A melodious, clear horn sounded from afar.
"They once rode beneath the stars."
For no particular reason, Levi recalled this phrase.
Rumble rumble...
Hoofbeats thundered as a silver-gray torrent crossed paths with silver-white figures.
At this moment, he was like a piece of driftwood caught in a river, splitting the current in two. However, after flowing around him, the torrent immediately merged back into one, diving downward without obstruction.
All the soldiers' gazes were focused entirely on the enemy before them, with not one person sparing a glance for Levi, this strange visitor.
Crash...
In the blink of an eye, the silver-gray torrent collided with the orc cavalry. In just an instant, the wargs in the front rank were sent staggering. The unfortunate orcs who fell were either trampled by hooves or finished off with a single blade stroke, quickly falling silent.
One charge directly scattered the orcs' pursuit formation, making it impossible for them to reorganize. They were forced to stop and engage in close combat on the spot.
However, the elves also quickly changed formations, hunting the orcs in a more efficient manner.
Whoosh!
An arrow precisely hit an orc trying to escape. The rider shot while on horseback, never missing a shot, making Levi marvel in amazement. If he tried mounted archery himself, forget hitting every shot... he'd be lucky if the arrows didn't fly off to the horizon.
Bows, spears, knives, swords... various weapons were skillfully wielded in the elves' hands. The number of orcs continuously decreased, yet they could never organize effective resistance.
There were no battle cries, no excessive clamor... only the collision of blades with armor and flesh, and the dying screams of orcs.
All of this made Levi feel somewhat unreal.
He sat on his horse, stationed on the hillside, watching this one-sided silent slaughter.
A complete rout.
This phrase couldn't be more appropriate to describe the current scene.
Realizing that his forces could never defeat the enemy before them, the orc squad leader roared and retreated with his remaining subordinates.
After symbolically hunting down a few orcs who fell behind, the elves didn't continue pursuing but quickly began cleaning up the battlefield.
A moment later, seemingly finally noticing Levi, the cavalry unit approached directly, surrounding him in several layers.
What was... this situation?
Just as he felt somewhat nervous, a tall elf rode forward.
"Stranger, greetings to you. How shall we address you?"
"Levi, an adventurer from the human towns to the west."
"Adventurer, what brings you to visit this land?"
"I heard that Rivendell is the most beautiful place in Middle-earth and wanted to see it for myself."
"Oh?"
This elf looked at Levi with some scrutiny in his gaze. After a moment, he said, "Then please accompany us."
The journey passed in silence.
Levi followed the main force as they continued forward.
After the initial greetings upon meeting, no one had spoken to him. The elves around him were quieter than the last, leaving him to open his inventory and organize his backpack to pass the time.
Although the faction system showed that Rivendell's attitude toward him was friendly, the group of silent companions still made him somewhat anxious.
On one hand, it could be said they had strict military discipline; on the other hand, Levi couldn't find any reason to start a conversation.
He could only continue in silence like this.
Until they entered a valley.
Upon first entering the canyon, it seemed somewhat dim due to the high mountains blocking on both sides, but before long, the barriers on either side disappeared.
Unconsciously, Levi urged his horse to run a couple of steps toward the exit.
Under the starlight, his pupils gradually widened. His vision suddenly opened up, and for the first time he felt that human eyes could hold so little... so much scenery, yet he could only turn his head bit by bit to see it all, unable to take it all in at once.
"I formally welcome you, Adventurer Levi."
The elf who had questioned him outside the valley dismounted gracefully, looking toward Levi.
"I have heard that a powerful human wizard appeared in the wilderness of Eriador, who built a castle in a single night and single-handedly killed an orc squad of over a hundred, calling himself an adventurer."
While speaking of rumors heard from who knows where, this tall elf removed his helmet and gazed meaningfully at Levi.
Wait, had these rumors spread so quickly that even the elves knew?
"It's not that exaggerated..."
He repeatedly denied it, looking up at this elf and suddenly freezing.
Such a familiar face, especially the silver circlet on his head.
"Lord Elrond."
Just then, an elf in regular clothing quickly walked down the nearby steps.
"Lindir." The tall elf nodded in response, handing his sword to Lindir.
Hiss...
This name?
Levi suddenly turned his head, carefully examining the elf beside him.
No wonder he looked familiar... this was the legendary Lord of Rivendell, Elrond.
The one beside him must be Advisor Lindir.
After briefly settling the troops behind him, the Lord of Rivendell continued speaking to Levi.
"From a few days ago, orc activity in the area has been unusually active. They can be seen everywhere from the Last Bridge to the Loudwater River. This is very unusual... I thought there must be something, or someone, attracting them."
Don't worry, the orcs will come again in a year.
"Now it seems the reason has been found."
"Uh, I think it's probably because of me. I've killed quite a few orcs recently and got on the Orc King's wanted list."
Elrond stared at Levi, his gaze showing some appreciation.
"The evil creatures you've killed should be more than just orcs..."
His eyelid twitched, feeling like his title collection had been thoroughly examined.
"I can sense that your achievements are not false. There's no need to be modest... this is something worthy of praise."
"Rivendell welcomes you, Levi."
"Prepare a feast. Let us welcome our friend."
The lord personally inviting him to dine... honestly, Levi felt somewhat flattered, but he didn't lose his composure.
A moment later, Elrond, having removed his armor, and Levi sat at the host and guest positions of the same dining table. Before them were dishes served on exquisite plates, and an elf poured him a cup of fragrant wine.
"Thank you." Levi nodded in acknowledgment.
"Levi, regarding the rumors about you, my people first learned of them from the Dúnedain. I hear you are also on good terms with the Dúnedain."
"Yes, I received help from a Ranger and had considerable dealings with him. I promised him and his people that they could come to me anytime if they needed help."
"Generous people always receive their due rewards."
Elrond nodded slightly, took a small sip, and suddenly his gaze settled on the sword at Levi's waist.
"May I borrow this sword for a look?"
"Of course."
He hadn't put the sword in his backpack but wore it at his waist, actually intentionally wanting this knowledgeable elf lord to help him see what its origins were.
The lord took the sword and examined it carefully.
"Its forging craftsmanship is exquisite. It should have been cast during the First Age to deal with orc armies. It is extremely sharp and should not be a nameless sword."
"However, I have never heard any legends about it. Perhaps it was lost before it could reach the battlefield after being forged."
"I took this from a troll. Their caves always have some ancient things." Levi explained.
He didn't mention that this sword had been used by the troll as a meat skewer, lest he choke on his drink.
"I see."
Elrond nodded and returned the precious sword to Levi, saying, "I think it will help you better deal with orcs. I look forward to the day it has a name."
Only swords that had achieved great feats would be given names.
By saying this, the lord meant he wished for Levi to achieve great victories with it.
Truly a cultured elf... even his compliments left no trace.
The conversation with this lord made Levi feel quite comfortable.
Everything seemed so natural.
[Chapter Complete]
***
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