HPDBC Chapter 311 Want to go back? (1)
Chapter 311 Want to go back? (1)
Lucas spent his time reviewing the guidelines for the third phase. The details were thorough, and with each word he read, his understanding deepened.@@@@
The day passed, and they all slept as they usually did. Lucas frowned at the arrangement—there was nothing more than sheets on the ground.
Everyone seemed quite accustomed to it, even Lucas had been fine with it 15 years ago, but the next 15 years had made him accustomed to luxuries.
He lay down on one of the sheets, and by morning, everyone had risen early. The night shifts had been allotted a few days prior, and although things weren't advanced, at least they were systematic.
After everyone cleaned up in the morning, the meeting was the first item on the agenda.
Lucas sat in the middle, with John beside him and the rest scattered around. The big Duke and Spiky were also present. A small rat perched on Ella's shoulder, munching furiously on a piece of meat.
Once Lucas was sure everyone had gathered, he began.
"Good morning, everyone. Today's meeting will lay the foundation for how we move forward. Without wasting any time, let's begin."
He smiled and looked around the group before nodding at John, who pulled out a slab with engraved words.
"Today's meeting is about the territory and how we'll complete the third phase in the one-year time limit we've been given."
"Oh, right. The phase," Haley remarked.
Many shared her reaction. Lucas had a feeling most had forgotten about it since a month had passed without mention.
"But before we dive into the main topic," Lucas said, pausing briefly, "I want to ask you all a simple question. What do you think we're doing here?"
Silence filled the camp for a few moments until Ella, looking puzzled, finally spoke. "Isn't it survival?"
"Yes, survival seems to be one of our main goals," Lucas replied. "But what about something more important than survival?"
"I didn't bring this up to spark arguments or make anyone feel depressed. That's not my goal. I want us all on the same page. Don't worry about survival—we'll make that a norm here soon enough. Think beyond that."
Silence followed, even John seemed unsure of what to say.
Lucas continued feeling out the emotions in the camp.
"If..." Bill hesitated before continuing, "if you're serious about teleporting to other territories, I don't think I want to go back either."
"You don't want to go back, Bill?" Haley asked, surprised.
"Why would I? On Earth, I was just a kid from the streets, but here? I have a purpose. I'm useful. Why would I want to give that up?"
"But that doesn't mean we shouldn't go back..." Haley muttered.
"I don't want to go back either," Sandra said, surprising Haley.
"Why???"
"Haley, we don't have anything to go back to. It's fine here," Sandra replied, making eye contact. For once, she was saying more than just a few words. Lucas could tell it was because her sister was involved.
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At the thought of having nothing to return to, Haley suddenly shuddered, her face turning pale. She glanced at her sister, and Sandra squeezed her hand in comfort.
Lucas looked over at Sarah, who seemed uncertain as well.
"You see? For some, going back is the main goal, but for others, staying here seems better. We don't have to change our thinking to align with everyone else's. If you want to go back to Earth, then become strong enough that no one can stop you. If you want to stay, become strong so that you can do more than just survival here. Strive for your own goals," Lucas said, sensing the emotions.
He noticed that many were starting to feel motivated.