NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8: Chapter 8: The Unexpected Evacuation
"Why are you scaring the people? Please, make them stop this at once!" the pastor yelled at the commanding officer of the Garrison Regiment. His voice was sharp, filled with frustration and fear.
The officer stood there silently, unsure of how to respond. He was only following orders—orders that came directly from Captain Levi, Commander Erwin's trusted right-hand man. Just a short while ago, Captain Levi had stormed into his office with an urgent command: evacuate everyone in the district into Wall Maria within a day.
At first, the officer thought it was a mistake. "That's insane," he had said, almost laughing. But Captain Levi's expression didn't waver. His voice was calm, cold, and terrifyingly serious.
"There's a problem with the outer wall. We need everyone inside the inner wall immediately," Levi stated.
The officer had paused, studying Levi's face for any sign of doubt or exaggeration. He found none.
"Surely you're not serious, Captain..." The officer's voice trailed off, his doubt evident.
Levi's glare silenced him. "You don't need to know the details. Just follow the order. Treat it like a drill if you want, but by tonight, this town needs to be empty. No exceptions."
The commanding officer swallowed hard and saluted, his arm trembling slightly. "Y-Yes, sir!"
---
Now, in the present, the same officer faced the pastor's relentless shouting. The officer finally snapped, yelling back, "This has to be done! It's not up for debate!"
The townspeople, however, were far from cooperative. Some complained that the evacuation was disrupting their businesses. Others grumbled about leaving behind unfinished chores like laundry. Many simply didn't trust the Garrison Regiment, whom they saw as lazy and inept.
Amidst the growing chaos, the Scout Regiment intervened. A firm voice boomed, silencing the crowd. "Do as we say, or you'll face the consequences!" The commanding tone left no room for argument.
People began complying, either out of fear or respect for the Scout Regiment's reputation as titan slayers. Slowly, the evacuation fell into place.
---
Eren, Mikasa, and Armin watched the scene unfold from a distance. The tension in the air was palpable. Without a word, they turned and sprinted back home.
When Eren and Mikasa arrived, they found their parents speaking with Captain Hannes. Carla Yeager's face was etched with worry, but her expression softened the moment she saw them. Relief washed over her.
"Eren! Where have you been?" Carla shouted, rushing toward her son. She grabbed his arm tightly, her fear spilling over.
"What's going on, Mom? Why do we have to leave? Why is everyone being forced out in just one day?" Eren asked, his voice tinged with confusion and frustration.
Before Carla could respond, Grisha Yeager stepped forward. His voice was calm, reassuring. "We're following orders, Eren. It's probably just a precaution—a kind of emergency drill. There's no need to worry."
Grisha knelt down slightly, holding up the key that hung around his neck. A small smile played on his lips. "Besides, I have something important to show you when we get back. It's something you'll want to see."
Eren's eyes lit up with curiosity, his worries momentarily forgotten. He nodded enthusiastically.
The family, accompanied by Captain Hannes, began their journey toward the inner wall. But despite the calm words exchanged, an unshakable tension hung in the air. The streets were crowded with people being herded toward safety, their faces a mix of fear, frustration, and uncertainty.
As they walked, Mikasa glanced back at their home, her expression unreadable. She could sense it—something wasn't right. Something big was coming.