Chapter 129 – The Elevation Ceremony
The golden bells of Luminaria rang out from the highest tower of the imperial palace. The clear morning air shimmered with sunlight, reflected on the gilded domes and white marble rooftops. The path to the grand hall was lined with the Imperial Praetorian Guard, armor gleaming, spears upright, their formation flawless.
Fenrir walked steadily down the golden carpet rolled out for him. Behind him followed Kael Morgenstern and the 20 chosen Crimson Knights, their faces as hard as steel. From beyond the palace walls, the cheers of the gathered citizens seeped faintly into the hall. Rumors of Eisenwald's victory had already spread through every corner of the capital: "A young baron defeated three seasoned barons in a single war."
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The hall was filled with dukes, counts, viscounts, and barons from across the empire. Nobles in embroidered robes whispered among themselves. Some gazed at Fenrir with awe, others with envy, and many with cold disdain.
> "That boy… he rose too fast."
"From a swamp lord to the master of six territories?"
"Dangerous. The Emperor may see him as a tool… or as a threat."
Fenrir did not falter. He walked straight to the center, stopping before Emperor Aurelius Luminaria V, who sat upon the golden throne.
The Emperor raised his hand. Silence fell instantly.
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"Fenrir Eisenwald," Aurelius's voice was deep, commanding, "you have proven yourself beyond the rank of a mere baron. You conquered three baronies, united six territories under your banner, and secured the empire's frontier from collapse. Therefore…"
He rose from his throne, accepting the ceremonial golden sword from the Imperial Chancellor.
"… in the name of Aurelius Luminaria V, Emperor of Luminaria, I hereby elevate you to Viscount of Eisenwald. Your lands, your soldiers, and your people are now formally recognized by the crown."
Applause rippled through the hall—loud and hesitant, mixed with murmurs of doubt. Some nobles stood in respect, while others clapped stiffly, eyes sharp with jealousy. Outside, however, the cheers of the people thundered like a storm.
Fenrir knelt, lowering his head. The Emperor touched the golden blade to his right shoulder, then his left.
> "Rise, Viscount Eisenwald. From this day forth, you are no longer merely the Crimson Wolf of the frontier. You are a pillar of Luminaria itself."
Fenrir stood tall, eyes burning with quiet resolve.
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Quest Completion
At that moment, a translucent panel lit up before his inner vision:
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Quest Completed: Expand Eisenwald's Territory
Objective: Conquer or integrate two neighboring baronies.
Progress: 2/2 (Falkenrath + Hohenberg/Drachenfels).
Reward: +50 Strength, +60 Cunning, +40 Aura, +40 Stamina, +30 Charisma, +2 Skill Points, +1 Trait.
Quest Completed: Shadows of the Border
Objective: Counter spies, strengthen army to 10,500+, secure two diplomatic alliances.
Status: Achieved.
Reward: +60 Cunning, +50 Leadership (Charisma), +50 Mental Fortitude, +1 Passive Skill Upgrade.
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[Status Panel – Fenrir Eisenwald]
Name: Fenrir Eisenwald
Title: Crimson Wolf of Eisenwald, Viscount of the Northern Border
Age: 18
Level: 18 (UP)
EXP: 5,500 / 50,000
Aura: 190 → 270
Stamina: 170 → 250
Strength: 175 → 225
Cunning: 245 → 365
Charisma: 150 → 230
Mental Fortitude: 210 → 260
Skills:
[Aura Control Lv.4] – Stable manipulation, capable of explosive bursts.
[Swordsmanship Lv.4] – Adaptive, efficient swordplay.
[Leadership Lv.5] → Lv.6 (+35% morale boost)
[Tactical Instinct Lv.4] – Refined battlefield intuition.
[Passive – Legacy of Strategies]
New Trait – "Banner of Unity": Fenrir's presence grants +10% morale empire-wide among allied troops.
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Power surged through his veins, his crimson aura faintly trembling though tightly restrained. He understood: not only his people believed in him now—his enemies would be forced to acknowledge that the Crimson Wolf had risen to a higher realm.
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From the corners of the hall, whispers hissed among nobles:
> "A viscount… at eighteen? Unheard of…"
"If left unchecked, he could rise to duke within a decade."
"The Emperor… what is he plotting with this boy?"
Fenrir heard them, but did not respond. He knew from this moment, every step forward would bring not just cheers—but daggers hidden in the dark.
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That night, as torchlight flickered against the imperial palace walls, Fenrir stood on the balcony of the guest quarters, gazing northward—toward Eisenwald, the land he had forged with blood.
Kael bowed beside him.
"Congratulations, my lord… Viscount Eisenwald."
Fenrir nodded slightly.
> "This is only the beginning. Today we are recognized… tomorrow, we will be tested."
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