Chapter 7: Bonds of Growth
The early spring sun cast golden warmth over the rolling hills of the Agares estate, awakening life from its winter slumber. Trees began to bloom, and the crisp air carried the scent of fresh grass and subtle hints of flower petals.
In the training courtyard, Volundr's spear whirled with fluid grace, the weapon blurring as he executed a rapid series of forms that mixed ancient devil martial traditions with modern human efficiency.
Each movement was honed by hours of practice. Each stance refined not for show, but for battlefield realism.
"Step in, pivot, thrust," he muttered to himself, repeating a drill he had adapted from a forgotten human military text. He completed the final arc of his spear routine with a satisfying exhale, sweat dotting his brow.
"Brother!" Seekvaira's voice rang out from the far end of the courtyard.
She came running, her silver pigtails bouncing. "I finished the meditation you taught me. My core felt... warmer today. Stronger."
He smiled, motioning her to approach. "Good. That's your energy flow responding to your training. The more you refine your mind, the more efficient your magic becomes."
Seekvaira, though still young, had shown immense dedication. Her growth—accelerated by Limitless Aura—was progressing well, but Volundr made sure she trained with discipline, not dependence.
He often reminded her, "The Aura amplifies your efforts, not replaces them."
"You'll need a new robe soon," he said, gesturing to her sleeves, which no longer reached her wrists.
She huffed. "That's because I'm growing taller! I'm catching up to you!"
Volundr laughed. "You've got a few years yet, Vaira."
She pouted. "Only three. That's not that much."
Volundr ruffled her hair, keeping a mental note of her age. It was helpful for planning their education schedule.
At seven, she was already academically advanced for her age. He was nine now, but mentally still carried the clarity of his thirty-year-old self.
Later that day, Volundr met with Claudius in the strategy room. Maps of the Underworld, noble territories, and factional networks were spread before them.
"You've been reading war journals again," Claudius noted with a chuckle, watching the young heir place colored pins across the board.
"Not just reading—analyzing," Volundr replied. "The Bael, Gremory, and Sitri families each favor different formations. Sairaorg's family has more martial leanings, though they're politically disadvantaged."
Claudius nodded slowly. "You know Sairaorg is a few years younger than you, correct?"
"Three,or two, may be" Volundr confirmed. "But age is less important than preparation. He has will. I have vision. If both align, we can change the world."
Claudius gave a soft smile. "That sounds like the words of a leader."
Volundr didn't answer. Instead, he studied a pin representing the Sitri territory. "Sona will be interesting to watch as well. She's clever—rumored to already be reading college-level theory."
"Same age as Rias, yes?"
"Yes," Volundr said. "And Rias is five years younger than me."
It was strange. He knew their futures from his past life, but now, they were just children with potential. Blank slates waiting to be drawn upon.
That evening, Volundr took a walk through the family gardens. With each step, he focused on the threads of Limitless Aura connecting him to those he had marked.
Lirien, Claudius, Seekvaira—and the distant pulse he had anchored in Sairaorg weeks ago.
That thread had become vibrant. The boy was training harder than ever, far beyond what his body should be capable of. Volundr smiled. Good, he thought. The fire in him will shape mountains.
He continued his internal studies, meditating on the way Limitless Aura functioned. The threads pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat, not draining his energy but connected through intent and belief.
He realized something else—the more genuine his connection with someone, the more potent the effect.
He needed to test this further.
Back in his study chamber, Volundr retrieved a new tome: The Essentials of Senjutsu, imported from the Far East. It was difficult material—full of metaphysical theory and internal energy diagrams—but he was fascinated.
As he began his reading, he thought of Kuroka, a name that hadn't entered his life yet but would soon. She, too, would benefit from his ability someday.
Hours passed. His candle burned low.
He paused, looking toward the horizon where the stars began to glimmer.
"Limitless Aura is more than a power," he whispered. "It's a philosophy. One that will guide everything I build."
And with that, he marked the page, closed the book, and began planning his next steps.
End of Chapter 7