"Johan, what do you want to be when you grow up? What is your dream?" Luna asked. The three boys stopped laughing.
'Huh? What is my dream?'
Caleb scratched his cheek. A bit taken aback by the sudden question. He put his hands on his chin and his dark eyes deepened.
'Well, what exactly do I want to do? Or become? What is my dream?'
He began to think about his past life. In the past, he just wanted to become an astronaut and explore other planets. Of course, it was when he was a kid. When he became into adult, he experienced the beatings of society, the competitive world. Gradually, he forgot things like dreams and just wanted to become financially stable. Simply, he was living in a damn matrix. Worked for a company like a slave for eight hours a day, watched anything on his computer that interested him, read novels, etc... It was a cycle, and his world was just like that.
Did he like his life like that? Of course! He doesn't care if it is his escape from reality or a coping mechanism. He felt alive reading other characters; it was as if he was walking through another world through the characters and that made his dead life alive.
Well, actually, that's his on the surface. His past was more interesting than that due to his involvement in his father's hitman job and those memories could last him a lifetime. So... He doesn't want to recall them anymore.
For now, his dream was to become strong enough to get past the damned vicious cycle and, if there is, discover the hidden force that was playing with his life. He didn't believe that there was a third party involved. Who can explain why he can't get past 18 years old!? Well, if there's really no one. Then, at least, he still wants to become a damned adult!
"Ahm... Your question is too sudden. My dream is to become a Destiny!" Caleb said confidently.
Well, actually, that was just his first step. He wants to stand at the top of the world. Climb the Destiny power system and become a Tier 1! If he can't even stand at the top of this world, what about the others in the future? As someone who possessed the power of time slime, he should have a big dream! Call him ambitious, but usually, ambition is what drives people's success. He doesn't want to become a salted fish all his life!
Without a dream... Isn't that equivalent to living like a corpse? At least he will die chasing his dreams. Well, that is, if he can die in the first place. The problem is, he couldn't die even if he wanted to!
'*Cough* that was awkward.' Caleb almost choked with his thoughts.
"Destiny?" Luna whispered in a low voice. The complicated expression appeared on her face. "Why? Even though you know the danger ahead of it?"
Caleb shrugged.
"Why? To fight the damned Apokalips! And being in this world. It might be a bit cruel to say. But weakness is a sin!"
Why?
The world is a harsh and unforgiving place. Not just this world. Every other world that he reincarnated in. Powerful beings, often superhumans, roam the lands, and there are constant threats from monsters, demons, and other superhumans. In such a world, strength is essential for survival. Weakness can lead to vulnerability, making one an easy target. Hence, the idea is that only the strong can protect themselves and their loved ones, while the weak are left defenseless. Caleb experienced this himself after dying hundreds of times just because he was weak. A weak, fragile child.
Furthermore, to become strong, it involves rigorous training, discipline, and the pursuit of perfection. Weakness is a hindrance to this journey, as it signifies an inability to overcome one's limitations. Weakness is considered a sin because it symbolizes a lack of commitment to self-improvement and reaching one's full potential.
Many people have ambitious goals and aspirations, such as seeking immortality, protecting their loved ones, or saving the world. These grand objectives require exceptional strength and determination. Weakness is considered a sin because it hinders the pursuit of these noble goals, making it difficult to achieve one's dreams. That's why strength is the foundation of everything.
It was what he wanted to imprint on his mind. He doesn't want to be weak anymore, being played at the hands of unknown force, dying again and again helplessly without a choice but to accept despair. To change everything, he needs strength!
"I like your dream! That's the spirit!" Andre chuckled. "Me too, I want to become a Destiny! And one day, go outside the walls and search for other survivors!"
'Really ambitious. I like it.'
"Andre, didn't expect you to have such a grand goal." Miles smiled teasingly, pushed Andre in the shoulders, and jested.
Andre smiled in response and then looked at everyone. His eyes stopped on Caleb for a second before saying.
"Of course, for now, we need to survive. I want to achieve my dream beside you guys. You are my family. Promised me, we will all reach the last wall!" he declared.
'Could it be... Andre is actually the protagonist of this world?'
Caleb thought jokingly, amused at the idea. After all, such a character was just a starter for every main lead. Ambitious, determined, and most importantly, believes in the power of family and friendship.
Fatty, Luna, and Clifford looked at Andre emotionally at this moment. Clifford clenched his fist slightly tearfully but he tried to hide it. Fatty on the other hand didn't bother and directly cried with tears with snot in his nose. While Luna just smiled and comforted Fatty.
"Bastard, you made me cry! Of we're family! My dream is to become the most famous Destiny Chef and I want to let you guys accept my complete gourmet in the future!"
Fatty wiped the tears and snot on his face. Caleb, Luna, and Clifford laughed seeing this.
Caleb patted Fatty on the back. "As long as it's not poisonous, I will eat it."
"HAHAHA!" Miles slapped his legs and burst out laughing.
"How about you Luna? What's your dream?" Caleb smiled. For this young lady, he was a little fond.