Chapter 28 - Less than 200 (1/2)

(3rd person's POV)

(Near the gate of Trost)

A big crowd of people was filling up the whole street. Normally, this would only happen during a festival, but the current mood was the complete opposite.

It could be said that the only emotions that were visible in the face of these people were anger, sadness, despair, mocking, and some were even amusing at the scene.

Today was a big day.

A month ago, the royal government enacted a royal decree, stating that 250,000 civilians will be sent into Wall Maria in order to reclaim back the land. The act was called the Wall Maria reclamation operation. Although it was met with a lot of resistance, the decree was still enforced regardless.

At first, many people were hopeful since the number of the army was very high and there's no way for the Titans to win.

But deep down, everyone knew. There was just not enough land for everybody, so this so-called 'reclamation' operation was just a cover for the culling of countless citizens, which is made up of 20% of the human population.

Now, after a month, the gate was finally open again.

But this time... instead of 250,000, there were only less than 200 left.

Everyone was utterly shocked. Guesses have been made of how many will return. The most commonly accepted number was ranging from 5,000-50,000. However, no one expected this development.

Cries were heard everywhere, mostly from the wives of the deceased, or their children.

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”Told ya Eren. There were gonna be less than 1000 alive. I just didn't expect that the number was even lower than I thought.”

After an hour of silence and quiet murmurs, Athanatos finally broke the silence.

”...shut up.”

”Oh? I'm just telling you facts Eren. There are just 3 types of people inside this wall. The first is the hopeless cowards, who just wanted all the nightmares to be over with. The second, is the greedy pigs, they enjoyed luxury while leaving their subjects to suffer. And lastly, it is the type of people like you, Eren. The one who thinks that they're gonna make some good changes, but still, too afraid to do anything.”

”And you know what's the similarities between all of them? All of them are parasites. Earlier you said something about the surviving people were just soldiers abandoning the civilians so they can survive. And what did you called them? Cowards? Parasites? No, Eren. Wake up. We're all parasites here. Accept it. Stop being so delusional.”

”SO WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO HUH?”

Eren, who was no longer able to hold his emotions back, was having an outburst. His face was full of anger, but not at Athanatos, it was directed at himself.

”You know what is funny Eren? You've been barking for quite a while now.” The boy then changed his voice to mimic that of Eren. ”I'm going to join the Survey Corps and kill them all. I will do this to them. I will do that to them.”

”And now, look at you. What have you done over this past year? NOTHING! YOU WERE F**KING USELESS”

”That's a bit harsh Thana-kun.” Armin, who was just staring at the whole conversation finally voiced his opinion. It seemed that he is afraid of how the situation is going to turn out.

”You too Armin. I'm saying this to both of you. Look at Mikasa and Annie. They have been working their ȧss off while you two idiots are doing nothing but complain. Tell me Eren, what's the difference between you and a parasite?”

Then Eren glared at Athanatos. He wanted to fight him but he knew if he makes a move, he will be put down immediately.

Not wanting to embarrass himself any further, he calmed himself down and began to think rationally.