Feelings.....

New students were segregated into their specialisation. Combat Arts, Arts, craftsmanship & Music, Healing and Trade & Economics.

As per Harry's instruction all six of them decided to take one subject. They all choose Arts, Craftsmanship & Music.

Theory exams were not at all an issue for any of them.

During the practical exam, Ben, Bob, and Christopher had to put in extra effort compared to others to pass. Alan, Williams, and Dave were already experts in the arts department. The remaining three had only observed them working, assisting in crafting, or playing string instruments during their training. Despite this, they were selected without any obstacles.

The girls aced their exams and were accepted into the healing department with open arms.

"Master Johnson why did Harry's disciples took exams in arts department rather than in the combat arts department?" Kenny asked in confusion.

"I believe Harry might have had something to do with this. Like him, his disciples are also someone to keep a low profile until it's time for them to shine." Johnson summised.

Harry, who had announced to guide and accept disciples didn't even bothered to look at the combat arts exam. Instead, to the surprise of everyone, he was watching Art's division exams with a curious look!!!

After the selection, Harry was seen going towards a group of boys who got selected and was having casual conversation with them, laughing and patting their back.

Everyone there wonderd who the young men were, but no one dared to go there towards them.

After a few minutes, all the selected students from all branches gathered inside the auditorium.

Dean of the university started speaking with a warm smile. " Congratulations to all new members of Phoenix University! In two days, you can pick up your robes, books, and other items from our administrative office. Accommodations can be arranged by that time. If you're interested to study in multiple divisions, you'll need to apply after six months of the start of the academic year. Approval will depend on your capability and proficiency in the second subject you've chosen. Wish you all the very best and I expect all of you to be an asset not only to this university but to this entire Kingdom!" Loud cheering and applause followed this speach from the Dean.

"Hey why did you all chose Arts division? I thought you would choose combat arts department or even healing department." Harry asked them in confusion.

"You are the one who trained us master Harry, so we are not sure of learning anything new here. But in Arts department, Bob, Ben & Chris can learn many things and even we can learn and improve our knowledge also." Alan said.

That's true, ok lads, Rodrick will be outside waiting for you all, settle down at your new quarters. We will meet soon. I will be busy for a couple of months. Meanwhile you guys also get familiar with the university. Once the curriculum is ready, we will start our training once more. " Harry waved at them and took off.

As Harry predicted, Rodrick was waiting outside the auditorium, beaming at all of them.

"Wow!!! congratulations everyone. Reene and Lilly as expected aced the Healing department list." Rodrick Beamed at them.

"Why did you guys took admission for Arts department?" Rodrick looked confused by their decission. Once Alan explained his theory and, he was impressed by their mindset.

"Our quarters is ready, lets move in. Do we need to collect anything from the inn?"

"No Rick, everything in is our hands. Literally...." Dave winked at Rodrick pointing at his storage ring.

They all started to walk towards their quarters talking and occasionally laughing at some joke cracked by one of the guys. Especially Dave.

Irene generally started to walk, sit or even stay closer to Dave whenever she had an opportunity.

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Over the years, Irene's heart was more inclined towards Dave. Naturally everyone had noticed it, including Dave, but no one talked about it.

Once, out of curiosity Rodrick had asked Dave about his feeling towards Irene, when they were having a practice session.

"Rick, Irene is a great girl and it's not like I don't know about her feelings towards me. But I am unsure of my own future as of now. I don't know what am I going to do after university."

"When I joined the Winden Academy, I was planning to start my own trading house and help my brother. After meeting my new family, my plans changed drastically. Now I am planning to travel around, see and learn new things, meet new people and improve my knowledge.

"Honestly Rick, I do like Irene but I also want her to have a happy life. Not to waste her life and age for someone like me. So, I am not saying anything for now. If, in the future, after knowing about the tru... Dave stopped speaking and cleared his throat. If she still have the same feeling towards me one I come back from my traveling. Then I will...." He shrugged his shoulders solemnly.

"After knowing my issues or by that time, if she had a change of heart or decided to move on in life, I will wish her all the happiness in this world and will keep a watch over her."

Dave's words increased Roderick's respect towards him by multiple folds. And all others patted Dave's back with a proud feeling.

Unknown to them, Irene and Lilly had listened to their conversation that day.

After walking for some distance, Irene turned to Lilly.

"Lilly, I can wait for him for a lifetime. Something is holding him back, I can feel it from his expression and his behavior. And for some reason, if he has a change of heart or meet someone he loves more then me during his travelling, I will decicate my life completely towards healing and will never marry anyone else in this lifetime." There were tears in her eyes when she expressed her feeling to Lilly.

Lilly hugged her and also was touched by Irene's words. "Rene, I know brother Dave very well. He will be the last person to reject a wonderful girl like you. As you said, their may be a strong reason holding him back. Let's wait and see."

Coincidentally, the conversation between Irene and Lilly was also heard by the Dave and others that day. As they felt some disturbance and followed the girls with a feeling of foreboding.

"Well..... There is no escaping for you now Dave. I have a gut feeling, once you tell her the truth, she will not leave you but, will get even closer to you. Binding you both even tighter together." Alan patted Dave's back, followed by other guys. Dave sighed heavily, but there was a fond smile on his face, his gaze distant...

" What will happen when she comes to know about my special condition...? Will she still have the same feeling for me? " Dave contemplated his feelings.