Chapter 23 - Evacuating (2) (1/2)

(Annie's POV)

I...

I don't know what to do anymore. Ever since I woke up from the crystal, I felt like everything became clearer.

My strength increased quite a lot but this is definitely not the limit. I can become stronger, a lot stronger.

On the other hand, my emotions... are unstable. In the past, this wouldn't have ever happened. I have strong control over my emotions. And it's all so that I can accomplish my mission without having unnecessary feelings.

I don't know why this is happening.

No... I do. I just have always denied it.

My adopted father has always been using me. It's been that way, ever since I could remember. I was forced to train, and train, and train, all for the sake of serving the Marleyans. All for the sake of accomplishing my dad's dream. All for the sake... of being a puppet, one that is expendable.

My dad had never treated me right before my departure toward Paradis Island. So why did I think he would be any different when I leave? Everything was just an act... so that I can have another purpose and would try harder.

Anger swelled up within me. I felt angry at the world, at my father, and at me. Why is my life like this? Why can't I just have a normal life?

Now that I no longer have a purpose, there's a feeling of emptiness that keeps rising up within me. It's a sickening sensation.

I don't want to do anything anymore.

Walking slowly toward Wall Shiganshina, I just gave it a stare with my eyes like a dead fish. Then slowly, I approached a river.

There was a crowd of people there, panicking about something.

I was wondering what had happened until a man came up to me.

”WE STILL HAVE CHILDREN HERE!! LET HER IN TOO!”

A tall, blonde hair man, with a gentle expression, shouted toward the crowd. Behind him was also a large group of people, whom I would ȧssume to be his acquaintances. There were also 3 kids right within that group. It was a beautiful girl with glistening black hair, a blue-eyed and blonde kid with an effeminate feature, and a boy with a look of determination on his face.

It seemed that there's a disaster going on. I can use this to my advantage.

I will follow this group of people and act as an innocent child. Once I entered into the inner wall, I will simply keep on living with free meals provided. Then the moment I reach the age of 12 or 13, I will attend the training corp until I graduate. After that, I will just lead simple life within the wall, free of trouble once I get enough money.

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I finally managed to get on the boat. It seemed that these military men prioritize the elderly, children and women more. The blonde man who I found his name was Karl, was almost barred from entering but merely within a second, their attitude change, and treated the man with respect.

Karl was also quite confused at the sudden turn of the situation.

I wonder what happened.

”Everyone!!! Come here!!”

Then suddenly a voice called out to us. It was a handsome boy with a really innocent face. I... I think I have seen him before. Not just once, probably twice... But looking into my memory, I don't recall ever seeing him.

”THANA-KUN!!!”

The pretty girl, who was just right beside me started to rush at the voice. They seemed to be quite intimate with each other. I'm slightly jealous... I don't have anyone to be called as a family anymore.

After a long period of hugging between the girl and the boy, the group finally got to the boy's spot. It's quite spacious here, with very few people. Suspicious...