Following the death of the test Titans Sawney and Beane, the 104th Training Corps cadets must finally choose their military branches. Despite Commander Erwin’s blunt warning that joining the Survey Corps likely means a gruesome death—with a 30% casualty rate for the next mission—most of the main cast, including Jean, Sasha, and Connie , choose to join.
This episode serves as a pivotal bridge between the Battle of Trost and the first major expedition beyond the walls. It focuses heavily on character resolve and the grim reality of military life. Shingeki no Kyojin Episode 16
The episode concludes with the Survey Corps officially riding out from the Calaneth District, marking the beginning of the "Female Titan Arc". Season 4, Episode 16: "Above and Below" Following the death of the test Titans Sawney