Chapter 71 – The First Day of War: The Open Plains
The sun had just begun its ascent over the horizon as the vast open plains stretched before the assembled forces. The Eisenwald marshes lay far behind them, while gentle hills and mounds marked the boundaries of the territory soon to become the next battlefield. A morning breeze carried the scent of damp earth and metal from weapons, filling the air with a tension unlike any training ground.
Fenrir Eisenwald, the 17-year-old Baron leading 3,500 core troops of Eisenwald, stood at the right flank of the main formation. His usual lava-red aura—once blazing during combat—was now calm, a silent display of resolve. It was a signal to his soldiers: their commander remained composed, disciplined, and prepared for whatever would come.
The assembled army numbered over 60,000 troops: a combination of Eisenwald forces, Marquis Helbrecht's loyal soldiers, and allied Viscount units. On the horizon, the formations awaited confrontation.
Fenrir's eyes swept over the allied troops: disciplined infantry holding shields in tight formation, heavy cavalry poised to charge, and archers lined behind, ready to release a torrent of arrows. Each division was commanded by generals whose experience and stats far exceeded his own. Their aura and discipline radiated even from hundreds of meters away.
Four main generals stepped forward:
1. General Magnus Varholt – Supreme Commander of Helbrecht's forces. A towering man with long silver hair and a deep facial scar. His silent presence alone demanded obedience.
Age: 54
Level: 72
Aura: 980
2. General Reinhart Solberg – Commander of the Right Wing. Broad-shouldered, eyes sharp as a hawk. A massive spear rested across his back.
Age: 47
Level: 69
Aura: 910
3. General Ulrich Falken – Commander of the Left Wing. Bearded veteran with arms like tree trunks, wielding a warhammer of incredible weight. His presence alone was a wall of steel.
Age: 51
Level: 71
Aura: 970
4. General Erika Von Sturm – Commander of Artillery and Ranged Support. Golden hair flowing like fire, her decorated cloak marked with silver arrows. Eyes sharp, scanning the horizon like a falcon.
Age: 42
Level: 68
Aura: 900
These generals were not just symbols of Helbrecht's might—they were the keystone of his strategy. Infantry would hold the frontline, cavalry strike from the wings, archers occupy towers and hills, while artillery provided long-range support. Fenrir observed their placement carefully, analyzing every formation, every command—an opportunity to test the war strategies he remembered from his past life.
On the right flank, Eisenwald's troops occupied a strategic position alongside allied barons and viscounts. Fenrir glanced at his division commanders:
Infantry (Main Battalion) – 1,800 soldiers, Commander: Viktor Redmane
Archers (Light Artillery Unit) – 700 archers, Commander: Selene Aestra
Cavalry (Rapid Response & Flank Unit) – 450 riders, Commander: Garrik Stormhoof
Scouts / Assassins (Special Unit) – 150 elite, Commander: Lyra Nightshade
Artillery & Heavy Weaponry – 50 operators + 10 ballistae, Commander: Roland Ironarm
Though small compared to the entire allied force, their position on the right flank was crucial. From here, they could monitor enemy movements and perform rapid strikes on vulnerable positions.
The commands of Helbrecht's generals rang out clearly, repeated with military precision. The combined 60,000 troops of the alliance—lined up with polished shields, ready cavalry, and disciplined archers—presented a living sea of steel. Fenrir noted minor weaknesses: some units too tightly spaced, the cavalry slightly too far from the left flank—a detail he would use in the coming days.
Fenrir's gaze swept across the open battlefield. Excitement and pressure coiled within him. This was the internal war of the Luminaria Empire, a clash between vassals that would decide political influence and territorial control. Though the name "Crimson Wolf" was not yet known across the land, today every action would mark the beginning of his reputation.
He bent slightly toward his men. "Remember our drills. Discipline is our greatest weapon. We fight not just to win, but for Eisenwald," he said, loud enough for Viktor and the division leaders to hear.
Across the line, soldiers could feel their Crimson Wolf's resolve. They had yet to see him in full-scale battle, yet his determination inspired courage. This was the moment Eisenwald began to carve its name across the Empire.
Slowly, the order to advance was given. Columns began moving across the damp earth, hooves striking the soil, boots thudding against mud. Fenrir adjusted his helmet, hand gripping his sword hilt. Behind the silence of the morning, the rhythmic beating of war drums began—marking the dawn of Eisenwald's first major battle in the political and military arena of the Empire.
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