Chapter 107 Tensions Within the Walls

After the Survey Corps entered Wall Rose through the Trost District, they set up camp at a garrison outpost. However, their activities were severely restricted due to the tense relationship between the Survey Corps and the Garrison Corps.

The history between the two divisions wasn't harmonious. Years ago, the Garrison Corps begrudged the Survey Corps for their dangerous expeditions outside the walls, which often required the Garrison Corps to risk lives dispersing titans along their path. The constant casualties bred resentment.

However, after the fall of Wall Maria, the dynamic shifted. The threat of annihilation hung over humanity, forcing the Garrison Corps to acknowledge the importance of the Survey Corps' efforts. Even so, the distrust lingered, and the Military Police Corps maintained strict surveillance over the Survey Corps' camp.

"Can you believe this? We can't even step outside the camp!" one of the soldiers grumbled, glaring at the Military Police guards stationed nearby.

Ryo and the rest of Levi's squad had been preparing to explore the city. Eld had planned to visit his family, and the group thought it would be a rare opportunity for relaxation. However, the sight of Military Police blocking the exits dashed their hopes.

"Are these guys treating us like criminals? We're being monitored like we're enemies!" Oluo spat, his rebellious nature bubbling to the surface.

Petra sighed, knowing trouble was brewing. "Oluo, don't—"

But it was too late. Oluo marched toward the guards, frustration written all over his face.

Ryo exchanged a wary glance with Eld. "We should follow him. If we leave him alone, this could get worse."

Eld nodded. "Let's go. Petra, stick close to Oluo."

The group trailed after their impulsive teammate, determined to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.

When Oluo reached the guards, he stopped in front of them, fists clenched. "Hey! Why are you stopping us from going out?"

The Military Police, armed with muskets, didn't budge. One officer, wearing a smug expression, stepped forward. "We're just following orders. Cooperate, or there'll be consequences."

Oluo's temper flared at the condescending tone. "Orders? Let me guess—your orders are to harass the people actually risking their lives for humanity, right? You sit behind your fancy muskets and walls, safe from titans, while we fight to keep you alive!"

The officer sneered. "The Military Police exists to maintain order and protect humanity's leadership. We're stronger and more disciplined than you lot running around outside the walls pretending to be heroes."

Ryo stepped forward, his tone calm but firm. "Stronger? You think hiding behind walls and pointing guns at your own people makes you strong?"

The officer narrowed his eyes, clearly irritated by Ryo's composed defiance.

Oluo, emboldened by Ryo's support, added, "Exactly! If you're so strong, why don't you fight the titans outside the walls? Or are you too scared to face them?"

The officer's face turned red, but before he could respond, Petra stepped between them. "Enough! We didn't come here to fight. Let's not make this worse for everyone."

The tension in the air was palpable. The Military Police guards looked ready to escalate the situation, but Petra's measured tone and sharp glare seemed to make them hesitate.

"We're done here," Ryo said, his gaze locked on the officer. "Let's go back."

Oluo grumbled under his breath but reluctantly turned away. The group retreated, the Military Police watching their every step.

As they walked back to camp, Eld shook his head. "That could've gone bad fast."

Petra sighed. "Oluo, you need to learn to control your temper. One wrong move, and they wouldn't have hesitated to shoot."

Oluo scowled. "I'm just tired of being treated like dirt after everything we've done."

"We all are," Ryo said quietly. "But letting our emotions get the better of us won't change anything. We have to pick our battles."

The group fell silent, the weight of their situation settling over them. Though they avoided a confrontation, the encounter left a bitter taste in their mouths.

Back at camp, Ryo glanced at the towering walls surrounding them, a determined look in his eyes. **The walls may hold us now, but one day, we'll break free.**