Ch. 60 – The Marquis' Summons
The peace that had finally settled over Eisenwald was fragile. Fenrir stood on the balcony of his castle, gazing at the marshlands that had transformed into fertile, bustling territory. Markets teemed with traders from neighboring regions, children played along the edge of the rice fields, and soldiers carried out their routine drills with precision. Everything seemed calm, yet that tranquility was about to be shattered by the arrival of an official messenger, clad in the distinct attire of the marquisate, holding a sealed scroll. The seal bore a familiar name: Marquis Helbrecht.
Fenrir unrolled the scroll before the Administrative Council and the military commanders. The marquis' message was firm, leaving no room for negotiation: all vassals were summoned to participate in an internal war against their fellow marquises. Fenrir read the lines again, feeling the tension coil in his chest.
"An internal war… against other vassals?" muttered Matheus, one of his senior commanders, disbelief etched across his face.
Fenrir's gaze sharpened, his crimson-lava aura flaring subtly, radiating the same intensity that would later ignite battlefields.
"We cannot refuse. This is a direct order from the Marquis. But understand this—it is more than mere obedience. This is our chance to demonstrate Eisenwald's strength, to ensure our lands are respected, and to protect our people," Fenrir replied, his voice steady and commanding.
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Immediately after, Fenrir summoned all generals and divisional commanders. The Eisenwald military had grown significantly:
Infantry: 1,500 heavily armored soldiers equipped with shields and long spears, capable of forming solid phalanx formations.
Cavalry: 500 mounted troops, swift and agile, ideal for flanking maneuvers.
Archers: 800 trained archers, able to support infantry lines and strike from distance.
Special Division (Scouts & Assassins): 200 elite soldiers, masters of infiltration and sudden strikes.
Fenrir studied the potential battlefield with keen interest. Drawing on strategies he had mastered in his previous life, he devised several formations:
1. Rooster Formation: Infantry front line forms a solid barrier while cavalry flanks both sides to encircle the enemy. Ideal against larger but less mobile forces.
2. Serpent Formation: Special forces maneuver on the wings, striking the enemy's flanks and rear to destabilize morale before the main assault.
3. Ocean Formation: Archers occupy elevated positions, delivering coordinated volleys while infantry hold the line against enemy pressure.
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Fenrir personally oversaw large-scale drills. His crimson-lava aura infused the training ground, igniting courage and discipline in his troops. He emphasized applying ancient tactical knowledge, coordinating cavalry flanks, integrating archer volleys with infantry maneuvers, and using simple coded signals for battlefield communication.
"Every soldier must know their role and position! Confusion on the battlefield will be fatal!" Fenrir shouted, his voice slicing through the evening air.
Among the ranks, Matheus observed with growing admiration. Despite being only seventeen, Fenrir's instincts, strategic insight, and leadership far surpassed his years.
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As the training concluded, Fenrir exhaled deeply, his gaze sweeping across the horizon. He envisioned the battles to come—not merely against rival lords, but against seasoned vassals of the Luminaria Empire, each commanding skilled troops with formidable strategies.
The Helbrecht messenger waited in the main hall, ready to provide further details: gathering dates, troop numbers of neighboring baronies, and the battlefield location. Fenrir absorbed the information carefully. He knew that this was no ordinary engagement; it would test his strategic genius and mark the moment the world would truly recognize the Crimson Wolf.
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Quest Updated
1. Internal Vassal War – Preparation
Objective: Mobilize and prepare Eisenwald forces for the upcoming conflict.
Progress: 1/1 Completed
Reward: +3,000 EXP, +10 Cunning (Strategic Planning)
2. Territorial Defense Planning
Objective: Analyze potential threats from neighboring baronies and devise strategies.
Progress: 0/2 Ongoing
Reward: Pending
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