Chapter 86: Bonds of Trust
The days in Asgard had grown colder, the crisp winter air biting at the skin, as the last vestiges of autumn faded.
Training grounds, once teeming with the energy of the summer months, now had a quieter, more solemn air. Yet, amidst the stillness, one figure continued her struggles—Rossweisse, ever determined despite the weight of her difficulties.
She stood before the same training field as before, her fingers twitching nervously as she prepared for another attempt at Siez-style magic.
The spell was a complex one—designed to test a mage's control over the flow of energy and elemental forces. It was a signature technique of Asgard, one that the instructors expected every mage to master, but for Rossweisse, it was a daily struggle.
Volundr observed from the shadows, his eyes calculating.
Though the frustration was evident in her posture, he also noticed the subtle improvements in her control. Her defensive spells were becoming more refined—subtle shields that shimmered around her in perfect synchronization with her thoughts.
Her support magic was beginning to take shape as well; gentle, soothing auras of energy would flow out from her, aiding the other students in their training.
But it was in offensive magic where Rossweisse continued to falter. She had the power, Volundr could see that, but there was an innate block in her—something that prevented her from fully unleashing it.
For now, he remained silent, his role nothing more than an unseen observer. He had learned long ago that some growth could not be rushed.
Instead, he would continue offering her quiet support—his advice always just enough to guide her forward without overwhelming her.
As he approached the training grounds after one such session, he found Rossweisse standing by the edge of the field, her shoulders slumped, looking defeated.
She had just failed another attempt, and the frustration was clear in her expression. Yet, there was something else in her gaze now—a hint of quiet determination beneath the surface.
"Another tough day?" Volundr's voice broke the silence, as he casually strolled toward her.
Rossweisse turned to him, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. She hadn't expected him to be there.
"Volundr..." Her voice was weary, but there was a softness to it that hadn't been there before.
"I just can't get it right. I can't make the magic flow the way I want. It's like... it's like I'm missing something."
Volundr studied her for a moment, his gaze thoughtful. "Magic can be fickle," he said slowly.
"It's not always about force. Sometimes, it's about understanding the flow. You've been pushing yourself too hard in one direction."
Rossweisse blinked, her brow furrowing. "What do you mean?"
"Your defensive and support magic have improved immensely. You've become stronger in those areas, but you're still trying to force yourself into a mold that doesn't fit. Offense and defense are different—each requires a different approach, a different mindset. Maybe it's time to accept that your strengths lie in other areas. Focus on what you do best."
She looked uncertain, clearly conflicted by his words.
"But... if I can't master offense, I'll never be a full mage. I need to be able to fight."
"Not all battles are fought with offense." Volundr's voice was low, almost introspective.
"Some battles are won through support. A well-placed shield can turn the tide just as effectively as a well-aimed strike."
Rossweisse hesitated, taking a deep breath. She wanted to argue, to insist that she had to master everything, but something in his tone made her pause. He had a way of speaking—calm, measured—that made her want to listen.
"I'll keep working on it," she said finally, though her voice still held doubt.
"Good," Volundr replied with a slight smile. "You're on the right track. Don't give up now."
As he turned to leave, he glanced back at her, his expression unreadable. "Remember: It's not the power you wield, but how you wield it."
Rossweisse watched him walk away, his words lingering in her mind. For a moment, she wondered why he always seemed to be around when she needed him the most.
His advice was never overly direct or demanding, but it had a way of helping her find clarity, even in the midst of her confusion.
She didn't fully understand why he kept helping her, but somehow, she had begun to trust him. There was something about his quiet wisdom that made her feel safe, even if she couldn't explain why.
Days turned into weeks, and Rossweisse's growth became increasingly evident. Her defensive magic, once unstable and shaky, had become a hallmark of her training.
During drills, her shields were more precise, the barriers stronger and more fluid than ever before. Her support magic, too, had gained power, her gentle auras now capable of not only healing minor wounds but boosting the morale and stamina of her fellow trainees.
Yet, she still struggled with offensive magic. Every attempt at a destructive spell seemed to fall short, either dissipating too quickly or backfiring in an unexpected direction. Still, Volundr noticed that she was becoming more comfortable with her abilities.
His thoughts remained on her future potential—her versatility in battle, her ability to protect, and her unparalleled support magic.
He saw all of this, but he also knew that now wasn't the time to bring her into his fold. Her growth needed to continue, and her maturity was crucial.
For now, Volundr remained a silent supporter, someone Rossweisse could turn to when she needed guidance.
He kept his distance when needed but was always nearby, waiting for the right moment to intervene.
His time would come, but until then, he would watch her grow, offering gentle words of encouragement and watching her slowly realize the depths of her potential.
In time, Volundr mused, she will be more than ready to become my Rook. But for now, patience is key.
As he walked away from the training grounds, Volundr allowed himself a small smile, a rare expression of contentment. Rossweisse was growing. She was beginning to understand that her power wasn't limited to one style of magic.
And when she was ready, he would be there—waiting to claim her as his own.
This chapter focuses on Volundr's continued support of Rossweisse's growth. While she still struggles with certain areas of magic, her skills in defense and support are blossoming, and she begins to trust Volundr's quiet wisdom.
Volundr continues to observe and guide her, knowing that one day she will be ready to become an invaluable member of his peerage.