Am I a monster (Levi x OC)

Chapter 12

In order to find out who was responsible for the death of the research titans, the military was required to do a check on all of the cadets maneuver gear to see if it was used recently. However, none of the gear were shown to be non-functional

"So in the end, they didn't find anyone who used the 3D maneuver gear without authorization." Gunther said

"I really wonder who killed our titans..." Eld said back standing against a wall with his arms crossed

"I wonder how many new recruits expressed their desire to join the scouting legion?" Gunther said kind of worried that we were not going to get many new recruits. "Hey Eren. Among your fellow graduates, are there any who want to join us?"

"Well. Yeah, I guess. But i'm not sure if any of them still want to." Eren said with a sour look on his face

*Later that night*

The night of choosing for the recruits was at hand. Around 80 people were at it. It was the survey corps time to recruit. Erwin was brought to the stage to give a speech. Myself and other high ranking soldiers stood at the edge of the stage, out of view from the recruits.

"I'm the commander of the Survey corps, Erwin Smith." The commander started looking completely calm "The survey corps has an important objective behind its activities entrusted to us by the king. The purpose of my speech to you on this day when you are to choose the division you will join is none other than inviting you to join us."

The cadets were calm. Listening to the commander very respectfully.

"However, because of the titans' attack the other day, all of you here have already had a taste of what scouting outside the walls may be like. Despite the fact that you all are still trainees, you have already suffered victims in your ranks, and that in itself is unprecedented. And also, you have already experienced the dread that titans instigate in humans, as well as the limit of your own power." Erwin said not changing expression the entire time

The cadets were getting more uncomfortable that he brought up the titan attack.

"But still." Erwin said trying to get their hopes up a bit "We suffered many victims in that attack, yes, but at the same time we've made progress unseen before, towards mankind's victory. As you have already guessed, I'm talking about Eren Yeager. Thanks to his and your efforts, we've succeeded in preventing the advance of titans. And we've acquired a means to uncover titans' true nature. There's still little regarding him that I can tell you here. But I assure you, there's no doubt that he's on our side, risking his life for our common cause. We assume that the answers to the mystery surrounding him, will be found in the basement of his house, in his hometown of Shiganshina. If we reach his basement, it's likely that we'll be able to find a way to put a stop to the century of living under the titans' rule."

The cadets were a lot more calm now. They seemed like they had a bit more hope than before. But that was about to change

"However." Erwin started "In order to take our time to thoroughly investigate that one basement, we will need to get Wall Maria back under our control first. Our objective is what I just stated. But now that we can't use the gate of the trost district anymore, we only have the option of departing from Karanese and advancing to Shiganshina in a roundabout way. The path, suitable for a large force, that took us years to break, is now lost. In those 4 years, over 90 percent of the survey corps members died. 90% in just 4 years."

The cadets were now more terrified than ever. Just hearing that was enough to terrify them. I knew what he was doing. He was trying to recruit the cadets who were truly willing to give their lives to humanity and fighting the titans.

"According to our most optimistic estimates, we'll have to sacrifice at least 5 times more soldiers and 20 more years. Before it will be possible to dispatch a large force to Wall Maria again. And even these figures aren't quite realistic." Erwin said clearly taking it too far with the speech "The survey corps is always in search of talented members. With great loses after every mission, we constantly suffer from personnel shortage. I'm not going to hide anything from you. Those of you who will have to participate in a scouting expedition outside the walls in one month from now. There's a pressing need to break a supply route. The probability of new recruits dying during an expedition to the outer lands was an average of 50%. Those who manage to survive it, though, will become excellent soldiers with high survival rate. Those of you who are still willing to put your life on the line despite learning about the dreadful state of affairs, stay here. And let me reiterate this again: Most of those who will decide to stay here and enter the survey corps will probably be dead soon. Listen to your heart very closely and ask yourselves if you really have got what it takes to sacrifice your life for mankind. That's all. Those wanting to join the other divisions are dismissed

The cadets were shaken. Their faces showed despair, worry, hope, and everything in between.

"Commander!" A soldier said next to me "Don't you think you intimidated them a little more than necessary? That speech is sure to cut the number of our new recruits by a lot you know..."

A lot of cadets started leaving. It hadn't even been a minute and over half of them were gone. As soon as most of them had left who wanted to leave, only 21 were left.

"So will you be able to go die if you're told to?" Erwin asked the crowd

"We don't want to die sir!" A soldier screamed from the crowd

"Very well. Everybody, you all look determined. Alright! I welcome everybody here to the Survey Corps! I salute your bravery! Dedicate your lives to the cause!" Erwin yelled doing the soldier's salute

"YES SIR!" The cadets yelled following his lead.