Translator: CinderTL
A/N: For an enhanced reading experience, listen to the song "Dear Traveler" while reading this chapter.
The two-day review exam had concluded.
Students who had received their results reacted in various ways: some rejoiced, others despaired, some wept bitterly, and others cried tears of joy.
Countless sleepless nights spent studying diligently, carrying dreams as they raced forward, had finally reached their destination.
That evening, the graduation banquet proceeded as scheduled.
The school made an exception and allowed students to drink alcohol. Wang Jinsheng brought out his finest wines from storage to share with his classmates.
The night wind howled, and the school's sports field blazed with light.
The school spared no expense for the graduation banquet, inviting renowned singers and dance troupes from Star City to bid farewell to the students.
With parting imminent, the students couldn't hide their sadness. How could years of friendship be so easily severed?
"Madman, wish me luck getting into the technology academy! Cheers!"
"Your eyes are red."
"From joy. Yours are red too."
"I'm just happy for you."
"Then why do you look so gloomy?"
Feng Qi gazed at Mo Fei, as stubborn as himself, and drained his glass in one gulp.
"Stop pretending, it's too fake. Let's make a pact to meet up every year from now on. We can't let our friendship fade after all these years. But as they say, all good things must come to an end. From now on, let's all dedicate ourselves to fighting for the future of humanity."
"To fighting for the future of humanity for life!" Mo Fei raised his glass and drained it in one gulp.
Nearby, Wang Jinsheng watched the scene, his eyes inexplicably welling up with tears.
He remembered his own graduation from Star City Academy, when he and his best friend had made the same vow: to dedicate their lives to fighting for the future of humanity.
But just weeks ago, he had received the devastating news of his friend's death.
Fighting on the front lines against domain creatures, his friend had sacrificed himself to protect his teammates, finding his final rest within the Domain Field.
They had promised to meet up every year, but after graduation, they never found the time to reunite. They never saw each other again before his friend's death.
"Old Wang, come join us for a drink!"
Hearing the call, Wang Jinsheng suppressed his grief, forced a smile, and walked over to Feng Qi and the others, carrying a bottle of wine.
Amidst laughter and chatter, the classmates shared their future plans and offered blessings to one another, all trying to suppress the sadness of parting.
But when the song "Dear Traveler" began to play that night, its melancholic melody suddenly brought tears to one classmate's eyes.
While some classmates couldn't help but chuckle, their eyes also welled up with tears, and the emotions in their hearts spread like wildfire.
At that moment, Wang Jinsheng stood up, announced his decision to the class, and revealed that he would soon be leaving Star City High School.
Finally, he bowed deeply to his students.
"It has been an honor to know you all," he said. "Though we must part ways now, I cherish the time we've spent together. I don't know when we'll meet again... May your futures be bright and your efforts never be in vain."
The students were stunned by Wang Jinsheng's farewell.
Yet they all approved of his decision, believing that Old Wang had the talent to soar to greater heights.
They couldn't help but feel grateful for their good fortune in having spent six years under Old Wang's guidance. Future students would never have the chance to learn from a teacher like him.
Wang Jinsheng had given them more than just knowledge; he had instilled in them confidence in their futures and the courage to face adversity with the right mindset.
Teachers are common, but true mentors are rare.
The students showered Wang Jinsheng with blessings.
They firmly believed that no matter where Old Wang went, he would continue to shine brightly.
As the evening drew to a close, a light drizzle began to fall.
Feng Qi, representing the class, carried the students' messages for the future and walked to the "Time Capsule" placed before the stage.
As a witness, he began to review the students' messages before sealing them inside the capsule.
"I hope you're all happy in the future. By then, the domains should have been eradicated, creating a truly wonderful new world."
"I envy you, born into a new era without domains. But I also wish you well, living in a world free from their influence."
"Please don't forget me in the future. I fought tirelessly for humanity's future, and I contributed my share to the glorious era you now enjoy."
"Hello, future! My name is Yan Xuebo. I was born in a time when Human Civilization was on the brink of collapse. I will also fight tirelessly for humanity's future. I wish myself luck, and I wish the future well. Humanity will prevail!"
"Old Wang often said that only by enduring the long night can we see the dawn's first light. Born in this dark age, we can't imagine what the future will be like, but I firmly believe you will witness the arrival of a glorious era. I will dedicate my life to fighting for that day."
"Keep going! Work hard! Fight on! Never give up! Never surrender! I will give my all to ensure your bright future!"
As Feng Qi flipped through his classmates' messages about the future, his eyes welled up with tears.
His classmates were brimming with confidence, convinced that the future held a glorious golden age.
But he had seen the true future.
The end of Human Civilization hadn't unfolded as they wished, and no golden age had ever arrived.
The truth was that Human Civilization had reached its end, forever shrouded in darkness.
Taking a deep breath, he stuffed the letters into the Time Capsule.
When all the classes' letters had been placed inside, thunderous applause erupted across the venue.
The Time Capsule was slowly hoisted up, carrying the students' blessings for themselves, their hopes for a bright future, and their longing for a better world, before being sealed underground.
As he turned to leave, Feng Qi wiped the tears from the corner of his eye, his gaze hardening with resolve.
The future will be as you wish, I promise!
Parting was imminent.
As the singer on the evening's stage performed "Dear Traveler," countless voices below joined in the chorus.
Let's bid farewell now, for the water train is nearing its station.
On this journey to the future, no one will ever turn back.
Say goodbye, and even if you linger, don't look back.
Beyond the vast sea lies a misty shore.
Dream the gentlest dreams, filled with the fleeting moments of life.
In the boundless expanse of time and space, amidst millions of souls, listen to the whispers of your heart.
Throughout life, we constantly lose and constantly witness.
Though your eyes have seen countless landscapes, they remain as clear as the first day. Love still moves you.
Dear traveler, no path is without its storms.
There will be loneliness, there will be sorrow, but there will also be endless hope.
Dear traveler, this journey will be both fleeting and eternal.
And everything will ultimately converge into the most fulfilling vision.
Let's bid farewell now, as the lights behind us gradually fade.
Every child who loves home must raise the sails for distant shores.
Say goodbye, for beautiful dreams will never fade.
Your love cradled in my arms, my heart will forever hold its tenderness.
Since our meeting was a gift from time itself,
Then at parting, we must smile and cherish the memories in our hearts.
Life is both infinitely small and infinitely grand.
Whether you spend your life searching or bidding farewell, it's enough to stir the soul.
Dear traveler, you remain as I remember you.
Moving through crowds, walking through the world, journeying to even more distant horizons...
Author's Note:
With a few foreshadowing threads laid, the story of Star City High School has come to its complete end.
This chapter isn't filler; I simply felt the lyrics were too fitting to pass up. So I decided to post this as Chapter 3 instead, hoping no one will accuse me of padding the story.
(End of the Chapter)
Translator's Corner:
Hi there guys, I hope you are enjoying the story. If you want to read more free chapters and support me please visit the site.
🔓 𝐰𝐰𝐰.𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐥.𝐜𝐨𝐦 — 13 Series (7 Ongoing) | 14+ New Chapters Daily | 6,100+ FREE