Aaron leads Oliver and his companions to a nearby transportation centre. As they approach, they come across a sprawling brick station stretching across several blocks. On the other side, towering hot air balloons await, their massive envelopes peeking through the flat roof of the station.

     Alongside Aaron, Oliver and his companions ascend the steps to the station's wide entrance. Stepping inside, they encounter a line of majestic hot air balloons. Oliver takes note of the bustling crowds forming queues and observes other transports landing while others float into the sky, eliciting farewell waves from the onlookers.

     Oliver smiles and turns around. As he walks backwards, matching the leisurely pace of his companions, he looks up and spins his body. He gazes at the ceiling as he twirls, admiring the colourful geometric patterns painted on its stone surface—a true feast for the eyes.

     As Oliver's gaze lowers and his attention fixates on the sight ahead, his eyes are immediately drawn to a young boy standing at the entrance. Then, a crowd of hundreds follows, their arms waving enthusiastically, wearing smiles as bright as the stars. Oliver reciprocates their greetings with a wave, continuing on his path.

     The group eventually halts, and Oliver tilts his head upward, beholding an enormous hot air balloon. Its spacious basket can accommodate even a dozen people, and additional tables and chairs are arranged along its sides. The balloon's envelope, though not yet fully inflated, already reaches the heights where birds flock, awaiting the assistance of the burner underneath to complete its expansion.

"Wow..." Oliver's eyes widened as he gawked at the top of the hot air balloon.

"Oh, look, it even has storage for food," Sarrah pointed out.

"Oh, you're right!" Bethany gasped in amazement, captivated by the balloon's features.

"Do you think they have spaghetti stored in there?" Edgar playfully guessed.

Sarrah's face tightened. "Shut up," she responded to Edgar.

With his gaze fixated on the humongous round envelope, Oliver ventured a few steps closer to the hot air balloon.

Unexpectedly, a man appeared and politely asked, "Where to, sir?"

"Oh, I'm sorry! I was merely inspecting the hot air balloon to, uh! To create a functional replica," Oliver explained, feeling his heart race in the man's presence.

"Oh, uh... Mr Podeshire?" Aaron approached Oliver, addressing him by name.

"Yes?" Oliver replied, slightly startled.

"Don't you desire to board this magnificent hot air balloon?" Aaron asked.

"Oh, well..." Oliver scratched the back of his neck, contemplating his response. "You see, we're out of coins. So, I've been considering building a more modest version. It doesn't have to be extravagant, just practical enough to serve its purpose."

Aaron smirked at Oliver's modesty. "Hey, the house is on me."

"Oh, but, sir..." Oliver's bashfulness became apparent.

"Can't I return a favour?" Aaron replied with a mischievous chuckle in his voice.

     Oliver's grin widens as he approaches Aaron. With a radiant smile, he extends his hand to Aaron, their palms meeting in a firm handshake. As they clasp hands, they feel the warmth passing between them. Oliver then turns to his companions, biting his lip in anticipation of their return home.

"Shall we go?"

"Well, why not?" Gregory nodded.

"With pleasure," Edgar stated, placing his hands on the back of his head as he jumped into the hot air balloon.

     The burner unleashes a mighty roar, its flames crackling with an intensity that mirrors the forceful rush of a gushing stream. As the air surges into the balloon's interior, the envelope grows and expands, taking on a life of its own. Slowly, the basket lifts off the ground, casting a fleeting shadow on the cold cement floor.

     Aaron and his people stand rooted to the ground with their eyes fixed on the ascending balloon. With a mixture of joy and bittersweet farewell, they raise their hands in synchronized motion, bidding their goodbyes. The children leap from the ground, their laughter and giggles echoing. Like waves crashing on a shore, the crowd's hands sway through the sky, creating a vibrant scene of farewell and well-wishes.

"Mr Podeshire!" Aaron's voice rang out, capturing Oliver's attention. Oliver turned towards Aaron, his gaze focused. With a burst of energy, Aaron pumped his fist into the air. "Long live!"

The crowd joined in, their voices rising in a resounding chant. "Long live! Long live! Long live!" Their fists punched the sky as their voices echoed through the air.

     Oliver remained initially silent, but an overwhelming surge of joy and contentment surged through his veins. He felt complete, and his spirit shined brightly. The intensity of his happiness welled up, threatening to bring tears to his eyes. However, instead of letting a tear drip down, Oliver sprang into action, leaping to his feet and waving his hands.

     Meanwhile, the hot air balloon glided onward, soaring high above the clouds. The gentle breeze nudged the vessel, guiding it towards Asbranne. Oliver, Sophia, Gregory, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany, accompanied by the skilled driver, watched in awe as the landscape below vanished beneath the hazy veil of the clouds.