Attack on Titan: No Regrets, Volume 01 Summary & Key Insights

'Attack on Titan: No Regrets' Volume 1 delves into the backstory of Levi Ackerman, a pivotal character in the main Attack on Titan series, offering a glimpse into his harsh upbringing and the events that shaped his unwavering loyalty and ruthless efficiency. The volume primarily focuses on his time with the Special Operations Squad within the Underground Military Police, before he joined the Survey Corps.

The story begins by showcasing Levi's brutal life in the underbelly of society. We witness his resourcefulness and fighting prowess honed through desperate survival in the slums, where he's forced to steal and fight for scraps, alongside his younger adopted sister, Kuklo. Their grim existence is defined by poverty, violence, and the constant threat of starvation. Their fragile bond serves as a poignant counterpoint to the later, more detached, Levi we see in the main series.

Levi's early skills and street smarts attract the attention of Erwin Smith, who recognizes his exceptional talent. Erwin recruits Levi and his squad, offering them a chance at redemption and a life outside the brutal realities of the slums. The squad is composed of diverse individuals, each with their own troubled past and motivations for joining the Military Police. Farlan Church, a charismatic and experienced fighter, becomes Levi's close confidant and a figure of considerable influence. Their bond with Isabel Magnolia, a spirited and fiercely loyal comrade, further solidifies their unit's strength.

The volume centers around a significant mission for the Military Police: infiltrating a criminal organization involved in illegal human experimentation. This mission exposes the extent of the corrupt practices within the military itself and the devastating consequences of unchecked power. The narrative cleverly intertwines Levi's growing loyalty to Erwin with the moral ambiguity of the situation, forcing him to confront difficult choices and showcase his exceptional combat skills. The mission involves intricate planning, perilous infiltration, and brutal combat, highlighting Levi's strategic mind and lethal effectiveness in close-quarters combat.

Throughout the volume, themes of loyalty, survival, and the corrupting influence of power are explored. Levi's journey underscores his transformation from a hardened survivor to a dedicated soldier, showcasing the impact of camaraderie and a sense of purpose on even the most damaged individual. The harsh realities of the underbelly of society are contrasted with the equally treacherous political landscape of the Military Police, illustrating the pervasive nature of struggle and the complex moral choices individuals are forced to make. The volume ultimately serves as a compelling prequel, enriching our understanding of Levi's character and setting the stage for his later exploits in the main Attack on Titan narrative.