Chapter 90 – Oath of the Crimson Wolf
Calm After the Storm
Three weeks had passed since Eisenwald's return from the internal war.
The forges in Falkenrath rang with the sound of hammers, farmers sowed their fields again, and trade caravans streamed steadily through the marshlands. Outwardly, life had resumed its rhythm.
Yet Fenrir knew that the world was no longer the same.
From his manor's balcony, he gazed at the large map spread across the war table. Red lines traced the routes of the campaign, and one name—Count Valgaard—had been crossed with blood-red ink.
"I slew a Count… and they now call me the Crimson Wolf. But it was no true victory. The Marquis' armies retreated, thousands were lost, and I myself nearly died. This is not the end. This is only the beginning."
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When he descended into the courtyard, the soldiers of Eisenwald stood in ranks, their bodies scarred, some limping, some still bandaged. Yet their eyes blazed with pride.
Children shouted, "Crimson Wolf!" as he passed. Villagers whispered of their baron with both reverence and awe. His name had become a legend, born not from titles but from blood spilled in battle.
Fenrir's chest tightened. He had earned glory, yes, but at a price. Every face he saw reminded him of a father who never returned, of a son buried in foreign soil, of a widow clutching the last coin of compensation.
"They paid dearly. It is my duty to repay them with more than survival. I must give them a future that no blade can take away."
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That night, he studied the map under dim candlelight. His quill circled the neighboring baronies—Hohenberg, Altenburg, Falkenhain, Drachenfels. Together, they ringed Eisenwald like vultures circling carrion.
Fenrir's eyes narrowed. "They will not sit idle while Eisenwald grows strong. They will come. The question is not if, but when. I must prepare."
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Stepping out into the night air, Fenrir raised his gaze to the full moon. His aura flickered faintly, crimson and molten like lava simmering beneath the earth.
He clenched his fist, his voice a vow carried on the cold wind.
"Eisenwald will never again be prey. The Crimson Wolf's hunt has only begun. I will bite until the entire Empire hears my howl."
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[System Active]
[Quest Completed – Prove the Crimson Wolf]
Objective: Survive and gain recognition in the Internal War.
Status: Success.
🎁 Reward:
+3 Level
+20 Aura
+15 Strength
+25 Mental Fortitude
+15 Charisma
Skill Gained: [Battlefield Presence Lv.1] – Units within 50m gain +10% morale and stamina while Fenrir is present.
Trait Unlocked: [Crimson Reputation] – Eisenwald's lord is now known across the Empire. Allied units gain +5% morale when fighting under his banner.
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[Status Panel – Fenrir Eisenwald]
Name: Fenrir Eisenwald
Title: Baron of Eisenwald, The Crimson Wolf
Age: 17
Level: 17
EXP: 28,000 / 32,000
Aura: 175 (+20)
Stamina: 180
Strength: 135 (+15)
Cunning: 210
Charisma: 145 (+15)
Mental Fortitude: 205 (+25)
Skills:
[Aura Control Lv.3]
[Swordsmanship Lv.3]
[Leadership Lv.4]
[Tactical Instinct Lv.3]
[Passive – Legacy of Strategies]
[Battlefield Presence Lv.1] (New)
Traits:
[Wounds That Shape]
[Lord of the Marsh]
[Crimson Reputation] (New)
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Active Quests
1. Expand Eisenwald's Territory – Conquer or integrate two neighboring baronies (Progress: 1/2).
Note: Falkenrath integrated. One more remains.
2. Shadows of the Border – Counter the schemes of Hohenberg, Altenburg, Falkenhain, and Drachenfels (New).
Objectives:
Identify and counter spies sent into Eisenwald (0/3).
Strengthen Eisenwald's military to 5,000 soldiers (Current: 3,500).
Expand diplomatic or trade alliances (0/2).
Reward: ???
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