Friendship for life...?!

"We are well past the lunchtime now, but don't worry, you will still be able to have it. Go to the training grounds once you've had your lunch. Class dismissed," Stan informed.

"Alan, Williams, you two stay for a moment," Stan called them back.

"Ben, Bob, you two carry on. We will join you shortly," Williams said to them.

"We'll keep the lunch for you," Ben said, and they walked away.

"Madam Evelyn, what do you think now?" Stan asked, smiling.

Evelyn still couldn't believe it. "Really, how old are these two, Headmaster?" she asked.

"Well, Alan turned 13 a few days ago, and Williams will turn 13 in a few months," Stan cheekily disclosed.

"What is the use of them being at the academy, Headmaster?" Evelyn inquired.

"Ah, that I can't reveal for now. You have to be at the Master's training hall in the evening. According to our Harry, everyone will be surprised. He hasn't even revealed his plans to me," Stan looked frustrated.

"But you are right in one thing, Evelyn. I have to devise a special curriculum for these two if they are to stay here in the Academy as our students," Stan thoughtfully stated.

Then he looked at the two boys again. "Williams, I will ask you again, are you willing to take classes in the arts section? Let me be clear, other than your personal studies at the library, there will be no other theory classes that you two will be attending. It would be a waste of your time and your talent," Stan informed them.

Williams thought for a few seconds, then nodded his head, "In that case, I will attend the classes first, Headmaster. If I feel inclined towards any subject, I will pursue it."

"Excellent, then. We shall meet in the evening at the Master's training hall. That friend of mine has even changed his plans, not ready to reveal them. Not even to me. Be prepared, lads; he is planning something big. He is exceptionally talented and a great man, but his methods are rather..... aa... you can say, unorthodox and even painful at times."

"He is actually not from this region. I sometimes feel he might not even be from this kingdom. He is so talented and powerful but..." Stan shook his head, sighing.

"Well, lads, have your lunch and go back to your dormitory. You will need your strength for the evening," Stan left after saying that.

The two boys exchanged looks, shrugged their shoulders, bowed to Madam Evelyn, and went to have their lunch.

"Such talent. I wonder what else they can surprise us with in the evening," Evelyn wondered.

Ben and Bob had piled up two plates full of food and were waiting for Alan and Williams.

Once the boys came, they started their lunch. "Al, Wil, are you two for real?" Ben asked in awe, with Bob nodding.

"Why? What happened?" Alan asked.

"You both are so knowledgeable; it feels like you are wasted at the first year," Bob said.

"Don't worry about those things, guys. We will talk about all that on a later date or time. I am about to die of hunger; let's eat now," Williams said, and everyone nodded, starting to eat.

After their lunch, Bob and Ben went to the training hall, while Alan and Williams went to their dormitory.

By the time it was evening, everyone came back from their classes and found Alan and Williams doing stretches.

The boys were amazed by the flexibility these two displayed. Even they felt shocked at their muscular bodies.

"Wow!!! Are you both truly 12 years?" Dave asked in shock.

"No, Al here turned 13 a few days back," Williams told them.

"Well, see you guys; we have to go to the Master's training hall to meet Master Harry," Alan waved to them after putting on their training clothes.

"Can we also join you?" Ben asked eagerly.

"Yes, can we?" Even Dave asked in excitement.

Both Alan and Williams exchanged looks. "Well, Al, they didn't tell us to come alone. I think it will be okay if they join us," Williams said.

Alan nodded slowly in agreement, saying, "If you guys want, you can come."

Everyone changed their clothes and started to walk towards the Master's training ground.

The six of them engaged in casual conversation while walking, feeling comfortable and natural being with each other. The tugging sensation Alan felt was not only of their ability to use Mana, Unbeknownst to him, a bond of friendship was gradually forming between these boys—a connection they were unaware would endure a lifetime and would make the group of boys famous in the future.