Chapter 51: This Future, As You Wish

(Turn on the song "Dear Traveller by Zhou Shen" for the perfect mood.)

The two-day examination and evaluation period finally came to an end.

With the results in hand, the students were experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions. Some were elated, others despairing. Some broke down crying, while others cried tears of joy. All those sleepless nights spent poring over books, chasing dreams—they had all led to this moment. And now, the long marathon of pursuing their aspirations had finally reached its finish line.

That evening, the graduation celebration unfolded as planned.

For this special occasion, the school lifted its usual prohibition on alcohol, allowing students to toast to their futures. Wang Jinsheng dug into his treasured stash of fine liquor, sharing it generously with the students he had guided for years.

Under the clear night sky, the school's sports field was illuminated with brilliant lights. The administration had spared no expense, inviting a famous singer from Star City and a professional dance troupe to perform, making this night unforgettable.

Yet amidst the laughter and cheers, a subtle melancholy lingered in the air. Bonds forged over the years couldn't be severed so easily, and the looming parting was a weight on everyone's hearts.

"Crazy guy, wish me luck at the Academy of Technology. Cheers!" Mo Fei's voice rang out.

"Your eyes are red."

"So are yours."

"I'm just happy for you. Why do you look so glum, then?"

Feng Qi looked at his stubbornly cheerful friend and smirked. He lifted his cup, draining it in one go.

"Let's not pretend anymore—it's too fake. Let's make a deal to meet up every year. We've built too many memories over these years to let them fade away. But, you know, no feast lasts forever. Here's to all of us working toward humanity's future."

"To dedicating our lives to humanity's future!" Mo Fei raised his glass and downed its contents as well.

From a distance, Wang Jinsheng watched this heartfelt exchange between his students. Unbeknownst to him, tears welled up in his eyes.

Memories of his own graduation at Star City Academy surfaced—he and his closest friends had made the same promise: to dedicate their lives to humanity's future.

But a few weeks ago, devastating news had arrived. One of those dear friends, fighting on the frontlines against domain creatures, had made the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring the safety of his comrades.

They had promised to meet every year, but life after graduation left no room for reunions. Not even in the end did they get the chance to see each other again.

"Old Wang! Come have a drink with us!" someone called.

Suppressing the sorrow threatening to overwhelm him, Wang Jinsheng plastered a smile on his face, grabbed a bottle, and walked toward Feng Qi and the others.

Amid the lively conversation, the students shared their dreams for the future and exchanged heartfelt blessings. Beneath the surface, the ache of impending separation simmered.

As the opening chords of "Dear Traveler" floated through the air, the melancholic tune stirred something deep within them. One student couldn't hold back any longer and burst into tears.

Others couldn't resist teasing, but even as they chuckled, their own eyes grew misty. The emotions they had tried to suppress all night began to spill over, spreading like wildfire through the crowd.

At this poignant moment, Wang Jinsheng stood up. Facing his students, he took a deep breath and spoke with quiet resolve:

"I've been thinking about this for some time, and I wanted to let you all know. After this graduation, I, too, will be leaving Star City High School."

A hush fell over the group, their expressions shifting to surprise.

"I've had the privilege of guiding you for six years. Meeting all of you has been the greatest fortune of my life. But now, it's time for me to move on. Life's path often leads us to part ways, and I'm unsure when our paths will cross again. My only hope is that each of you achieves greatness in the years to come. May your efforts never be in vain."

As he finished speaking, Wang Jinsheng bent at the waist in a deep bow.

For a moment, no one moved. Then, one by one, the students stood and responded with heartfelt applause and words of encouragement.

Though surprised by their teacher's decision, they respected it wholeheartedly. Old Wang had always been destined for bigger things, and they were certain he would soar wherever he went.

They couldn't help but feel fortunate to have been under his guidance during these critical years. His lessons extended beyond academics; he instilled in them confidence, resilience, and the courage to face adversity.

A teacher like Wang Jinsheng was a rare gem, and they knew the next generation of students would not have the same luck.

"Teacher Wang, you're going to shine, no matter where you go!" one student called out.

"We'll make you proud, sir!" another added.

The cheers grew louder, carrying their gratitude and admiration to the man who had shaped their lives so profoundly.

...

The graduation celebration stretched into its final hours, when a light drizzle began to fall.

As the class representative, Feng Qi carried the letters his classmates had written to their future selves and approached the "time capsule" at the center of the stage. Before sealing the letters, he took a moment to read the words each of them had left behind.

One letter read:

"The future you must be so happy. I imagine all the domains have been eradicated, and it's a beautiful new world."

Another said:

"I envy you for being born into an era without the domains. But I also wish you all the best in living in that hopeful, peaceful time."

A third:

"I hope you never forget us. We fought relentlessly for humanity's future, and the golden age you live in today carries a piece of our struggle."

There were many more:

"Hello, future. My name is Yan Xuebo. I was born in a time when human civilization was on the brink of destruction. I, too, am fighting for humanity's future. I wish myself luck, and I wish you peace. Humanity will prevail."

"Old Wang often says, 'Only by enduring the long night can we see the dawn.' Born in this dark era, I can't begin to imagine what the future holds. But I firmly believe you'll witness the dawn of a prosperous new age. I will dedicate my entire life to that vision."

"Push forward, work hard, fight, never give up, never surrender. I'll do everything I can to bring you the bright future you deserve!"

As he read each heartfelt message, Feng Qi's eyes grew red. His classmates were full of hope, imagining a radiant future where humanity thrived in peace. They believed with all their hearts that the future was theirs to win.

But Feng Qi had seen the real future.

He knew the bitter truth. Humanity's journey had not ended in triumph. No golden age awaited. Darkness consumed civilization, and the end was desolate and unchanging.

He took a deep breath and gently placed the letters into the time capsule.

As each class added their letters, applause erupted across the field. The capsule was slowly lowered into the ground, carrying their dreams and blessings for the future into the earth itself.

Walking away from the stage, Feng Qi brushed the wetness from the corner of his eyes. His gaze grew firm, his determination solidifying.

"The future will be as you wish it," he vowed silently. "I promise."

As the event neared its end, the singer on stage began to sing the poignant "Dear Traveler." One by one, voices from the crowd joined in, until the entire gathering was singing together, their voices rising into the damp night air.

"Let's say goodbye here and now,

The waterborne train has almost pulled into the station.

On the path to the future,

No one will return,

Just say goodbye,

Even if you're reluctant to leave,

Don't look back,

On the other side of the ocean,

There definitely is a misty shore."

The song's melancholy spread, but it also carried a quiet strength, a reminder to move forward no matter the hardship.

" Having the most tender dreams,

Filled with the hurriedness of this carnal world.

In this uncertain space and time,

Among countless people, listening to people's hearts.

Along the way, you will keep losing,

In this lifetime, you will keep witnessing.

No matter how much scenery you see,

Your eyes will be clear like in the beginning,

Love still moves you."

Beneath the lights of the stage, many began to cry as they sang, their emotions overflowing. Even as they teased one another, no one could suppress the tears welling up. The weight of the night—the goodbyes, the memories, and the dreams they had built together—pressed heavily on their hearts.

" Dear traveller,

There is no path without wind and waves,

There will be loneliness,

There will be sadness,

There will also be endless hope."

From the corner of the field, Wang Jinsheng quietly observed. He couldn't suppress the wave of emotions that washed over him. His students' hopes and dreams echoed those he had shared with his own classmates years ago, but life had stolen many of those promises.

" Dear traveller,

This leg of the journey will be short yet long,

And everything will eventually converge into the most abundant spectacle,

Let's say goodbye here and now,

The lights behind you are slowing dimming,

Every home-loving child must set sail to a faraway place."

Looking at Feng Qi and his classmates—at the bonds they had formed and the strength they showed—he felt a flicker of hope. Perhaps this generation could achieve what his had not. Perhaps they would succeed where others had fallen.

" Let's say goodbye,

wonderful dreams won't dissipate,

Your love rests on the inside of your elbow,

Your heart will be soft for your entire life.

Since encounters are a kind of gift,

Given by the time,

So, when you leave,

You should smile and put the memories in your heart."

The night ended with the burial of the time capsule, and with it, the conclusion of Feng Qi's time at Star City High School. With the rain soaking the ground and the melody lingering in their ears, the students quietly prepared for the road ahead.

The story at Star City High School had drawn to a close.