The hivemind is conquering for me?

I spent a bit longer with Hecate helping her with her research after my training. Despite almost facing summary execution for being reckless, she had not learned her lesson.

Xy’oi’la’py’re had given us a lot of details about the Psionic plane and how entities exist there. It was quite fascinating in itself. But Hecate wanted more. She had first fixed the trap so it would function properly now and planned on doing it in secret the moment she was allowed to teach again.

I tried to convince her that that was the most ridiculous thing I had ever heard, but she wasn’t having it. I still helped her with some prep though, but I made it abundantly clear I wouldn’t help summon Psionic entities again. You don’t play with fire or you are going to get burned... Well, except for me. When I play with fire she moans in delight.

I then felt Sol let out flirtatious fluctuations through her link as I thought that, prompting me to smile.

A short while later, Hecate turned to me and nodded. ”Alright Apollo, you can go. I was supposed to test you to see if you had passed my lessons, but considering the fact our lessons aren’t really conventional I didn’t see the need. The others were also supposed to do so tomorrow, give you tests to make sure you are ahead so you are clear for the expedition, but I think they have all come to the same conclusion. Your aptitude for Psionics is decades ahead of what it should be. I am proud to call you my student and even more proud to call you my friend.”

”Well that was surprisingly sweet.” I admitted. Hecate extended her hand out for a handshake, but after that, I swatted it aside and brought her into a bear hug. Lifting her already floating self further off the ground.

After a few seconds, I heard a choked. ”Apollo... Spine.”

I let Hecate go. ”Oops, sorry.” I said to the red faced Hecate. She took a moment to compose herself. ”Goodness, you are strong. Still not as much as that ox of an adopted mother you have, but still... Shit, don’t tell her I called her that.”

...

After leaving Hecate’s office. My stomach began to rumble. I was starving.

”I’ll get a bite to eat then head ho- Oh come on!” I exclaimed in deep dissatisfaction as food was once again denied me. I sat down in the chair before me as I felt my Psionics disappear and looked around the cosy study room.

Maximus, the headteacher, was stroking the long white bear on his lap. I reached forward for the conveniently placed pipe and match on the table and took it. Took a deep inhale before speaking my grievance.

”Max, I am going to be blunt. I am hangry. Please don’t take long as Perpekto is starting to look particularly tasty.”

The little bear’s eyes opened wide hearing that and looked at me in surprise before wriggling out of Maximus’ lap and ran away to the edge of the room. Giving me a side eye the entire time.

Maximus chuckled seeing that. ”Forgive me, I thought it best to get this over with now so you can resume whatever you were planning on doing.”

Maximus then pulled out a document from under his desk and handed it over to me. I gave it a quick glance before looking at the man, confused. ”Life insurance policy?”

Maximus nodded his head. ”Yes, it’s no secret you have vast wealth. I am in the awkward position as the runner of the school to ask you in the event of your death, if you would be willing to depart with a sum of your wealth? As a donation to the future of the College... Oh, not that we want you to die of course. We prefer our students living. Especially generational talents. This is just... Precaution.”

”Jeez... Talk about a bummer.” I couldn’t help muttering.

Maximus then felt bad and was about to reassure me, but I had already begun signing the policy. Sensing his surprise at my haste. I explained. ”I’m not going to die, so I can sign whatever. Are we done? Can you send me back? Apollo needs nutrients.”

I then passed back the document and Maximus took a look at the signature before nodding. ”Very well, you go enjoy a nice succulent meal. My advice? Splurge. The food on the expedition won’t be as good.”

Maximus then flicked his wrist and the young man was out of his study. He wished Apollo and the rest of the expedition well. But he wasn’t a fool. He knew some would not be coming back...

”Rawr!”

A cute little growl came from the side of the room as Perpekto walked back over. Maximus chuckled at his companion. ”Oh, he was only joking. He wouldn’t eat you. You are too adorable to be eaten. Now come on, would you like another one of those massages? They are doing wonders. You have already grown half a millimetre!

...

After being sent back out I finally made my way to get the best food in the universe. I devoured everything accompanied by Mary who had heard I was being sent on an expedition.

I seriously loved this woman. She was so nice and sweet and her and her chefs made food fit for royalty.

She gave me some advice on how to stay alive against the Drakoshi. Apparently she used to be a special operative and after she told me her stories and I was feeling full, I asked her to marry me, again, because she was the whole package.

After playfully being kicked out of the establishment for being a big flirt, she then gave me a hug and good luck before I made my way home.

...

As I arrived home I bent down before the front door and picked up a piece of trash. ’A red plastic cup?’ I shrugged my shoulders as it must have blown over.

I then opened the front door and it was a microsecond earlier I realised what red cups were usually used for.

”Surprise!”

A large group of people were inside waiting for me. Banners were hung, balloons were blown up and I felt my heart melt.

”You guys~ You didn’t need to throw me a party!”

”No, we didn’t” Hailey stepped forward. ”But we wanted to. We are going to miss you, aren’t we?”

The guests all cheered at that announcement and the party swiftly got underway.

Throughout the night. I spoke with all my friends. Everyone here was so nice. Not only were my friends here, but other members of the expedition. It was nice getting to know them better in this context. Sharing a few drinks between us would tighten the bond between us all.

Going around the party, there were a few mentionable individuals. Alder and Ivy. With them being busy with the more academic side of the college, I didn’t see them that much outside of Psionic basics. But they were smart, intelligent people and I hoped to continue our friendship in the future.

My whole dispensation group was here. I was so proud of how well they were taking to Gene enhancement, though we still had a gathering set for tomorrow that I did not plan on cancelling.

Even Ambrose was here, the old man I met on my first day. His radiation absorption had totally rejuvenated his body and was now unrecognisable. He was a good looking dude now that appeared in his forties.

I had seen him get hit on a few times during the night by some of the stragglers that had come for a free party and each time he yelled at the top of his voice. ’I Don’t cheat on my wife!’ It was a beautiful display of true love and it made me admire the man.

Then there were the friends I had naturally been close to. Mindy, Evanthe and Althea had grown very close to one another. Althea was still focused most of the time on finding ways to cure her brother, but we had spent some time together like Mindy promised when I brought up our friendship a couple months ago.

I was glad my friends had found friendship with one another. Sharing the love was what I was about.

Then my guy friends were all here. Iilr and his crew. I had made a point to spend more time with them a while ago as hanging out with men was so much simpler I could still barely believe it. Like the other day after we were bested by the lake beast, we all just sat around on the beach for hours chatting and sharing stories. The bald alliance looked menacing from the outside, but every single one of them were respectful gentlemen and I would do my best to keep the ones that were going on the expedition alive. They had shown me kinship and brotherhood and I would repay them for that a thousand times over.

...

The party had continued to go on for a few more hours. I was acting a wall fly as I watched my loved ones dance for a bit before someone came and stood next to me and asked.

”Hey Apollo, can we talk in private?”