Chapter 49 – Integration of Falkenrath
The evening sky hung heavy, gray clouds drifting over the battered Eisenwald army. Bodies still floated in the swampy waters behind them, the stench of blood mixed with the marsh's foul rot riding the wind toward the marching columns.
Fenrir, his body bruised and bloodstained, remained at the vanguard. His crimson gaze was locked on the silhouette of a fortress rising in the distance—Falkenrath Keep, seat of House Heinrich for generations.
"Look at our Baron," a soldier whispered in awe. "He slew Heinrich with his own hands… and still stands at the front."
The words rippled through the men. Their exhaustion eased, pride burning in their chests. Fenrir was more than their lord now—he was proof that they could rise beyond the swamp.
But Fenrir himself felt no triumph. His thoughts were sharp and cold. The battlefield was only the first step. Subduing Falkenrath's people and breaking Heinrich's vassals—this is where the true war begins.
---
The heavy gates of Falkenrath creaked open. Behind them, townsfolk crowded the streets—some weeping, others trembling, most simply numb. They knew their lord was dead.
Fenrir rode forward, crimson-stained armor gleaming dully in the fading light. To the people, he was a specter of war risen from the marsh. He reined in his horse at the gate, raising his voice.
"People of Falkenrath! Baron Heinrich is dead. From this day, your land is under Eisenwald's protection."
Murmurs broke out. Relief. Fear. Confusion.
Fenrir raised his hand for silence. "Those who submit will live. Those who resist… will share Heinrich's fate. I do not seek to burn your homes. I seek order, labor, and prosperity. But make no mistake—rebellion will be crushed without mercy."
The crowd lowered their heads. Submission, born of fear.
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Later, in Falkenrath's stone hall, the late baron's vassals assembled—knights, stewards, petty lords. Their faces were pale, their fine clothes dirtied from haste.
Fenrir sat upon the high seat once claimed by Heinrich. Eisenwald spearmen lined the walls.
"Step forward," Fenrir commanded.
An old steward tottered ahead, bowing low. "My lord… we do not dare resist. Our families only wish to survive."
Fenrir nodded. "Then swear loyalty to Eisenwald. Your lands remain yours, but your banners change."
Several nodded eagerly. But one man strode forward from the rear—a broad-shouldered knight with a thick beard and eyes blazing. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword.
"I, Sir Aldric von Stein, swore to Baron Heinrich and his line. I will never bend the knee to some swamp-born whelp."
Gasps filled the hall.
Fenrir rose slowly. "Do you defy the verdict of battle, Sir Aldric?"
"Better to die a faithful hound," Aldric growled, "than live as a traitor."
---
Without waiting, Aldric drew his sword. Blue aura flared around him, vibrating the very air.
🔻 [Status Panel – Sir Aldric von Stein] 🔻
Name: Sir Aldric von Stein
Age: 35
Level: 10
EXP: 9,800 / 12,000
Aura: 95
Stamina: 100
Strength: 92
Cunning: 45
Charisma: 50
Mental Fortitude: 70
Skills:
[Aura Control Lv.2] – Basic manipulation of aura.
[Swordsmanship Lv.3] – Disciplined knightly techniques.
[Knight's Resolve] – +15% Strength when fighting for lord's honor.
---
Fenrir unsheathed his own blade, crimson aura bursting forth like molten fire. The courtiers shrank back in terror.
"One chance, Aldric," Fenrir said coldly. "Yield, and live. Resist, and die."
"Take my life if you can!" Aldric roared, charging.
Steel clashed with thunderous force. Sparks exploded across the hall, cracks splitting the stone floor.
Aldric pressed forward, his strikes heavy and relentless. Fenrir met each blow, his arms straining, his lips curling into the faintest smirk. Strong… but predictable.
The knight's blade carved arcs of blue, forcing Fenrir back step by step. "So this is the 'Crimson Wolf'?" Aldric jeered. "Nothing but luck against Heinrich!"
Fenrir's eyes narrowed. He shifted, letting Aldric drive harder. Each strike consumed the knight's stamina.
At last, Aldric lifted his sword for an overhead cleave. Fenrir sidestepped, bent low, and thrust.
"GUH!"
His crimson blade pierced Aldric's shoulder, aura surging inside like fire through veins. Aldric collapsed to one knee, shrieking.
Fenrir's voice was cold. "Loyalty deserves respect. Blind loyalty deserves death."
With a single, merciless stroke, he severed the knight's head.
---
The hall fell into silence. Vassals trembled. None dared speak.
Fenrir raised his bloody sword. "What you witnessed is justice. Betrayal will not be tolerated. But loyalty to Eisenwald will be rewarded with protection."
One by one, nobles dropped to their knees. "We submit, Baron Eisenwald!"
Fenrir lowered his blade. Power alone binds them. Without blood, there is no obedience.
---
The next day, Fenrir inspected Falkenrath's famed mines. Nestled in rocky hills, smoke still drifted from the smelters. Miners froze at his arrival, fear etched on their faces.
"Continue your work," Fenrir commanded. "Nothing changes for you. The ore you mine will build weapons and prosperity—not just line a single baron's coffers."
The men exchanged uncertain looks but slowly returned to their tasks. His words felt different from Heinrich's greed, though trust would take time.
Fenrir watched them. With these mines, Eisenwald will forge steel of its own. And with steel, we will survive.
---
[SYSTEM – QUEST UPDATE]
Quest: Expand Eisenwald's Territory
– Objective: Conquer or integrate two neighboring baronies (1/2)
– Reward: ???
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From the ramparts of Falkenrath Keep, Fenrir gazed across the land. No longer only lord of a swamp, he now held mines, walls, and a new people.
But in his heart, he knew—this was only the beginning.
"Eisenwald is reborn. And to survive among wolves, I must become the fiercest of them all."
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#wanD48