The Entrance Ceremony

Van sat with his mother, Seraphina, in the large assembly hall of the Willowdale School. The room buzzed with the chatter of children and parents, all awaiting the start of the entrance ceremony. Van, however, was less enthusiastic. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair, glancing around the room, trying to gauge the situation. He could see the tension in his mother's smile, her excitement and nervousness about this new chapter in his life.

After what felt like an eternity of waiting, the noise in the room began to die down as an elderly man walked onto the stage. The principal, a figure of authority and wisdom, made his way to the center, the thud of his staff against the wooden floor echoing in the now-silent hall. The principal was an old man with a head full of white hair, deep wrinkles marking his face, and sharp black eyes that seemed to take in everything. His white suit stood in stark contrast to the black suits worn by the teachers seated behind him, a sign of his distinguished position.

"Good day, parents and children," the principal began, his voice steady but filled with the weight of experience. "I am Principal Ronnel Drei, and I welcome you to the Willowdale School."

As the principal spoke, Van noticed the teachers sitting behind him. All of them were dressed in crisp black suits, a uniform that gave them an air of seriousness and authority. They sat with perfect posture, their eyes scanning the crowd with a mixture of curiosity and assessment.

Principal Drei continued, "Some of you may be wondering why the kingdom of Aetheria has changed the age requirement for schooling from seven years old to five. This decision was made to better prepare our young citizens for the challenges that lie ahead. The world is changing rapidly, and we must equip our children with the skills they need at an earlier age. Here at Willowdale, we will begin with the basics—writing, reading, and fundamental mathematics. Those who excel within their first year here will secure a position at the prestigious Academy of Aetheria."

Van's face twisted in annoyance as he listened to the principal's speech. *I hate this so much,* he thought bitterly. The idea of being forced into an education he didn't need was grating on him. He already knew everything they would teach, and the thought of sitting through lessons on subjects he had mastered long ago was infuriating.

As the principal finished speaking, he gave instructions to the gathered parents and children. "Parents, you may now leave. Children, please form a line—boys to the right, girls to the left. Listen carefully as your names are called to find out who your teacher will be."

Van stood and moved to join the boys' line, his height making him stand out immediately among the other children. The principal, along with several teachers, noticed him right away. Principal Drei's eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity, and the teachers exchanged glances, murmuring to each other about the tall boy in the middle of the line.

*He's taller than the others,* the principal thought, a hint of surprise in his expression. *This one is different.*

*Is he really just five?* one teacher wondered, trying to mask their surprise. *He looks older.*

As Van stood in line, trying to ignore the attention he was attracting, he heard a familiar voice call out to him. "Hey, Van!" Elara's voice rang out as she broke from her line and headed toward him.

Van turned to see Elara walking up to him with a bright smile on her face. "Van, how are you? I didn't see you training in the woods these past few days," she said, her tone friendly and cheerful.

"I've just been busy," Van replied, trying to keep the conversation short.

"I'm really excited about my first day of school. Are you excited, Van?" Elara asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.

Van, avoiding the question, simply said, "You must stay in your line, you know."

"Oh, you're right," Elara said with a small laugh. "See you later, Van!" With that, she ran back to her place in the girls' line.

After what felt like another long wait, the names began to be called. Van stood patiently until he finally heard his name.

"Van Gen, your teacher will be Mark Renz," the voice announced.

Van stepped forward, his mind elsewhere as he considered the implications of this new chapter in his life. As the boys finished being assigned to their teachers, the instructors began gathering their students, keeping them in their respective lines.

Mark Renz, a teacher with blonde hair and brown eyes, stepped forward. He was roughly the same height as Van's father and carried a claymore sword strapped to his back, which was unusual for a teacher. He quickly found Van in the crowd.

"Hello, Van," Mark Renz greeted him, his voice calm but with a hint of curiosity. He studied Van for a moment before continuing. "What a lucky year. I have an interesting student. Other teachers must be jealous," Mark thought to himself, a small smile playing on his lips.

Van merely nodded in response, his mind still preoccupied. *Take your time and never come back,* Van thought cynically as he watched Mark go off to gather the rest of his students.

After a few minutes, Mark Renz returned with ten other children by his side. To Van's surprise, Elara was among them.

*What the—* Van thought, his eyes widening slightly. *Is that girl going to be my classmate too?*

Elara, noticing Van's reaction, ran over to him, her excitement palpable. "Van! We're classmates! I'm so happy!" she exclaimed.

*I am not,* Van thought grimly but managed to force a polite smile.

"We're finished. Let's go to your classroom," Mark Renz said, gathering the students together.

As they moved toward their new classroom, Van trailed slightly behind, his mind still swirling with thoughts of what this new experience would bring. The bond he had begun to form with his father through their training felt like it was slipping away as he was thrust into this unfamiliar environment.

*This is going to be a long day,* Van thought, preparing himself for what lay ahead.