The destruction of Grinburg is like a deep, bone-revealing scar etched on the northern defenses of the Kree Empire and in the hearts of all survivors.
The enormous lava pit silently testifies to the terror brought by the Sassians and the Orc Alliance.
However, this fierce victory, like a thunderbolt tearing through the dark clouds, briefly intimidated the enemy.
The Sassins suffered heavy losses and witnessed the devastating power of the Crystal Skeleton Cannon, causing their frontline offensive to come to an unprecedented standstill.
They needed to lick their wounds, assess the losses that far exceeded their expectations, and, more importantly, re-examine the man who, in dire straits, not only defended Grinburg (though it was ultimately destroyed) but also snatched the deadly weapon from their "ally" with a near-mad counterattack—Lind Truk.
The Orks were also severely weakened.
The most elite heavy infantry suffered heavy losses in the defense of the fort, the replica of the Crystal Skeleton Cannon, which was secretly built at great expense, was captured, and the mage corps suffered a devastating blow.
Their massive army, like a wounded beast, temporarily withdrew its claws, lurking in the shadows, watching the Kree's movements with vigilance and venom.
Lind's name was undoubtedly marked at the top of their kill list.
The war machine was temporarily stuck in the bloody mud, and both sides fell into an eerie silence.
But this silence is not peace; rather, it is the low pressure at the eye of the storm, a respite for intelligence to be frantically transmitted, assessed, and calculated in the shadows like venomous snakes.
Lind, the man who turned the tide of the local war at the cost of the destruction of a fortress, became the most prominent and in-depth name in the intelligence files of both sides.
Greenburg no longer exists. The remnants of Lind's army, along with the Holy Punishment Knights led by Priest, and the wreckage of the smoking, dangerous Crystal Skeleton Cannon, retreated to a larger and better-defended castle in the rear—Iron Rock Castle.
This place became a new stronghold of defense, the air thick with the smell of gunpowder, the pain of wounds, and a somber feeling of surviving a catastrophe.
Just as the defenses of Ironrock Fortress were initially stabilized, the wounded were taken care of, and the dangerous Crystal Cannon was properly preserved, a formal summons arrived from the Earl of Sutherland's territory.
"Linde, the envoy from the Earl's territory has arrived. Please proceed to the encampment immediately."
Lillens handed the parchment scroll bearing the Earl's seal to Lind, a complex emotion on his face.
"It's quite a grand procession; the envoys are being escorted by the Earl's personal guard."
Linde accepted the summons, his gaze sweeping over the familiar emblem.
He understood that what was coming would eventually come. The destruction of Greenburg was a huge loss, but the victory of capturing the Crystal Skeleton Cannon and severely damaging the vanguard of the Sasok Alliance was equally dazzling and could not be ignored.
Lord Sutherland is seriously wounded and in a coma. The northern defenses need a symbol, a hero who can boost morale.
And he, Lind Truk, has become that symbol.
"Get ready. Lillens and Nix will come with me. Astaire will stay behind to assist Chief Justice Priest in stabilizing the defenses of Ironrock Fortress, and make sure to keep a close eye on that cannon."
Linde's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable determination.
Priss had no objection to this; purifying the Shadow Abyss and protecting this dangerous spoils were also important responsibilities of the Holy Church.
Several days later, when Lind and his party once again stepped into the core territory of Earl Sutherland, the scene that greeted them was completely different from the oppressive and dull atmosphere of the last time.
The road leading to the main castle was crowded with local residents who had come spontaneously.
They waved simple colorful flags and threw picked wildflowers onto the road where Linde was riding.
Cheers surged forth like a tidal wave, carrying the relief of surviving a catastrophe and the most genuine admiration for the hero.
"Lord Lind! A hero of the war!"
"Look! That's the knight who repelled the Sassins!"
"Thank you for protecting our rear!"
On those faces ravaged by war, hope now shone brightly.
The children were carried on their father's shoulders, trying to make out the hero's face; the women had tears in their eyes, tears for their deceased loved ones and for the survivors.
Lillens rode closer to Lind and whispered:
“Linde, this is the work of the Earl’s agent and the military. Greenburg… it’s too tragic, the front lines need a shot in the arm. Your achievements are the most inspiring story right now.”
His tone carried a hint of understanding, but also a hint of helplessness.
Behind the hero's halo lie countless lost lives and a fortress reduced to ashes.
Lind nodded slightly, maintaining a composed expression, and waved to the cheering crowd.
He could sense the political considerations behind this "welcome," and he could also feel the heartfelt gratitude and expectations of the people.
This weight is heavier on my shoulders than any sword or blade.
Upon entering the castle, the atmosphere became even more solemn.
The nobles, officers, and civil officials who remained behind, regardless of their previous thoughts, all cast complex glances at Linde at this moment—awe, curiosity, scrutiny, and perhaps even a hint of barely perceptible jealousy.
Ser Barton, the acting Grand Master, personally greeted him at the entrance to the council chamber. The old knight managed a rare smile and patted Lind's arm guard forcefully.
"Viscount Linde! Well done! The Empire and the North will never forget the sacrifice of Grinburg, nor will they forget your bravery!"
"Viscount?"
Linde keenly grasped this new title.
"You'll find out once you go inside; His Majesty's and the Council of Nobles' commendation orders have already arrived!"
Sir Barton led Lind into the council chamber.
Inside the hall, almost all the prominent nobles and high-ranking military officers from the North were gathered together.
The person seated at the head of the table was no longer Sir Barton, but an envoy dressed in magnificent court attire and holding the king's scepter.
Beside the envoy stood the current representative of the Earl of Sutherland's family, a middle-aged close relative of the Earl with a serious expression.
The ceremony was solemn yet simple.
The King's envoy read out the decree of commendation in public:
"...In view of Baron Lind Truk's courage and loyalty in the Battle of Grinburg, where he was appointed to command in a time of crisis, fought against overwhelming odds, held his ground, inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, and ultimately turned the tide of the battle by seizing the enemy's deadly weapon, demonstrating the fearlessness, loyalty, and extraordinary bravery of the Imperial Knights... Lind Truk is hereby promoted to Imperial Viscount, given the title 'Guardian,' and granted permission to establish and expand his direct knightly order to full strength..."
Viscount!
A formal promotion to a noble title signifies a substantial increase in status, power, and resources.
Linde knelt on one knee and accepted the heraldic ring and the document of investiture, which symbolized his status as a viscount.
A round of polite applause filled the hall. Viscount Wald clapped particularly loudly, a hearty smile on his face, but a shrewd calculation gleamed in the depths of his eyes.
The atmosphere did not lighten after the ceremony ended.
The envoy and the count's representative stepped aside, and the real main event began.
Sir Barton cleared his throat, his gaze sweeping across the room before finally settling on Lind, his tone becoming serious:
"Viscount Linde, your merits have been recognized. However, I have gathered you all here today because there is a matter of great importance concerning the safety of the North and even the Empire that needs to be decided."
He paused, then his voice carried clearly throughout the hall:
"That's about the Crystal Skeleton Cannon that your unit captured from the Orks after the war at Greenburg."
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