Chapter 52: Strengthening Bonds
"Again," Volundr's voice rang sharp across the courtyard of his estate, the clang of sparring echoing under the morning sun.
Kuroka growled, sweat glistening across her forehead as she lunged forward, her claws weaving through a feint before aiming a low strike.
Volundr parried it smoothly with the shaft of his practice spear, twisting and stepping past her.
"You're hesitating," he said calmly, eyes narrowing. "Commit. Either go for the kill, or don't move at all."
Kuroka dropped to a crouch, breathing hard. "Tch… you make it sound easy, nya…" But there was no anger in her voice—only challenge.
Training the Inner Circle
The sun moved slowly across the sky as the training continued.
Caelum practiced a two-blade technique with dummies enchanted to dodge, his aura flaring with control learned only through grit.
Seraphina, graceful as always, floated mid-air, her magic forming complex patterns—defense, offense, and manipulation all woven into a single dance.
Volundr moved between them, correcting form, pushing limits, offering insight.
But more than technique, he observed will—the edge of loyalty forged through hardship.
Quiet Conversations
Later, under the shade of a blossoming spirit tree, Kuroka sat beside Volundr, towel draped over her neck.
"You're really not recruiting me yet, huh?" she said, her tone half-playful, half-curious.
"Even though I'm already acting like one of your pieces."
Volundr turned to her, smile faint but sincere.
"That day will come, Kuroka. But I don't just want your strength. I want your trust. Your heart."
She blinked at him—genuine surprise flickering in her golden eyes.
"You... already have it, y'know." She looked away, ears twitching. "Don't make me say it again, nya."
Subtle Moves, Deeper Bonds
That night, Volundr gathered his three allies—Caelum, Kuroka, Seraphina—within a circle of candlelight.
He presented each of them a charm, simple yet intricately carved, imbued with his own aura.
"Until the day you wear my pieces," he said, voice solemn, "these will bind us. Not through power, but through intent. My promise to protect you, and yours to grow beside me."
They accepted the charms without hesitation.
Caelum tied his around his wrist.
"A warband bound by spirit. I can live with that."
Kuroka wore hers like a necklace, purring softly.
"Now we're really a little family, nya…"
Seraphina bowed her head in silent acceptance, wings shimmering in the low light.
Internal Monologue – Long-Term Vision
Alone again, Volundr stood by the window of his study, watching the training ground below.
They were not his pieces yet—not officially.
But they were becoming something far greater: irreplaceable.
"Power isn't taken," he whispered, fingers brushing the Queen slot on his mental board. "It's earned. And when the time comes… you will all stand beside me, not as servants, but as comrades."
He smiled.
"My peerage will be unbreakable. Because it will be built on trust, not command."