Chapter 95: Desire
After a discussion, the five priests decided to launch an attack in a week.
During this time, they would wait for more troops to arrive and ensure that provisions and supplies were fully prepared.
The soldiers had not yet learned the exact time of the assault.
"What will you do after this battle is over?"
Lucius broke the silence during their patrol by speaking up first.
The eight of them had been assigned patrol duty today, which was relatively easy and not too stressful.
"Of course, I'll go home.
My service term is up, and after this battle, I can finally return."
Victor said happily, his face full of anticipation.
Borne, Dillon, and Victor had all enlisted together.
Their service terms had originally ended, but if it weren't for the urgent conscription to fight the magic beasts, they would have already gone home.
"When I return, I'll inherit my family's restaurant. I miss my sister."
Harley said with a smile, a hint of soft nostalgia in his eyes.
"I wonder how the business at my family's tailor shop is doing. Sigh."
Dalton sighed, concern for his family evident in his eyes.
The eight of them, although all from Stormhaven, came from different backgrounds.
Aside from Harley and Dalton, who were from the town, the rest were from the countryside.
Stormhaven oversaw four main towns.
Seafoam Town, Seabreeze Town, Seabirds Town, and Nautica Town.
Dalton was from Nautica Town, a place famous for shipbuilding.
Although the town wasn't large, the thriving shipbuilding industry kept it bustling.
The construction and repair of ships made it a key hub for port trade.
Harley, on the other hand, was from Seafoam Town.
This was the largest town under Stormhaven and the seat of the Church's main administrative and religious institutions in the region.
Not only was Seafoam Town economically prosperous, but it was also the center of Stormhaven, with many important government and Church branch offices concentrated there.
Borne, Victor, and Dillon were all from Stonebridge Village, under Seabreeze Town's jurisdiction.
The village got its name from an ancient stone bridge that had stood for hundreds of years.
Albert came from Whitescale Village, under Seabirds Town.
Whitescale Village was known for its abundant fishing resources, with many families in the village making their living from fishing.
Heywood hailed from Seaweed Village, under Seafoam Town's jurisdiction, a village famous for its seaweed production, making it one of the main suppliers of seaweed in Stormhaven.
The people of Seaweed Village primarily made their living by harvesting seaweed.
Lucius was from Kelp Village, next to Seaweed Village.
Kelp Village was renowned for producing high-quality kelp, and the villagers were skilled in making kelp-related products.
Dillon and Victor had different goals.
Dillon planned to stay in the army, hoping to climb the ranks over time and not return to the life of a fisherman in the village.
Although life in the army was dangerous, it was his way to escape the ordinary life of a fisherman.
Borne had similar thoughts.
Though he and Victor were childhood friends, in this matter, they differed.
Borne wanted to remain in the army, and if he had the chance to become an officer, he could bring more wealth to his family.
Borne's only wish was to give his grandfather a better life.
"Dalton, wasn't your family arranging a marriage for you?"
Harley brought it up casually.
Dalton nodded.
"Yes, that's right."
"So, how does your fiancée look?"
The others started teasing him, their gazes all focused on Dalton, clearly interested in the topic.
Dalton, embarrassed by the question, blushed slightly and mumbled.
"Uh... she's pretty good-looking."
Albert chuckled and patted Dalton on the shoulder.
"Pretty good? Come on, tell us more!"
The others joined in, egging him on.
"Come on, we all want to hear!"
Dalton stopped walking, and the group stopped as well, watching him reminisce.
A slight smile appeared on Dalton's face, and as he recalled his fiancée's features, his gaze softened.
"She has beautiful green eyes and curly brown hair.
Although we haven't officially married yet, I can already picture her in a wedding dress."
His words prompted Victor to pat Dalton's shoulder.
"Tsk tsk, look at you, all happy and content.
Once this war is over, your wedding better be well-prepared."
Borne and the others couldn't help but show envious expressions, and Lucius teased with a grin.
"Looks like you're ready to settle down and be a good husband. Just don't forget to invite us."
Dalton smiled and nodded lightly.
"After this battle, I'll definitely invite you all to the wedding."
"What about you, Albert? Any plans after this war?"
Harley asked as they continued walking and chatting.
Albert was silent for a moment before speaking softly.
"I want to go back to being a fisherman. War isn't really for me."
Everyone nodded in understanding.
"To be honest, I prefer fishing at sea, watching the sunrise and sunset.
It's far more peaceful than killing people on the battlefield."
Albert said calmly.
With everyone having shared their plans, the atmosphere grew more relaxed, leaving only Dillon and Borne who hadn't spoken yet.
All eyes turned to the two of them, waiting for their responses.
Dillon glanced at Borne, seeing that he wasn't in a hurry to speak, so he stepped forward first.
"I'm different from you all. I plan to stay in the army."
This took the group by surprise.
Victor raised an eyebrow and was the first to speak.
"You still want to stay in the army?"
Dillon smiled.
"I don't want to be a fisherman for the rest of my life. I don't like a mundane life.
I want to make something of myself, hopefully earn a promotion, and make more money."
Albert sighed and patted Dillon on the shoulder.
"Brother, that's not an easy path."
After Dillon finished, the others turned their gaze to Borne.
Borne knew he couldn't stay silent any longer, so he looked up at their expectant faces and spoke.
"I feel the same as Dillon. I want to stay in the army."
Victor looked surprised.
"You're not going back either?"
Borne nodded, his tone steady.
"Yes, I want to strive to become an officer.
If I can get promoted, it'll help my family a lot, and my grandfather will be proud of me."
Dillon looked at Borne.
"Looks like we'll be fighting side by side again."
Victor teased.
"When you guys get promoted and rich, don't forget to treat me to a drink!"
Borne smiled but said nothing more, feeling a little conflicted inside.
Although he also wanted to stay in the army, everything that had happened recently made him anxious.
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