Chapter 5 - Young Ollie

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A flitting memory resurfaces...

In the bustling central square of Salem Town, a young Ollie ran excitedly through the crowded streets. The town buzzed with chatter and celebration, for today, the high-ranking individuals and professors from the prestigious Goldenwing Academy were visiting. This was a momentous occasion—the first year the Royal Family, known as the "Golden Dragon Family," had allowed commoners to attend the academy. After three years of preparation, the law had finally been passed, and Ollie couldn’t believe he was about to witness this historic event.

Carriages and horsemen paraded through the town, all heading to the grand hall—the largest and most majestic building in Salem. Ten-year-old Ollie craned his neck, trying to catch a glimpse of the spectacle, but the hall was already packed with people. Finding himself stuck at the very back, he wasn’t discouraged. Determined to see, he began pushing his way through the crowd, slipping between people as best as he could. Goldenwing Academy was his dream school, a place where legends were born. The academy was known for producing mages, alchemists, knights, healers, and more—heroes who shaped the future of the kingdom.

As Ollie continued pushing forward, a hand grabbed him. It was his best friend, Dylan. Dylan was three years older than him and he is the son of the village chief of Cleiv Village, one of the three villages surrounding Salem. “Ollie, come with me,” Dylan said. “I know a place where we can see clearly.”

Ollie followed Dylan, weaving through the crowd until they reached the upper terrace of the hall. It was a section reserved for high-ranking guests, and from there, they had a perfect view of the event. However, Ollie hesitated. Looking around, he saw the finely dressed guests and glanced down at his own worn clothes, feeling out of place. “Are you sure we should be sitting here?” he asked, uneasy.

Dylan smiled. “Don’t worry, my father reserved these seats for us. Dexter and Rica will join us soon. We just have to wait for them.” But Ollie still didn’t sit. Following Ollie’s line of sight, Dylan noticed the other kids giving them strange looks. Dylan sighed and said, “Sit beside me. We have permission, so it’s fine.” He gave Ollie a reassuring glance and looked toward the other children nearby, who had started whispering and laughing at Ollie’s appearance. “Don’t worry about them. They’re just ignorant,” Dylan added confidently.

Ollie tried to shake off his discomfort and slowly sat down. Soon enough, a familiar pair of arms wrapped around him from behind. “What are you two whispering about?” It was Rica, another one of their friends, always full of energy. Behind her was Dexter, who asked, “Has the ceremony started yet?”

Dylan shook his head. “Not yet. The main speaker hasn’t arrived, but it should start soon.”

Rica plopped down beside Ollie. “Can you believe it? The Royal Family is finally letting commoners like us attend Goldenwing Academy! It’s going to be incredible.”

Ollie’s eyes finally sparkled with excitement. “I know! I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long. I’m going to do whatever it takes to get in. We’re finally going to become legends.”

Dexter, on the other hand, wasn’t as sure. “I don’t know, Ollie. It sounds amazing, but it’s going to be tough. The academy has always been for nobles. We’ll have to pass some kind of test, and it’s not like we’ve had the same training they’ve had.”

Rica sighed, nodding. “Dexter’s got a point. There’s definitely going to be an entrance exam or something. It won’t be easy.”

Ollie laughed, full of confidence. “That’s what makes it exciting! I’m ready for it. We’ve worked hard, and this is our chance.”

Dylan leaned back thoughtfully. “That’s right, this event is so important. It’s to officially announce the opportunity to everyone. After today, the whole kingdom will know that the academy is open to all, and things will change forever.”

Just then, the sound of trumpets filled the air, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Ollie leaned forward, his heart racing. From their seats on the terrace, they had a perfect view of the ceremony below. People of all kinds—commoners, nobles, mercenaries, and children—gathered together to witness this historic event.

A voice boomed from the center of the stage, silencing the crowd. “A wonderful day to all who have gathered to witness this historic event!” The excitement in the air was palpable as everyone listened closely. “Today marks the beginning of a new era. The Kingdom of Arvanel has faced many challenges and triumphs, and now, under the decree of the Golden Dragon Family, we are proud to offer an opportunity once thought impossible. Today, we welcome everyone, regardless of their status, to be part of this momentous change.”

The crowd cheered even louder. People clapped, shouted, and waved in celebration. The speaker raised his arms for silence before continuing. “And now, to lead us into this new era, I present to you the future of our great kingdom—His Royal Highness, Prince Alistair of Arvanel, to personally declare this wonderful news!”

The moment the prince’s name was announced, the entire square exploded with thunderous applause.

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