Academy?
Or…
2 years of combat in the frontlines?
Most zolgarians would choose the former so that whenever they graduate from the academy, they will either work as a zolgarian citizen or join the military as an officer and become Guardians.
Few will choose to fight in the frontlines for 2 years to gain experience and continue fighting until they become Guardians. The only downside of choosing this choice is that you can die.
The only thing I wanted is to be with my loved ones and to protect them. Of course, I have to get stronger in order for me to be able to fight for what is right. But at the same time, I'm afraid that I might go down the path of destruction.
One may have a righteous goal at the start. But the problem is the end goal. Will they be able to achieve their righteous goal in the end? Or will they stray in the middle of their goal and completely forget about it until the end and let regret and guilt overshadow them?
No matter how righteous and holy we try to be, there is always a conflict within us. We want to do right, but half of our part wants to do the opposite. We want to be fair, yet we want to cheat our way in life.
It's hard.
Unfortunately, that is how life works. But that doesn't mean we don't have to try.
'Either way, as long as I protect my loved ones and be with them, that's what matters.'
After careful consideration, I have finally decided to which path I will choose.
"Mom." I looked at Christina first. "Dad." Then my eyes averted to Benedict. I heard my mother swallow a lump of saliva while my father kept a stern face. "I will do both."
"What?" The two of them said in unison.
"What do you mean, son? Care to elaborate?" My father asked as he furrowed his brows in confusion.
"I will go to the frontlines for two years to gain combat experience. Then I will go to the academy, graduate, and join the Zolgarian Army as an officer."
I kid you not, after saying my reason, my father lit up with joy like a light bulb while my mother's jaw was still on the floor. But she immediately composed herself and threw a fake cough which caught our attention.
"Are you okay, honey?" My father asked. He handed her a cup of water which she took quickly and gulped it down.
"Of course… NOT!" She roared. "Son, you could die in the frontlines! Even after hearing this, are you sure you still want to go to the frontlines for two years?" She asked. Her voice was filled with anxiety.
'It's not like this is my first time seeing war.'
I smiled. "Don't worry. Thanks to Hoshuka and Banther, my Force Level has gone up to level 2 and I have better control at Force." I reassured her, but that did not help. "Besides, if something goes wrong, I'll retreat immediately so don't worry." After adding those last lines, she finally relaxed.
"Good. But in one condition." She spoke. My father looked at her confused.
"What is the condition, dear?" He asked.
"Bring Banther with you."
"That is a great idea." My father nodded. "Just like what your mother said, bring Banther with you. Just in case something bad happens, at least he is there to protect you."
"I will. I'll inform Banther then." I said, but my mother waved her hand as a sign of dismissal.
"We will talk to him." She spoke.
~~~~~
After talking to my parents, I went back to my room to shower and ate dinner afterwards. Banther agreed to go with me in the frontlines, which made Hoshuka a bit mad for not suggesting going with me.
It took three maids and a slap to calm her down.
I can't help but feel lonely without her. She has been my maid since I was born, and she has been by my side ever since. So, I won't be able to see her again after two years.
However, that's how life goes.
The only reason why I'm going to the frontlines is to sharpen my efficiency at using Force. And who knows? I might be able to have Force Affinity during my two years of combat.
'I'll use those two years of being in the frontlines as my training to sharpen my tools currently in my arsenal. So, when I get back and join the academy, I can pass my classes thanks to the experience and knowledge I gained for two years.'
But for now, I don't want to think of the future. I'm too tired. Let's get some rest to prepare for tomorrow's leave.