As Wayne looked down at the Elf King below, he noticed that Elrond's calm eyes bore no trace of hostility. After a few seconds of consideration, Wayne controlled the magic flying carpet and slowly descended to the ground.
He waved his hand at the Deathclaw, and the terrifying beast, which had looked so menacing moments ago, snorted like an obedient hound. With a low growl, Robin retreated, lowering its head as if it had been chastised by its master.
The beast had learned well over time—it knew Wayne disliked its current blood-stained appearance. Without further orders, it lumbered off in search of a stream to wash itself clean.
With Robin gone, Wayne turned his attention back to the shining-armored knights and the Elf King, who had noticeably relaxed. Offering a respectful nod, he spoke:
"Your Majesty Elrond, I am Wayne, a human adventurer. While my companions and I were passing through, we were attacked by orcs."
"I defeated them. My companions are close by. You may know one of them—Gandalf the wizard. We were discussing whether to seek your counsel in Rivendell."
Upon hearing Gandalf's name, Elrond's expression softened. He gestured to the knights behind him, signaling them to lower their guard. Turning to Wayne, he replied courteously:
"This is Rivendell's domain. Adventurer, where is Gandalf now?"
Wayne pointed in the direction he had just flown from and said:
"They should arrive shortly, Your Majesty, along with Thorin, the Dwarven prince, and Radagast the Brown."
Wayne maintained a calm demeanor, exuding an air of mystery. Coupled with the overwhelming strength of the Deathclaw, it was clear that few understood his true capabilities.
Elrond's eyes flickered with recognition at the mention of those names but he offered no further remarks. The silence that followed was not uncomfortable; Wayne held his ground confidently, studying the elven knights behind Elrond.
As beings beloved by the gods, the elves of Middle-earth were tall, graceful, and strikingly beautiful. The knights, with their silver armor and warrior-like tenacity, exemplified the natural charm and strength of their kind.
What caught Wayne's attention the most, however, was the presence of several female knights among them. Their beauty was undeniable, and their courage unmistakable, igniting a familiar spark of interest in Wayne's wandering mind.
Yet, Wayne knew well that the elves were loyal to love, and casual flirtations—especially the idea of indulging in "fast food" relationships—would be met with disapproval here. Sighing inwardly, he let the thought drift away.
Just as Wayne was lost in idle musings, Gandalf and Thorin appeared in the distance, approaching swiftly.
The sight of the armored knights on Wayne's side prompted Gandalf and Radagast to quicken their pace, hurrying toward the group. Thorin and the dwarves, however, lagged behind, their reluctance evident. Their expressions were filled with hesitation—they clearly had no desire to mingle with elves.
Nevertheless, with Gandalf urging them on, the two parties were soon reunited.
Despite the slightly awkward reunion, Gandalf's reputation as a revered wizard in Middle-earth helped smooth over any tensions. Elrond quickly extended his trust to Wayne and his group, and under the Elf King's leadership, they were escorted into the valley of Rivendell.
This was Wayne's first time seeing the legendary valley, often called Paradise, and he was immediately captivated. He hadn't imagined that such a peaceful, serene place could exist in the world.
The architecture of Rivendell wasn't grandiose or opulent; instead, it embodied the elves' unique pastoral artistry. Every structure blended harmoniously with the natural beauty around it, exuding a sense of calm and tranquility. The designs were thoughtful, with intricate details that spoke of the elves' love for elegance and simplicity. It was a place that instantly put the soul at ease.
While the dwarves grumbled awkwardly and exchanged stilted conversations with the elves, Wayne took it upon himself to find a secluded corner for Robin to rest, away from prying eyes. The Deathclaw's intimidating presence was best kept out of sight for now.
After settling Robin, Wayne was greeted by a beautiful female elf, who had been tasked with showing him around. As she guided him through the valley, Wayne attempted to strike up a conversation. Although their exchange was polite, he knew that it wouldn't go beyond that.
Eventually, the group was led to their accommodations, thoughtfully arranged by the Elf King.
After a short rest, a beautiful female elf approached Wayne, informing him that the Elf King's luncheon had begun and the entire expedition team was invited to join.
The thought of the luncheon reminded Wayne of the dwarves' amusing and often rude behavior in the original tale. In Middle-earth, elves are known for their elegance and impeccable manners, while dwarves, by contrast, are often seen as rough, brave, and occasionally petty.
Though perhaps a bit of a stereotype, elves resemble the upper class of society—polite, graceful, and cultured. Even if they hold disdain for someone, they mask it with civility, handling all interactions with poise before exacting their retribution. Dwarves, on the other hand, are more like the boisterous companions one might find at the marketplace. They joke, play, and fight alongside you, always ready to face trouble together, but they often cause mishaps and thrive in chaos.
Despite their greed and occasional unreliability, dwarves make loyal friends. When danger strikes, they are the ones who will stand by your side, ready to risk it all.
As for the Elven King's luncheon, whether it was intentional or not, the dishes served were exclusively fruits and vegetables—food that clearly did not appeal to the dwarves. Additionally, the dwarves' distaste for elves didn't help matters. What started as a pleasant meal quickly devolved into a spectacle, with dwarves singing, dancing, and fooling around, much to the dismay of the refined elves.
Fortunately, Elrond, the Elf King, was extraordinarily gracious. He didn't chastise the dwarves for their crude behavior. Instead, he continued to treat them with respect, his face betraying no hint of offense.
Rivendell, often referred to as the last homely house for all good creatures of Middle-earth, reflected Elrond's character as a generous and admirable leader.
After the luncheon, Wayne chose not to partake in the dwarves' continued antics. Instead, he sought out Elrond, who was engaged in conversation with Gandalf, and approached with a clear purpose.
"What can I do for you, Wayne?" asked Elrond, his tone respectful. After Gandalf's introduction and witnessing Wayne's abilities, Elrond recognized the importance of this adventurer. Strength often determines status in Middle-earth, and Wayne's power had not gone unnoticed by the Elf King.
Wayne, not one to hesitate, spoke directly. After gaining several high-level tasks from Thorin, he was keen to pursue more opportunities and decided to approach Elrond with an offer.
"Your Majesty Elrond," Wayne began, "as I mentioned earlier, I am a human adventurer. My specialty is helping good people solve their most difficult problems."
"I believe you've already seen the extent of my abilities. Combat is my strength. So I was wondering—does Rivendell have any enemies that need to be dealt with? Orcs, beasts, or perhaps other sinister threats?"
"If so, I'd be happy to take on such tasks, provided the reward is suitable. I'll take care of any enemies causing trouble in your realm."
Hearing Wayne's straightforward speech, both Gandalf and Elrond were momentarily taken aback. They exchanged glances and, as the bearers of two of the three Elven Rings of Power, began to communicate silently through their rings.
Though adventurers existed in Middle-earth, most of them were akin to mercenaries or ruffians—unsavory characters who braved ruins and wilderness in pursuit of wealth and status. These were the kinds of men who often led dangerous lives, risking their necks for personal gain.
However, Wayne clearly did not fit this mold. Both Gandalf and Elrond were intrigued yet cautious about his strength, unsure of his true nature. Despite their curiosity, they knew trust had to be earned. Without deeper understanding, they wouldn't share sensitive information or include Wayne in their inner circle.
After a brief, silent discussion, Elrond cleared his throat, his expression gentle and diplomatic as he addressed Wayne:
"MWayne, Rivendell has enjoyed peace for a long time. There are no pressing threats against us at the moment, and our knights have already driven away any dangerous beasts nearby."
"That being said, if you are still willing to accept a battle commission, we do have a task that might suit your skills."
"But before we proceed, I must ask—what kind of reward are you looking for? Is it gold?"
Wayne smiled and shook his head slightly, looking between Gandalf and Elrond.
"Your Majesty, while I do enjoy gold, I've already made a contract with Prince Thorin. Once I help him reclaim the Lonely Mountain and slay Smaug, I will receive one-third of the mountain's treasure."
"So, I doubt I'll be short of gold anytime soon."
"What I seek from the elves are magical artifacts or enchanted items. I have a keen interest in such things, and I'd be happy to negotiate a trade with you for treasures I've gathered during my past adventures."
"For instance, I have three swords here that you might find intriguing."
Wayne reached into his space bracelet and, with a flick of his hand, produced three exquisitely crafted swords, which he had recovered from the Troll Cave during his earlier travels.
Elrond and Gandalf's eyes lit up as they beheld the weapons. Both were well-versed in ancient craftsmanship, and they immediately recognized the significance of these swords. Additionally, Wayne's ability to summon them from thin air—a rare form of space magic—surprised even the Elf King, as such magic was virtually unknown in Middle-earth.
With Wayne's permission, Elrond and Gandalf each took a sword, examining the Elvish inscriptions on the scabbards and drawing the blades, allowing the cold, sharp light of the steel to glint in the air.
After a while, Elrond slid his sword back into its scabbard and sighed softly, speaking with reverence:
"These are no ordinary blades. They were forged in Gondolin during the First Age, wielded by Turgon, King of Gondolin himself. They are exceptionally sharp and resilient, particularly effective against creatures of darkness. In the presence of such enemies, they glow as a warning to their bearer."
"I recall their names—Glamdring and Orcrist, also known as the Foe-hammer and the Goblin-cleaver. These weapons have slain countless orcs and instilled fear in their ranks."
"It is a rare joy to see them again, Wayne."
"I will consider your request to trade for magical items carefully and provide you with an answer soon."
Elrond glanced at Gandalf, who was still deep in thought, before continuing:
"On your journey to the Lonely Mountain, you will pass through the Misty Mountains. There, you'll find an orc clan that has long caused trouble for the surrounding creatures."
"They've built an orc town deep within the mountains, using the intricate tunnels and terrain to raid, pillage, and commit atrocities against the free peoples of Middle-earth."
"If you are willing to face them and disrupt their operations, Rivendell will reward you generously."
As Elrond finished speaking, Wayne heard a system prompt in his head:
Ding! Mission triggered: [Defeat the Gundabad Clan in the Misty Mountains], Master level.
Wayne didn't rush to accept. He carefully reviewed the mission details and noted that he didn't have to eliminate every orc—just deal significant damage to the clan's forces.
Satisfied with the terms, Wayne accepted the mission. He turned to Gandalf and Elrond with a grin and said:
"I have no problem with this commission. I despise those filthy orcs, and I won't hesitate to crush them whenever I get the chance. I'll deal a severe blow to their strength."
"As for the reward, we can discuss that once I've completed the task."
"But before that, Your Majesty, I have one more request. I'd like access to Rivendell's libraries. I'm fascinated by the long history of the elves and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn from your vast collection of knowledge."