Chapter 110: Light Forged Bonds
The training grounds lay quiet in the aftermath of Caelum's resonance breakthrough. Early morning mist hung low over the earth, and the dew on the grass glimmered under the rising sun—light chasing away the remnants of night.
Volundr stood atop a stone outcrop, overlooking the landscape with arms crossed, expression unreadable. Caelum approached silently, his steps more confident than ever before—still careful, still humble, but no longer burdened by the weight of self-doubt.
"You've changed," Volundr said without turning. "Not just your control. You. Your presence."
Caelum nodded, gaze steady. "I'm still afraid sometimes. But I'm not ruled by it anymore."
Volundr finally looked at him, pride in his eyes. "Good. Because I have a mission for you."
Caelum blinked, surprised. He'd helped Volundr with tasks before, but this felt... different.
"There's a rogue summoner working with remnants of exorcist factions," Volundr explained. "He's warded himself with layers of anti-devil and holy barrier magic. I want you to break through."
A pause. The implication settled in: this wasn't a test. It was trust. Volundr believed in him—not as a project, but as a warrior.
Caelum took a breath, feeling his light stir within. Aether Frame responded immediately, forming into gauntlets and shoulder bracers with an ethereal hum. But he wanted something new—something with precision and power, forged not just from energy, but from intent.
He stepped away and focused, letting his light condense in front of him.
The glow bent, twisted, and folded—forming a new construct: a sleek, spiraling spear tipped with a radiant, drill-shaped head. Energy spun along its shaft like solar flames wrapped in helix motion.
"Solar Fang," Caelum named it quietly. "Piercing light for thick shadows."
Volundr approached, watching the construct rotate with silent, controlled power. "That name suits you."
"It's not just for me," Caelum replied, eyes sharp. "It's for anyone who's ever been told they're just a weapon. I'll pierce through that lie."
They walked together down the hill, the fog parting before them.
For the first time, Caelum didn't trail behind. He walked beside Volundr—shoulder to shoulder. No longer the trembling boy clinging to borrowed strength. He was his own light now—refined, forged through pain, and tempered by bonds.
As they passed through the gates toward their next mission, the runes on the Solar Fang glimmered with the golden promise of purpose.
And with every step, Caelum reminded himself:
"I was made... but I choose who I become."