I Got Reborn Into A Baron's Household

The troops stationed around Eisenhart turned to face us, their expressions shifting from surprise to amusement as they took in the sight of just the two of us charging at them. A ripple of laughter passed through their ranks, their confidence bolstered by their superior numbers.

"Look at these fools!" one of the soldiers sneered. 

"They think they can take us all on by themselves!"

Another soldier chuckled, hefting his spear. "This should be fun. Let's see how long they last."

Their laughter only served to fuel my rage. Atop the ruined walls of Eisenhart, the enemy's commander watched our advance with a sneer.

"You think you can take us on with just the two of you?" he shouted, his voice booming across the battlefield. "Archers! Take them down!"

In response to his command, a line of archers appeared atop the wall, their bows drawn and arrows nocked. With a collective twang, a volley of arrows arced through the air, descending upon us like a deadly rain.

But I was ready. With a thought, I tapped into the power of the Aetherium Band, my aether capacity surging with energy. Time seemed to slow as I focused on the incoming projectiles, my mind calculating their trajectories with lightning speed. With a wave of my hand, I unleashed a wave of telekinetic force, the arrows freezing in mid-air before reversing course and shooting back towards the enemy.

The enemy soldiers, unprepared for such a counterattack, were caught off guard. Cries of pain and shock filled the air as the arrows found their marks, striking down the archers and forcing the captain to take cover.

Galen, seizing the opportunity, charged forward with renewed vigor and unleashed a powerful strike that disrupted the enemies formation. "Now, young master! While they're in disarray!"

With a swift, fluid motion, I unleashed Spectral Strike, the blade of the Aetherblade glowing brilliantly as aetheric energy coursed through it. Arcs of radiant energy erupted, slicing through the enemy ranks with lethal precision as I slipped into the damaged section of the wall. Their mocking laughter turned to panicked cries as I moved like a phantom among them, the Aetherblade a blur of silver-blue radiance. The expanded aether reserves granted by the Naga's essence allowed me to sustain the Spectral Strike longer, each slash striking with unerring power and precision.

Galen, despite his initial protest, followed close behind, his new sword, Titan's Might, held ready. The dark metal blade glowed with an intense, golden light as he activated Herculean Force. His strikes were devastating, each swing of the sword sending enemies flying or crumpling to the ground, their armor and shields shattered. The sheer strength and endurance granted by Titan's Might made Galen a formidable force on the battlefield, his movements fueled by a mix of loyalty and the adrenaline of combat.

Together, we pressed our advance, the combined power of our weapons and abilities making us an unstoppable force. The Aetherblade's Spectral Strike and the Aetherium Band's telekinetic manipulation allowed me to control the battlefield, creating openings for Galen's devastating strikes. The Heart of Elysium ensured that I remained standing, its healing energy countering the damage I sustained.

As we fought, the weight of my rage seemed to grow heavier, the air around us crackling with raw, unbridled power. The enemy soldiers, once so confident in their numbers, now looked at us with a mix of fear and awe. They had underestimated us, and now they were paying the price.

The enemy commander, realizing the turn of the tide, desperately tried to rally his troops. "Hold your ground! Don't let them break our lines!"

But it was too late. With every strike, every slash, and every telekinetic thrust, we pushed deeper into the heart of the enemy formation. The clash of metal against metal, the screams of the wounded, and the roars of battle cries filled the air. The once-mocking laughter of the enemy troops had long since faded, replaced by the grim of their situation.

"Keep pushing, Galen!" I shouted, my voice cutting through the din of battle.

Galen nodded, his face a mask of determination. "I'm with you, young master. To the end."

Our coordinated assault was relentless, a dance of death and destruction that left the enemy reeling. The Aetherblade's Spectral Strike cut through their ranks like a hot knife through butter, while Galen's Titan's Might sent soldiers flying with every powerful swing. The Aetherium Band allowed me to lift and hurl enemies, creating chaos and openings for our advance.

The enemy soldiers, once brimming with confidence, now began to falter. Their eyes widened with fear as they witnessed the sheer power and precision of our attacks. One of them, a burly man with a scar across his face, stumbled back, his voice trembling. "They're not human... They're monsters!"

His words echoed through the ranks, and I could see the ripple of fear spreading among them. It was a stark contrast to their earlier mockery, and it fueled my resolve even more. I noticed the efficient aether consumption of the Arcane Manipulation skill, my reserves still holding strong at about 65 percent. With so many enemies left, I needed to be strategic.

I decided to utilize the Aetherium Band more effectively. With a thought, I reached out with my mind, feeling the scattered weapons on the ground. Swords, spears, and even broken shields lifted into the air, hovering for a moment before shooting forward like homing missiles. The weapons flew with deadly precision, striking down enemies with unerring accuracy. The sight of their own weapons turning against them sent a wave of panic through the enemy ranks.

Galen, ever the arrogant and talkative knight, couldn't help but taunt the enemy. "Come on, you lot! Is this the best you've got?" he shouted, his voice booming with laughter. "You should see your faces! Priceless!" He swung Titan's Might with ease, the dark metal blade glowing with an intense, golden light. Each strike was a testament to the immense strength and power granted by Herculean Force.

The enemy captain, desperate to regain control, bellowed orders from atop the wall. "Don't let them reach the keep! Hold the line!"

But his words fell on deaf ears. The soldiers were in disarray, their formation crumbling under our relentless assault. I moved with the grace and speed of a specter, the Aetherblade a blur of radiant energy as it cut through the enemy. Galen followed, his strikes powerful and precise, each swing of Titan's Might sending enemies flying.

"You call this a fight?" Galen laughed, his voice carrying over the chaos. "I've had tougher battles with my morning porridge!"

His taunts only served to demoralize the enemy further. They were no match for our combined might, and they knew it. The Heart of Elysium pulsed with a warm, healing energy, keeping me on my feet despite the relentless pace of the battle.

As we neared the main keep, the resistance grew more desperate. But my rage was unyielding, and with each strike, each slash, and each telekinetic thrust, we pushed forward. The enemy's fear was palpable, their once-mocking laughter now a distant memory.

"Keep going, Galen!" I shouted, my voice cutting through the din. "We're almost there!"

Galen grinned, his eyes gleaming with the thrill of battle. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, young master. Let's show them what we're made of!"

With the enemy ranks thinning and their morale crumbling, I saw an opportunity to end this battle swiftly. My eyes scanned the chaos, searching for the one figure that could turn the tide—the enemy commander. He was the key to their resistance, and if I could take him down, the rest might surrender.

"Galen, I need you to cover me," I shouted, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins. "I'm going after their commander. If he falls, the rest will follow."

Galen nodded, understanding my plan instantly. "Leave it to me, young master. I'll make sure no one interrupts your dance with the big bad wolf."

With a surge of aether, I activated the Aetherblade's Spectral Strike, enhancing my speed and agility to superhuman levels. The world around me slowed as I dashed towards the commander, my movements fluid and precise. The enemy soldiers tried to intercept me, but they were no match for my enhanced reflexes. I weaved through their ranks, the Aetherblade a blur of radiant energy as it cut down anyone who stood in my way.

The commander, seeing my approach, braced himself for the fight. He was a formidable figure, his armor adorned with the insignias of his rank, and his weapon—a massive battle-axe—held ready. But I could see the flicker of fear in his eyes, the realization that he was now the hunted.

"You think you can take me on, boy?" he growled, his voice a deep rumble. "I've faced worse than you and lived to tell the tale."

I didn't bother with a response. Instead, I lunged forward, the Aetherblade singing through the air as it clashed against his axe. The impact sent a shockwave through the ground, the force of our weapons meeting echoing like thunder.

Behind me, Galen was a whirlwind of destruction, his laughter ringing out as he kept the enemy soldiers at bay. "Come on, you lot! You'll have to do better than that to get past me!"

The commander and I traded blows, our weapons clashing in a dance of death and destruction. His strikes were powerful, fueled by years of experience and brute strength. But my enhanced agility and the Aetherblade's precision gave me the edge. I ducked under his swings, countering with swift, precise strikes that left him barely able to defend.

"You're just a boy," he panted, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "You can't hope to defeat me."

I smiled, a cold and calculated expression. "I'm not just a boy. I'm the one who's going to end this."

With a burst of speed, I dashed behind him, the Aetherblade slicing through the air. He tried to turn, to counter my attack, but he was too slow. The blade bit deep, and he stumbled, his axe falling from his grasp.

"Impossible..." he gasped, falling to his knees.

I stood over him, the Aetherblade held ready. "Surrender," I said, my voice cold. "Or die. The choice is yours."

Defeat shone in his eyes, and he looked out at his troops, their numbers dwindling, their morale shattered. He knew it was over.

"We surrender," he said, his voice barely a whisper.

A cheer went up from the remaining enemy soldiers, not one of triumph, but of relief. They laid down their arms, their fight gone. Galen, ever the showman, bowed dramatically, his laughter filling the air.

"And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how it's done," he said, grinning from ear to ear.

I stood there, the Aetherblade humming softly in my grasp, and looked out at the battlefield. We had won, but the fight was far from over. 

As the enemy commander knelt in surrender, I felt an overwhelming sense of danger. I barely had time to react as a powerful bolt of lightning beam crackled through the air, aimed directly at me. The attack was swift and intense, catching me off guard.

Acting on pure instinct, I activated the Aetherblade's Spectral Strike, a radiant arc of aether energy erupting from my blade just in time to meet the incoming lightning beam. The two forces collided with a deafening crack, the air around us shimmering with the intensity of the clash. The lightning dissipated, but the force of the impact sent me skidding backwards, the hairs on my arms standing on end.

"Young master!" Galen shouted, concern etched on his face as he moved to cover my back, his eyes scanning the battlefield for the source of the attack.

A figure materialized from the shadows of the keep, his form tall and lean, dressed in an elegant, tailored suit that seemed out of place amidst the chaos of the battlefield. His eyes were a piercing blue, holding a gleam of cunning and mystery. In his hand, he held a sleek, lightweight blade with a gleaming silver edge that crackled with latent energy. An artifact called Stormrider.

"Who are you?" I demanded, my voice steady despite the surprise. The Aetherblade hummed softly in my grasp, ready for another attack.

The man smiled coldly. "Fausto De Luca," he replied, bowing slightly. "I must admit, I've been watching your little performance with great interest. You're quite the formidable fighter, young lord."

I didn't wait for him to make the first move this time. With a surge of aether, I dashed forward, the Aetherblade a blur of radiant energy as I activated Spectral Strike. The world around me slowed as I moved with enhanced speed and agility, my blade clashing against Fausto's Stormrider.

Fausto was a formidable opponent, his movements fluid and precise as he countered my attacks. His sword seemed to dance in his hands, the dark energy of its blade clashing against the Aetherblade's radiant power. I ducked and weaved, the Aetherblade singing through the air as I dodged his attacks and countered with my own.

But Fausto had the advantage. His sword, the Stormrider, granted him enhanced agility with the ability Gale's Grace, allowing him to dodge my attacks with ease. He moved with the speed of the wind, his reflexes and reaction time far superior to mine. I began to feel the exhaustion of the battle, my movements slowing as I struggled to keep up.

Galen, seeing the intensity of the fight, stepped back, his eyes wide with concern. "Young master, be careful! That sword is an artifact!"

I gritted my teeth, focusing all my energy on the fight. I could feel the power radiating from the Stormrider, a dark and ominous force that sent a shiver down my spine. But I couldn't afford to hold back. I had to give this fight my all.

Fausto activated Blinkstrike, teleporting short distances in the blink of an eye. He appeared behind me, his sword striking out with lightning speed. I barely managed to deflect the blow, the force of it sending me staggering. He teleported again, appearing to my side, his sword crackling with energy as he activated Stormstrike.

A bolt of lightning shot towards me. Instinctively, I dove to the side, with no time to activate Guardian's Embrace to form a shield. The bolt grazed my shoulder, sending a jolt of pain through my body. I could feel my aether reserves depleting rapidly, the intense fight taking its toll. But I couldn't afford to falter. Not now.

With a thought, I tapped into the power of the Aetherium Band, using Arcane Manipulation to lift a scattered pile of debris from the ground. The chunks of stone and metal flew through the air, hurtling towards Fausto with deadly precision. He countered with a wave of wind, the debris exploding into dust as it collided with his Tempest Ward, a protective barrier of wind and lightning that deflected my attack.

Panting, I stood my ground, the Aetherblade humming softly in my grasp. I could feel my body aching, exhaustion threatening to overwhelm me. But I refused to give up. I refused to fall.

With a burst of speed, I dashed towards Fausto, the Aetherblade singing through the air as I activated Spectral Strike one last time. He turned to counter, but I was ready. With a wave of my hand, I used the Aetherium Band to lift a fallen soldier's shield, sending it flying towards Fausto. He was forced to deflect it, giving me the opening I needed.

The Aetherblade bit deep, and Fausto staggered, his grip on the Stormrider faltering. I pressed my advantage, the blade a blur of energy as I unleashed a final, powerful strike. The Stormrider's enchantments flickered, the dark energy of its blade struggling to counter my attack.

Fausto fell to his knees, defeat shining in his eyes. Panting, I stood over him, the Aetherblade held ready. "Yield," I said, my voice cold.

Fausto looked up at me, a mix of respect and defeat in his eyes. "You've bested me, young lord. This time. But mark my words, our paths will cross again."

As Fausto De Luca vanished, the battlefield fell into an eerie silence, the weight of the intense fight lingering in the air. I stood there, panting, the Aetherblade humming softly in my grasp. Galen approached me, his expression a mix of concern and relief.

"Who was that, young master?" Galen asked, his eyes scanning the area where Fausto had disappeared.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "He said his name was Fausto De Luca," I replied, sheathing the Aetherblade. "Have you ever heard of him before?"

Galen shook his head. "No, never. But he's clearly a formidable opponent. We need to be cautious."

I nodded in agreement, turning my attention back to the surrendered commander. He knelt on the ground, his head bowed, but his posture still held a hint of arrogance. I walked over to him, Galen following closely behind.

"Who are you?" I demanded, my voice firm.

The commander looked up, his eyes meeting mine with a defiant gaze. "I am Dante Valerius, Baron of the Valerius domain," he declared, his voice dripping with arrogance. "I demand to be treated with the respect due to my rank. I am a noble, and I expect to be treated as such."

Galen scoffed, his voice laced with disdain. "Respect? You've just been defeated in battle. You're in no position to make demands."

Dante's expression darkened, but he maintained his composure. "I am aware of the customs of war," he said, his voice stiff. "I am willing to pay a ransom for my release, as is befitting my station. Name your price, and I will see it paid."

I exchanged a glance with Galen, a silent understanding passing between us. This man, despite his surrender, still held onto his arrogance and sense of entitlement. But we needed information, and he was our best source.

"A ransom, you say?" I asked, my voice cold. "And what makes you think we're interested in your money?"

Dante's eyes widened slightly, surprise flickering in his gaze. "Everyone has a price. It is the custom among nobles. I expect to be treated with the dignity and respect befitting my rank."

Galen chuckled, a sound devoid of humor. "You think customs and ranks matter here? You've led an army against us, caused destruction and death. A ransom won't make that go away."

Dante's arrogance faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "Nevertheless, I insist on being treated with the respect due to my station. I am a baron, and I expect to be ransomed accordingly."

I considered his offer, my mind racing. Information was valuable, and if Dante was willing to talk, we could use that to our advantage. But we needed to make it clear that his nobility meant nothing here.

"Information," I said, my voice steady. "Tell us about your forces, your allies, your plans. Everything. And maybe, just maybe, we'll consider your offer. But know this—your title and rank mean nothing to us. You are a prisoner, and you will be treated as such."

Dante's eyes narrowed, a calculating gleam in his gaze. He took a deep breath, his shoulders slumping slightly as he began to speak. "Very well. But know this—I will not be held captive for long. One way or another, I will regain my freedom."

Galen stepped forward, his voice a low growl. "You're in no position to make threats, Baron. Now start talking. Who do you serve?"

Dante hesitated, a flicker of fear in his eyes. "I... I serve Count Aumale, the sworn enemy of Count Velrois. He has declared war againts him and attacked Eisenhart first, seeking to expand his influence and crush his rivals."

I listened intently, my mind absorbing every detail. This was the information we needed, the key to understanding the larger picture. And with Dante Valerius in our custody, we had a valuable asset.

As Dante Valerius began to reveal the extent of Count Aumale's ambitions, I steeled myself for what was to come. I needed to know the full scope of the enemy's forces before I could allow myself to think about what had happened to my family.

"How many troops does Count Aumale have remaining?" I asked, my voice steady and focused.

Dante looked up, his eyes meeting mine with a mix of fear and resignation. "Count Aumale has a total of thirty thousand troops remaining. Among them, five hundred are knights who can wield mana, and the rest are well-trained regular soldiers."

I nodded, my mind already calculating the odds and strategizing. Thirty thousand was a significant force, but knowing the numbers gave us a starting point. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the next question, the one that weighed heavily on my heart.

"And what of my family?" I asked, my voice barely concealing the turmoil within me. "What happened to my Father, Baron Eisenhart and his household?"

Dante hesitated, a flicker of fear in his eyes. He looked away, his breath hitching as he tried to find the words. "I... I cannot—"

My rage boiled over, and I reached out with the Aetherium Band, using Arcane Manipulation to crush the air around Dante, making it difficult for him to breathe. His eyes widened in panic as he gasped for air.

"You will tell me," I said, my voice cold and unyielding. "Or I will make you suffer in ways you cannot imagine."

Dante's face turned red, and he clawed at his throat, his eyes bulging. Finally, he nodded, and I released the pressure slightly, allowing him to speak.

"We... we defeated Baron Eisenhart in battle," he gasped, his voice raspy. "Count Aumale's forces were too great. After the wall crumbled, we fought a siege battle, but your father's troops were no match for Aumale's ten thousand soldiers."

My heart pounded in my chest as I listened, my worst fears coming to life. "And my family?" I demanded, my voice shaking with barely contained rage.

Dante looked down, his voice barely a whisper. "The Baron surrendered, asking for his family to be spared. But Count Aumale... he had other plans. The Baron and Baroness were executed. Your siblings... they were taken to be sold as slaves. Along with the maids and other staffs.

As Dante Valerius revealed the fate of my family, a primal, uncontrollable rage erupted within me. My vision turned red, and my body trembled with the intensity of my emotions. My family, my home, everything I held dear, had been taken from me in the most brutal and heartless way.

"They were taken to be sold as slaves?" I repeated, my voice a low, dangerous growl. "And the Baron and Baroness were executed?"

Dante looked down, his voice barely a whisper. "Yes. Count Aumale had other plans for them."

A wave of pure, unadulterated fury washed over me. I reached out with the Aetherium Band, using Arcane Manipulation to crush the air around Dante. He gasped for breath, his eyes wide with panic and fear.

Galen, seeing the state I was in, did not try to stop me. Instead, he stepped back, his expression grim. "This is your right, young master," he said, his voice cold. "Avenge your family."

With a roar, I tightened the air around Dante, feeling his bones crush under the immense pressure. His screams filled the air, but I felt no remorse, only a burning desire for vengeance. With a final, brutal twist, I ended his life, his body crumpling to the ground.

But my rage was far from sated. I turned to the remaining soldiers, who looked on in horror. They were part of the force that had destroyed my family, and they would pay the price.

With a wave of my hand, I used the Aetherium Band to lift the scattered weapons on the ground. Swords, spears, and axes rose into the air, their blades glinting in the sunlight. With a thought, I sent them flying towards the soldiers, the weapons moving with deadly precision.

Screams of terror and pain filled the air as the weapons found their marks, striking down the soldiers with ruthless efficiency. I watched, my heart cold and unyielding, as the life drained from their bodies, their forms crumpling to the ground.

Galen stood by my side, his expression grim. "This is war, young master," he said, his voice low. "And in war, there is no room for mercy."

I nodded, my breath coming in ragged gasps as the last of the soldiers fell. The battlefield was silent, the air thick with the scent of blood and death. I looked out at the carnage, my heart heavy with the weight of what I had done, and what I had lost.

But there was no time for grief. Not yet. I turned to Galen, my voice steady and determined. "We need to find my siblings and the maids. We need to find Fausto De Luca and make him talk."

Galen nodded, his expression resolute. "We will, young master. We will find them, and we will make Count Aumale pay for what he has done."

Determined, I stood tall, the Aetherblade humming softly in my grasp. The road ahead was fraught with danger, but I would not rest until my remaining family was safe, and Count Aumale was brought to justice. The war was far from over, I will make sure that he will pay.