Chapter 46: Starting to Build Bonds
The days following the rescue of Gasper and Valerie were quiet—but not idle. Healing was a slow process, and while Valerie rested and Gasper adjusted to his new life under Rias' care, Volundr turned his attention to someone else.
Someone who, despite the darkness in her past, had chosen to stay by his side.
Kuroka.
Kuroka's Training Grounds
Nestled deep in the mountain ranges owned by the Agares family, a secluded training arena pulsed with ambient aura. Ancient stone pillars stood tall around a central platform—surrounded by forests, waterfalls, and enchanted wildlife to simulate real-world combat environments.
Here, Kuroka stood barefoot on the stone floor, her black kimono fluttering in the wind, her golden eyes fixed on her opponent: Volundr.
"Again," he said, his spear resting over his shoulder. "Channel your senjutsu into movement. Let it flow—don't force it."
Kuroka growled playfully, stretching her fingers like claws.
"Hehe~ You make it sound so easy, nya. But fine… one more time."
She dashed forward, weaving illusions mid-step, her form flickering like a phantom. Volundr deflected with the blunt edge of his spear, forcing her to adjust mid-air. She dropped low, tail flicking out, and swept toward his feet.
He leapt over her and landed behind her.
"Too predictable. You're relying on trickery, but not instinct."
"Tch…"
They continued—strike, vanish, strike again. Sparks flew from aura clashes. After nearly an hour, both stood breathing lightly, neither truly exhausted, but both focused.
Moments Between Battle
After training, they sat beneath a tree overlooking the stream. Kuroka had conjured a floating sphere of water in her palm, practicing precision while Volundr examined a scroll.
"You're getting stronger," he said without looking up.
"Your illusions are sharper, and your senjutsu control is finally syncing with your martial rhythm."
"Mmm, of course I am~ I've got the best teacher, don't I?"
He gave a faint smile.
"Don't flatter me too much. I'll start expecting gifts."
Kuroka turned toward him, her voice softening.
"You really think I can be strong again? Like, truly strong? Not just… used?"
Volundr looked at her, serious now.
"Yes. But not because of potential. Because you chose to walk this path. That matters more."
Kuroka blinked, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then she turned away, her ears twitching slightly.
"You're strange, you know that, nya?"
"I've been told."
A long silence passed. Then, gently, Volundr said, "I plan to recruit you."
She stiffened slightly.
"Not now," he clarified. "But when you're ready. I want you as my second Pawn."
Kuroka turned to him, eyes wide—not in fear, but in realization. She searched his face for any hint of deceit.
There was none.
"You'd trust me… with a piece of your soul?"
"I already do," he answered simply. "But I want you to trust yourself first."
Her hand closed tightly over the water sphere. It splashed away as her aura wavered, a quiet tremble in her breath.
"Give me time," she whispered. "I want to earn it."
"You already are."
Nightfall and Reflection
As the moon rose high above the peaks, Volundr watched her from the steps of the training grounds.
Kuroka now meditated alone, her aura pulsing steadily as she floated above the earth in silent concentration.
He didn't need to say more. She knew she was being watched, not monitored.
Trusted.
The wind swept across the stone and whispered promises of things to come. The Pieces were slowly coming together—not with force, but with understanding.
And in the shadows of a broken past, bonds were being forged stronger than any chain.