OVA
Description
Levi emerged from the criminal underworld of the Underground City, born to the deceased prostitute Kuchel Ackermann. His maternal uncle, Kenny Ackermann, raised him, imparting survival skills, combat techniques, and lessons in violence before abandoning Levi once he deemed him capable of independence. Levi later forged a close partnership with Furlan Church, leading a gang specializing in thefts using stolen vertical maneuvering equipment. They rescued the spirited young girl Isabel Magnolia from pursuers, taking her in. The trio formed a tight-knit unit, relying on each other for survival while harboring dreams of reaching the surface.
Their criminal exploits attracted the attention of surface nobleman Nicholas Lobov, who coerced them into a mission: assassinate Survey Corps Squad Leader Erwin Smith and retrieve incriminating documents. In exchange, Lobov promised citizenship aboveground and medical treatment for an injured comrade. During an operation, Levi, Furlan, and Isabel were apprehended not by Military Police but by Erwin and his subordinates, including Mike Zacharias. Erwin offered clemency for their crimes contingent on enlistment in the Survey Corps. With limited alternatives, Levi reluctantly agreed, though his true intention remained killing Erwin to fulfill Lobov’s assignment.
Joining the Survey Corps, the trio faced hostility from veterans like Flagon, who disparaged their origins. Levi insisted on strict cleanliness in the barracks, reflecting his fastidious nature. In training, he disregarded conventional blade techniques, asserting efficiency mattered over formality. His exceptional agility and self-taught combat prowess quickly distinguished him, though his bluntness and aloofness alienated others. Despite initial plans to betray the Corps, Levi developed a begrudging respect for Erwin’s leadership and strategic acumen. He postponed the assassination, trusting Furlan’s counsel to wait for an opportune moment.
A turning point came during their inaugural expedition beyond the Walls. Levi intended to isolate Erwin amid a rainstorm to execute him and seize the documents. However, encountering Titan carnage en route, he aborted the plan to protect his friends. Returning prematurely, he discovered Titans had overrun their squad. Despite his efforts, he arrived too late to save Isabel or Furlan, witnessing their brutal deaths. Overwhelmed by rage and grief, Levi slaughtered the Titans with unprecedented ferocity. Confronting Erwin, he learned the documents were decoys and Lobov had already been apprehended. Erwin redirected Levi’s anguish toward the Titans, emphasizing their role in his friends’ demise. This revelation, coupled with Erwin’s challenge to join humanity’s fight, solidified Levi’s commitment to the Survey Corps. He abandoned his criminal past, channeling his skills into becoming humanity’s most formidable soldier while carrying the legacy of his lost comrades.
Levi's personality blended stoicism with intense loyalty to those close to him. He exhibited minimal emotion publicly, often appearing cold or expressionless, yet demonstrated deep care for Furlan and Isabel, prioritizing their safety. His obsession with cleanliness manifested in rigorous hygiene practices, though he disregarded it when tactically necessary. Post-tragedy, his resolve hardened, and he directed his ruthlessness exclusively toward Titans and perceived enemies of humanity. Though naturally defiant toward authority, he submitted to Erwin’s command due to genuine respect and shared purpose.
Their criminal exploits attracted the attention of surface nobleman Nicholas Lobov, who coerced them into a mission: assassinate Survey Corps Squad Leader Erwin Smith and retrieve incriminating documents. In exchange, Lobov promised citizenship aboveground and medical treatment for an injured comrade. During an operation, Levi, Furlan, and Isabel were apprehended not by Military Police but by Erwin and his subordinates, including Mike Zacharias. Erwin offered clemency for their crimes contingent on enlistment in the Survey Corps. With limited alternatives, Levi reluctantly agreed, though his true intention remained killing Erwin to fulfill Lobov’s assignment.
Joining the Survey Corps, the trio faced hostility from veterans like Flagon, who disparaged their origins. Levi insisted on strict cleanliness in the barracks, reflecting his fastidious nature. In training, he disregarded conventional blade techniques, asserting efficiency mattered over formality. His exceptional agility and self-taught combat prowess quickly distinguished him, though his bluntness and aloofness alienated others. Despite initial plans to betray the Corps, Levi developed a begrudging respect for Erwin’s leadership and strategic acumen. He postponed the assassination, trusting Furlan’s counsel to wait for an opportune moment.
A turning point came during their inaugural expedition beyond the Walls. Levi intended to isolate Erwin amid a rainstorm to execute him and seize the documents. However, encountering Titan carnage en route, he aborted the plan to protect his friends. Returning prematurely, he discovered Titans had overrun their squad. Despite his efforts, he arrived too late to save Isabel or Furlan, witnessing their brutal deaths. Overwhelmed by rage and grief, Levi slaughtered the Titans with unprecedented ferocity. Confronting Erwin, he learned the documents were decoys and Lobov had already been apprehended. Erwin redirected Levi’s anguish toward the Titans, emphasizing their role in his friends’ demise. This revelation, coupled with Erwin’s challenge to join humanity’s fight, solidified Levi’s commitment to the Survey Corps. He abandoned his criminal past, channeling his skills into becoming humanity’s most formidable soldier while carrying the legacy of his lost comrades.
Levi's personality blended stoicism with intense loyalty to those close to him. He exhibited minimal emotion publicly, often appearing cold or expressionless, yet demonstrated deep care for Furlan and Isabel, prioritizing their safety. His obsession with cleanliness manifested in rigorous hygiene practices, though he disregarded it when tactically necessary. Post-tragedy, his resolve hardened, and he directed his ruthlessness exclusively toward Titans and perceived enemies of humanity. Though naturally defiant toward authority, he submitted to Erwin’s command due to genuine respect and shared purpose.