Omadi hearing that, closed his eyes in shame "Thank you very much for your guidance your highness"
"No problem, this is goodbye my friend as i won’t be paying you no visit from here on, I know about the alliance you having been exchanging information with"
"You can take with you the books to the alliance, where you can startar and created a new stronghold against Osita, you are under the safety of my guards when you are ready to set off" Zephyr said as Tula and her other members appeared from their place of hiding before bowing to Zephyr.
Omadi looked at all this with appreciative gaze "I have nothing else to say your highness, you have done a lot for me and my people"
Zephyr smiled and said "If you want to pay me back, make sure that the next time we meet it will be as of equal, king and leaders of our people" Zephyr said as he tapped Omadi shoulders who looked at Zephyr as he nodded with a smile of his own.
Before Zephyr walked off, he stopped like he had just remembered something "Yes, before I leave. I have one last personal gift of mine, a representation of my race and its people’’
Omadi hearing that straightened up as Zephyr pulled a hand into his robe and pulled out a small statue of Ikenga with a look of worship and fervor, "This my friend is our god Ikenga, he has been the sole guide and protector of my people, we could have been nothing without him"
"I hand you this statue, i hopes that you my friend will believe in him and seek for his protection and guidance, he is a beneficial god who seeks no sacrifice only your devout believe and faith" Zephyr said as he handed the statue to Omadi who carefully took it, looking up to say goodbye Omadi found that Zephyr was no longer there, only the slight breeze and fresh fruity scent was a reminder that he was here.
Bowing to particularly no one, Omadi clenched the gift he just received as he looked at the scouts who are to be their guards "I thank you in advance for the bother, my family and i will be putting you through in the future"
Tula shook her head "It’s alright human, we are just doing our work and what is required of us"
Omadi nodded hearing that "Let me go in and inform my family of the new changes so that we can set of early and not waste your time, I am sure you all have a lot of things to do" Saying that Omadi turned around as he walked back into the house him and his family has been staying in for over a week now.
A week Went by fast with Zephyr and his clan’s members moving back and forth each with an errand on their own, the school had long been completed and all that was left was the teachers who finally made their way to the palace at the end of the week.
Today every apeling in the kingdom is outside of their home, occupying the streets. Apelings can be seen on top of roofs, some on the tall walls as they look into the compound of the school where their King is standing.
Ikem needed no super senses to know how happy and energized his people were on this specific occasion. Clearing his throat Ikem got the attention of every apeling available.
Looking around, Ikem said with pride "My people and children, we have come a long way as a race and people, I stand before you today with a heart filled with pride and gratitude for all you have contributed to our kingdom growth"
"As you king and father, I know that you all have some issues hard to bring up but today you stand in the solutions of all your problems"
"Our kingdom is growing and with each growth, the more we need capable people who can take on some responsibilities, the cursed clans before had taken it upon themselves to be the ones withholding this problems but they are soon reaching their limit"
"This academy built here is a solution to all our problems, where capable apelings can be trained and groomed to be able to share and help with our ever growing community and population"
"I know some apelings aren’t happy with the status quo which is why the academy stands as a testament to those with unwavering commitment to enlightenment and progress. It’s a place where you have an opportunity to be part of something bigger and better than you are now"
Ikem said as stooped to take a breath "Capable teachers has been picked from the Shrine palace, they are to be the ones guiding you as you combat through all the problems you find during your academic journey"
Saying that, a group of well dressed apelings all walked forward joining Ikem as they looked around with a smile on their face greeting the apelings gathered around.
"I don’t have to say but you will figure the rest out once the school officially opens the next day, now for one more important information" Ikem said as he felt the eyes of the gathered apelings focus intensely on him.
" Two years after the academy starts, there will be an official competition between the students going in the academy and the students from the cursed clans; those that come out on top during the competition will be awarded with a well deserved prize" Saying that Ikem walked away.
But as he was walking away, an apeling screamed out loud as he jumped from the wall he was on and began running towards Ikem.
The apeling could only take one step before glue found himself surrounded, fear came over the apelings and the whole place fell silent.
Ikem walked towards the surrounded apeling, waving away the guards surrounding the apeling kid, squatting to the kids level. Ikem kindly looked into the kids eyes "What is it son?"
The boy looked nervous but he still managed to speak up " Your highness, is it really possible for people with no talent like me to get into the academy"
Ikem, hearing the words, frowned as he stood up once again to his full height, tapping the kid’s shoulder. Ikem spoke out loud once again "This child here just asked me if it was possible for people without talent to get into the new academy"
Squeezing the child shoulder a bit, Ikem said with a smile no longer in his face "Let me make a quick correction of the boys statement, everyone can get to study in the academy no matter your age, sex or disability"
"The other thing being, I am your king and that means you don’t get to decide on your own if you are talented or not. The one who gets to decide that is I and me alone so if there are some among you that have the same doubt as this boy, I want you to put that doubt behind you"
Lessening his voice and speaking in a more kind tone, Ikem said "if because of your doubts, you don’t register to the academy that will greatly leave me disappointed"
Soon after saying that Ikem walked away, the whole place began buzzing as the last statement from Ikem was something they never expected to hear.
As Ikem walked away, murmurs and whispers spread through the crowd like wildfire. Apelings exchanged glances, some with newfound determination in their eyes, while others still seemed unsure.
Zephyr, standing among the crowd, felt a surge of pride for his father. He stepped forward, his voice booming with authority, "Listen up, my fellow apelings! Our king has spoken, and his words hold truth. Doubt has no place in our hearts. We are all capable of greatness, regardless of our perceived limitations."
The crowd turned their attention to Zephyr, Most recognizing him as one of the cursed clan leaders, their expressions varying from uncertainty to determination. He continued, his voice unwavering, "The academy is not just a place for the talented, but a sanctuary for those willing to learn, grow, and defy expectations. Let us embrace this opportunity with open hearts and minds!"
A wave of applause rippled through the crowd as Zephyr’s words resonated with them at the same time made them happy as it was coming from someone most apelings all look up to. Apelings exchanged encouraging nods and smiles, their doubts slowly dissipating.
Meanwhile, Ikem observed from a distance, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. He knew that the journey ahead would not be easy, but seeing his people united and determined filled him with hope for the future of their kingdom.
Meanwhile One apeling whispered to his neighbor "Did the king really mean what he said about us vs the cursed clans"
The apple king neighbor excitedly nodded "He really did, we are really getting a chance to prove to the king and the cursed clans that we the normal apelings can be more than just being protected and cared for"