System's POV

After asking Tiona, Thirteen finally understood what had transpired during the night.
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He didn't expect that he would act that way under the influence of alcohol.

Still, this discovery made him understand that he should stay away from such drinks unless he was in a private place, like his room with Sherry and Erica.

Also, after understanding what kind of promise he had said not only to Erica but also to Sherry, Thirteen now knew the reason why Sherry had suddenly become bold all of a sudden.

Although he had made such a promise during his drunken state, he didn't find anything wrong with it. To begin with, he already planned to do it in the future.

Of course, Thirteen asked more questions to Tiona to ensure that he got all the facts right. Only after he was done did he fully understand the situation.

"Thank you, Tiona," Thirteen said. "I know I can always count on you."

Tiona flicked her tongue on Thirteen's cheek like usual, as if telling her Master that she was always on his side.

Meanwhile, somewhere in Glory City…

Joshua was drinking from a beer can while looking at the sunrise in the distance.

He had already made up his mind to stay in Solterra for the time being, only returning after two years, when the Cygni Invasion would commence in full.

However, just as he was about to finish his drink, he sensed a presence behind him. Instinctively, his head turned to see who had decided to come to the viewing platform early in the morning.

"You look terrible," Joshua said.

"And who do you think made me like this?" Roland asked back.

"Stop being a drama queen," Joshua commented. "You're not cute enough for that."

Roland ignored the Sage's comment and walked toward the railings. He then gazed at the sun rising in the east, allowing its light to fall upon his body.

He was only three meters away from his former best friend. That distance might seem short in the eyes of others, but it was already considered a great distance between two people who used to be best friends and had a falling out in their relationship.

"What are you going to do now?" Roland asked, still looking at the sunrise in the distance.

"I need to go to Solterra," Joshua replied. "Zion asked me for an errand, and since I'm free, I decided to take it."

"You knew, right?" Roland asked. "He planned all of this."

"And?" Joshua asked. "He indeed manipulated the scenario, but the choices we made were our own. There's no use blaming others for it. You already know deep in your heart why I did it."

"I know," Roland replied. "But it still annoys me."

Joshua chuckled before throwing the empty can in his hand toward the trash can several meters away from him.

The can perfectly fell inside of it, prompting Joshua to open another can before taking a sip.

"I hate you, Roland," Joshua stated after half a minute had passed. "I've hated you because you are someone I'll never become. However, I also respect you because it is people like you who give hope to others."

"Can I still give hope to others after everything that happened?" Roland asked. "I've lost one battle after the other. Because of it…"

"Are you disillusioned now?" Joshua interjected. "Wallowing in self-pity and looking like a lost puppy? Did you finally understand that the world doesn't revolve around you? You disappoint me, Roland. If this is enough to bring you down, I guess I overestimated you."

"What do you know about me?" Roland asked. "You know nothing."

"I know you're a drama queen and a fricking twat!" Joshua replied. "What? You want to fight? Come. I beat the crap out of you once, I can beat the crap out of you again."

Roland, whose breathing was becoming ragged, closed his eyes and clenched his fists tightly.

When he finally reigned in his emotions, he once again opened his eyes and gazed at the Sage, who was drinking his beer as if nothing had happened.

"What kind of errand did Zion ask you to do?" Roland asked, changing the subject.

"I'm not obligated to answer that question," Joshua replied. "If you want to know, you should ask Zion directly."

"I don't want to see him right now."

"Well, you will see him sooner than later. He told me that if you ever come to find me, I should pass you his message."

Roland frowned but still waited for Joshua to tell him what Zion wanted to tell him.

"There are only four types of people in the world," Joshua said with a faint smile on his face. "Heroes, Villains, Extras, and Cannon Fodders. Each has a role to play, but all dances on the palms of Fate.

"I am a Cannon Fodder who decided to jump off that palm and dance to my own tune. My goal is to gather same-minded individuals to oppose fate. However, you cannot join me because you are one of Fate's chosen.

"That's why I wanted to mess with you—so you will understand that even Cannon Fodders like me, who are treated as expendable, can pack a punch strong enough to make even Heroes kneel."

Joshua paused for a bit before continuing Zion's message.

"Make no mistake, I don't hate you. But I did all of that because you are so naive and ignorant that I decided to slap you a bit to wake you up to reality.

"I'm sure that you are feeling lost and have no idea what to do next. So, I will give you a direction to follow. Look for the Celestial who goes by the name Eae, and gain the recognition of his Templars. Join their order and learn from them, so you will be able to strengthen your heart.

"In two years, return to the Cygni Continent and help fight against the Jinn Invasion. I am certain that two years from now, you will be a changed man who will no longer feel lost with every setback that you face in life.

"Lastly, you should stay away from Shana. She's too good for you."

Roland glared at the Sage before giving him the middle finger.

"Those last words are from you, aren't they?" Roland sneered. "Zion would never say anything like that. F*ck off!"

Joshua chuckled because Roland was right. Zion didn't say that Roland should stay away from Shana.

It was only his selfish desire to antagonize his former best friend one more time, so he could relish in his agitated reaction.

A few minutes later, Roland moved closer toward Joshua, making the latter raise his guard.

"Two years," Roland said. "After two years, I will ask for a rematch."

"Suit yourself," Joshua replied. "I don't plan on losing."

Roland smiled faintly before lightly tapping Joshua's shoulder. He didn't say anything and simply walked away, leaving his best friend behind without another glance.

Joshua looked at his friend's retreating back and let out a long and deep sigh.

"Two years…" Joshua muttered as he lowered his head. "A lot can happen in two years."

Just as he was thinking these thoughts, he sensed another presence walking in his direction.

"Did you forget something?" Joshua asked, thinking that Roland had returned.

However, his gaze landed on a young lady who was holding a can of beer in her hand.

"I believe in you," the young lady said before presenting the can of beer to Joshua, making the latter frown.

"Who are you?" Joshua asked. "Wait, you look familiar. I think I saw you before."

The young lady smiled and pressed the can of beer in Joshua's hand before taking a step back.

"I'm just your friendly neighborhood Bee Bee Cee reporter," the young lady stated. "Someone who believes you didn't do anything wrong. Joshua, even if the world turns its back on you, I will always believe in you. So, do your best. I will be cheering you on!"

The young lady then ran away with a beet-red face as if it took all of her courage to say those words.

Joshua stood there rooted in place because he felt like he had just been confessed to.

Looking at the can of beer in his hand, he noticed that there was a trace of lipstick on the side where he was supposed to drink.

A moment later, he opened the and drank it, not caring that the traces of the lipstick had made contact with his lips.

[E/N: It's giving, "If Joshua has no fans, that means I'm dead."]