Chapter 95: Farewell
The golden halls of Asgard were silent in the early morning, bathed in soft light from the rising sun. Frost sparkled across the courtyard stones, catching on the engravings of ancient runes and the towering statues of Valkyrie legends. It was a sacred hour in the Realm Eternal—where even gods paused.
Volundr stood before the Bifröst Gate, his travel cloak draped over his shoulders, the edges gently fluttering in the cold wind. His spear, sheathed in divine cloth, rested across his back, humming quietly in resonance with the realm's ancient energy.
Behind him stood a small group: Rossweisse's family, a few Asgardian dignitaries, and Rossweisse herself—shoulders straight, but expression conflicted.
"You honor Asgard with your wisdom and restraint," said one of the elder Valkyries, a sharp-eyed matriarch with snow-white braids.
"Your presence was... unexpected. But we see your character now, Lord Volundr of House Agares."
"I am grateful for your hospitality," Volundr replied, bowing deeply.
"And for the chance to walk among warriors whose loyalty and strength are matched only by their tradition."
Rossweisse's mother stepped forward next, nodding respectfully.
"Few outside these halls take the time to guide one of our own without expecting anything in return."
"I do expect something," Volundr said softly, a rare smile ghosting across his lips.
"That she reaches her full potential."
There was a small pause. Then, he turned toward Rossweisse.
She stood with her arms folded, eyes narrowed—not in defiance, but in frustration.
"You're really leaving?" she asked.
Volundr gave a small nod.
"Yes. There are responsibilities waiting for me in the Underworld, and others who require guidance."
Rossweisse looked away, biting her lower lip. "You helped me grow stronger, but you never told me why."
Volundr's gaze softened.
"Because it was never about me. It was always about you. Your strength belongs to you alone, Rossweisse."
"But why me?" she asked again, voice sharper, more emotional.
"Why give so much time, effort, knowledge… to someone like me?"
There was a long silence before he stepped closer. "Because you're worth it," he said simply.
"Because I see someone who can stand at the front lines not to destroy—but to protect, to outlast, and to endure. You're the kind of warrior who makes others stronger just by standing with them."
Rossweisse's eyes widened slightly at his words, and something unreadable passed through her gaze—part confusion, part realization, part unspoken gratitude.
Volundr reached into his cloak and drew out a simple silver pendant, shaped like a small protective rune circle. He handed it to her.
"This will help balance your core when using multi-layered defense spells. Consider it… a parting gift."
Rossweisse took it with trembling fingers. "…Thank you."
Then, as she looked down at the pendant, Volundr extended his aura—subtle, invisible, but precise.
His fingers briefly brushed her shoulder, and in that moment, he marked her silently with Limitless Aura.
A faint shimmer passed over her body—gone in an instant, unnoticed by anyone else.
Grow strong, he thought. When the time is right… come find me.
She looked up, unaware of the blessing just bestowed upon her, but somehow feeling a warmth settle deep in her chest—an echo of power, like a distant heartbeat aligning with her own.
He gave a final bow to the gathered crowd, exchanged polite farewells with the dignitaries, and offered a quiet nod to Rossweisse's mother.
Then he turned.
With a flash of light and the rumble of awakening Bifröst magic, Volundr disappeared from the courtyard—leaving behind only the glimmer of the Gate and a girl with a silver pendant and a thousand unspoken questions.
Rossweisse stared at the place he had stood, whispering softly to herself,
"…I'll become someone worthy of that faith. I promise."