The results were out. The celebration started. The exitement , happiness, disappointment and the sadness were clearly visible amongst the gathered group.
There was one person who had the most different and notable look on his face. Logan was seething from inside. Anger and hate as clear as day in his expression as he failed to get promoted from the outer group.
Unfortunate for him, he drew the number against Samantha who ruthlessly beat him up. To his shame and to the delight of other girls, had to accept his defeat before the beating got worst.
Three more students from rhe outer group and Two students from inner group were shortlisted for the promotion after observing their progress in the first month of their Second academic year.
Fred, Victor, Henna, Niki, Kate and Samantha along with Phoenix passed with flying colors.
The headmaster Markus Arulius gave a short speech before bidding farewell to everyone from the first and second year students.
There was an event arranged after it. That was the graduation ceremony of their seniors. This was an even where the Third year studends either move out of the academy and start their own life or a few capable ones stay back to persue further studies and help the masters in teaching new students or help keeping the academy's peace or help in managing the academy or open their own shops and so on.
For this celebration, The only one who was exempted to stay other than the Final year students were Phoenix. His popularity and good nature had brought him close to almost all the seniors.
Most of the seniors who were planning to start their adventurers journey invited Phoenix to join them after the graduation. Tina and Dina the two who had seen Phoenix's abilities from day one were planning to stay and further their knowledge and help the teachers tutor the new batch.
.......
"Nic we will be staying at the academy this holiday. How about you?" Kate enquired.
"I am also staying here Kate. My family members will be coming tomorrow to the Academy Town itself."
"Ha.....!!!!! Can.... Can we meet you father Nic?" Samantha asked in reverence. Kat was also looking at him with exitement bobbing her head vigorously.
Knowing her history, Phoenix smiled and agreed readily to take both of them to meet his family. During their conversation, their other group members also came to the coffee shop which had became their gathering point.
"What about you guys? Anyone going home for the year end break?" Phoenix asked others.
As expected, no one was going home for the break as it was too short of a period and the travel itself would take most of their time. And in few cases it was not at all possible to reach their home even in a month.
Except Kate and Samantha, who were from the bordering nation, all other's family members would be arring at the Academy Town during next week.
As per the rules of the Academy, no one was aware of the other members family name or their significance. So it came as the shock of their life when they all met Pheonix's family. Especially his father.
After planning for a dinner together with all his friends along his family the next day, Phoenix went to meet his family at the Inn where they were staying. Before going there, Phoenix bought a few jewelleries for his Sister, Mother and Grandmother.
Fiona was extatic to meet her brother after an year. His parents and grandparents also were having a broad smile on their faces.
Greating and hugging everyone, Phoenix gave the gifts he brought for the ladies and Fiona.
"Where did you get the gold to buy all these my son? You had informed us that all the gold given by us were spent on a Sword!!" Martha asked his son in joy and surprise.
" Yes Mother, I had used almost all the gold given to me for the sword and other necessary items. However I was regularly helping the adventurers team to hunt wild beasts which earned me a lot of gold."
"Ha ha ha ... That's my grandson." Now how much had you progressed since you joined the academy son?" Wesley asked, curiosity evident on his face.
Both Simon and Phoenix had rueful smile. " Grandfather, if you are asking about the combact skills I can say not too much. But I had perfected many moves that I had learnt earlier from Master Bulan. I even had learnt a few new forms of various combat skills. But my main growth is in the other fields lik Trade, Arts, Economy and a few more."
"But....!!!!" Weasley was speachless.
"Ha ha ha ... Father, did you forgot that Phoenix was with Master Bulan for 5 years and he is someone who is at the same level if not higher than most SSS class adventurers?"
"Ah ... I was a bit loss for word. But, I realise what Phoenix's ment but 'not too much...' now." Wesley looked sheepishly at the others.
Father, I had invited my group members to have dinner with us tomorrow. they will be meeting us in the evening. Let me know if you have any prior appointment, if required, I will change the arrangements accordingly."
"Father is not at all busy, brother. He promised he will be with us for the first Three weeks without anyone disturbing him. For the remaining last week he will have all his appointments." Fiona beamed with happiness.
"Ha ha .... As your sister said, there are no appointments for the next three weeks, Son. We will have the dinner along with your friends. And, we will also explore the nearby forest with Fiona. It seems she wants to see the wild beasts and watch us hunt some games."
"Yes brother, I want to..... I had never been even near to the ancient forest." Fiona pleaded.
Alright, alright we all will go, said Wesley in defeat and amusement.
After that, Phoenix was literally abducted by Fiona. She asked Phoenix to take her around the town, eat variety of dishes. Have sweets in some of the famous shops.
She was thrilled to hear an year worth of story from her brother. That night, neither She nor her brother slept. They talked.... and talked ... and talked ... Rather, Phoenix spoke. Fiona just listened with bright eyes with the palpable exitement.
Both the siblings dozed off in the Wee hours of the day skipping their breakfast.
And then the time came to have the dinner with their group members along with his family.