Chapter 138 – Trial of Blood and Iron
The great training field of Eisenwald roared with the voices of thousands. Every soldier—veteran and recruit alike—stood in tense silence, waiting for the duels that would shape the command structure of their new army.
The red banner of Eisenwald fluttered above them, and before it stood Fenrir Eisenwald himself, clad in his dark armor, his crimson gaze sweeping the gathered crowd. At his side was Kael Morgenstern, commander of the Crimson Knights, and behind him stood twenty of those fearsome elites, their silent presence alone enough to keep the field in rigid order.
Fenrir raised his hand. The crowd immediately hushed.
"Today," Fenrir's voice rang out like steel on steel, "Eisenwald chooses its leaders. Not by blood. Not by birth. Not by wealth. Only by strength, discipline, and loyalty. A captain is not merely a strong warrior—he is the shield of his men, the hand of command in the chaos of battle. Show me not only your skill, but your will to lead."
Kael stepped forward, his greatsword resting on his shoulder. His voice boomed:
"The rules are simple. One duel. If the veteran captain holds his ground, he remains in command. If he falls, he will still serve as a military advisor—his knowledge too valuable to discard. The victor claims the mantle of captain."
The soldiers erupted in cheers, their anticipation rising to fever pitch.
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Infantry Duel – Darius Holt vs Arno Kruger
First to step forward was Darius Holt, veteran of the Internal War. His scarred face and heavy build commanded respect from all who watched. He had held the infantry together when Eisenwald was only 3,500 strong.
His challenger was Arno Kruger, a broad-shouldered warrior from the northern provinces, nicknamed Iron Hammer. He carried a massive longsword almost as heavy as an axe.
The two men faced each other, saluted Fenrir, then advanced.
The clash was thunderous. Shields slammed, blades screeched, and dust kicked up in waves. Darius pressed forward with relentless discipline, his shield wall technique evident even when alone—steps measured, guard tight, strikes precise.
Arno roared, swinging his heavy blade in brutal arcs. Each impact sent sparks flying, forcing Darius to stagger. But the veteran did not yield.
Minutes dragged on. Soldiers shouted encouragement from both sides.
"Hold, Darius!"
"Crush him, Arno!"
Fenrir's eyes narrowed. Darius has the discipline, but his stamina wanes. Arno… reckless, but powerful.
At last, Arno feinted low, then swung high, smashing through Darius's battered shield. The veteran staggered, falling to one knee. The crowd went silent.
Arno stopped, panting, his sword raised for the final blow. But he did not strike. Instead, he lowered the blade and saluted.
Fenrir rose. "Arno Kruger—by strength and courage, you are captain of the Eisenwald Infantry. Darius Holt shall not be discarded. He will remain as chief military advisor, guiding our strategies with his invaluable experience."
The crowd erupted. Veterans cheered for Darius, recruits hailed Arno. Both men bowed deeply to Fenrir.
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Archer Duel – Selene Aestra vs Mirae
Next came Selene Aestra, Eisenwald's famed archer, her long black hair tied tightly, her bow gleaming in the afternoon sun. Opposite her stood Mirae, a newcomer from the eastern provinces, slender yet sharp-eyed, known for her uncanny double-shot.
The duel began with accuracy trials. Targets were set at increasing distances, some even moving across rails. Selene loosed arrow after arrow—steady, precise, striking each target near the center. Mirae drew two arrows at once, releasing them simultaneously; both struck within inches of the bullseye. Gasps spread across the field.
Then came the speed test. Ten targets appeared in random sequence. Selene fired with calm rhythm, never missing. Mirae fired faster—two arrows at once, rapid volleys that seemed almost inhuman.
When the final target fell, Kael raised his hand. "Victory: Mirae."
Selene did not protest. She bowed her head, then turned to Fenrir.
Fenrir's voice was steady. "Selene Aestra, you will step back from the captaincy. But you are not finished. From today, you are chief advisor of the archers, mentor to the new generation. Mirae shall lead in battle, but your wisdom will sharpen her arrows."
Applause thundered. Both women bowed. Mirae's eyes shone with pride, but also with humility.
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Cavalry Duel – Garrik Stormhoof vs Varek
The third duel brought Garrik Stormhoof, Eisenwald's steadfast cavalry commander, onto the field. He mounted his great warhorse with practiced grace. His opponent was Varek, a foreign mercenary commander, famed for daring maneuvers and reckless charges.
The duel was fought on horseback. The two riders circled, lances lowered.
The first pass—lances shattered, horses screamed, dust flew. Both men wheeled around instantly for the second pass. Varek angled sharply, trying to catch Garrik's flank. Garrik countered, spinning his horse at the last moment, his lance grazing Varek's shoulder.
On the third pass, Varek attempted a dangerous maneuver, leaping sideways from his saddle mid-charge to strike Garrik directly. But Garrik anticipated, twisting his lance upward. The strike disarmed Varek and sent him crashing to the ground.
The crowd roared. Garrik reined in his horse, saluting Fenrir.
Fenrir stood. "Garrik Stormhoof remains captain of the cavalry. Varek—your skill is not wasted. You will serve as second commander, under Garrik's banner."
The men clasped hands, earning the respect of the crowd.
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Artillery Duel – Roland Ironarm vs Calder
Finally, the artillery contest. Roland Ironarm, named for the sheer strength of his arms, faced Calder, a young technician from Luminaria, rumored to be a genius with siegecraft.
The duel was not brute combat, but speed and precision. Both were tasked to assemble and fire a ballista at three distant targets.
Roland's movements were efficient, practiced. Calder's were faster, hands moving in a blur. He finished seconds earlier, but his first shot veered wide. Roland's bolt, slower but steadier, smashed the target dead center.
The judges conferred. Fenrir announced: "Roland remains captain of the artillery. Calder, you are appointed chief engineer. Your innovations will serve under Roland's command."
. Crimson Knights – Untouchable
At last, the Crimson Knights stepped forward. Their black-red armor gleamed, their presence enough to silence all voices.
Kael Morgenstern spoke. "We do not duel. The Crimson Knights answer to one man only—Lord Eisenwald."
Fenrir's voice followed. "These warriors are not bound by division. They are my blade, to strike where I command. Their loyalty is absolute, their power unmatched."
Every soldier saluted, a ripple of awe sweeping the crowd.
Fenrir rose to his full height, voice cutting through the air like a war drum.
"Today, Eisenwald has reforged its command. Veterans and newcomers, side by side. Advisors to guide, captains to lead. We are no longer a scattered band—we are an army. My army."
The soldiers erupted in thunderous cheers, stamping feet and clashing weapons together.
Fenrir looked over them, crimson eyes glinting. Now, the machine of war is complete. Let the world see what Eisenwald has become.
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