As soon as Levi mounted the 14-speed horse, he immediately felt the difference.
The scenery on both sides retreated noticeably faster, and the wind hitting his face was slightly stronger.
The physical sensation was significantly enhanced.
He was increasingly looking forward to a max-speed horse.
At this moment, Levi rode while looking at his map.
First stop: Bree.
From Roadside Fort to Bree was about the same distance as going to Rivendell, but the road conditions were somewhat better. Plus, this time he was traveling with a selected fine horse, so he expected to arrive before dark.
He continued forward like this.
While it was still light, Levi had already set foot in an unknown settlement, with a small inn not far from the road.
The Forsaken Inn.
Looking at the familiar inn, after thinking it over, he still dismounted and walked inside.
This somewhat rustic inn had few people inside, with only two or three tables eating.
Levi spotted a familiar figure among them.
So he sat directly across from him.
The person who was gnawing on coarse bread with a cup of water looked up, and a pair of sharp eyes under the hood stared at the person who had suddenly sat across from him.
"Levi?"
Faradon put down his bread and took a sip of water.
"How did you get here? Is there something you need my help with?"
He hadn't forgotten that he'd given Levi a silver coin... that was his promise. He had personally told him that if there was anything, he could come to the Forsaken Inn to wait for him. Today was quite coincidental... they'd met directly.
"Nothing much, I just felt you might be here, so I came in to say hello."
"You're back from Rivendell?"
"I've been back for a long time. Actually, I'm currently on my second journey."
"I remember it's been less than a month since you left."
"I've been back for half a month."
"..." Faradon fell silent for a moment.
What a quick return.
"By the way, my kinsmen told me that half a month ago, an orc cavalry unit marched west at the edge of the wilderness, heading in this direction. I suspect their target might be you." Faradon looked serious.
A hundred-strong all-cavalry squad wasn't easy to deal with.
"Actually, I was planning to go to Roadside Fort to tell you about this."
Levi's mouth curved upward as he leaned back tactically.
"Your information is outdated, Faradon. That squad has already been completely annihilated by me."
My iron golems annihilating them also counts as me doing it... no problem there.
Faradon was silent for a moment.
"I haven't been active in this area recently, so my information might be somewhat behind. But regardless, it's good that you're safe."
"By the way, where are you planning to go this time?"
"The Blue Mountains."
"Just left elven territory, and now you're going to find dwarves?"
"I have some business to attend to there."
"Well, you always seem to be very busy."
The great busy man of Middle-earth.
After a brief catch-up, the two didn't have much more to say. With his water, Faradon quickly finished the remaining bread and stood up. "Let me see you off."
Whether it was his imagination or not, Levi felt his rising movement seemed a bit stiff.
"May you travel with the wind."
Outside the inn, Faradon offered his parting blessing.
However, Levi made no move toward his mount, instead fixing his companion with a steady gaze that made the man shift uneasily.
"Something the matter?"
"You're hurt," Levi said, not asking but stating.
"How could you tell... ah, well, constant fighting leaves its marks. A bit of rest will set me right."
"That doesn't strike me as something rest alone will cure."
Levi looked at Faradon's health bar.
[12/25]
This guy being able to stand now was really not easy... this was literally losing half his life.
[-1]
While speaking, the Ranger lost another hit point.
Dude, don't die in front of me.
Levi sighed and pulled out a golden apple with a warm, lustrous glow, handing it to Faradon.
"Take this. It's rich in life force... maybe it can heal you."
"This is too precious." Faradon shook his head. If he wasn't mistaken, this apple seemed to be made of gold. Whether it was edible aside, it was definitely expensive.
"Don't say more. Take it. I don't want you dying in front of me."
His attitude was firm as he stuffed the golden apple into Faradon's hands.
He'd been seen through.
Faradon no longer disguised it. The spirit he'd been forcing immediately wilted, and that sharp edge immediately withdrew.
"Eat!" Levi stared at him.
The weary Ranger looked at this apple that seemed forged from gold, hesitated slightly, then gently took a bite.
Sweet juice burst from the apple. In an instant, Faradon's eyes widened. The moment the flesh entered his stomach, his entire body, from head to toe, seemed to cheer. The cuts and poisoned wounds on his body healed at an incredible speed.
At the same time, a golden glow emanated from his body surface, giving him a feeling of invincibility.
This was an additional shield layer.
When the apple was finished, his health was also perfectly restored.
[25/25]
"This thing is too precious." Faradon immediately realized the value of this apple.
"I owe you my life. Whatever you need me to do, please tell me."
Levi initially wanted to say it was nothing, but on second thought, Rangers traveled everywhere in the wilderness and were well-informed... maybe he could...
"In that case, let me think. Do you know where there are any gold mines?"
"From what I know, dwarven territories have some, and there are also some in the southern human kingdoms, like Gondor..."
"No, no, no, I don't need gold mines with owners. I want to know if there are any ownerless gold mines, or if there really aren't any, orc-occupied ones would work, even ones in Mordor. You understand what I mean, right?"
Faradon looked thoughtful.
"I understand. Places that produce gold ore... I seem to recall hearing about some, but it might take some time to confirm..."
"No problem, I'll wait for you."
Faradon nodded heavily, obviously treating this matter as some kind of top priority.
Bidding farewell to Faradon, Levi continued west, passing through Bree and by the Barrow-downs.
When he reached the vicinity of the Barrows, it was just nighttime. He paused here briefly, deliberately making some noise and light, but unfortunately didn't manage to attract any wights this time.
So he had to give up.
The next day during daylight.
Levi entered Shire territory, galloping along the main road.
It wasn't until noon that he stopped at a hobbit dwelling.
Dismounting, he knocked gently on the door.
"Wait... wait, please let me get this steak out of the pot first!"
"Oh, forgive me, I didn't expect visitors at this time..."
The chattering voice came from far to near, soon stopping behind the door.
Creak.
The door opened.
Bilbo looked up, squinting against the sunlight for several seconds before suddenly exclaiming:
"...Levi!"
This hospitable hobbit immediately stepped out, quite excitedly spreading his arms. "Welcome, welcome! Good to see you again, Levi. It's been, uh, several months since we last met anyway. Come, come inside quickly. We can have lunch together, and I have some good wine we can taste together..."
Listening to Bilbo's chatter, Levi felt a sense of disorientation.
This hobbit was still living his comfortable life. After several months apart, neither Bilbo nor Bag End had changed in the slightest. Even the room where he had once stayed remained the same, with bedding and sheets neatly arranged.
"Speaking of which, I always feel like you've changed a lot... I mean that kind of, well, indescribable feeling. I think a lot must have happened to you recently, right?"
Just as Levi was sighing, Bilbo suddenly appeared, looking at him.
[Chapter Complete]
***
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