Welldark B2 Ch. 09

The time was advanced and I had to be somewhere. My phone was filled with messages from Esther and I decided I'd rather meet her in person than write her something that poorly summarized the situation.

I hurried back into the Magic Branch of Welldark. It was strange to see the building again, now knowing that I was wandering the overlapping shadows of various 4th dimensional objects. Even stranger was considering what I had learned about myself. For as much knowledge as my birthright instilled in me, there were still mysteries.

Esther was about to enter the Astral Cultivation chamber when she spotted me. Immediately she turned on her heels, pushed aside the massive crocodile man behind her, and stormed towards me. "Hello, lady of my love," I greeted her with open arms. I was every bit prepared for the intensity of the hug she afforded me. It took no less than two seconds after our embrace for our lips to follow the example of our arms.

Esther's tongue ventured past my lips, and competed against mine in who could be more intense in their desire for the other. I tasted cherry sweetness, a delightful reminder of her toothpaste. I smelled citrus, her wonderful shampoo. Intoxicating warmth filled my being head to toe. Neither of us wanted to let go and so neither of us did, even though there were people streaming past us and there was a class we were to attend.

It was only the rising desires of our bodies that eventually made us back away. That line of public decency we would not cross, for the trouble it would bring. Had it not been for disapproval by the teachers and our current agreement to not have intercourse, I would have deemed the nearby piece of wall as an acceptable rest for her back.

"So?" Esther asked, the sternness in her voice contrasting sharply with the stormy greeting she had given me.

'Get yourself a woman that kisses you before she asks you where you have been,' I thought and smirked broadly, realizing I had already exceeded that desire. "Let's just say I went through something terrible that makes me mostly confident I can withstand the Headmaster."

"With ease?" Esther asked for clarification.

I shook my head to that. "With as much ease as someone who deadlifts 120 kilos can lug a 60 kilo sack around, I'd say. I've connected to... parallels out of this world, let's say." Guiltily, I glanced and tried to find the proper words to describe what I could of the experience. A complication of two layers, first to find the proper words for the experience itself and then to censor myself regarding what she could not yet find out.

Esther placed a finger on my lip. "You shall succeed," she stated and then turned around. "Let's meditate."

To be trusted to such a degree, it filled me with joy unbound.

____________________________________________________________________

The rest of the week passed me by slowly. My every moment was filled with one of three things. When I had free time, I was reminded of how much of a horny creature I was. It had been easier when cumming twice a day had not been my minimum. After having sex every day for two months straight, not masturbating was simultaneously easier and a lot harder. I muddled through, but by all that was soft and squishy did the access to a limitless amount of porn appear more seductive than ever.

I tried to overcome this through my continued willpower training, but that was only doing so much. Deliberately, I avoided exhausting myself fully. This Sunday was going to be my final shot and I wanted to be rested for the occasion. I had pulled every stunt available, now I would either perform or disappoint my harem.

At least during university time, I was distracted nicely. It was the final week of the semester and every teacher took the time to have a swift talk with their students. With some, that was the tiniest of interactions, with others it was a prolonged dialogue. It all depended on how many people a classroom was shared with.

It had started on Monday (although I had been a bit distracted that day), with my alchemy teacher. He had recommended that I try to be a little less focused on lustful application, while also praising my enthusiasm. He had recommended I take next semester's class, with the caveat that I would likely not be sitting next to Willt again. My friend got the pointer to maybe skip a difficulty grade in alchemy.

Willt and I had not yet decided how to handle that situation. I wouldn't want to hold him back. That he was more talented an alchemist than I was a fact. I fully endorsed any decision on his part to make that advantage flourish. He was, however, not keen on sitting through these classes without a familiar face. I could've ignored the teacher's advice and attempted to skip up as well. A lot of consideration there.

For the Aesthetic Arts, I was told I did not have the right mindset to continue and I agreed. While the classes were funny, especially with the feud the man had going on with the teacher of the Applied Arts class, I did not feel like I truly learned a lot. I was given words for things that I already understood and that I did not need to describe. It just wasn't useful for me.

Gravity Magic was basically the shortest talk. The teacher simply stated that he wanted to see me next semester in the Advanced lecture. I was certainly going to oblige. To be the most powerful being to exist may not have been my priority, but I certainly was not going to leave Welldark weak.

Astral Cultivation was in the same vein. I got complimented for how swiftly I managed to drop into meditative trances and how easily I connected with the Astral Sea. The teacher had been informed of Omnius' decision to give me access to that particular facet of cultivation, of course. A recommendation to continue attending these classes did not have to be given.

Interdimensional Conduct and Battlefield Training were both mandatory courses and, as such, had some official evaluation. For Interdimensional Conduct, I got a rank that was average across the board. I had neither disrupted nor participated in the class to any notable degree and I was fine with that. For Battlefield Training, I received the second highest grade. Esther was scored above me because my lack of enthusiasm had been noted. Regardless, we were given some additional Dark to spend during the break.

The teacher of the Engineering class did praise me both for being a creative problem solver and for having made Voxxy's entrance in the class a lot easier. Tom wanted to see me again next semester. As did the aforementioned shortstack, who approached me after our evaluations were over and hinted not-so-subtly that I should call her over the break. I had a feeling I knew who was going to be the third addition to my Anomalia.

The Cooking class had no specific comment for me. I was a student with mild interest in cooking and I was treated as such. If I wanted to return next semester, then I was told I would be welcome. If not, there was no culinary genius lost in me. It was not expressed that clearly, I simply summarized it bluntly in my head.

Stiltzkin, in a tirade of curses, let me know to take the Expert class already, dumbass fucking capable asshole that I was. I looked forward to getting screamed at for another semester.

Maria insisted that I re-took the basic Musical Class next semester. I had talent. As late as I had started to use it, however, I was behind the people in more advanced classes. Plus, I had obviously been distracted for much of the semester and not given my voice the necessary out-of-class training. Further, she 'recommended' (ordered was more fitting a word) I bring one of my Anomalia members along. Nothing was more beautiful than loves making music together. I did not know if I agreed with that totally, but the sentiment I shared.

For Weapon Training, I was practically begged to return. Because I was testing every single weapon that was on display, I made for a wonderful practice opponent for those around that were sticking to whatever their Artefact was. I made the teacher's life a whole lot easier. I gave no definitive answer yet.

Interdimensional Etiquette I was given a soft recommendation on continuing. The class was interesting enough, unlike Interdimensional Conduct, but I was not sure if I would heed that. I would have to plan around at least one more person for my next semester's schedule and some things would inevitably end up on the chopping block due to conflicting time slots. This was one class I was willing to axe.

Danielle did not even call me in for a meeting, we both knew she would see me again next semester. A brief talk with Esther was had. All it contained was a few compliments about the lady of my love coming out of her shell more and the way her sexual development had gone. It was an indirect compliment to me that the Mistress of Sexuality recognized how nicely Esther had bloomed from a completely inexperienced virgin to a woman simultaneously unashamed of her libido and completely loyal to her relationship. Esther embodied everything we had been taught this semester. An assessment I could not agree more with.

The Dimensional Heroes class strictly speaking did not have a continuation course and we were all told that next semester would be essentially the same class with a different set of incredible individuals. Much as Willt and I wanted to attend, this was another class that was certainly on the dismissible side of things.

Lastly, I talked to Allister. The owner of the Café Served wanted to know if I wanted to continue my work contract. I was recognized as a capable worker and I looked damn good in a butler uniform, so it would have been a shame to lose me. I agreed but did throw in that I may take a few weeks off during the semester break. Esther and I had been discussing plans to travel that had been, with everything else going, not finalized so far.

And that was the total summary of my teacher's opinions of me. To evaluate myself, it was unsurprisingly the case that I exceeded in combat and Astral Capacity related things, with everything else being either average for a lack of effort or carried by my talent in the field. No matter what happened with Taurus on Sunday, I vowed to not be as much of a slacker next time around. I had women to impress.

As for approaching Taurus, there was the perfect chance on Sunday.

___________________________________________________________________________

"I congratulate all of you for finishing your first semester in Welldark," Derilea addressed the student body. The Queen of the Headmaster stood atop the same stone platform that she had held the speech on at the start of the semester. The damage Aclysia, Esther, and I had caused it had been completely fixed. It was all flat, light grey, almost white rock.

Taurus stood behind his Queen, looking every bit the bull he always was. For the moment, standing there, arms crossed, was all he did, while Derilea in her maid uniform continued her speech.

"For many of you, attending this school must have been a cultural change of immense proportions. The Dimensional Truth recommends to us a lifestyle that is often difficult to accept. I hope that your first semester has shown you that the Anomalia may be different from the monogamous lifestyle you have been surrounded by, but it does not need to be loveless. Matter of fact, it cannot be loveless.

"To love is the greatest hurdle of all. To fall in love is often easy, perhaps even unwanted, and so to continue loving can be a struggle that cannot be described. To learn is similar. Some lessons come swiftly and easily, some even unwanted. I can be content knowing that there's another wave of students in Welldark that has learned the first thing about the truths and the power the cosmos has cursed and gifted them with. May you be shaped by your experiences here, into better people, and into families of the multiplied love."

I had not expected such a speech out of Derilea. The maid was always so straight-laced that I had thought all she would say was a factual recounting of what was expected from us next semester.

"Next semester, the following things are expected from you..."

Perhaps I should have halted my thoughts for three seconds next time I dared to be surprised by anyone.

"...You are to continue taking the mandatory courses, although it remains up to you which semesters exactly you visit them all at. As you leave the first semester, the law that prevents upperclassmen from approaching you is lifted. Expect interest in you to rise accordingly. You will want to assemble your Anomalia by the end of next semester, as your ranking tournaments will be held shortly thereafter. As for the semester break, I wish to make you aware of the extracurricular activities provided by the university. You may sign in for them via AppDark. Otherwise, I hope you all use the break productively." She turned her head, voice turning tender and loving when she beheld her King. "The Head-Master will now address you."

Taurus tensed up in a way that, to most, must have seemed like he was flexing his impressive stature. After having spent a lot of time with the man, I realized that he was simply uncomfortable with giving public speeches. It was interesting what weaknesses even the most powerful of men had. His discomfort did not stop his voice from booming through the room though. His towering figure stared at us all through the large screens under the ceiling of the massive room.

"Ambition," the word washed over the freshmen in the room. Row upon row of students, a few having to stand or sit in the corridors. About a quarter, by my estimations, of the freshmen had not bothered attending the end of semester speech. "All of you have ambition. Some of you have too much... a woeful many of you too little.

"The infinity of the cosmos makes many actions appear useless. Nihilistic reason may lead you to believe that nothing you do ultimately matters. Chuckle at such notions. Everything you do matters. Everything you do matters absolutely. You are part of the cognition of the universe. You are creation gazing in on itself and rearranging it to be more pleasing. You are cosmos into yourself. Every action matters, because it shapes you. Every inaction matters, because the lack of motions defines you just as much. An unworked block of clay may be defined as formless, but its potential dries up into a clump if not shaped."

Taurus' eyes travelled over the crowd. He stopped at me. Despite the roughly hundred metres between us, he looked me dead in the eye.

"You must push yourself in order to attain what you want. Nothing about ambition is worthless. Recognize what you cannot do. Strive towards reaching what you can do. Your life may end, your name fade, the marks you made on the world erased, but no ripple ever stops echoing into infinity. All actions are a reaction to the first action. You are a link in the chain that stretches into the Dimensional Truth. Act like it. Show me that you are capable."

"I guess that's my cue," I whispered to Esther.

"Your cue?" Willt asked, realizing quickly what I was getting at. "Seriously? Again?"

"As someone I regard as wise recently told me: I do my best work with an audience," I responded and departed with one more kiss from both my Queen and my maid-to-be. I made my way to the corridor, then down to the arena.

I was noticed swiftly. Being the focus of the Headmaster let everyone notice when I moved. In a world of turning heads, I was the only pair of moving feet. At the foot of the stairs, I stopped. My eyes closed for longer than a standard blink. Standing atop the platform, I put my hands casually in my pockets. With certain steps, I moved towards the speaker. My own voice was carried by the magic.

"Headmaster, I wish to face the challenge to be worthy of your daughter's attention once more," I said. "You speak of ambition and this is mine. I have come short. I have embarrassed myself in not being as serious about this as I could be. I have righted that wrong." I stopped, only two strides between us. I took my hands out of my pockets, straightened up, and braced for impact. "Test me."

There was murmuring all around. The news of my test had spread to most, but not to all. Those out of the loop were quickly caught up, while Taurus stared at me. The 2,20 metres tall goliath towered over me. When he took a step, I could feel the vibration of his sole hitting the floor. Broad, he positioned himself in front of me.

"Five times I have witnessed your improvements. Five times I was disappointed," he said to me, as if no one else existed. "Let's see if your ambitions are beyond or a match of your current abilities, Karitas."

I smiled and let my eyes wander over the crowd behind Taurus. All eyes laid on me. Who out there knew me? Who was hoping that I would get crushed? Who was at the edge of the seat, praying for my success? Who was growing more interested in me for having tried and who would fall for me having succeeded? What ripples would this action make?

I loved to consider it all and began to hum my own little song.

In an instant, it got stuck in my throat. I hunched over, as if the air atop me was compressed into pure metal. Clenching my teeth, I straightened back up. Behind Taurus' stern face, I saw the students pressing into their seats. Even those so far away felt a wave of the Headmaster's pressure.

'You're being... too... kind...' I thought, barely keeping myself from saying it loud. Very few in the room would understand the true meaning of those words. To most, it must have sounded like I thought he was going light on me. This was the full extent of his aura, everything that I was used to and having experienced it several times, I knew that Arustius Taurus was not one whose aura carelessly affected all around him.

He was giving everyone a taste of what I endured.

I raised one leg and slammed it back down, standing broad. The muscles in my neck tensed. Sweat formed between my brows and pearled to my nose. I felt like I was at the end of one of my sprints, my body heaving. My lungs refused to expand all the way, felt ironclad, as if I had been holding my breath underwater for several minutes. I was sinking deeper. The pressure mounted.

The Headmaster's figure loomed over me. Taller and taller, he seemed. His dark eyes stared down at me, as if I was a mere ant. His features blended into a shadow that appeared out of nowhere, until only the white of his eyes remained. The horned darkness swallowed everything, until he was larger than life.

Just as my thoughts turned into crushed ice and my knees began to quiver, I realized in Taurus the view from my singular position. He was larger than life, but only than this life. I stood in a place impossible to stand, the heart of an endless plane of hexagons and traced a line upwards. I traced myself upwards and I alone remained.

The intensity of the aura changed. I grew numb, as if hypothermia was setting in. What had been terribly heavy became absurdly light and I straightened up completely again. Vaguely, I was aware of the pressure. My fists remained clenched. My skin felt hot and cold, switching back and forth in rapid, unpleasant intervals. My lids were heavy. My soul was tired. Yet, despite all of this, I could stand without issue. I had passed the point of struggle. I was a runner in motion, capable of continuing until I stopped myself or dropped dead.

Then, the pressure was suddenly gone.

Subconsciously, I had been stemming against it. Once it was gone, I was a divider without elements to keep separate. I folded, the energy that had kept me upright leaving me. A paw-like hand caught me by the chest. For a few seconds, the Headmaster had to support me, then I stood on my own feet again. "Good work, son," he said and patted my shoulder. "1 minute and 23 seconds."