Chapter 85: Hidden Struggles
The sun hung low over the skyline of Asgard, casting its golden light across the grand spires of the kingdom.
The training grounds were busy as ever, filled with warriors, mages, and young hopefuls striving to improve. Yet, amid the hustle and bustle, Rossweisse stood apart.
She stood at the center of a clearing, the air around her shimmering with magical energy. Her blonde hair fluttered in the wind as her small hands moved through the complex motions of Siez-style magic, her concentration intense.
But despite her focus, the magic refused to bend to her will, the familiar resistance sending waves of frustration through her body.
It was a constant battle she couldn't win—not yet, at least. She had tried so many times, each failure eating at her confidence. The Siez-style magic, revered in Asgard as one of the most powerful forms of magic, felt foreign to her.
She had been training with it for years, yet each attempt left her feeling more isolated. Others in her class seemed to have no trouble at all, their elemental magic flowing freely, while she remained stuck in a cycle of failure.
Rossweisse's frustration mounted as she released another spell, only to see it fizzle out harmlessly in front of her. She clenched her fists in frustration, feeling the weight of the expectation pressing down on her.
In the distance, the Asgardian instructors whispered among themselves, their gazes flicking to her with a mixture of concern and disappointment. She could hear their words on the wind, though they never spoke them aloud.
"She's struggling again. Her magic doesn't seem to fit her... She'll never reach her full potential."
"She needs to improve. She's talented, but only if she can master this style."
Their words stung, even though they weren't meant for her ears. But in the silence of the clearing, it was impossible to ignore them.
Unbeknownst to Rossweisse, Volundr was watching from the shadows, his eyes keenly focused on her movements. He had been coming to Asgard frequently, carefully observing her progress from a distance.
The young girl's frustration was palpable, and though he couldn't reveal himself to her yet, he knew exactly what was happening.
Siez-style magic wasn't for her. But that didn't mean she wasn't capable of greatness. In his previous life, Volundr had witnessed Rossweisse's untapped potential firsthand—a versatility in magic that went far beyond the confines of the Asgardian tradition.
Her true strength lay in her adaptability and the raw power she possessed in other forms of magic.
But those qualities, those strengths, were hidden beneath layers of doubt and frustration. And Volundr couldn't let her slip through the cracks. He knew better than anyone that Rossweisse would one day become an invaluable piece in his peerage—his future Rook.
Her potential for high mobility, her immense magic, and her unmatched defensive abilities would make her an irreplaceable part of his strategy.
Yet, she wasn't ready. Not yet.
He couldn't rush her growth. And he wouldn't push her. Instead, he began offering her subtle guidance—passing advice in the form of casual remarks when the opportunity arose.
His words were always just enough to steer her in the right direction, to help her see that she wasn't bound to the narrow path of Siez-style magic.
One afternoon, as Rossweisse struggled once again with her magic, Volundr observed her quietly from a distance.
He knew that her frustration stemmed from the same thing he had noticed long ago: she wasn't built for Siez-style. She had tried to force herself into a mold that wasn't hers. But she was a mage of boundless potential, and it was only a matter of time before she realized it.
As she took a moment to rest, Volundr approached, stepping lightly on the ground, his footsteps barely audible. He took a seat nearby, his presence unobtrusive.
"Do you ever wonder if there's more to magic than just this?" he asked casually, his voice calm and smooth.
Rossweisse glanced up in surprise, seeing Volundr standing a few paces away. She hadn't expected anyone to approach her during her training, especially not a figure of his stature.
"More than just Siez-style magic?" she asked, her voice tight with frustration.
Volundr nodded, his expression unreadable.
"There's more to magic than what your instructors are teaching you. Magic is about understanding your own strengths, not just following tradition."
She blinked, uncertain of his meaning.
"But... this is the magic of Asgard. It's the style that is supposed to lead to power."
"Power isn't just about style. It's about knowing your limits and pushing beyond them. You can't force yourself into a mold that doesn't fit."
Volundr's eyes gleamed with quiet wisdom.
"Sometimes, the greatest strength lies in adapting to your surroundings. You don't have to master everything. Just master what suits you."
Rossweisse stared at him, not quite understanding, but there was something in his tone that made her pause.
"I... I've tried everything they've taught me. I can't—"
"You're forcing yourself to follow a path that doesn't suit your true abilities. Maybe you should try something different. You have far more power than you know, Rossweisse. Just find the right key."
With that, Volundr offered a slight smile, one that barely touched his lips, before he turned to leave.
"Remember," he said over his shoulder, "sometimes the key isn't something you learn, it's something you realize."
Rossweisse stood still, staring at the space where Volundr had been. His words lingered in her mind, but she didn't know what they meant yet. Still, something in her stirred, a tiny flicker of hope amidst the frustration.
Volundr continued to observe her from afar, knowing the advice he had given would take time to settle. He didn't expect instant results; it was about planting seeds for the future.
And when the time came, Rossweisse would remember his words. She would understand that she had more potential than she could even begin to comprehend now.
But for now, he let her walk her own path. He would continue to subtly guide her, positioning himself as a trusted figure to her and her family.
The path to recruiting her as his Rook would come in time. But only when she was ready.
As Volundr spent more time in Asgard, he began to form a deeper bond with her family—quietly establishing himself as someone they could rely on.
But no one knew what Volundr truly saw in Rossweisse. They saw a girl struggling with her magic, nothing more.
Volundr knew better. He could see the hidden struggles she faced, the raw potential that was slowly blossoming. And he would wait.
She just needs time. And when she's ready, I'll be the one to claim her as my Rook.
And with that thought, Volundr silently watched from the shadows, knowing that his patience would soon be rewarded.
This chapter focuses on Rossweisse's continued struggles with Siez-style magic and Volundr's growing interest in her potential.
His guidance, though subtle and indirect, starts to plant the seeds of her future growth, and he continues to position himself in her life as a future ally.