Chapter 125 – The Crimson Wolf, Lord of Six Territories
The sky above Eisenwald glowed a pale orange that evening. Wisps of smoke still drifted from the distant battlefield, but inside the great hall of Eisenwald's fortress, the air had changed. No more clash of steel or cries of men—only the scratching of quills on parchment, the flutter of banners in the wind, and the weary breaths of commanders who had endured and survived.
Fenrir sat in the high-backed chair at the head of the strategy table. Maps, reports, and long lists of names covered the surface before him. Around him stood his core commanders:
Darius Holt, his armor scratched and dented from holding the line.
Selene Aestra, her gloves still marked with soot and dried blood from battle.
Kael Morgenstern, calm and collected despite his torn black cloak.
Garrik Stormhoof, sword still unpolished after hours of riding.
Lyra Nightshade, her sharp eyes betraying the fact she had only just returned from hunting down stragglers.
Roland Ironarm, hands still trembling faintly from manning the ballista for days.
All eyes were on Fenrir.
He raised his chin, staring at the grand map spread across the table. Six territories were now marked in crimson—the color of Eisenwald.
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Darius stepped forward. His voice was deep, steady.
"My lord, as you ordered, the real-time tally of our forces has been completed. We began this campaign with 10,200 soldiers. Over four days of battle, we lost around 1,700. At present, **8,500 men still stand beneath your banner."
He paused, then added, "Their morale remains unbroken. In fact, they have started to call themselves not merely soldiers of Eisenwald… but the Crimson Wolves."
Fenrir gave a single nod. His eyes narrowed.
"Record every name of the fallen. Each family will be compensated. They died not as mere soldiers, but as the very foundation of what we are building."
Selene moved forward with a scroll.
"Falkenrath's farms are recovering. The mines of Drachenfels and Hohenberg can resume operations within two weeks, provided we supply enough labor. Temporary administrators have been assigned to ensure crops and minerals flow directly into Eisenwald's coffers."
Roland rumbled, "We lost three ballistae, but seven remain operational. Falkenrath's smiths are capable—if brought to Eisenwald, they can speed up weapon production."
Kael finally spoke, his tone calm but resolute.
"The Crimson Knights lost only nine men. 141 knights remain, and they have all sworn their blades to you, Lord Fenrir. They will be your spearhead in every war to come."
Fenrir's gaze lingered on him, and he nodded once.
"They will be the fangs of the wolf."
Garrik crossed his arms. "Our cavalry suffered losses, but the mounts endure. With supplies from our new lands, I can double their numbers before autumn."
Lyra's voice was quiet, almost like a shadow.
"Remnants of Hohenberg's loyalists still hide in the forests. Within a week, they will be gone. I'll see to it personally."
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At that moment, the familiar voice of the system echoed in Fenrir's mind.
[DING!]
Quest Completed
1. Expand Eisenwald's Territory – Conquer or integrate two neighboring baronies.
→ Progress: 2/2 (Falkenrath, Altenburg, Drachenfels, Hohenberg).
Reward: +25 Aura, +25 Strength, +30 Cunning, Skill Unlocked [Dominion of the Wolf].
2. Shadows of the Border – Counter the schemes of Hohenberg, Altenburg, Falkenhain, and Drachenfels.
→ Progress: Completed.
Reward: +20 Charisma, +30 Mental Fortitude, Trait Unlocked [Shadowbane].
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Status Panel Update
[Status Panel – Fenrir Eisenwald]
Name: Fenrir Eisenwald
Title: Crimson Wolf of Eisenwald, Baron of Six Territories
Age: 18
Level: 18
EXP: 46,800 / 50,000
Aura: 190 → 215 (+25 Reward)
Stamina: 170 (recovering, unchanged)
Strength: 175 → 200 (+25 Reward)
Cunning: 245 → 275 (+30 Reward)
Charisma: 150 → 170 (+20 Reward)
Mental Fortitude: 210 → 240 (+30 Reward)
Skills:
[Aura Control Lv.4]
[Swordsmanship Lv.4]
[Leadership Lv.5]
[Tactical Instinct Lv.4]
[Passive – Legacy of Strategies]
[Dominion of the Wolf] (new) – Fenrir's presence boosts morale and combat effectiveness of all Eisenwald troops by +15%.
Traits:
[Wounds That Shape]
[Lord of the Marsh]
[Commander's Presence]
[Shadowbane] (new) – Fenrir's instincts sharpen against infiltration and sabotage, granting +25% resistance.
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Silence lingered in the chamber as the system's voice faded. Every commander was watching Fenrir, waiting for his words.
He rose from his chair, cloak swaying, and gazed up at Eisenwald's crimson banner hanging on the wall.
"Six territories," he said quietly, yet his voice carried across the hall. "From a swamp despised and forgotten, we now stand as a power on the border. But this is only the beginning. Do not grow complacent. Do not grow soft. Our enemies from now on will not be barons… but kings, marquises, perhaps even emperors."
Kael's lips curved into the faintest smile.
"And we will follow you, Lord Fenrir."
A chorus of voices agreed.
Fenrir's eyes fell back to the map, and with deliberate motion, he drove a dagger into the heart of Eisenwald's mark.
"The Crimson Wolf has bared its fangs. And the world will learn that these fangs… will never be dulled."
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