The Way of Knight
Chapter 30 – Recognition of the Lion
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The Midnight Summons
The banquet was over. One by one, nobles left the grand hall with full bellies and sharper rivalries. Fenrir was just about to retire to his guest chamber when a servant approached.
"Lord Eisenwald," he bowed, "the Marquis requests your presence in his private study."
Fenrir stilled. At last.
He followed through long corridors lined with golden lion banners until a heavy carved door swung open.
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Marquis Helbrecht sat upon a high-backed chair, clad in dark robes traced with gold. No laughter of the feast remained here—only silence, only his eyes, sharp and weighty.
"Fenrir Eisenwald," his voice was deep, resonant, "you stirred quite a storm tonight. Some were impressed… others were enraged."
Fenrir bowed his head. "I only spoke as I believed, my lord."
Helbrecht's lips curved faintly. "Belief? Or ambition?"
Fenrir raised his eyes, unflinching. "Both."
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The Marquis rose, circling Fenrir slowly like a lion gauging prey.
"The Eisenwald marshes are poor lands, lands most nobles scorn. Yet you crawl from that muck to stand here. Tell me, what do you seek?"
Fenrir drew a steady breath. "Power. Standing. Recognition. I will raise Eisenwald from a swamp of shame into a fortress feared."
Helbrecht halted. His gaze, stern and piercing, glinted with a hint of admiration.
"Bold words from one so young. You must know—here, respect is earned in two currencies: the sword… and influence. You have shown your blade. Now, you must learn the weight of influence."
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The chamber door flung wide. Reinhard stormed in, his face still burning with fury.
"Uncle!" His voice rang. "Why waste time on this swamp brat? He disgraces our name!"
Helbrecht lifted his hand. "Enough, Reinhard. You have courage, but no wit. That is why you lost."
Reinhard's fist clenched so tight his knuckles whitened. His glare toward Fenrir was a fire that promised vengeance. Fenrir met it, cold and steady. He knew this enmity would not rest until one of them fell.
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Helbrecht lowered himself back into his chair.
"Fenrir Eisenwald, I do not seek knights who only swing blades. I seek leaders who read the battlefield and the hearts of men alike."
He pointed at Fenrir.
"From this day, I acknowledge you as a Knight-in-Training under my protection. But mark this—recognition is but the first step. You must return to your land, raise your strength, and prove that your words are not wind."
Fenrir knelt, head bowed. "I swear I shall prove it."
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System Chime
Ding! Level Up!
Power surged through him. His crimson lava-like aura roared stronger, heavier, hungrier.
Status Updated!
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🔻 [Fenrir's Status – End of Chapter 30] 🔻
Name: Fenrir Eisenwald
Title: Wolf Cub of Eisenwald → Knight-in-Training of Helbrecht
Age: 13
Level: 5
EXP: 800 / 4000
Aura: 65
Stamina: 60
Strength: 44
Cunning: 70
Charisma: 52
Mental Fortitude: 63
Skills:
[Aura Control Lv.2] – Aura flows stronger, sharper.
[Swordsmanship Lv.2] – Techniques refined through combat.
[Leadership Lv.3] – Grants +15% morale to units under command.
[Tactical Instinct Lv.2] – Sharper battlefield intuition.
[Wounds That Shape] (Trait) – Transforms trauma and failure into permanent growth.
New Trait Unlocked:
[Recognition of the Lion] – Having gained the notice of Marquis Helbrecht, your words now carry weight in noble circles (+5 Charisma, +10% influence in politics within Luminaria).
Active Quests:
1. Establish Eisenwald Militia (20/50).
2. Navigate Noble Politics (Progress – Alliance with Marquis Helbrecht).
3. Seeds of Influence (1 Ally / 1 Enemy).
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Helbrecht waved a hand. The audience was over.
Fenrir turned to leave, Reinhard's burning stare pressing into his back like a dagger. But within him, his will only grew heavier, fiercer.
This is but the first step. If I can conquer the lions' table… one day I will claim the emperor's throne.
His crimson aura pulsed in reply, molten and unyielding.
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