Chapter 69: The Weight of a Future Crown
Early Morning – Training Grounds of the Agares Estate
The sun hadn't yet climbed above the hills when the clash of fists and grunts echoed across the private training field. Volundr stood shirtless, his spear set to the side, as he blocked Sairaorg's punch with his forearm. The boy, still young and raw, came at him with relentless fury—technique sloppy, but will unshakable.
"Again," Volundr ordered.
Sairaorg didn't hesitate. He moved forward, fists swinging. Volundr stepped back, redirected one punch, swept his leg—and sent the boy tumbling.
"You can lift mountains," Volundr said, walking toward him, "but it means nothing if your foundation is unstable. Raw strength means nothing without command of self."
Sairaorg sat up, sweat streaming down his brow, and spat blood into the dirt.
"Then teach me," he growled, fists clenched. "I'll master both."
Volundr's lips curved into a rare, approving smirk.
"Good. Then you'll earn the right to carry a crown."
Mid-Morning – Estate Study
After a short meal and cleaning up, the two entered a quiet study where a chessboard was already prepared.
This wasn't a game of kings and pawns—it was a war lesson. The goal: maneuvering under pressure, controlling space, predicting human nature.
Volundr moved a bishop piece forward, cutting off a flank.
Sairaorg stared, frowning. Then, slowly, he reached out, moved his knight.
Volundr paused… then nodded.
"You're learning to see the board. Not just what's in front of you."
Sairaorg didn't smile. He simply locked eyes with Volundr.
"Every piece has its purpose. Just like people."
Volundr chuckled softly.
"You're starting to sound like a commander."
Late Night – Volundr's Private Study
Candlelight flickered against the high shelves, casting long shadows across the stone walls. Alone at his desk, Volundr unrolled a parchment and began to write.
At the top:
Sairaorg Bael – Future King
Beneath, a growing list of names:
Kuisha Abaddon – "Cold resolve. Tactical mind. Loyalty can be cultivated."
Gandoma Balam – "Rage tempered by leadership. Watch for stability."
Coriana Andrealphus – "Charm and cunning. Unknown depth."
Beruka Furcas – "Strict, methodical. Has potential to serve as a blade or shield."
Connla – "Human-born warrior. From Hero Faction. Will require delicate approach."
Each name carried side notes, maps, personal profiles, and strategy trees. Volundr didn't simply want to gather power for Sairaorg—he wanted to build it, brick by brick.
He circled the name Regulus and added a small annotation:
"Longinus class. Must wait for current host dead like in original timeline"
Volundr leaned back in his chair, eyes tired but focused. He gazed through the window where the stars gleamed over the Underworld sky.
"A peerage for a lion…" he whispered, voice low. "Not built by tradition, but by trials."
He extinguished the candle. The night was long—but the foundation had been laid.
End of Chapter 69