Chapter 84: The Seed of Magic
The cool winds of Asgard swept across the land, a constant reminder of the realm's ancient power.
Volundr stood at the edge of a grand, stone balcony overlooking the breathtaking expanse of Asgard—its towering spires and shining cities a far cry from the small, humble life he had known before his reincarnation.
He had arrived in Asgard under the pretense of diplomacy, a casual visit among the gods and nobility to maintain good relations with the powerful kingdom. Yet, beneath that mask, he had other intentions.
Rossweisse had been struggling with Siez-style magic again, and Volundr had been watching her quietly from the shadows for 2 weeks.
She was a bright child—intelligent, disciplined, and hard-working—but there was an undeniable incompatibility between her and the magic of Siez-style.
Despite her best efforts, the elemental currents refused to yield to her, causing her magic to fall short again and again. The frustration was evident in her every movement.
From his position on the balcony, Volundr could see her, a small figure, her blonde hair fluttering in the wind as she practiced in the open courtyard below.
She was fighting a battle she could not win, and yet, Volundr knew better than most that true power often lay hidden in the most unlikely places.
Her struggles with Siez-style magic would be the least of her concerns in the years to come. Volundr had seen her full potential—an untapped well of power and versatility that only he understood.
In his previous life, he had watched Rossweisse become an irreplaceable figure—one of the most powerful mages he had ever known, a Rook capable of turning the tide of any battle with her magical prowess.
But no one else saw that potential yet. Certainly not the Asgardian elders or her instructors. And they wouldn't, not for a long time.
I must tread carefully, Volundr thought, his eyes narrowing slightly. He had made up his mind: Rossweisse would be a key figure in his peerage—his future Rook. But that was a secret he would not share with anyone, not yet.
For now, his plan was simple—build a closer connection with Rossweisse, slowly and without drawing attention. He needed to nurture her, help her grow in her own time, so that when the time came, she would be ready to join his side.
Volundr took a deep breath and turned, walking away from the balcony, his mind already forming the next step of his plan.
He was not here to recruit her right away—he would not reveal his intentions to anyone, not even to the Asgardians. His visit was a diplomatic gesture, nothing more.
As he entered the halls of Asgard's majestic citadel, he was met by a familiar figure—one of the high-ranking officials of the kingdom, an emissary of Odin's court.
"Lord Volundr, it is an honor to welcome you to Asgard," the official said with a deep bow. "We trust your stay here will be enjoyable."
Volundr returned the bow with a polite smile.
"Thank you. I've heard much about Asgard's beauty and its history. I've always wished to see it firsthand."
"The gods would be pleased to show you the sights of Asgard, of course," the official replied,
"but we also wanted to invite you to our training grounds. We've heard of your prowess in magic and strategy. Perhaps you would be willing to offer some guidance to our younger mages?"
Volundr's smile widened slightly.
"I would be honored. Though, I admit, my expertise is not quite as refined as those of the Asgardian teachers. But I will do what I can."
The official led him through the opulent halls, and soon they arrived at the grand training courtyard, where Rossweisse was in the middle of her practice.
Her face was scrunched in concentration, sweat beading on her forehead as she tried to channel the elements for the tenth time, only to fail once again.
She's so close, Volundr thought, watching her silently. She just needs guidance that no one else can give her. And I will be the one to offer it when the time is right.
The official gestured toward Rossweisse.
"She is one of our finest students. Though her magic is somewhat… erratic, we see much potential in her. Perhaps you could offer some advice on her techniques?"
Volundr considered the request for a moment, his eyes never leaving Rossweisse.
"Of course. She's talented, I can tell that already. But I think what she needs is a different approach—something more suited to her natural gifts."
The official nodded, a little surprised by Volundr's quick insight. "What would you suggest?"
Volundr's mind raced as he studied Rossweisse further. He had seen her use other forms of magic—her Rune-style and Gondol-style were impressive, and her proficiency in both offensive and defensive magic was remarkable.
But the Asgardians were so focused on Siez-style, they failed to see what she could truly become.
"I believe," Volundr said slowly,
"that she is a versatile mage, capable of excelling in many different styles, not just Siez. You must let her find her own path. Perhaps you should encourage her to experiment with different magical disciplines, rather than forcing her into one mold. Her true power lies in her adaptability."
The official regarded him with an unreadable expression. "Interesting. We will take your words into consideration."
Volundr turned his attention back to Rossweisse, his gaze softening. Patience, Rossweisse. In time, you will see your true potential. And when you do, I will be there.
Over the next few days, Volundr continued his quiet observation of Rossweisse. He didn't push her too hard, didn't intervene in every failure. Instead, he spoke with her family, subtly offering advice on how they could guide her development.
He began to establish a rapport with the Asgardian nobles, slowly becoming a familiar figure in their court, a respected guest.
His true intentions, however, remained a secret. No one knew of his plans for Rossweisse, not even her family. To them, he was just a diplomat, a friendly face from another world.
But Volundr knew the truth. Rossweisse was meant to be one of the cornerstones of his future peerage, and he would ensure that her growth would not go unnoticed.
When the time comes, you will be ready, Volundr thought to himself, a quiet promise echoing in his mind. And when you are, I'll be waiting to claim you as my Rook.
This revision emphasizes Volundr's subtle approach as he visits Asgard to foster a closer relationship with Rossweisse, laying the groundwork for her future recruitment without revealing his true intentions to anyone.