At the Gates, Yet Still Stingy

Aaron took out the Dragon-Slaying Magic Crystal, whose crimson light appeared incredibly intense to him.

Dragon-Slaying Magic, magic to fight off dragons.

If he had learned this magic a day earlier, he definitely wouldn't have had such a tough fight last night, and he might even have had the confidence to face Smaug head-on.

"System, will it hurt a lot if I fuse with the Dragon-Slaying Magic Crystal?" Aaron asked with some concern.

"The host can choose not to fuse."

Aaron:...

Well, I asked for nothing.

After working so hard to activate the Dragon-Slaying Magic Crystal, how could I give up just because of a little pain?

"Do I need to make any preparations?"

For example, enough food, enough time, and a safe place.

"As long as the host can withstand it, there's no need to prepare any of this."

Upon hearing this, Aaron remained silent for a long time before finally making up his mind.

He first cast Silencing Charm on the room, and then set up a defensive barrier, covering the door, walls, floor, and even the ceiling.

After feeling a little safer, he picked up the Dragon-Slaying Magic Crystal and silently recited the instructions to absorb it.

As the crimson crystals slowly merged into his body, he felt excruciating pain all over his body, as if every inch of his skin was being soaked in scalding magma.

The tearing pain contorted his face, and he trembled uncontrollably; his clothes were quickly soaked with sweat.

"Damn it... this is way more stimulating than Cruciatus Curse." Aaron gritted his teeth, managing not to scream, but his vision was swallowed by darkness after only a short while.

The next morning, Aaron groggily opened his eyes.

Recalling yesterday's experience, he couldn't help but shudder; Jian Qi had shattered his understanding of pain.

He checked his clothes and found them to be intact; he was not completely naked.

Standing in front of the mirror, there was no change in appearance, but upon closer inspection, there was a hint of composure on his face.

"System, open your personal panel."

"Yes, host."

[Host: Aaron Gaius]

[Magical Energy: 9564 (High-level Archmage, a top-tier combatant in the Magic World)]

[Talent: Once in a Millennium (Increases Magical Energy by 4 points daily)]

[Items: Moon Drop (can remove any negative spells), Resurrection Potion (can revive any creature that died within an hour), Magic Carpet]

[Magic Points: 310]

"Has your talent completely transformed?" Aaron raised an eyebrow in surprise, but then felt it made perfect sense.

The Dragon-Slaying Magic Crystal not only gave him Dragon-Slaying Magic, but also greatly improved his physical condition.

His physical abilities are now twice as strong as before, and if he were to fight the Ogre again, he is absolutely confident that he could crush his opponent.

He opened his palm, and a ball of crimson flame burned in his palm.

The temperature was very high, but he didn't feel any pain at all; on the contrary, he felt somewhat warm.

Fire Dragon-Slaying Magic?

Aaron was slightly dissatisfied with this attribute, as fire was the most common attribute, and most dragons' Dragon Breath was fire.

But looking at it from another angle, it's not so bad, at least the threat from dragons will be greatly reduced.

In addition to basic moves like Roar, Iron Fist, and Wing Strike, he also mastered the Dragon-Slaying Secret Art, which was an unexpected bonus, saving him the time and effort of developing new moves.

As for the deeper level of dragon power, he cannot awaken it yet; it is estimated that his magic power will need to rise one or two more levels before he can.

"Thank you Smaug." Aaron silently mourned for Smaug for three minutes before signing his name for the next day.

As soon as the door opened, Bilbo rushed over. "Thank goodness, you're finally awake."

"What happened? Did something happen while I was asleep?"

"The stones of Thorin have blocked the City Gate."

"Isn't that normal?" Aaron said dismissively. "This is a dwarf city. We can't interfere with whether they repair the City Gate or even demolish City Gate."

Bilbo's face twitched slightly. "That might be true under normal circumstances, but that City Gate kept the residents of Long Lake Town out."

"You've come from Long Lake Town, so you should know that the people there are homeless. Hundreds of refugees have flooded the ruins of Dale, but Thorin has no intention of helping them."

Aaron frowned slightly, and after a moment of silence, he said, "It's understandable."

"What?" Bilbo looked at Aaron in astonishment. "That's hundreds of lives, including the Bard family."

"I know, but Thorin did nothing wrong."

Food and water are scarce in Erebor, barely enough to sustain us for a while, but a drop in the ocean for refugees.

This city has no shortage of places to stay, but the treasure is real. Can you guarantee that they will obediently follow orders after Thorin brings them in?

Don't forget the townspeople's behavior the night before we left; their desire for gold was no less than anyone else's.

Hearing this, Bilbo swallowed hard. "It shouldn't be that bad!"

Aaron couldn't help but chuckle. "Is it appropriate to use 'should' at this time?"

If Erebor were still the glorious Dwarf Kingdom, with a strong and well-equipped army, there would be no need to worry. I would actively persuade Thorin to bring those refugees in.

But there are only a dozen or so of us in this city now. What if they turn the tables and kick us out?

Human greed is the most unpredictable trait. They might be grateful when they first arrive, but who can guarantee they won't be tempted by the dwarven treasure, or that they won't usurp the throne and make Erebor their new home?

Bilbo opened his mouth, only to find himself speechless.

Thorin had finally managed to recapture Lonely Mountain, and he would absolutely not allow any uncertainties to enter.

"So we're just going to stand by and watch them starve and freeze outside?"

"We can provide them with warm clothing and charcoal for heating," Aaron said in a deep voice. "That's enough to help them get through the harsh winter; it's more than enough."

Bilbo sighed and nodded silently.

But then he suddenly remembered something and said, "Oh right, there's something even worse. There's an elven army outside."

"...

"Wortefa!"

Aaron couldn't stay calm either; he had thought that killing Smaug would give him a few days of peace.

Although Erebor will face an invasion by evil forces, at least they can be given some time to rest and recuperate.

Once Thorin inherits the throne and gathers the dwarven army, it is not impossible for them to overcome this crisis.

But to my surprise, an army was stationed outside the very next day. And it was a group of dwarves who had once been allies of the elves. It was truly a case of human fickleness and the unpredictable nature of things.

Without delay, Aaron quickly followed Bilbo to the top of the city wall.

Seeing the River Valley City filled with elves clad in golden armor, Aaron felt his head buzzing.

Damn! Thranduil's timing was way too perfect!

At this speed, it's estimated that the dragon had barely died before he dispatched a large army.

"Welcome, my friend." Thorin smiled at Aaron. "I know you're tired, so I didn't tell you when we were building the city wall yesterday."

"Uh... thank you," Aaron chuckled awkwardly, then looked across at the other side. "What's going on here?"

"It's just that the despicable elves want to seize the fruits of victory," Thorin said dismissively. "But Thranduil has underestimated the dwarves; his plan is doomed to fail."

"Thorin, you may not be happy to hear this, but I have to say it."

There are only a dozen or so of us, and outside there is an army. We can't defeat them.

"Yes, that's right, we are outnumbered." Bilbo nodded in agreement. "We should try to avoid war. If peace talks are possible, I suggest..."

"Impossible." Thorin interrupted Bilbo directly. "They're already at the city gates. This is coercion. The dwarves will never compromise."

Bilbo suddenly felt incredibly exhausted; he couldn't understand where Thorin got such great confidence from.

Just then, the sound of hooves came from the opposite side, and Bard rode a white horse alone to the City Gate.

"Long live Thorin, son of Thrain," Bard said, looking at the crowd on the city wall. "It is a great joy to see you alive."

"Why have you come to the city of King Kagami at the foot of the mountain to fight the enemy?" Thorin asked calmly.

Why is the king hiding inside the city walls like a turtle?

"Because I was worried that robbers would come and rob me."

"Your Majesty, we will not rob you; we just want to resolve the issue."

Aren't you going to talk to me?

Thorin paused for a moment, nodded slightly, and walked down the city wall.

"This guy is probably here to collect a debt," Aaron said with a meaningful smile. "But he'll definitely feel justified in doing so."

"What account?" Bilbo asked, puzzled.

"The King promises." Aaron shrugged and followed him down the stairs.

Bilbo also recalled Thorin's promise in Long Lake Town and nodded thoughtfully.

Bard arrived at the foot of the city wall and began to talk to Bard across a City Gate pieced together from Monolith.

Thorin leaned against the City Gate, showing Bard his profile. "I'm all ears."

"On behalf of all the people of Long Lake Town, I demand that you keep your promise and share some of your wealth with us so that we can build our homes."

"We make no promises," Thorin shook his head in refusal, looking at Bard defiantly, "Because your men are already at the gates."

"Thorin," Aaron couldn't help but interject, "I have to remind you, that was a promise you made in the name of the dwarf prince."

Thorin waved his hand. "Let him finish speaking first."

"Our demands are reasonable," Bard said. "Our people have helped you, but you have brought them only destruction and death."

"Is that reasonable?" Thorin retorted. "You're doing this for a hefty reward, whether it's you or the townspeople."

"That's a public transaction," Bard said urgently.

"You mean exchanging dignity for blankets and food to ensure survival and continuation?" Thorin's voice was tinged with anger. "Is this fair? We have no choice at all."

So, Bard the Dragon Bard, why should I abide by those conditions?

"Because that was a promise you made to us, is it worthless?"

Thorin lowered his head to avoid Bard's gaze, and after a moment of contemplation, he said, "Get out of the way, or I'll shoot you dead with an arrow."

Bard closed his eyes. "You're starting a war, forcing us to fight our way up the mountain."

"Wait, Bard," Aaron quickly stopped him. "Give me some time, I'll convince him."

Bard gave Aaron a deep look. "I will try my best to dissuade King Thranduil, but you must convince Oakenshield before the end of the day."