Life of Maverick: In the Land of Giant Man Eaters

-Chapter 25: Eviction and Reclamation-

Inside the civilian area of the Shiganshina District

It was a bright summer morning inside humanity's last bastion, yet even as the sun bared down on the denizens below, they cared little. For today was the big day, a day that the members of the Survey Corps had long awaited for. The continuation of their expeditions beyond the Walls.

They had received both the approval from the highest military authority in the walled kingdom, and the funding needed to supply said expedition, the largest of the sums coming from the crown itself no less!

With their preparations made the Scout Regiment set off to towards Shiganshina's outer gate to embark on their long-awaited journey, though not before receiving quite the surprising sendoff from the denizens of the district.

To say that the people were in high spirits would be a severe understatement. For the streets of the civilian half of the district were filled with the sounds of cheers and instruments the moment the scouts returned from retrieving their mounts in the interior. A path was made for the green cloaked men and women allowing them to travel unabated, all the while the townsfolk cheered them on.

"Make way for the Survey Corps!"

"Drive those titans back!"

"Give em hell!"

"Best of luck you loonies!"

The scouts were left completely bewildered, especially the veterans. Not since the day the regiment was reestablished some 70 years ago did the scouts ever receive such celebration and fanfare. Long had they grown used to the disapproving and sour looks, or tears from parents at the sight of their children riding off to die a pointless death. So, seeing all the merriment was completely new.

The best many could do was simply offer nods of acknowledgement and a hand wave, which seemed more than enough to please the crowd. The newer members though seemed to take the crowds praises in stride, their heads held high with pride filling their hearts.

Though there were few who didn't show any joy, such as the elderly Julia Braun, who watched with teary eyes as her last living son rode along the main street. Turning to his mother Moses offered her a confident smile, while she offered a prayer to whatever higher force was listening to watch over her boy. The prayer was soon interrupted by something falling on her head.

"Eh?"

From the second story windows many a townsfolk rained down flower petals and colored bits of paper to the scouts below, and others began to approach the scouts and offer prayers and good luck charms, especially friends and family.

But nothing could compare to the fervent cheers given to the demigod who walked among them. Especially when those cheering were the faithful members of the Order of the Morning Star, led by Cornelius Bennet, the first acolyte and de-facto leader of the following.

They too had prepared for this day. For many came dressed in blue hooded robes and adorned with large, chain shield necklaces bearing the image of Skullsmite, and armed with a plethora of noisemakers and bells strapped to their bodies.

There were many a standard bearer among the gathered cultists, waving blue flags with the orders' symbol stitched on, or that of the Survey Corps, alongside musicians beating drums and blowing horns. Surprisingly the other townsfolk didn't show any annoyance by their presence and acts, if anything they joined the order in their merriment, all the while Cornelius began to speak atop a crate.

"Remember this day my brothers and sisters! This marks the day that humanity's future shifts towards the light!"

"The beasts outside these walls will truly know the terrors of facing humanities greatest champion, and those bold enough to venture into the lands beyond these walls!"