrades. He was greatly moved by Erwin and continued to follow him with the utmost loyalty and even made it his mission to avenge his death.