System's POV

Every year, the Night of the Fireflies would be held in an open field that belonged to the Remington Clan.

They had even built a stage for it because it had become a yearly tradition.

However, today was the night of the Solstice, and it was only an hour away from midnight.

Once the clock struck midnight, everyone deemed to have met the requirements to go to Solterra would be sent back to that world, including the Wanderers who would experience their First Wandering.

To them, this night was a very significant moment in their life.

Because they didn't know if they would live long enough to see the sunrise after being sent to Solterra.

Although today wasn't the Night of the Fireflies yet, the venue was already packed to the brim with people.

The majority of them were Wanderers who would be returning to Solterra in less than an hour.

Thirteen had made an announcement—on the night of the Solstice, the Hero Party and Zion Leventis would be giving them an encouraging speech so that everyone would be filled with courage on their Wanderings.

People around the world who were also spending their last moments with their loved ones looked at the TV with anticipation.

Soon, the lights on the stage lit up one by one, and the members of the Hero Party appeared in front of everyone.

A resounding cheer spread in the surroundings the moment the Wanderers saw their idols.

The seven members of the Hero Party consisted of handsome gentlemen and beautiful ladies.

So seeing them together made a lasting impression on the people who saw them up close in real life.

"Friends and fellow Wanderers, tonight, we will once again continue our journeys," Roland said as he held a microphone in his hand. "Although it will be difficult, I believe that all of us have what it takes to reach our destination."

He then passed the Microphone to Erica, who was standing beside him.

"No matter where we are, we'll always share the same sky." Erica smiled as she said the things that she had prepared for tonight's speech.

"When I first experienced my first Wandering, I felt afraid. Everything was a new experience for me. I'm sure that those who have experienced their First Wandering understand what I am talking about.

"To you, who will be experiencing it for the first time, understand what I'm talking about. You'll never realize how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. So raise your heads, and take that first step. You will eventually reach your destination, for that is what wandering is all about."

Although Erica had memorized this speech and practiced it over and over again, saying it in front of so many people while knowing that it was being broadcast all over the world made her feel more emotional than she expected.

She even felt like crying because she remembered the time when she was first sent to Solterra.

It had been a very difficult time for her, but she managed to survive it by using everything she had.

Before a tear could fall from her eyes, she hurriedly passed the microphone to Joshua, which made the camera zoom in his direction. Thanks to that, others did not see Erica silently wipe the tears in her eyes.

"I consider myself very lucky because I was born in a family that allowed me to prepare for my first journey to Solterra," Joshua stated. "I am one of the people whom you refer to as the blessed ones. I also thought that way when I was sent to a world filled with danger, not knowing if I would be able to survive the night.

"But during my journeys, I have met many people who weren't as blessed as I am. They weren't born as the chosen ones who grew up with a silver spoon in their mouths. Even so, these people taught me lessons that I never learned during my training.

"In that world, it is not the strongest nor the most intelligent but those who are able to adapt to their surroundings who thrive, excel, and achieve great results. The One doesn't care about our backgrounds or who we are. In his eyes, we are one and the same.

"So do your best to survive. As long as you do, you will see the world in a new perspective, and by then, you will gain the power to protect the people you care for the most."

Joshua then handed the microphone to Derek, who made his speech next.

All the members of the Hero Party did their best to encourage everyone and make them think of becoming a Wanderer as an opportunity instead of a burden.

Finally, it was Shana's turn to give her speech.

"I used to fear this time of the year because, during this time, I will have to leave my loved ones behind," Shana said softly.

Her calm and soothing voice reached everyone's ears, making them pay close attention to her.

"My friends have already said most of what I wanted to tell everyone, so let me just add a few words of my own."

Shana paused for a bit before scanning the faces of everyone who had gathered in front of her.

"Not every path is straight, nor every journey swift," Shana said with a smile. "Not all who wander are lost. Some are simply discovering paths that others have yet to tread. I know someone who was sent to Solterra when he was seven years old.

"A child who is not old enough to be considered a teenager. And yet, he wandered across that world and came back safely after years of wandering. There's no need to rush your journey. All that matters is for you to return to those who are waiting for you back home."

Shana's words hit harder than most because there were many who spent years in Solterra before being able to go back home.

A moment later, the Hero Party parted, and a teenage boy whom everyone recognized appeared.

A resounding cheer, much stronger than what the Hero Party had received, reverberated across the venue.

Some even cheered from their own homes as they looked at Zion Leventis, whom many idolized.

He was also the person whom Shana had been talking about earlier, and many were inspired by his life story.

Shana handed the Microphone to Zion's hands, and the latter thanked her for it.

Thirteen then faced the crowd and smiled with confidence.

"Wanderers, tonight is the night where we will once again journey into the world of Solterra," Thirteen said in a lighthearted tone. "Are you all excited? To be honest, I am very excited. After all, a new adventure awaits!"

Some of the Wanderers chuckled because of Thirteen's casual way of telling them that everything was going to be fine.

Thirteen also chuckled, making the tension in the surroundings become lighter.

"The heroes of old—those who forged legends and shaped destinies did not follow a straight path," Thirteen said. "They ventured into the unknown, faced their fears, and found their way. They didn't achieve that by avoiding challenges, but by embracing them.

"Each twist and turn of their journey brought them closer to their true selves and their greatest triumphs. You look at the Hero Party and think of them as Heroes. To that, I agree. They are indeed Heroes.

"But all of you gathered here and those who are watching from home are also Heroes. It takes great courage to venture into that world. Not all who wander are lost.

"It is very normal to fear the unknown. I was first sent to that world when I was seven years old. But here I am, standing before you today, alive and well. If I can do it, I'm sure that all of you can do it too."

The countdown clock above the stage was starting to count down to the last minute until midnight finally struck.

Thirteen, knowing that he only had a few words to say, smiled faintly.

"Everyone, let us all meet in that world once more," Thirteen stated. "Tell your family and friends that you will see them soon, rather than goodbye, for we will definitely meet them again after our mission is over.

"Last but not the least, I want all of you to remember…"

Thirteen's body started to glow faintly as the final seconds of the countdown neared midnight.

"In times of darkness, one must stop looking for the light, and become the glow for others to follow."

One by one, the Wanderers glowed faintly, illuminating the darkness of the night.

Particles of light escaped their bodies, a sign that they were about to be sent to that world.

Shana and Erica suddenly moved and held onto Thirteen's arm.

"Be careful," Shana said softly. "Come back safely. There are many who will wait for your return."

"Pray to lady luck that you encounter me in Solterra," Erica stated. "I will give you a free ride on your mission. You can thank me later."

Thirteen smiled and nodded his head.

"Let us meet again under the same sky."

The teenage boy's words rang out of the venue as everyone turned into particles of light, shooting up to the heavens like countless pillars that held up the night sky.

All over the world, the Wanderers were once again returning to Solterra, and with it, they would be facing new challenges that would test their will to survive.

——————

End of Volume 3: Not All Who Wander Are Lost