Chapter 120 – The Fall of Baron Drachenfels
Day Three – Nearing Midday
The battlefield reeked of blood and iron. Carrion birds circled overhead, waiting for the slaughter to finish. Drachenfels's black banners fluttered weakly, torn and tattered, no longer a symbol of strength but of desperation.
Eisenwald's troops, hardened by two days of battle, roared as Fenrir raised his blade. His crimson aura, faint but steady, flared enough to be seen by both friend and foe.
> "This ends today. Drachenfels will fall."
Three war drums thundered. The order for a full assault had been given.
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Fenrir's plan unfolded like a storm:
Crimson Knights (145 knights) under Kael Morgenstern swept into the enemy's right flank. Their charge split Drachenfels's infantry apart, each strike cutting down multiple foes.
Infantry (1,540 men) under Darius Holt pushed the front with a tight shield wall. Spears punched forward in rhythm, driving back the desperate defenders.
Archers (640) commanded by Selene Aestra loosed volleys that rained on Drachenfels's reserves, breaking cohesion.
Cavalry (400 riders) led by Garrik Stormhoof smashed into the enemy's left, scattering their last mobile units.
Scouts (140) under Lyra Nightshade intercepted fleeing groups, ensuring no escape.
Artillery (50 operators) commanded by Roland Ironarm fired ballista bolts into the supply wagons, igniting chaos and fear.
The coordinated assault crushed the Drachenfels line from every angle.
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Drachenfels's men fought bravely, but their formation collapsed under the encirclement. The Crimson Knights cut down their flank. Garrik's cavalry thundered into the rear. Darius's infantry pressed relentlessly, while Selene's arrows rained overhead.
Baron Drachenfels shouted atop his horse, desperately trying to rally his men. But panic spread faster than orders. Supplies burned, escape routes sealed, and the encirclement closed.
The Baron himself was swept into the chaos. A cavalry charge tore through his guard. In the press of shields and spears, Drachenfels was struck down, his body trampled under the crush.
The black banner fell into the mud.
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Silence, then an eruption of voices:
> "CRIMSON WOLF! CRIMSON WOLF!"
Fenrir raised his blade, his soldiers roaring in unison. The Drachenfels host was broken beyond recovery.
> "No more Drachenfels. Only Eisenwald!" Fenrir declared, his voice carrying across the blood-soaked field.
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[Status Panel – Fenrir Eisenwald]
Name: Fenrir Eisenwald
Age: 18
Level: 18
EXP: 42,300 / 45,000 → 47,900 / 55,000
Aura: 190 → 210 (+20 reward)
Stamina: 170 → 200 (+30 reward)
Strength: 175 → 195 (+20 reward)
Cunning: 245 → 260 (+15 reward)
Charisma: 150 → 160 (+10 reward)
Mental Fortitude: 210 → 220 (+10 reward)
New Skill:
[Commander's Presence] – Fenrir's presence boosts the morale of all allied troops nearby.
Condition: Light wounds, stamina partially restored.
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📊 Real-Time Report – End of Day Three
Eisenwald Forces
Infantry: 1,600 → 1,540 (−60)
Archers: 660 → 640 (−20)
Cavalry: 420 → 400 (−20)
Scouts: 143 → 140 (−3)
Artillery: 50 → 50 (0)
Crimson Knights: 148 → 145 (−3)
Reserves: 6,592 → 6,570 (−22)
Total Remaining: ~9,335
Enemy Coalition (Remaining: Baron Hohenberg only)
Starting: 15,000
Total Losses: ~11,500 (including Falkenhain & Drachenfels)
Remaining: ~3,500–4,000 (Hohenberg alone)
Morale: Crumbling, held together only by Hohenberg's resolve.
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