Great Eagles and Gandalf
Nothing more was said that night, and the next day the group set off again for Rivendell.
The unicorn survived unscathed last night. Aragorn's attempt to seduce him was thwarted by Arwen's own charms, and Aragorn succumbed instantly without even trying.
This action disgusted Russell greatly; Aragorn was obsessed with beauty and would surely become a tyrant in the future!
Nightmare and the unicorn traversed mountains and valleys as if they were flat ground, making the group's speed several times faster. Russell and Frodo rode on one Nightmare, while the other three Hobbits rode on another.
Aragorn, meanwhile, embraced Arwen as they rode a unicorn, their affection evident as they took the opportunity to flaunt their love, showering the world with displays of affection.
This move once again disgusted Russell, who believed that Aragorn's lust had clouded his judgment and that the harem would surely control the government in the future!
After riding for several days, the group entered the border of Rivendell. Ahead lay the territory of Elrond, the Ringwraiths were, they dared not trespass into the elven territory in broad daylight.
"Roar roar roar————"
Suddenly, a hoarse and shrill roar came from afar, rising from all directions. It was faint and lingering, and the dark whispers that echoed in the ears made one's heart tighten.
"It's the Ringwraiths' dark magic; they're nearby." Aragorn drew his longsword and gazed at the black smoke billowing behind him.
A kilometer away, five Ringwraiths were shrouded in a hazy black mist, wielding knight's greatswords, their crimson eyes clearly visible even from a distance.
"No need to fight, let's hurry into Rivendell, they won't dare follow," Arwen said. Once inside the elven territory, she could use the power of the forest to defeat the Ringwraiths.
Hearing Arwen's words, Russell and Aragorn nodded. Defeating the Ringwraiths was not difficult, but killing them was not easy, and there was no need to waste their energy here.
Two black horses and one white horse galloped forward at top speed toward the border of Rivendell.
On the other side, five Ringwraiths swept in Rivendell, shrouded in black mist. Their power was greatly diminished during the day, making it impossible for them to seize the One Ring, but allowing it to enter the One Ring was even more impossible.
His reappearance was intentional, meant to frighten Frodo, who possessed the One Ring, making it easier for Sauron to control him.
The group arrived at the canyon crossing. Rivendell was divided by the river. Arwen stopped his unicorn, looked at the Ringwraiths on the other side of the valley, and smiled coldly.
This is Rivendell, where they are already invincible. If the Ringwraiths are wise enough to leave on their own, fine. But if they remain stubborn, Arwen won't mind teaching them a lesson.
The five Ringwraiths stood in a line, their scarlet eyes staring directly at Frodo, who was so frightened that he dared not speak.
"The Ring is right here. If you have the guts, come and take it. If you don't, get lost." Russell blocked Frodo's eyes, looked at the Ringwraiths, and raised his hand in a throat-slitting gesture.
The five Ringwraiths remained motionless, ignoring Russell's provocation. As the Arwen in the air increased, they paused for a moment, then slowly withdrew.
"Chirp chirp—"
At that moment, a chilling cry of an eagle rang out, and a black dot rapidly grew larger in the distance. A massive falcon stirred up a gale, flapped its wings, and swooped down.
Russell narrowed his eyes and saw an old man with gray hair and beard perched on the back of the Great Eagles. Without a doubt, it must be Gandalf, who had just successfully Prison Break.
"I am the servant of the sacred fire, holding high the blazing flames of Arno..."
Gandalf held his staff aloft. The wooden staff was unremarkable, but the Philosopher's Stone atop it shone brilliantly, radiating an astonishing light. It was sacred and noble, exuding an awe-inspiring and inviolable majesty that compelled all to bow in reverence!
Not only were the Ringwraiths filled with fear, but even the Nightmare beneath Russell's crotch began to wail intermittently, the holy light causing the dark creatures extreme discomfort.
"Sauron's minions, go back into the darkness!"
The dazzling light fell, and the black mist crumbled upon contact. The Ringwraiths let out mournful howls and vanished in an instant, turning into thick black smoke.
Gandalf!
The four Hobbits cried out in delight, jumped off the Nightmare, and ran quickly toward Gandalf.
"Haha, my friends, I'm relieved to see you all safe and sound." Gandalf was very happy to see Frodo and his companions unharmed, and a kind smile appeared on his weathered face.
Having completed its mission, the Great Eagles circled a few times in the sky, bid farewell to Gandalf, and then soared into the distance.
Gandalf, you're late!
At this moment, Aragorn stepped forward and embraced Gandalf. The two were of very different ages, but they were close friends despite their age difference.
"I heard you encountered the Ringwraiths and even defeated them once. That's really impressive," Gandalf exclaimed. Don't ask him how he knew; he just knew.
"It was a bit dangerous, but you know I'm Aragorn the Swift, and you're not my only powerful friend." With that, Aragorn introduced Russell.
"Hello, young mage Russell, your power makes me feel inferior," Gandalf said with a smile. The awakening of dark forces and the emergence of a powerful figure in Middle-earth was a good omen.
"You're too kind, Master Gandalf. Just call me Russell. I've long admired your reputation, and to be honest, I'm actually a fan of yours." As Russell spoke, he took a closer look at Gandalf.
Gandalf was dressed in Grey Robe, his lips were dry, and his beard and hair were disheveled, making him appear somewhat disheveled, but this did not detract from his overall demeanor. His wise eyes were sharp and spirited, cloudy yet gentle, exuding a peaceful and calm aura.
A kind-looking elderly man, without wearing a helmet...
After examining Gandalf's face, Russell's attention shifted to his staff, where the Philosopher's Stone, faintly radiating holiness, shone warmly like sunlight. Bathing in it, one felt all fatigue vanish, as if one's soul was groaning in comfort.
So this is Illumination Spell? It looks amazing!
"What's wrong, Russell?" Gandalf asked, puzzled. Russell's gleaming eyes were a little creepy.
"Master Gandalf, this may be a bit abrupt, but I have long admired your Illumination Spell. Do you think I have the talent to learn it?" Russell said, staring intently at Gandalf. It didn't matter that he hadn't triggered the lottery; Gandalf probably wouldn't mind guiding a junior.
"Illumination Spell..."
Gandalf's lips twitched. What an apt name! But this trick of his wasn't some kind of Illumination Spell; it was using divine power to dispel the darkness.
"Master Russell, it's not that I'm holding back, but this isn't something I can teach you because it's not my power."
With that, Gandalf twisted the Philosopher's Stone on his staff, took it off like a light bulb, breathed on it, gently wiped it a few times, and then put it in his pocket.
Russell: "..."
Where's the promised Illumination Spell? Why do I see external threads on the Philosopher's Stone?
Russell looked devastated, his faith shaken, and said listlessly, "Since Gandalf, you've said so, then forget it. Actually, I'm not really interested in learning it."
Gandalf: "..."
They just called me "master," and now they're calling me by my name. How realistic!