Chapter 75

In the more than a hundred years since humanity retreated behind the walls, the Survey Corps has conducted fifty-seven expeditions outside, consuming countless resources, both financial and human. As warriors, they are undoubtedly brave, but as a military unit, they have not achieved any substantial results... Yes, at the cost of great sacrifices, almost all of their actions have ended in failure.

Therefore, within the walls, the Survey Corps is not popular. Most people regard them as foolish for rushing out to their deaths, although there are a few like Eren who idolize the Survey Corps as heroes. However, they are the minority... From the royal nobility to the common people, more people view them as fools and consider their expeditions as feeding the Titans.

Feeding the Titans.

Before each expedition, apart from the cheers of a few, most people look at them with the eyes of those who are about to die. Upon their return, apart from the few family and friends of the Survey Corps who mourn the deaths of their loved ones, most people question and criticize their expeditions.

This time was no different. When the Survey Corps, a group of wounded soldiers, returned with the bodies of their comrades, Tang Cheng finally experienced this questioning and criticism firsthand. The members of the Survey Corps remained silent. Tang Cheng, who prided himself on being different from the norm, never cared about others' opinions and did not mind whether he was understood. However, after hearing such voices repeatedly, he felt somewhat annoyed, as if countless flies were buzzing in front of him.

If it were a normal time, he would have swatted these flies away or killed them with a flick of his hand, but this time he did nothing. He was very clear: when a species gets used to a life of being penned up like pigs, they will no longer care about things they cannot see. For those around them who want to run out of the pigpen, they will look at them with the eyes of a different kind. These people, who have lost their dignity and freedom, do not wish to see those who were once on the same level as them gain freedom and dignity before they can do so without any cost.

In short, the lowly hope that everyone is as lowly as they are. That way, lowliness can be far from them, and they can proudly say to everyone: Look, we are all the same.

This is Tang Cheng's view of most people within the walls.

Because there are too many people with this mindset, in Tang Cheng's eyes, this world is deformed. He does not like such a world, which is too rigid and bound by convention. To put it bluntly, the world's scope is too small. But at the same time, he also likes such a world very much, because he can lead a small group of people to break these conventions and make the world develop in a broader direction, which would certainly be a very interesting thing.

However, when everyone returned to the Survey Corps headquarters, an uninteresting thing happened.

After the Trost District recapture, Ian and Rico, who performed excellently in this battle, were promoted by Pixis to the positions of second and third in command of the southern defense line. Upon learning that the Survey Corps had returned, the two rushed over with a shocking message: the commander of the Garrison, Pixis, and the supreme commander of humanity, Darius, died at noon and in the afternoon of the same day, respectively.

Upon hearing this news, everyone except Tang Cheng changed their expressions.

The reason the Survey Corps could stand firm amidst so much criticism was mainly due to the support of Pixis and Darius. Now, with the fall of these two, it means they have lost their last support.

"It was an accident," Ian said sadly when Erwin instinctively asked how the two died. "The commander got drunk this morning and fell off the wall, dying unfortunately. The president, upon hearing the news of the commander's death, rushed over in a hurry, and the carriage overturned, causing a fatal head injury... The medical officers determined that both bodies did not suffer any human attacks and died by accident."

"Ha ha ha ha ha!" After hearing this, Tang Cheng suddenly burst into laughter, saying disdainfully, "Hmph, an accident? Darius is old, and he might die from a carriage overturn, I believe that. But Pixis, who is still vigorous, if he dies from drinking and falling, I'll eat shit live! Moreover, both died on the same day. Do you really believe this trick that can fool a three-year-old is an accident?"

"I don't believe it either," Ian shook his head and took out two letters from his pocket, handing them to Erwin. "A few days ago, the commander said some strange things to me and gave me a key. At the time, I didn't understand, so I didn't pay much attention. But after the commander's death, I suddenly remembered this and immediately went to his residence. I found these two letters in his safe."

"Have you read them?" Erwin asked, taking the envelopes.

Ian shook his head, "I haven't had time to read them yet."

"Then let's read them together. The commander must have known something," Erwin said, opening the envelopes and laying the two letters flat on the table. Everyone read the first letter:

"Baldy, you might not believe it, but I have to tell you that the real enemies we need to deal with are not just the royal family and the Military Police. There is definitely a mastermind behind them, who can probably guess what we are going to do and will try to kill you when I'm not paying attention. I don't have time to deal with him right now, as I can't be in two places at once. So, if you sense something is wrong, run away as soon as possible. At least on the day I go with the Survey Corps, pay more attention to your surroundings. If you die by accident, don't blame me for not warning you."

After reading the first letter, everyone instinctively looked at Tang Cheng... The only person who could call Pixis "Baldy" and speak in such a casual tone was the person in front of them.

Tang Cheng shrugged indifferently, "Yes, I wrote this letter, one for Baldy and one for the old man, but it's clear they didn't take my words seriously."

The others had many questions but did not ask, continuing to read the second letter.

"Regarding what Tang Cheng mentioned in his letter, I indeed have some doubts, perhaps more out of fear. If there really is a mastermind among us humans, as he said. But as the commander of the Garrison, I must defend the most important line of defense for humanity. Even if there is a real threat to my life, I will not step back... Recently, I have felt some unusual vibes, and my mind has been somewhat confused. Thinking about what Tang Cheng said, perhaps there is something lurking in the shadows, but he did not specify in his letter, so I assume he has no concrete evidence..."

"I am old and my life is not long. I am very pleased to see so many talented people among the younger generation. With you, humanity will not be doomed. Therefore, I have decided to take the risk. If I die because of this, I hope my death can clear some of the fog in Tang Cheng's mind. If it can eliminate the mastermind among us humans, my death will have great significance, and I can laugh and drink in the afterlife. Please, Tang Cheng, do your best for humanity."

"Also, Ian is decisive, has a unique perspective, and is both brave and strategic. After my death, he can take my position."

"Ah ah~~" After listening to Rico read the letter, Tang Cheng rubbed his forehead and sighed helplessly, "This dead baldy, even in death, makes me owe him a huge favor. He is indeed cunning, but... doesn't he know that I am not the type to repay favors?"

"Did you understand this letter?" Rico asked immediately, and the others looked at Tang Cheng with puzzled faces. They did not understand what the letter was saying... except for the last part about Ian taking command of the Garrison.

Tang Cheng shrugged, "Do I need to say it? Of course, it's about the murderer's ability."

"Murderer?"

Tang Cheng did not answer but asked Ian, "When Pixis fell off the wall, was anyone with him?"

"Yes, at the time, Rico was discussing the wall's defense with the commander," Ian replied.

Tang Cheng turned to Rico, "Then, did Pixis show any unusual behavior at the time? For example, being restless or controlled by someone?"

"How could he be controlled?" Rico was puzzled, then said, "The commander's behavior was no different from usual. Although he looked drunk, he has always been like that, and there was nothing wrong. But in the middle of our conversation, he suddenly lost his balance, stepped into thin air, and fell directly... If there was anything strange, he did not use the 3D maneuver gear when he fell, and by the time I reacted, he had already hit the wall's railing. Is there a problem with this?"

Erwin also asked curiously, "Do you think you can deduce who killed the commander just from this?"

"I don't know who killed Pixis, but I have a rough idea of what ability the murderer used. However, it's pointless to tell you. I will keep this in mind for now. Let's discuss our next actions... The other side clearly knows about our plans for a coup, so they eliminated Darius and Pixis in advance to isolate us. But they are thinking too simply. Even without the military's support, I can still take the entire royal city."

"Of course, since they have already made their move, they won't stop here. I estimate that someone will soon summon us to the capital..."

"Commander!" Before Tang Cheng could finish, a Survey Corps member rushed in, saying, "The First Regiment of the Military Police has sent a message, asking you and Sergeant Tang Cheng to take Armin Arlert to the capital for questioning."

Tang Cheng immediately smiled and spread his hands, "See, the wisdom of apes."