Chapter 116: Velvet Shadows and Crimson Ties

Chapter 116: Velvet Shadows and Crimson Ties

Arc III: Rise of Peerage

Official Recruitment of Kuroka (2 Mutated Pawns)

The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the stone chamber—Volundr's private study, tucked within the secure heart of his stronghold.

Layers of enchantment sealed the room from prying eyes and ears. A table of polished obsidian stood between them, and upon it rested a small velvet box, pitch black and pulsing with a subtle crimson aura.

Volundr leaned forward, his fingers gently tracing the surface of the box. Across from him sat Kuroka, one leg crossed over the other, tail flicking lazily, though her golden eyes betrayed a rare edge of tension.

Caelum stood quietly nearby, sensing that something significant was about to unfold.

"You've been with us for a while now,"

Volundr began, voice calm.

"Not as a servant. Not as a soldier. As yourself. I never pushed you."

Kuroka's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "And now you're about to."

"Not push. Invite," he corrected. He opened the velvet box. Inside, the glow of the mutated Evil Pieces reflected in her eyes—two Pawn pieces, but unlike any ordinary ones.

They shimmered with unstable, scarlet light—twisting with arcane veins, pulsing in rhythm with her aura.

Kuroka's gaze lingered on them. "You've had those ready for me, haven't you?"

"Since the day you decided to fight beside me without being asked," Volundr replied.

A heavy pause followed, during which Kuroka's facade wavered—only slightly.

"You know what I've been through," she said, voice quieter.

"What it's like to serve someone... to belong. I ran because I wouldn't do it again. Not for anyone."

Volundr nodded.

"I'm not asking for obedience. I'm asking for a bond. A promise that you'll fight as you, beside me. Not behind."

She chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"You sure know how to say the right things, nya."

Then she stood.

"Alright, Volundr. You win." She stepped forward, reaching toward the pieces.

"Let's see what these mutated things feel like."

Volundr lifted the pieces.

" I order, in my name Voundr Agares. You, Kuroka. I, resurrect you back to this soil as my servant, and have you reborn as a Devil. You, my [Pawn], be delighted with your new life!"

A surge of magic erupted the moment they left the velvet, swirling with energy.

As they drew close to her, Kuroka's aura instinctively reacted—flaring with senjutsu and spatial distortion. Her body tensed as the pieces phased into her chest like burning brands of power.

A ripple blasted outward—blowing the candles out as light spiraled around her. Kuroka gasped, staggering as the Pawn pieces began merging with her soul.

The mutation dug deep, forcing an adaptation. Her body was changing—growing stronger, more refined, and aligned with her demonic nature.

Space warped gently around her figure, and even the spiritual fog she naturally exuded gained a more refined presence.

Caelum stepped forward to catch her as her legs gave way briefly.

"I'm fine… just dizzy, nya…" she muttered, her pupils narrowed to slits.

When her aura stabilized, it was different. Sharper, deeper, faster. Her spiritual fog carried a quiet lethality. Volundr extended his hand, helping her fully upright.

"Welcome to my peerage," he said.

Kuroka exhaled, tail swaying. "That felt… intense. Mutated pieces, huh?"

"They react not just to power," Volundr explained,

"but to who you are. And you are not ordinary."

A light pulse flickered from Caelum's side. His Aether Frame, even dormant, had briefly responded to Kuroka's shift in aura. Volundr noticed.

"Resonance…" he murmured. "It's beginning."

Kuroka raised an eyebrow. "Something wrong with your sacred gear, Caelum?"

"No," Caelum said slowly. "It's like… it heard you. Felt you. Just for a moment."

Volundr's eyes gleamed thoughtfully. "So, it's not just about the pieces… it's about the connection. If the bond is strong enough, even sacred gears might respond."

The three stepped outside, the stronghold now quiet behind them. Above, the sky stretched vast and full of stars. Kuroka stood with Volundr on one side, Caelum on the other.

One Pawn officially joined. One Bishop targeted. One ancient song sleeping beneath ice.

The path ahead would only grow more dangerous—but Volundr's peerage had begun to rise.

And the stars were just beginning to move.