Expedition Sets Out

The Incendio roared in the fireplace, and the thirteen dwarves, including Thorin, softly sang a poem:

Crossing the icy, misty mountains, we reached a deep cellar and an ancient cave...

We need to set off before dawn to find the location of the beautiful gold...

The pine trees howled on the Highlands, the strong wind roared in the night, the crimson flames spread mercilessly, and the trees howled like torches...

Aaron lay on the sofa, silently staring blankly at the opposite wall.

He was not a dwarf, nor had he experienced the destruction of his country and the loss of his home. However, he had a music teacher who could clearly feel the tragic grandeur in the poems.

They made thorough preparations for this adventure, including the possibility of death.

"Sigh!" Aaron sighed inwardly. "I'll help if I can, as long as I can keep myself safe!"

No matter the circumstances, those who are willing to fight to the death for their homeland are always admirable.

The next day, before the Sun had fully risen, Aaron was awakened by his clock.

"You're awake." Gandalf looked at him with amusement. "I was just about to wake you. Thorin and the others are getting ready."

Aaron rubbed his eyes, sat up from the sofa, and then slowly stretched.

"Where is Bilbo?"

"He was sleeping soundly, we didn't disturb him."

"Did he sign that contract?"

"No," Gandalf said with some regret, "But I left the contract behind; he might sign it if he sees it."

Aaron chuckled, then gave Gandalf a thumbs-up.

Gandalf, you're amazing, you really are amazing!

I also have an elder like you, who always likes to scheme against others.

"You've misjudged the Warlock. I'm not that kind of person," Gandalf said with an air of righteousness. "The choice has always been Bilbo's."

Aaron rolled his eyes. Last night you dug up all the glorious deeds of his ancestors, gave him all sorts of pep talks, and described the world outside of the Shire to him, adding a whole pot of inspirational platitudes.

Seeing the empty house and a contract to join the adventure team when he woke up today, the likelihood of him signing up will probably increase significantly.

"I'll wait for you outside. Thorin has prepared a pony for you."

"Knew."

Aaron took his cloak from the shelf and went to the kitchen to fill a bag with water.

As he stepped out of Bag End, Gandalf and the thirteen dwarves were waiting for him at the entrance.

"Ahem! Don't look at me like that. The main character usually appears at the very end."

"Child, no, Aaron," Balin stroked his beard, "Can you ride a horse?"

"I know a little bit." Aaron modestly pinched his index finger and thumb together, revealing a shallow gap.

When he saw the two remaining mounts, he couldn't help but twitch his lips.

It really is a small horse; this mount isn't even as tall as him!

"One is reddish-brown, the other is white; you choose one."

"Let's go with the white one!" Aaron said helplessly.

At this point, he dared not complain, because there were no other mounts available.

You can either ride one of these ponies or walk alongside the group.

Faced with these two choices, hesitating for even a second would be disrespectful to his legs.

They mounted their horses and the expeditionary force marched toward the border of the Shire.

After walking for a short while, Aaron suddenly slapped his forehead, "I almost forgot."

System, Sign-in.

"Congratulations, host, for Sign-in at the Shire. You have gained three Magic Points."

Aaron didn't pay much attention to the number. After pondering for a moment, he opened his personal panel.

[Host: Aaron Gaius]

[Magical Energy: 8090 (Intermediate Archmage, the final stage of the Great Warlock)]

[Talent: Once in a Century (Increases Magical Energy by 3 points daily)]

[Items: Moon Drop (can remove any negative spells), Resurrection Potion (can revive any creature that died within one hour), Magic Carpet, Unactivated Dragon-Slaying Magic Crystal]

[Magic Points: 147]

Without the Thought Form, I always feel like something is missing.

Moreover, the last column of numbers was too meager. The only Magic Category items left in the system shop were Transfiguration (1000 Magic Points) and Patronus Charm (200 Magic Points), neither of which he could afford.

"The task is arduous and the road ahead is long!" Aaron sighed and checked the mission panel.

[Completed the contract with the dwarf; Reward: 1000 Magic Points]

[Defeat Smaug; Reward: 2000 Magic Points]

Aaron blinked, and couldn't help but grin.

This is exactly what he wants to do, and this is what he is doing.

Moreover, completing the mission so openly and honestly is much more enjoyable than at Hogwarts.

"What are you thinking about? You seem so happy," Gandalf asked curiously.

"I'm thinking... how to write my own story after defeating the evil dragon."

"Hahaha!

"That certainly requires some thought; it's enough to last for centuries," Gandalf said. "If it succeeds."

Aaron shrugged, then turned around and glanced at the crowd. "Hasn't Bilbo caught up yet?"

"I don't think he'll come," Dwalin said. "After all, our enemy is a dragon, and the wilderness is not suitable for defenseless, docile people."

"I think he'll come," Aaron said with a mysterious smile. "I've never misjudged anyone."

"Kids all like to act profound."

How old are you? Ten? Or sixteen?

"Yes, she is... thirteen years old."

"What?" Dwalin's pupils widened slightly, and he almost fell off his horse. "You dare to say you've never misjudged anyone at the age of thirteen?"

"Age is not important; our team has people of all ages."

I'm probably only a little younger than the second-to-last person—no, younger, that's all.

"How about we make a bet!" Nori shouted. "Let's bet on whether Mr. Bagins will catch up with us."

I bet he won't.

Aaron immediately said, "I bet he'll come."

"I have no problem with you betting on him, but it's Gaius. Do you have the money?"

Aaron rummaged through his pockets and pulled out a few gold coins. "This is all I have."

The gold coins gleamed brightly in the sunlight. Nori looked at Aaron with some sullenness, "I take back what I just said. You're probably the richest among us."

Aaron:...

"It can't be that bad!"

"I only have a dozen or so silver coins and a few copper coins," Gandalf said enviously, "While you have enough money to live a carefree life in Middle-earth for a month."

"Heh! It's quite a pity that Warlock has fallen to such a state."

"So you have to do a side hustle every now and then." Gandalf chuckled awkwardly. "I bet Bilbo will catch up."

Aaron rolled his eyes, having given up hope that Gandalf had no morals.

Just as the group was about to emerge from a grove of trees, a familiar voice came from behind.

"Wait! Wait!"

Bilbo caught up, panting heavily, with a contract in his hand.

"I signed it."

Notary Balin took the contract and confidently examined the signature with his eyes. "Everything is verified to be correct. Welcome young master Bagins and Thorin Oakenshield's team."

"Great, Bilbo, I knew you wouldn't disappoint me," Aaron said excitedly. "Your great-great-great-uncle would be proud of your decision."

"Give him a pony," Thorin said casually.

Bilbo's smile froze instantly, and he immediately waved his hand, saying, "No need to trouble yourself, thank you, I can keep up on foot."

I often go hiking, and once I even walked all the way to Frogmorton.

As he spoke, two large hands lifted him up, one on each side, and before he knew it, he was on the back of a dark brown horse.

"I can tell this is your first time riding a horse," Aaron said, looking at Bilbo carefully holding the reins on his steed. "But don't worry, the pony is quite gentle."

If you're riding Gandalf's horse, you'd better be careful; it's the biggest one.

"Pay up, Nori," Oin said from behind the group.

As soon as he finished speaking, a money bag landed in his hand, and soon a second and a third were thrown out as well.

"Ha ha!"

"Thanks, bro."

"What's going on?" Bilbo asked, puzzled.

"They bet on whether you'll show up, but most people bet on you won't."

"So what are your thoughts?"

Gandalf suddenly reached out and grabbed the money bag that Accio. "My dear friend, I have never doubted you."

Aaron grabbed his purse and shrugged at him. "There's one thing you have to believe me about. I believe you more than Gandalf."

Bilbo breathed a sigh of relief, then suddenly sneezed.

"It's horsehair, I'm allergic." Bilbo said, patting his body. After a moment, his expression changed slightly. "Oh no, wait a minute, stop."

"What's wrong?" Aaron asked warily. "What did you find?"

"I forgot to bring my handkerchief."

Aaron:...

"In that instant, I suddenly thought it was pretty good that you left Bag End."

"Use this one." Bofur tossed him his handkerchief.

Bilbo looked at the brown rag in his hand—no, the handkerchief—with some disdain, but he had no choice but to make do with it.

"You'll get used to not having a handkerchief, and other things, Bilbo Bagins, before our journey ends."

You were born in the hills and streams of the Shire, your homeland now left behind, the world before you.

The expedition set off in the morning, passing through forests, climbing hills, and crossing plains surrounded by streams, before stopping only as night fell.

The group rested on a cliff face, while two teams took turns keeping watch at night.

Gloin's snores rose and fell, and with each breath, tiny flying insects would flit in and out of his nostrils.

"I really admire him, I admire him from the bottom of my heart." Aaron said, sitting by the fire, somewhat speechless. "He can sleep so soundly even surrounded by a bunch of bugs."

Bilbo got up, feeling a bit tired. He regretted being grouped with Gloin.

His snoring was deafening, making it difficult for him to fall asleep.

He quietly walked up to his pony, took a coin out of his pocket, and said, "Here, Little Peach, this is our secret coin."

Just as the Hobbit were feeding their mounts, strange noises came from afar.

What is that?

"A half-orc," Kili said.

"Orcs." ×2.

Aaron immediately stood up and cautiously looked around.

Bilbo also retreated into the group in a panic. He had never seen an orc in his life. Both books and the records left by Old Took told him about the ferocity of orcs.

"At least several dozen Throat-slitter." Fili took a puff of his cigarette. "They're everywhere in the fields. They'll strike when everyone's asleep in the middle of the night."

"Quick and precise, Silencing Charm, leaving only bloodstains," Kili added, his expression grave yet seemingly indifferent.

"If what you're saying is true... then we're in big trouble." Aaron swallowed hard and pointed to the other side of the cliff, separated by a the Abyss abyss. "Dozens of Throat-slitter are hiding there."

"Are you kidding me?" Fili said dismissively. "It's so late at night, and there's a foggy area hundreds of meters in between. How can you possibly see the other side?"

"It's a bit difficult to see clearly, but my eyesight is several times better than the average person's," Aaron said seriously. "There are indeed some tall shadows on the other side."

Fili and Kili exchanged a smile, tacitly agreeing that Aaron was hallucinating from fright.

"Okay, okay, we believe you."

"No, I'm serious, can you guys be serious?"

"We're being serious."

"Is that funny?" Thorin asked coldly. "You think the orcs' night raid is a joke?"

"We didn't mean that," Kili, lowering his head guiltily.

"That's right, you know nothing about the world."

"Don't mind him, young man." Balin walked over. "Thorin's hatred for orcs is well-founded."

After the dragon occupied Lonely Mountain, King Thor attempted to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Moria, but the enemy arrived first.

Moria has fallen to a massive army, led by the most terrifying orcs, Azog the Defiler.

The enormous Gundabad Orcs vowed to sever the bloodline of Durin, and he decided to begin by beheading the king.

Thrain, Thorin's brother, went mad with grief. He disappeared; it is unknown whether he was killed or captured.

We were leaderless, utterly routed, and shrouded in death.

Balin looked dejected, and everyone turned to look at Thorin, who had his back to them. Even Gloin had been fast asleep, opened his eyes.

Zu was beheaded by the orcs, and his relatives disappeared during the war. His people were also almost all killed or wounded in the battle against the orcs.

If dragons are a predetermined natural disaster, then orcs are a real and irreconcilable personal and national grudge!

"I saw him then." A smile appeared on Balin's face. "The young dwarf prince was fighting to the death against the orcs of Cangyun, facing a terrifying enemy alone."

"It must be tough!" Aaron couldn't help but ask.

"He was wearing tattered armor and picked up oak branches to defend himself against the attack."

"So that's why he used the Oakenshield?"

"Yes." Balin nodded. "The Azog the Defiler had one arm cut off. He learned that day that the bloodline of Durin would not be easily severed."

We regrouped, repelled the orcs, and defeated the enemy.

There was no victory celebration or singing that night. The death toll was so high that it was heartbreaking, and only a few of us survived.

At that time, I secretly thought to myself, I am willing to follow an individual, I am willing to call him king.

As soon as he finished speaking, all the dwarves stood up solemnly, their respect for Thorin reaching its peak.

"I have a question: Is Azog really dead?"

"He rolled back to his cave and died long ago from his injuries," Thorin said slowly as he walked over.

Aaron:...

Dude, you can't just make a promise like that!

"That means you're not certain of his death; Azog may still be alive."

"Impossible," Thorin said sharply. "He was carried away by Moria; he didn't even have a chance to stop the bleeding."

"Uh..." Aaron hesitated for a moment, "You might not be happy to hear me say this, but things often turn out the worst you can imagine. My personal advice is that you should just pretend he's not dead."

"Ha!" Thorin sneered and walked up to Aaron. "If he's not dead, then I'll defeat him again and cut off his head with my own hands."