Chapter 271 The Dwarf King Enchanted by Gold
It was barely dawn, and the Lake-town residents, fleeing for their lives, struggled to reach the shore.
Wails of sorrow filled the air; last night's battle had further devastated the already impoverished residents, leaving some even completely ruined.
After the Dragon arrived last night, the entire town became a sea of fire. Those with boats fled by boat, while those without had to swim in the icy lake all night, helping each other ashore.
"It's truly shocking!" Aaron sighed, then looked at Bard's family. "What are your plans now?"
Bard managed a strained smile. "I can't abandon them."
Aaron nodded slightly. "I believe you'll lead these refugees to rebuild.
But before that, you have to get through this immediate challenge.
For wealth, you can ask Thorin, but for food and shelter, you'll probably have to figure it out yourselves."
"Aaron, Kili, we should go," Bofur called out. He and Bifurhad pushed a wooden boat into the river, ready to depart for Erebor.
Aaron patted Bard's shoulder, then handed a Black Arrow to Bain. "I have to go. Keep this; it can be a family heirloom."
Kili walked towards the shore but suddenly stopped, turning back to Tauriel. "Come with me!
I know my heart. I'm not afraid. I can't be without you.
Tauriel, I love you."
Such a heartfelt confession caught Tauriel, an Elf who had lived for centuries, off guard. She certainly had a good impression of Kili, but there was still a slight gap before it was love.
"I don't know what you're talking about?"
"I think you do," Kili smiled.
Just as Tauriel was about to say something, she noticed a pair of eyes watching her from behind. "Prince Legolas."
"Leave that Dwarf! You have your own mission."
Tauriel was silent for a moment, then slowly turned around.
Kili, however, glared angrily at Legolas.
He had finally built up the atmosphere, why did you have to come and spoil it?
However, he didn't stop Tauriel. Elves had their missions, and Dwarves had their goals.
But after only a few steps, Kili turned back and gave Taurielthe black stone his mother had given him as a token… It wasn't until the afternoon that the group arrived at Erebor.
Bilbo met the four at the city gate and led them in, then asked with a hint of anxiety, "Where's Gandalf?"
"Haha!" Aaron chuckled. "I told you it wasn't Gandalf who fought the Dragon. Why don't you believe me!"
"That's troublesome," Bilbo said, feeling a bit weary. "Thorinhas changed. Do you remember what Smaug said? You really shouldn't have given him the arkenstone."
"What do you mean?" Kili asked, puzzled. "The arkenstoneoriginally belonged to the Dwarves, and Thorin is the son of Thrain, the most legitimate heir. Why shouldn't he have it?"
"Because that thing is too evil," Bilbo said helplessly, pointing to the entrance of the great hall. "He's been down there all day, not eating or drinking."
Aaron frowned slightly. "Let's go see him first!"
Entering the great hall, a dazzling golden color met their eyes. The three newly arrived Dwarves were all stunned by the immense wealth.
"Gold, endless gold, no more sorrow and Pain!" Thorinmurmured, walking down from the throne inlaid with the arkenstone. He looked at them, a hint of madness in his eyes. "Look, Thor's immense treasure.
Welcome my nephew, friends, and kin to Erebor."
"You see," Bilbo said, spreading his hands helplessly. "I feel like his world only has gold left."
Aaron's eye twitched slightly. The current Thorin was indeed a bit off.
"Give him some time, he'll recover."
"Is this something time can fix?" Bilbo said, exasperated. "We have to find a way to get him out of here, otherwise I really worry he'll become arrogant, just as Smaug said."
Aaron sighed deeply, turning to look at Thorin. "The duty of a Dwarf King is to rebuild Erebor, not to admire these so-called riches here."
"Give me some time, Gaius.
I've waited decades for this day; it's time to savor the fruits of victory."
Aaron pursed his lips, then silently withdrew from the great hall.
Bilbo led them to the room where the others were resting. The two groups of Dwarves, seeing their companions alive and well, cheered excitedly.
"We have to get Gandalf back; only he can guide Thorinback to the right path," Bilbo pulled Aaron aside, lowering his voice. "Also, Smaug mentioned that the Necromancerwould send troops to attack the Lonely Mountain. Our situation isn't safe."
"Not only that," Aaron pondered. "Smaug is dead. This news will spread quickly, and a huge treasure trove attracts everyone. This Dwarf kingdom is more dangerous than ever."
"Then what should we do?"
"First, find me a room."
"Ah?" Bilbo blinked, looking at Aaron in confusion. "What did you say?"
"I fought all day and traveled all day," Aaron rolled his eyes. "I need rest, otherwise I might suddenly die. Don't let anyone disturb me."
"But what about Thorin?"
"Don't worry about him for now," Aaron waved his hand. "You know how stubborn he is. Until his mood calms down, no one's advice will work.
As for the enemies, there's no need to worry too much. Even attacking Erebor will take some time."
Bilbo nodded, half understanding, then asked Balin to arrange a quiet room for Aaron.
"Cleaned anew."
Aaron locked the door and used a cleaning spell to clear the room that had accumulated decades of dust.
"System, sign in."
"Host signed in at the Dwarf kingdom, gaining 5 magicPoints."
"Open personal panel."
"Okay."
[Host: Aaron Gaius]
[magic Energy: 8564 (Middle-Level Mage, the lifelong peak for most Wizards)]
[Talent: Rare in a Century (magic Energy increases by 3 points daily)]
[Items: moon drop (can remove any negative magic spell), Resurrection Potion (can resurrect any creature that died within one hour), magic carpet, Dragon Slaying Magic Crystal]
[magic Points: 1010]
Looking at the value on the last line, Aaron felt a surge of emotion.
It had been over half a year, and the magic Points finally reached four digits. It truly wasn't easy!
Taking a deep breath, Aaron suppressed his excitement and claimed the reward for defeating Smaug. His magic Points instantly tripled.
"It's been a long time since I've been this rich," Aarongrinned, his joy coming from deep within. His efforts during this period had certainly not been in vain.
"System, open the shop. It's time to spend."
"Okay, Host."
The system's voice echoed in Aaron's mind, followed by three categories, a total of fifteen product slots, appearing before his eyes.
[magic Category: @Transfiguration (1000 magic Points, including Animagus); @Levitation (100 magic Points, flight speed depends on personal strength); @Illusion Projection (700 magic Points, creates a phantom of oneself, can be projected long-distance); @Charm (500 magic Points, literal meaning, but ineffective against those with strong will); @Astral Projection (300 magic Points)]
[Material Category: @phoenix feather (30 magic Points); @dragon blood (20 magic Points); @Mandrake (5 magicPoints); @Bezoar (1 magic Point); @Rhinoceros Horn (3 magic Points)]
[Item Category: Empty; Empty; @Wizard Chess (1 magicPoint); @Gilani's Emerald (50 magic Points, the one who obtains the gem will be plagued by bad luck); Empty]
He had coveted Transfiguration for a long time, especially after last night's battle, he had a considerable desire for Animagus. He decisively spent a thousand magic Points to acquire it.
As a large amount of knowledge about Transfigurationpoured into his mind, Aaron felt his head slightly heavy, but after a while, his face was filled with ecstasy.
He couldn't wait to try it. He lightly tapped a water glass with his wand, and the ordinary cup instantly transformed into a Black Arrow.
Aaron carefully weighed it, finding that both its weight and material were identical to the original.
But he knew this Black Arrow was just a flawless fake. Using it to shoot other things would be fine, but using it to slay a Dragon would probably not even pierce its scales.
This was also a limitation of Transfiguration; one object could be turned into another, but a 100% transformation was impossible.
He could turn a stone into exquisite gold jewelry, but such jewelry would only serve a decorative purpose and would not bring any benefit to the human body.
But thinking about it, if one could truly change matter at will, the Magical World would have long been in chaos.
Aaron shrugged, turned the Black Arrow into a turtle, and watched it crawl on the table for a while with interest before changing it back into a water glass.
After marveling at the wonders of Transfiguration, Aaronbegan experimenting with Animagus.
He tapped his arm with his wand, and his form rapidly shifted into a raven.
Moments later, Aaron flapped his black wings, experiencing the sensation of flight in the room before transforming back.
As for the second Animagus form, he didn't try it. This room couldn't fit a giant Dragon, although he could also transform into a Dragon hatchling less than half a meter tall, there was no need.
"I'm a Transfiguration master now. Not to mention Professor McGonagall, even Dumbledore might not be able to surpass me in this area," Aaron thought smugly, then focused on Illusion Projection, readily spending seven hundred magicPoints to purchase it.
This was a profound illusionary spell. Although it had no offensive power, its cost-effectiveness was higher than powerful spells.
Snap!
Aaron snapped his fingers, and the room instantly transformed into his own bedroom. Immediately after, Abeyalso jumped out, happily flying around on the ceiling.
But an illusion is an illusion after all; apart from deceiving the eyes, it has no reality.
"I don't know when I'll be able to go back, but it shouldn't be far," Aaron muttered to himself, then added a thousand magic Points to his magic Energy, elevating his strength from Middle-Level Mage to High-level Magister.
As for the remaining magic Points, he saved them for refreshing the shop or for enhancing Abey's strength when he returned.