Chapter 143 – The New Eisenwald Citadel
Two years had passed since the great training exercises and the restructuring of the army. A short time in history, yet long for the soldiers, workers, and townsfolk who watched every day as the swampy land slowly transformed into the heart of a new power.
Eisenwald, once an isolated backwater barony surrounded by marshes, had become the northern frontier's beating heart of the Luminaria Empire. Not merely because of its eighteen-thousand-strong army, but because of one monumental project launched by Fenrir: the construction of Eisenwald Citadel.
From the first day the foundation stones were laid, the sound of hammer and chisel never ceased. White limestone from the southern mountains arrived by the cartload. Iron from the new mines was forged in Calder's workshops. Black swampwood, famed for resisting damp, was carved into beams and pillars.
For two years, thousands of workers, engineers, and soldiers labored tirelessly. And now, at long last, the citadel stood complete—towering above the town, replacing the old manor that once served as Eisenwald's seat.
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The citadel rose on a low hill in the center of the new Eisenwald city, overlooking the main river that had become a trade artery. Inspired by Peleș Castle, it bore steep spired roofs, stained-glass windows, and ornate carvings etched across its walls.
Yet Fenrir had not merely built a palace; he had forged a fortress designed for both grandeur and war:
1. Double Walls
Two concentric walls, each 12 meters high, encircled the citadel. Between them ran a patrol road, allowing troops to maneuver quickly during a siege.
2. Defense Towers
Six towers at key points, each fitted with ballistae and trebuchets designed by Roland and Calder.
3. Twin Iron Gates
The main gate was forged of Eisenwald's lightweight steel and clad in swampwood, resilient against both fire and heavy projectiles.
4. Underground Vaults
Vast storerooms beneath the citadel held enough food to withstand a five-year siege. Secret escape tunnels—known only to Fenrir and a chosen few—ran into the forest beyond.
5. Throne Hall
A grand hall capable of hosting over a thousand, its walls draped with crimson banners bearing the wolf sigil. Here Fenrir would receive guests, judge nobles, and issue decrees.
6. Library & Archives
On Fenrir's orders, a library was built—filled not only with Luminaria records but also strategy texts, engineering treatises, and fragments of foreign lore.
7. Inner Barracks
One thousand Crimson Knights were quartered in their own fortress within the fortress, serving as Eisenwald's final shield and Fenrir's personal guard.
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The citadel was not just a noble's residence. Fenrir designed it as a multifunctional command center:
Military: war headquarters, elite garrison, armory, and last line of defense.
Political: council chamber, judicial hall, and court for noble affairs.
Economic: tax offices, logistics depots, trade negotiation halls.
Cultural: celebration hall, library, and training grounds for knowledge as well as war.
Fenrir knew the truth: power was not only the sword, but the citadel that embodied it. For his people, the citadel was hope; for his enemies, it was a warning.
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The completion was marked by the tolling of bells across the city. Crowds gathered at the foot of the hill, gazing at the white fortress rising into the sky. Many remembered the days when Eisenwald was but a poor, muddy backwater.
An old farmer whispered, "I thought I would die in a swamp village. Now my grandchildren will live under a castle."
A young soldier tapped his shield with pride. "I was once a nameless mercenary. Now I serve the Crimson Wolf. This citadel is our home."
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From the highest tower balcony, Fenrir watched his people. The wind whipped at his cloak. Two years without a great war—yet they had been years of battle against time, weakness, and doubt.
Kael stood behind him. "My lord, the people are preparing for a festival to honor this day."
Fenrir nodded. "And they shall have it. But more than celebration, I want them to see: Eisenwald is not just a fortress—it is a home."
As he spoke, a familiar glow shimmered before his eyes—the system.
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Quest Completed – Build the Eisenwald Citadel
Objective: Complete Eisenwald Citadel within two years.
Status: Completed.
Reward:
EXP +7,500
New Skill: [Fortress Command Lv.1] → Eisenwald troops gain +10% morale & +10% stamina when defending inside fortresses/citadels.
Permanent Upgrade: Infrastructure boosted → +15% economy, +20% logistics.
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. [Status Panel – Fenrir Eisenwald]
Name: Fenrir Eisenwald
Title: Crimson Wolf of Eisenwald, Viscount of the Northern Border
Age: 20
Level: 21 (UP)
EXP: 97,500 / 100,000
Aura: 310 (+10 reward)
Stamina: 310 (+15 reward)
Strength: 260 (+10 reward)
Cunning: 435 (+15 reward)
Charisma: 280 (+15 reward)
Mental Fortitude: 300 (+10 reward)
Skills:
[Aura Control Lv.4]
[Swordsmanship Lv.4]
[Leadership Lv.6]
[Tactical Instinct Lv.4]
[Crossbow Tactics Lv.1]
[Mobile Volley Lv.1]
[Strategic Adaptability Lv.1]
[Fortress Command Lv.1]
Traits:
[Wounds That Shape]
[Lord of the Marsh]
[Banner of Unity]
[Iron Banner]
[Echoes of Conquerors]
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Fenrir's gaze swept across the great square before the citadel. Red banners were strung between poles, long tables laden with bread, meat, and wine. Everyone—soldiers, farmers, merchants, even minor nobles—was invited.
He smiled faintly.
"Tomorrow, the people shall feast. But beyond the music and fire…" his eyes hardened, looking north, "…there are always shadows. And I must be ready."
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