The Way of Knight
Chapter 32 – Shadow of War at the Border
Four years of relentless development had reshaped Eisenwald. Once dismissed as nothing more than a desolate swamp, it now stood as a rising domain. Rice from the marshlands fed the people, fish farms supplied markets, and even merchants from neighboring lands dared to trade within Eisenwald.
But prosperity never came without envy. To the north, in the lands of Baron Klausen, suspicion brewed. Klausen was an older noble, greedy and hot-tempered, never satisfied with his lot.
"A swamp remains a swamp," he scoffed at a gathering of minor lords. "And yet that boy from Eisenwald dares to claim land that belongs to me. If he continues digging canals and planting rice along the border, he'll soon say the entire marsh is his!"
His grumbling spread like wildfire.
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One afternoon, urgent news reached Eisenwald's manor. A young soldier rushed into the hall, his voice frantic.
"My lord! Klausen's men… they've entered Mülheim village in the north! They've seized the fishermen's catch and are harassing the villagers!"
Fenrir, who had been reviewing harvest records, shut the ledger with a snap. His crimson-lava aura flickered faintly, radiating heat.
"Prepare the horses. I will go myself."
Moments later, Fenrir rode out, flanked by ten elite guards. They arrived in Mülheim just as the sun began to set.
The scene before him made his blood boil. Armed spearmen from Klausen's forces stood laughing as Eisenwald's farmers knelt on the dirt. Baskets of fish—hard-earned by the villagers—were being dragged away.
An elderly man who resisted was struck down with the butt of a spear.
"Take it all," one soldier sneered. "Tell your swamp rat baron this is the tax for tilling Klausen's land!"
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Fenrir dismounted, his boots sinking into the soft earth as he strode toward the crowd. Whispers rose among the villagers.
"It's… Baron Fenrir!"
"He came himself…"
The mercenaries stiffened at the sight of him. One, brash and foolish, barked a laugh.
"So this is the swamp brat? You think those fiery eyes of yours can scare us? You're still a child!"
Fenrir said nothing. He simply walked forward, each step steady, the red aura around him burning hotter.
In an instant, his blade flashed. Steel infused with crimson energy sliced through the soldier's spear shaft, shattering it in two.
"You dare touch my people," Fenrir's voice was cold, echoing through the air, "then hear this: every man and woman on Eisenwald soil is mine. To harm them is to defy me."
The soldiers faltered. One tried to strike back, thrusting with his spear. Fenrir moved faster—his horizontal slash not only cleaved the weapon in half but hurled the man back with a wave of fiery aura.
The village fell silent.
Fenrir's eyes swept over the remaining intruders. "Go back to your master. Tell him this: if he wants these lands, let him come himself. I will be waiting."
Terrified, the men fled into the dusk, leaving their loot behind.
---
Mülheim erupted in cheers. Farmers dropped to their knees, women wept, and children clung to their mothers.
"Thank you, my lord," an old fisherman said, his voice trembling. "Without you, we would have lost everything."
Fenrir sheathed his sword, his expression sharp but resolute.
"I am not just your lord. I am your shield. So long as I live, none shall take what you have built."
The people's cheers rang out across the village, though Fenrir's gaze remained steady and solemn. Deep down, he knew this was only the beginning.
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Two days later, a sealed letter arrived at Eisenwald's manor. Fenrir broke the wax and read aloud before his captains. The handwriting was harsh and arrogant:
> "To the swamp brat Fenrir Eisenwald,
You have dared to seize what is not yours. You have humiliated my men.
I, Baron Klausen, demand you surrender Mülheim village and all northern lands to my rule.
Refuse, and I shall march with my full host and crush your wretched swamp.
You have seven days to submit."
Fury erupted among his officers. "Outrageous! How dare he demand our lands like this?"
Fenrir read the words once more, then crushed the parchment in his fist. His crimson aura burned hotter, making the chamber uncomfortably warm.
"Baron Klausen…" his voice was quiet, yet cold enough to freeze blood.
"So you want war? Then Eisenwald will bare its fangs."
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That night, Fenrir stood on his balcony, gazing across the mist-laden marshes. Four years of toil would now be tested in fire.
Then, the long-silent system stirred.
[DING!]
🔻 [Quest Update] 🔻
Territorial War Triggered
New Quest: [Defend Eisenwald]
– Protect Eisenwald from Baron Klausen's invasion.
– Rewards: Large EXP, increased noble reputation, ???
Fenrir's lips curved into the faintest of smiles, his crimson eyes glowing like embers.
"Very well… let us begin the first swamp war."
The mist thickened, and within it, the shadows of war began to move.
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#wanD48