Amnesia? Blissfully Ignorant

The moment Aaron saw the old man, he couldn't help but swallow.

He could sense that the other person was not simple. Although he was dressed in rather shabby clothes, his demeanor was exactly the same as that of Albus Dumbledore.

Unlucky!

Aaron silently grumbled to himself.

I just arrived and I've already encountered someone who seems to be a big shot. I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing.

"Child, is this yours?" the old man asked again.

"Yes." Aaron nodded politely. "It's mine."

"Then take it!" The old man smiled and handed over the Wand. "Human magicians are still quite rare."

"Child, you are very talented. Can you tell me about your background?"

Looking into those wise blue eyes, Aaron felt a faint pressure, and his mentality began to crumble.

Being so blunt right from the start was particularly unfriendly to him, an extraterrestrial.

He knows absolutely nothing about this world, how can he answer?

After a moment of silence, a look of confusion appeared on Aaron's face, and he shook his head in puzzlement, "I don't remember."

Pretending to have amnesia was Aaron's brilliant idea, and it was the best and most suitable approach for his current situation, because he really didn't know anything.

"Don't you remember?" The old man frowned slightly, carefully examining Aaron. "If you don't remember, how do you know this Wand is yours?"

"I can feel how much it needs me." Aaron said without hesitation, speaking entirely out of necessity.

"Then what do you remember?"

"Gaius, Aaron Gaius, that is my name."

"Gaius?" The old man's pupils dilated slightly, but he quickly regained his composure, though his gaze now held a hint of eagerness.

"Have you heard of this name?" Aaron asked tentatively. He wasn't sure if his ancestors had ever been to this world, but judging from the old man's expression, they probably had!

God, no, Lady Luck, please, if any ancestors have come, please don't bury any graves for this descendant.

"No, I've never heard of it." The old man slowly shook his head and said meaningfully, "However, I can feel a kind of guidance from the unseen world. Gaius is special and will be of great help to the good side."

Aaron raised an eyebrow. After all, he was a human trafficker himself, and this kind of talk was obviously nonsense with no credibility whatsoever.

Even though the old man seemed unfathomable to him, he was only half-convinced. It was better to keep a respectful distance until he was sure of the other person's character.

"Old man, you're joking." Aaron scratched his head. "I don't think I'm anything special. For me, the most important thing is to find a place to dry my clothes."

"You can use magic, so don't hold back in front of me."

Aaron:...

No way! Flor specifically warned me not to use magic casually.

"Old man, putting aside whether I know magic or not, even if I did, what do you think I could do in my amnesiac state?"

"It can," the old man said seriously, "By waving the Wand, it can guide the magic power within the body."

Believe me, you can do it.

Aaron's eye twitched slightly, and he was speechless.

This old man is even Dumbledore; he's never going to stop.

He picked up his Wand and waved it lightly, but nothing happened.

"You might need a little more practice." The old man wasn't disappointed. "I'll take you to a warm place first. You'll need clean clothes and hot food."

No, I don't need it, I just finished eating.

Besides, if it weren't for you being here, I wouldn't be so reserved and constrained.

Although he thought so, Aaron could only follow the old man for the time being. Following a local was better than him wandering around like a headless fly.

"By the way, I still don't know your name!"

"Gandalf," the old man said slowly, "the Grey Wizard, who is quite well-known."

"Hmm, I've never heard of it."

Gandalf smiled and shook his head, then led Aaron onward.

During his journey, Aaron also gained some basic understanding of this world.

There are many different races, with humans, elves, and dwarves being the dominant races.

Magic exists, but very few people know it; it's as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. The city is bright and beautiful, but its technology is not advanced.

Knowing this, Aaron felt much more at ease.

Firstly, this world is relatively peaceful, so he doesn't need to participate in any major battles. Secondly, with his strength as a mid-level Archmage, protecting himself shouldn't be a problem.

After traveling for nearly half an hour, the two arrived at a paradise where birds sang and flowers bloomed.

"We've arrived, the Shire. The Hobbit live here." Gandalf pointed to a cave shrouded in greenery. "What do you think of this place?"

"Hmm... it's suitable for retirement," Aaron said with a smile. "Blue sky, white clouds, flowers, lakes, and warm sunshine—these combined are synonymous with beauty."

"Well said." Gandalf nodded, leaning on his Wand as he walked to the outside of a low fence, where a Hobbit was sitting on a bench, leisurely smoking.

Hobbit only about one meter tall, with slightly pointed ears and broad feet. The soles of their feet have hard pads and thick brown curly hair, and they generally do not wear shoes.

Aaron's first impression of this Hobbit was that he was safe and posed no threat, even more harmless than his dragons, clearly a people who preferred peace and harmony.

Seemingly sensing someone's arrival, the Hobbit on the bench opened his eyes.

Looking at the old man and the young man outside the fence, he paused for a moment, then looked away somewhat embarrassed. "Good morning."

"Are you simply saying good morning, or are you telling me that it's good to have a good morning anyway, or that you feel good in the morning, or that you want to do good in the morning?"

"I think all of the above are true."

"Very good." Gandalf smiled slightly, then pushed Aaron forward a small step. "Aaron Gaius, this child may need your help."

Aaron:...

The Hobbit looked at Aaron and then noticed his wet clothes. "You might need clean clothes, but mine might not be suitable for you."

However, my house is quite warm; you can dry your clothes by the fireplace if you need.

"This is truly an honor." Aaron hesitated for a moment, then took out a gold coin from his pocket. "This is my way of thanking you for your kindness."

"No problem then." The Hobbit politely declined, then opened the fence, which was more than half a meter high, and invited Aaron into his yard. "Every Hobbit will lend a helping hand to those in need."

Gandalf smiled slightly, but instead of entering his courtyard, he thoughtfully observed the Hobbit.

Is there anything I can do for you?

"It's still too early to say. I'm looking for adventure partners."

The Hobbit paused for a moment, interpreting from Gandalf's eyes that he seemed to have been placed on the Reserve List.

"Adventure?

"I doubt anyone west of Bree would be interested; it's dirty, tiring, and uncomfortable—the kind of place that'll make you miss dinner." The Hobbit puffed on his cigarette. "Good morning!"

After saying that, he walked towards the door, his meaning quite clear: Don't look for me, I'm not interested.

"I never imagined that I would end up like a peddler, dismissed by Belladonna's son with 'morning snacks'," Gandalf walked up to the fence.

"What did you say?" the Hobbit asked, turning around.

"You're getting angrier and angrier, Bilbo Bagins."

"Excuse me, do I know you?"

"You know my name, but have forgotten what I look like. I am Gandalf."

And Gandalf was...

"The grey-robed mage," Aaron added.

"Yes, just like Gaius said."

"Gandalf?" Bilbo seemed to realize something, and pointed at Gandalf with his pipe in surprise. "You're a wandering wizard, Warlock smoker."

Old Took used to release them every summer solstice, I didn't expect you to still be doing it.

"What else can I do?" Gandalf smiled without any anger.

Pfft!

Aaron laughed out loud.

It's truly lamentable that someone so powerful, a Great wizard, would be reduced to selling cigarettes to make a living.

Gandalf felt offended. "Aaron, although you have some memory problems, it's still basic courtesy that you shouldn't forget."

"Sorry," Aaron waved his hand, "I really couldn't help myself."

Logically speaking, a highly respected Warlock like yourself should be respected wherever you go.

"Hmph!" Gandalf snorted, then looked at Bilbo, "I'm glad you still remember me, even if it's just about my fireworks."

Alright, that's the decision.

This will be boring for you, interesting for me, and meaningful for him.

"Wait a minute." Aaron's heart skipped a beat, a sudden sense of the Grim washing over him. "What do you mean by 'it will also be meaningful to me'?"

"You'll know when it's time, I'll go and inform the others."

"Who should we notify?" Bilbo also sensed something was wrong and immediately pulled Aaron to the front door. "Adventures are not welcome here, not today."

I suggest you go ask around the hill or the river.

Although it was their first meeting, Aaron and Bilbo worked together exceptionally well, not giving Gandalf a chance to speak, and decisively opened the door and went inside.

The two leaned against the door, one on each side, and Bilbo immediately locked it shut.

Just as the two breathed a sigh of relief, they suddenly heard a strange sound, as if something sharp had scraped across the door.

Bilbo frowned, turned and walked to the window, but before he could see clearly, he met a pair of sharp blue eyes. Startled, he immediately retreated behind the wall. His quick reaction surprised even Aaron.

Being timid is understandable, but surely you wouldn't hide that far away!

Both men breathed a sigh of relief as they watched Gandalf walk away through the window.

"Mr. Baggins, I have a feeling of unease."

"It should be fine, right?" Bilbo bit his finger uncertainly. "We both refused, so even if there's some real risk involved, Gandalf can't force us!"

No, no, no, you're still too naive.

Underestimating people comes at a price, especially with older people; none of them are easy to deal with.

"Haha." Bilbo pointed to himself. "Although Hobbit live longer than humans, it's still a bit embarrassing to be told that by a teenager like you. I'm already in my fifties."

"Uh... I have a bit of a memory problem, I don't know much about this," Aaron said awkwardly. "After all, you look like you're only in your early twenties."

Bilbo nodded, then realized something and said speechlessly, "Even if you're in your twenties, you have no right to call me young."

"Yes." Aaron nodded. "However, my intuition is usually right. If possible, we should go out and avoid the area for a day or two. Everything should be fine."

"I'm not going, you go if you want," Bilbo retorted. "This is my house."

Aaron:...

I wouldn't have reminded you if I hadn't sensed your pure goodwill.

But to be honest, if I weren't completely unfamiliar with the area, I would have run away long ago.

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore."

"Take off your clothes first, I'll go dry them for you."

Aaron blinked. "If you take off your clothes, what will I wear?"

"Here you go." Bilbo took a thick set of bed sheets from the cabinet. "They're a bit old, but they're definitely warm."

"Uh... thank you, but I'll do it myself!" Aaron took the sheet and walked towards the fireplace where the flames were burning.

Sitting by the fire, Aaron surveyed the cave.

Each room is connected by a short semi-circular passageway, and only a few rooms have wooden doors.

Sunlight streams in, and the kitchen, study, living room, and even bathroom are all there. It's not luxurious, but it's warm and comfortable.

The only thing that Aaron found inconvenient was that the door was a bit short. Although it was just right for Hobbit, it was a bit too short for him, a human who was over 1.6 meters tall.

"This place is really nice," Aaron said. "It's completely different from the caves I remember."

"This is the Hobbit hole," Bilbo said proudly. "It's my ancestral home."

"It's clear that Mr. Baggins is quite wealthy."

"Wealthy, I wouldn't call it rich, just barely enough." Bilbo waved his hand, then said with some worry, "Aaron, Gandalf said you have a memory..."

"It's alright, it's nothing serious, I'll find someone." Aaron said with a straight face, "Although I can't remember many things, some things are etched into my bones, like carvings, I can't forget them even if I want to."

"So what are your plans next?"

"Um... Mr. Baggins, do you have a map leading to human towns?"

If not, that's okay. Just give me directions, and I won't bother you after I've rested.

Bilbo frowned. "But you're just a child. It might be dangerous for you to go such a long way alone."

"Don't treat me like a child; my abilities are beyond your imagination."

"Wow, that's beyond my imagination." Bilbo said with a smile, but he didn't quite believe it. How strong could a little kid be?

"Why don't you stay a few more days? I have plenty of rooms available."

Also, I'll ask the neighbors to keep an eye out for you. If any humans come to the Shire, you can follow them. That way, I'll feel a little more at ease.

Aaron thought about it for a moment and reluctantly agreed to the suggestion, since he really didn't know the way.