Chapter 48: Adjusting to New Life
The early morning sun cast its golden glow across the sprawling lands of the Agares estate.
A crisp breeze whispered through the trees, rustling the banners that bore the sigil of their noble House—an ancient hourglass crossed with silver chains. Within the estate, a young devil stirred, his eyes opening slowly as light filtered through his tall arched windows.
Volundr sat up in his bed, silent, his chest rising and falling with steady breath. The ceremony was over. The Evil Pieces pulsed faintly in his core, a strange sensation—like pieces of a puzzle waiting to be placed.
He could still feel the gaze of Ajuka Beelzebub, the tension in the air when his mutation rate was recorded as abnormal, even among nobles. No one had said it out loud, but he knew... the expectations were rising.
He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood, his bare feet touching the cool marble floor. Today wasn't a day of rest—it was a beginning.
Agares Estate – Council Room
The room was bright with morning light. Volundr stood before a small gathering—his father, Lord Damius Agares, his mother Lady Alysra, and his younger sister Seekvaira. They sat around a polished obsidian table, cups of steaming devil-fruit tea resting in front of them.
"You handled yourself well during the ceremony," Lord Damius began, his voice calm but proud. "Ajuka was... intrigued by your potential. As are many others now."
"Too intrigued," Lady Alysra murmured, worry flickering in her eyes. "Nobles talk. Whispers spread faster than fire."
"I'm used to the weight of eyes," Volundr replied, folding his arms behind his back. "Let them look. What they'll see won't be what they expect."
Seekvaira smirked, lounging in her chair with one leg crossed over the other. "Getting rather poetic these days, aren't you? Don't forget to sleep every now and then, brother. Brilliance burns out if you push too hard."
Volundr gave her a faint smile. "I'll rest when the board is set."
Lord Damius nodded.
"Good. You have our support. But remember: you're young, even by devil standards. Don't try to shoulder everything alone."
He inclined his head respectfully. "Understood, Father."
Later – Volundr's Study
Books were scattered across the floor, some left open with notes scribbled in the margins. Scrolls depicting ancient battlefields and noble genealogies were pinned to the walls.
In the center of it all, Volundr stood before a large table, parchment unfurled across its surface. Diagrams of potential team formations, aura compatibility charts, and training schematics were sketched with precision.
He muttered to himself,
"Caelum will need a field designed for aerial freedom. Valerie's stability must come first before Bishop integration. Kuroka... still not ready for recruitment, but soon."
There was a knock at the door. "Enter," he said without looking up.
His butler, a middle-aged devil named Toren, stepped in.
"Young Master, a message from Lord Sairaorg Bael. He expresses interest in arranging a sparring session. He says—and I quote—'Let's see what a real fist feels like against that spear of yours.'"
Volundr smirked. "Tell him I accept. And to bring gloves. I don't want to break his hand too early."
Toren chuckled. "As you wish, Young Master."
Training Hall – That Evening
Volundr stood in the training chamber's center, runes glowing faintly around him as he tested formations in real time using illusionary constructs. Spectral figures of warriors moved, reacting to his commands.
"Advance left... decoy sweep from the right flank... trigger terrain collapse—no, that leaves the Queen exposed..." He stopped and sighed.
He turned toward the corner where Kuroka leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching.
"You're always planning, nya," she said. "No one ever taught you to play?"
He gave a small laugh. "Planning is how I survive. Playing... that's something I'm still learning."
She pushed off the wall and walked closer. "You're not bad at it. I've seen your eyes light up when you watch the others train. That fire? That's fun."
Volundr looked thoughtful. "Maybe. Or maybe it's just the fire I refuse to let die."
Closing Scene – Balcony of the Estate
The stars were just starting to emerge as Volundr stood on the balcony overlooking the Agares lands. A soft wind tugged at his cloak as he held the small sigil-shaped case containing his Evil Pieces.
He opened it, staring at the pieces. Each pulsed faintly—empty, waiting.
"I won't recruit pawns," he whispered, "I'll find kings and queens wearing pawn masks... and give them the strength to rise."
He closed the box and looked out over the night.
"The world will change. Piece by piece... I'll shape it."