Outside the gates, the parents stood waiting anxiously. Edward and Marriane held hands waiting in anticipation. Seeing the sad and bitter face of the children who came out before their hearts clenched. Some were even in tears.

Many parents had started leaving with their child as they did not have any reason to stay. Seeing James didn't appear in these groups assured both of them that their son might have succeeded. 

Inside the exam hall

"OK now all of you may leave. Your online accounts on the academy's website which you used to register for the test have already been updated."

" You will find a payment option there and another document to fill. You do not need to come here again before the session starts in January. You have a month free to yourself. "

" However, the training starts from 1st December itself! You have 5 days to complete all formalities after which on 1st December you will receive a package from the academy mailed to your homes."

"The package will contain a set of academy uniform, a communication watch, and most important of all a Halberd Opening pill. The academy expects each one of you to breakthrough to the 4th stage of Form realm during this month of December."

" With the Halberd opening pill all 47 of your meridian points will be opened with its help. Information on how to use will be sent along the package. With that said, I hope to meet you in the academy grounds from January. Goodbye"

The door opened and the examiner gestured the students to leave without waiting for their reactions. James stood up and left with the other students. Some of them had started mixing amongst themselves as well. 

As James walked outside, someone tapped on his right shoulder. As he turned to see who it was he saw no one behind. 

"Hey bro where are you looking at, I'm here"

As James turned left and gawked at the figure. It was Gus! The laid back guy who won the corridor trial performance prize. 

Gus grinned mischievously at James and said, 

"I really liked the way you killed that little snake as per the examiner's description that is. Personally I had some trouble dealing with it. "

" T-Thank you" replied James timidly. He never thought someone would play a prank on him here of all places. 

" So I see many people here getting all close to each other and was wondering if you would like to be my friend. I mean I don't want to stay alone for 5 years here and me and you won similar prizes, so it's like a connection you know" said Gus as he fiddled with his fingers. 

"Sure! " replied James. He hadn't talked to anybody and having a bit of an introvert personality didn't help as well. Besides Gus seemed pretty fine as a friend to him as well. 

" Great! " replied Gus with a wide smile. 

" So I am from Targus City what about you? "

" Ah Targus? That's pretty far. I am from Bursberg City. " 

" Yeah well it's yours is pretty far for me as well. Let's go outside quick, I cannot wait to tell my old man about the results." said Gus as he started sprinting towards the gates. 

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James followed suit and reached the gates where his parents stood outside. 

As soon as they saw their son smiling and sprinting towards them, all the doubts in their minds disappeared. 

"Dad, Ma I got selected! And I even ranked 10th amongst the participants! " 

" Haha I knew my son could do it! I was comforting your mother all this while telling her you would get through! " said Edward as he smiled looking at his son. 

Marriane hugged James tight and kissed his forehead." Congratulations! You made me very proud today! "

" Thanks Ma. But the best news is still left! " grinned James. 

" And what's that? " asked his mother with a questioning look

" There was a stage in the exam where I had to kill a 3rd stage spirit beast. I got a prize for exceptional performance in that stage. They gave me 70% scholarship! That loan you and dad were thinking of taking won't be required anymore! "

" That's amazing son! " said his father in astonishment. 

" Wait. When did you hear about the loan? "asked his mother suddenly. 

" Ah I was awake for a while listening to both of you talk yesterday night " said James as he ruffled his hair in embarrassment. 

" You naughty child! " replied his mother as she pulled his cheeks. 

As they walked towards the outer gate of the martial sector, James recounted his experience inside to his parents. 

" Yo James! " came a voice suddenly. 

James saw Gus and a middle aged man with him which he guessed must be his father. His father had a rough look on his face even though he wore a kind expression. 

" Ma, Dad this is my friend Gus about whom I just told you about. "

" Ah! You must be Gus Light. James was telling me about you. Quite talented child you are yourself. Congratulations! And thanks for being James's friend. He can be a bit reserved sometimes" said his mother with a smile as she looked at Gus. 

"Your son is pretty talented as well from what Gus has told me about! I think they would be great friends together. " said Gus's father. 

After further introductions James got to know that Gus' father worked in the Targus Mines. He was the head of operations in one of the departments. Targus city had the kingdoms largest mine beside it known as the Targus mines. It was one of the big important cities of the kingdom. 

Apparently Gus's mother didn't survive long after giving birth to Gus and his father had taken care of him since then. 

They promised each other to meet again on the 1st day of the academy and departed. 

The next day the Walters took a flight back home. His parents had already completed the formalities and had paid the fees. James was eagerly waiting for the package from his academy to arrive. 

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Notes- here's the chapter for today. I hope you all like it. If you find any mistakes or have any suggestions do comment. Enjoy!