The Way of KnightChapter 15 – Shadows of Reward and WoundsAfter the Duel
The cheers still echoed long after Marquis Helbrecht called the duel to a halt. Nobles whispered among themselves—some in disbelief, others sneering—but none could deny one truth: the son of a poor baron had drawn blood from Sir Albrecht von Grauwolf.
Fenrir stood, blade slick with a thin line of blood, chest heaving, knees nearly buckling. Yet his eyes still burned. I did it. I didn't lose. I didn't run.
Marquis Helbrecht rose from his seat.
"Fenrir Eisenwald, you have displayed what is rare in boys your age. Though you lack strength, you did not lack courage. That is more valuable than victory alone."
He waved a hand, and a servant presented a scroll bearing the sigil of House Helbrecht.
"From this day forward, House Eisenwald is recognized as a loyal vassal under my banner. And as a token of goodwill, I grant you this—"
The servant unrolled it: official recognition of a small parcel of frontier land, once neglected by the crown.
Fenrir froze for a moment. New land? Marquis' backing? …No. This is also a trap. But still—this is opportunity.
As the crowd dispersed, Sir Albrecht approached Fenrir, his massive frame still radiating menace, though his expression now carried respect.
"You drew my blood, boy. Not many can claim that," he rumbled.
Fenrir lowered his head slightly. "I did not fight to impress you, Sir… I fought to prove that Eisenwald cannot be trampled."
Grauwolf laughed, a booming sound. "Good! Hold on to that fire. One day, if you live long enough, I want to see you again on a real battlefield. Don't die too early."
Fenrir nodded, a quiet fire in his chest. Yes. Next time, we will meet again—this time as true opponents.
System Reward
That night, lying battered in the guest chamber of the castle, the cold, familiar voice echoed once more in his head.
[Ding!]
Quest Completed: Survive Trial of Blood
Rewards:
EXP +850 Title Acquired: "Cub That Drew Blood" – Increases intimidation against peers of the same level. Skill Proficiency: [Swordsmanship] +15%, [Aura Control] +10% Relationship Change: Marquis Helbrecht (Interest +20), Sir Grauwolf (Respect +15)
Fenrir allowed himself a faint smile despite his wounds. So that's how the system evaluates my efforts… Interesting.
Not everyone was pleased with his display. In another hall, young nobles clenched their fists.
"That boy is too conspicuous. If he grows unchecked, he will become a threat."
"Calm yourself. As long as he remains under Marquis Helbrecht, he is nothing but a pawn. And pawns can always be sacrificed."
Elsewhere, Helbrecht himself gazed at the moonlit sky from his balcony.
"That child… unusual. If guided, he could become a blade. If left unchecked, he might become a thorn." A sly smile curved his lips.
Fenrir sat on his bed, staring at his trembling hands. I am still too weak. If that duel had continued, I would have lost. But the wound I gave was enough to open a path.
He gripped his plain steel sword. The first step has been taken. Next… I must grow stronger. Not just for my family, but for the dream I once had in my old world.
Status Panel – Full Update
🔻 [Fenrir's Status – End of Chapter 15] 🔻
Name: Fenrir Eisenwald
Title: Wolf Cub of Eisenwald | Cub That Drew Blood
Age: 13
Level: 5
EXP: 300 / 3500
Aura: 52 (+4)
Stamina: 60 (+5)
Strength: 36 (+2)
Cunning: 62 (+2)
Charisma: 46 (+2)
Mental Fortitude: 58 (+6)
Skills:
[Aura Control Lv.2] (Progress 65%) – More stable channeling. [Swordsmanship Lv.2] (Progress 80%) – Nearing Lv.3 due to duel. [Leadership Lv.2] – Grants +10% morale to small units. [Tactical Instinct Lv.2] – Predictions sharpened, shorter cooldown. [Adaptive Focus] (Passive) – Mental clarity under pressure.
Titles:
Wolf Cub of Eisenwald (Base recognition). Cub That Drew Blood (Increases intimidation against peers of the same level).
Trait: [Wounds That Shape] – War trauma fuels growth.
Active Quests:
Establish Eisenwald Militia (2/50).
Navigate Noble Politics (In Progress – Under Marquis' oversight).
Fenrir closed his eyes, calming his heartbeat. Outside, the full moon hung heavy in the sky.
The first step has been taken. But this is only the beginning. Behind this reward, greater trials await me.
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