Win or Lose [Seeking Recommendation Tickets]

"My apologies!"

"I had no intention of insulting you, nor did I intend to insult bounty hunters!"

"I accept your challenge!"

Realizing the mistake he had made, Thorin Oakenshield was forthright and immediately offered an apology.

However, the challenge from Morgan before him was, in itself, an insult.

Thorin Oakenshield held a noble status; if he were to refuse the challenge, he would bring shame upon the entire line of Turin.

If he won, there would be no benefit, as it was expected of him.

His status, bloodline, and position dictated that he must win.

But if he were to lose, the consequences would be even more dire.

Therefore, regardless of whether Thorin Oakenshield won or lost, Morgan's public challenge was an insult to him.

Even if Morgan had sufficient reason.

As soon as Thorin Oakenshield's voice fell, agreeing to the duel, the room erupted into an uproar.

What was Thorin Oakenshield's status, and what was Morgan's?

Even if Morgan had a valid reason—though it was unclear if he had fabricated it—noble status and bloodline heritage were what the entire Middle-earth valued most.

For Morgan to challenge Thorin Oakenshield was equivalent to insulting every dwarf present.

"No, Thorin, you cannot accept that human boy's challenge, let me handle it!"

"Move aside, let me teach this brat Morgan a lesson."

"No, let me do it, I spoke first."

"Let me handle it; I've been annoyed by that human brat since he walked in, he's actually better-looking than me!"

"Let me do it, I see he uses a bow, and none of you know archery."

"What does a challenge have to do with archery? I want to let that brat taste my axe!"

"..."

The dwarves argued incessantly, filled with righteous indignation.

Gandalf looked at Morgan with a strange expression, only to realize the boy was winking at him.

He then realized that Morgan had done this on purpose.

It made sense; the boy didn't look like someone reckless.

He would certainly understand the gravity of challenging Thorin Oakenshield, unless he didn't want that commission anymore.

Of course, Morgan's intense reaction earlier had also made Gandalf feel a hint of nervousness.

Because Thorin Oakenshield's words had indeed belittled Morgan, and Morgan's argument regarding honor had sounded quite convincing.

Since he knew challenging Thorin Oakenshield was a no-go, challenging another dwarf would surely suffice.

Gandalf quickly grasped Morgan's true intention.

Yes, let Thorin Oakenshield off the hook and challenge another dwarf instead.

As long as he could win, he would not only regain respect but also prove his strength.

With a few more words from him, Thorin Oakenshield, who valued this expedition immensely, would certainly not refuse a bounty hunter of Morgan's caliber.

It was a perfect way to kill two birds with one stone.

Thinking of this, Gandalf immediately stepped in to mediate: "I think we should do this."

After much discussion and effort, the target of Morgan's challenge was successfully shifted from Thorin Oakenshield to the young dwarf Kili.

Since the adventure was about to begin, it wouldn't be good for either of them to be injured, regardless of who won or lost.

Furthermore, Morgan claimed to be skilled with a bow, and among all the dwarves present, the young dwarf Kili was the best at archery, the most adept marksman.

This was evident from the longbow and quiver slung across his back.

Using an archery contest to prove who was stronger was simple, safe, and healthy, and it was naturally accepted by everyone.

Once decided, the contest was to be held immediately.

Bilbo's Bag End was too small; Morgan had to stoop just to stand, so it was impossible to hold the contest there.

Soon, the group moved outside Bag End.

Entertainment in this world was scarce, especially at night.

A contest between two archers like Morgan and Kili was a rare spectacle.

The group of dwarves was rowdier and more excited than the two participants themselves.

Because Morgan's target for the challenge had become Kili.

The anger the company of dwarves held toward Morgan naturally shifted as his target for the challenge changed.

After all, their dwarf king Thorin Oakenshield had been the one to act rudely first.

Since Morgan was willing to let the matter slide without holding a grudge, the dwarves, while not exactly overflowing with gratitude, certainly harbored no further resentment or anger.

Dwarves are hot-tempered and straightforward, a personality that also implies they are decisive and forthright; as long as they aren't provoked, they are quite willing to be reasonable.

The challenge turned into a lively event.

The company of dwarves, who were always eager to join in the fun, naturally adopted a festive attitude.

Soon, a wager was proposed regarding whether Morgan or Kili would emerge victorious.

Because the dwarves were more familiar with Kili's prowess, the majority quickly placed their bets on him.

However, Morgan possessed an extraordinary aura, and as a bounty hunter—a rarity in Middle-earth—he had already piqued their interest after they heard the white-bearded dwarf Balin briefly recount the tales of such men.

This gave several of the dwarves enough confidence to place their bets on Morgan.

When the dwarves asked Gandalf, he chuckled, pulled out a pouch of coins, and without a moment's hesitation, wagered it on Morgan.

Morgan was the one he had brought along, so he naturally had to believe in him.

Besides, the giant grizzly bear Morgan had slain just a day ago was proof enough of his strength.

Gandalf was certain to bet on Morgan.

Everyone present placed a bet, with the exception of Thorin Oakenshield, who did not join in the fun.

Even Bilbo Baggins, who had been watching the spectacle from the sidelines the entire time, was encouraged by the dwarves to place a bet, and he too chose Morgan.

With the bets placed, Morgan and Kili began to discuss the terms of the contest.

Kili was a young, handsome dwarf who, like Morgan, had a head of black hair.

The only difference was that Kili's hair was messy and loose, while Morgan's was tied back in a ponytail.

The two each suggested a method for the contest, but neither was particularly impressive.

Just then, the sound of birds chirping suddenly drifted from the woods in the distance.

Morgan's eyes lit up as an idea struck him, and he immediately said, "Let's have a bird-shooting contest."

Kili looked toward the dim, dark woods, weighed his own chances, and nodded in agreement: "I agree, let's shoot birds!"

With the two participants having settled on the method, the company of dwarves began to watch with bated breath.

Neither Morgan nor Kili bothered to decide who would go first; they each took their bows from their backs and drew arrows from their quivers.

Since the bows and the fletching on their arrows were different, it would be easy to distinguish whose shot was whose later on.

Although it was night, the sky was filled with countless twinkling stars, and the dim light made it just possible to see.

The two drew their bows and nocked their arrows, their faces calm as they stared into the distance.

The company of dwarves behind them dared not speak, fearing they might disturb the pair.

The distance between Morgan and Kili was not very great.

Out in the wilderness, the surroundings were so quiet that, as the two held their breath, they could almost hear each other's respiration.

Since it was a contest, neither dared to be careless.

As their breathing grew steady, a bird's cry suddenly rang out from the woods ahead once more.

Kili's previously calm face brightened, and the arrow he had been waiting to loose flew out with a sharp "whoosh."

The next second, a shrill cry from a bird echoed through the air.

Kili's face lit up with joy, and a triumphant shout followed: "Hit it!"

But knowing Morgan had yet to fire, the voice quickly died down.

Morgan remained calm; Kili's success could not distract him. He had maintained absolute focus amidst the chaotic shouting and cursing of underground boxing rings in his past life, let alone now.

His eyes narrowed, scanning the woods ahead with precision.

His LV2 Archery skill gave him a far deeper understanding of bows, arrows, and marksmanship than the average archer.

Considering he had practiced Muay Thai for over twenty years in his previous life and only reached LV2 in the system, one could see just how powerful the infusion-style enhancement of the Time Traveler System truly was.

Just then, a dark shadow suddenly took flight from the dim woods.

"Now!"

Morgan's gaze followed it with the swiftness of a hawk, his bow pulled to its maximum arc, his fingers releasing the string.

"Whoosh!"

The arrow whistled as it tore through the air, streaking straight toward the target!