Linaewen Elven Settlement - Council HallMidnight
They had been talking for five hours.
Marco had explained everything he knew about Celebrimbor , Annatar ( Sauron in disguise), the forging of the Rings, and the eventual fall of Eregion . It wasn't much—the movies and TV series didn't cover everything—but it was enough to paint a terrifying picture.
Elrond had remained silent for most of the time, interrupting only to clarify specific details. Círdan was taking notes on parchment in flowing Elvish script .
Now, with the moon high over the forest, Elrond finally spoke:
"If everything you say is true—and my heart tells me it is—then Eregion is in imminent danger. Celebrimbor has been working with Annatar for months. The Rings have already been forged. The Nine for Men, the Seven for Dwarves, the Three for Elves."
"And the One Ring?" Marco asked, even though he already knew the answer.
" Annatar disappeared weeks ago. No one knows where he is." Elrond 's eyes darkened. "But if your knowledge is correct, he has already forged it. The One Ring that controls all others."
"On Mount Doom," Marco confirmed. "The only place powerful enough to forge such an artifact."
Círdan stopped writing.
"If the One Ring exists, then all the other Rings are compromised. Even the Three."
"The Three are different," Marco said, recalling what he knew. " Sauron never touched them directly. Celebrimbor forged them alone, in the end, without Annatar 's help . They have their own power, uncorrupted by Sauron ."
"But still connected to the One," murmured Elrond , unconsciously touching Vilya on his finger. "If Sauron has the One Ring, he can sense when we use the Three. He can influence them."
"Not entirely," Marco hastened to say. "In the future I know, the elves use the Three to protect their realms: Rivendell , Lothlórien , the Grey Havens. The Rings give power to preserve, heal, and protect. But Sauron can sense their use."
"So they are both a blessing and a curse."
"Basically."
Elrond rubbed his temples, clearly exhausted by the information.
"This changes everything. If Celebrimbor is in danger, we need to get him out of Eregion . But he'll never abandon his forge. His work is his life."
"What if you offer him something he can't refuse?" Marco suggested.
" Like what?"
Marco considered his options. He had 660,000 MC. He could buy tools, knowledge, even protection. But what would tempt a master elven craftsman who had already forged the most powerful artifacts of the age?
Then he had an idea.
"TARS, quick search. What's in the catalog that an elven master smith would find irresistible?"
[Searching... I found 47 options. Filtered by relevance and budget...]
FEATURED OPTION:Starforge Hammer (Origin: Warhammer 40k Universe)
A forging tool capable of working with impossible materialsIt can melt mithril , adamantium , even fragments of starsIncreases blacksmith skill by 300%Cost: 400,000 MC
"Perfect," Marco murmured.
"Pardon?" asked Elrond .
"I have something that might convince Celebrimbor . A forge hammer. But not just any hammer." Marco leaned forward. "It's a tool capable of working materials that even dwarves can't handle. It significantly increases the smith's skill. With it, Celebrimbor could create works that would eclipse even the Rings."
Elrond 's eyes lit up with cautious interest.
"Such a tool would be invaluable. Do you have it with you?"
"I can get it. But..." Marco hesitated, "...it costs."
"How much?"
"In terms you understand: enough elven gold to buy a small kingdom. Or the equivalent in other resources."
Círdan whistled softly.
"That's... significant."
"It is. But consider this: if we save Celebrimbor , we don't just save a master craftsman. We save his knowledge. His skill. Future creations. The cost is high, but the value is immeasurable."
Elrond leaned back in his chair, clearly calculating.
"I don't have that much gold here. I would have to send it from Rivendell ."
"Or," Marco offered, "you could pay me in services. Access to elven libraries . Introductions to other leaders. Training in arts known only to elves. Things gold can't buy."
"You are astute," Círdan observed with a mixture of admiration and caution.
"I'm a trader. It's my job to find value beyond gold."
Elrond considered this for a long moment.
"Very well. If your magic hammer can truly persuade Celebrimbor to leave Eregion before it's too late, then you have a deal. I'll give you: access to the libraries of Rivendell , introductory letters to Galadriel and Gil- galad , and..." a pause, "...basic training in elven healing . Those skills will serve you well as a traveling merchant."
Marco felt his heart race. That was MUCH more valuable than gold.
"And the gold?"
"50,000 pieces of elven gold . Enough to settle in comfortably."
Marco extended his hand.
"Deal."
Elrond shook her hand.
[ALERT: Informal transaction detected. Do you wish to formalize with Moneda del Trato?]
Marco considered. His Hatsu allowed him to create binding contracts. But that might frighten Elrond if he didn't understand what it was.
"TARS, no. Let's keep this in good faith."
[Your decision. But without a formal contract, technically you could be in breach.]
"He won't. I can feel it."
And it was true. Your Merchant's Eye told him that Elrond was honorable to the core. If he made a promise, he would keep it.
"Then it is decided," said Elrond , rising to his feet. "Tomorrow we shall depart for Eregion . It is a four-day journey on horseback. We must arrive before Sauron makes his move."
"Are you going personally?" Marco asked, surprised.
" Celebrimbor is my friend. And if there's a chance to save him, I must try." Elrond looked at Marco. "I hope your magic hammer is as impressive as you promise."
"It is. But there's a problem."
"Which?"
"I need access to my... warehouse. My store. I can't just conjure it up out of thin air here."
"Your store?"
Marco decided it was time to reveal more.
"My benefactor not only gave me knowledge and skills. He gave me access to a store. A store that exists outside of normal space. That's where I keep my resources."
Círdan and Elrond exchanged glances.
"A dimensional shop," murmured Círdan . "Such a thing exists in ancient legends. The Valar themselves were said to have storehouses outside of time."
"Something like that. But I can only access it under certain conditions. I need open space, concentration, and..." Marco improvised, "...permission from the place where I am. I can't just open portals in other people's territories without consequence."
That was partly true. TARS had mentioned that opening the shop was simple—just thinking "open shop"—but Marco wanted to establish respect. If the elves thought he needed their permission, they would be more receptive.
"Interesting," said Elrond . "Then I give you formal permission to open your shop in territory under my protection. Do so tomorrow, before you leave. Show us this hammer."
"Thank you, my lord."
Elrond nodded.
" Círdan will show you guest rooms. Rest. Tomorrow will be a long day."
Guest Room - 1:00 AM
elven bed , which was so comfortable that he felt as if he were floating on clouds.
"TARS..."
[Good work today, Marco. You got S-rank allies on your first day. That's... statistically impossible.]
"But?"
[But now you're committed. You need to deliver the Star Forge Hammer. That will cost 400,000 MC. You'll only have 260,000 MC left in reserve. It's risky.]
"It's worth it. If we save Celebrimbor , we'll change the course of history. And with Elrond as an ally, I'll have access to all of elven society ."
[True. But also keep in mind: every change you make to the future has unpredictable consequences. You could save Celebrimbor only for it to die in another way. Or worse, you could create a timeline where something WORSE happens.]
"I know. But I can't just sit back and let good people die when I know it's going to happen."
[Your humanity is both your greatest strength and your greatest weakness, Marco.]
"I know."
Rest. You need to be in your best shape tomorrow.
Marco closed his eyes, but sleep did not come easily.
Her mind was racing with everything that had happened.
He had died watching football.
He woke up in another world.
He trained for subjective years.
He attended to a god and a demon.
And now he was planning to change historical events in Middle-earth.
"My life is absolutely insane," he muttered.
[Yes. But at least it's not boring.]
"Point for you, TARS. Point for you."
Finally, exhaustion overcame him and he fell into a deep sleep.
Next Day - Sunrise
Marco woke up to the sound of birds singing. For a moment he forgot where he was.
Then the memory returned.
Middle-earth. Elves. Rescue mission.
He got up, washed with the fresh water that someone had left in his room, and dressed in his full kit.
Elven chainmail beneath his clothing. Sword at his belt. Bow on his back. Daggers concealed in his boots.
He looked like a real adventurer now.
She left her room and found Círdan waiting.
"Good morning, Marco. Elrond would like to see your shop demonstration before breakfast."
"Straight to the point. I like it."
Círdan led him to the center of the settlement, where there was a circular clearing. Elrond was already there, along with three warrior elves whom Marco had not seen before.
"Marco," Elrond greeted . "These are my personal guards. They will be accompanying us to Eregion . I wanted them to witness your... dimensional tent."
"Understood."
Marco walked to the center of the clearing. The elves watched him with curiosity mixed with skepticism.
"TARS, how do I do this?"
[Simple. Close your eyes. Visualize the shop door. Think 'open shop'. And the door will appear.]
Marco closed his eyes.
He envisioned the massive door of liquid metal and shattered glass.
He thought: Open a store.
And the world responded.
There was a sound like reality tearing apart. The elves instinctively took a step back.
When Marco opened his eyes, there it was.
The door to his shop.
Ten meters high, impossible, beautiful, terrifying.
The symbols on its surface were constantly moving, displaying writings from a thousand different universes.
"By the Valar..." whispered one of the guards.
Elrond approached cautiously, extending his hand toward the door. When his fingers touched the surface, a spark of energy jumped.
"This is not elven magic . It is not the magic of Morgoth or Sauron . It is something completely...other."
"I told them I came from somewhere else," Marco said. "This is the proof."
"Can we come in?" Círdan asked .
Marco consulted mentally with TARS.
[You can allow guests, but be careful. Seeing the inside of the shop will reveal the extent of what you have access to. It could frighten or tempt them.]
"You may enter," Marco said. "But I warn you: what you will see inside is... overwhelming. My shop has access to resources from countless worlds. You may see things that defy comprehension."
"I am willing to risk confusion for knowledge," Elrond said .
Marco nodded and pushed the door.
It opened with that sound of glass breaking in reverse.
The interior of the store was revealed.
Infinite space. Bookshelves that rose until they disappeared into darkness above. Objects shimmering with a thousand colors. The very air vibrated with power.
The elves stood frozen in the entrance, their eyes wide with amazement.
"This is..." Elrond searched for words, "...impossible. The interior space is a hundred times larger than the exterior. The laws of reality bend here."
"Welcome to my store," Marco said with a smile. "The Multiversal Store . Where everything has a price and everything is available."
They entered slowly, almost reverently.
Marco guided them to the central desk.
"TARS, show the Star Forge Hammer."
[Confirmed. Preparing display...]
A holographic display appeared above the desk, showing a rotating 3D image of the hammer.
It was brutally beautiful. A hammerhead made of black metal that gleamed with streaks of blue light. A handle wrapped in leather that looked like dragon skin. Runes in languages not even the elves recognized covered its entire surface.
"This is the Star Forge Hammer," Marco explained. "Capable of working any material. Mithril . Adamantium . Even fragments of fallen stars. It increases the smith's skill significantly. With this, a master like Celebrimbor could create works that surpass all previous ones."
"Can I... touch it?" asked Elrond , clearly fascinated.
"It's not here yet. I need to complete the purchase first. But once purchased, it will be fully real and functional."
"The price you mentioned..."
"400,000 of my credits. Equivalent to what we agreed on: the gold, plus the services."
Elrond nodded slowly.
"If this hammer is really what you say it is, then the price is fair."
"Then let's make it official."
Marco activated his Hatsu . Coins with a golden aura materialized, floating around him.
The elves stepped back, surprised.
"This is my unique ability," Marco explained. "It allows me to formalize deals. If we both accept one of these coins, the deal becomes binding. It's not mind control—they can resist if they really want to—but it creates a profound obligation to honor the terms."
"Fascinating," murmured Círdan . "A form of contractual magic unlike anything I've ever seen."
"Do you accept?" Marco extended a coin towards Elrond .
Elrond studied it carefully. Then, decisively, he took it.
The moment his fingers touched the coin, it glowed brightly and dissolved, splitting in two. Half flowed toward Elrond , the other toward Marco.
Marco felt the connection forming. It was like an invisible thread binding them together.
[ESTABLISHED CONTRACT][Part A (Frame): Deliver Starforge Hammer][Part B ( Elrond ): Provide 50,000 elven gold + agreed access][Penalty for non-compliance: Severe psychological distress + loss of reputation]
"The deal is done," Marco said. "TARS, process the purchase."
[Confirmed. Debit: 400,000 MC. Remaining balance: 260,000 MC.]
[Materializing Star Forge Hammer...]
The air above the desk distorted. Particles of light condensed.
And then he appeared.
The hammer materialized completely, floating for a moment before gently descending onto the desk.
He was even more impressive in person than in the picture.
Elrond approached reverently and extended his hand. When he touched the handle, his eyes widened.
"I can feel its power. It's... immense. Celebrimbor is going to lose his mind when he sees this."
"That's the point," Marco said with a smile.
Círdan also approached, examining the hammer with an expert eye.
"The work is exquisite. I don't know these runes, but I can sense their purpose: empowerment, precision, strength. Whoever forged these was a supreme master."
"It was forged in a world where technology and magic merged," Marco explained. "A world very different from our own."
"And now it's ours," said Elrond , raising the hammer. Despite its size, he wielded it with ease. "With this, we will convince Celebrimbor . I am certain of it."
"Then we set off for Eregion ," said Círdan .
"Now," Elrond added . "Every hour we lose is another hour Sauron has to plan."
elven guards , who had remained silent throughout the exchange, finally spoke:
"My lord, is it wise to place so much trust in this human? We barely know him."
"He just handed me an artifact of immense power," Elrond replied . "And he formalized a binding contract. If he wanted to betray us, there are easier ways. No, I believe Marco is exactly what he claims to be: a merchant from another world trying to establish himself here. And I'd rather have him as an ally than an unknown enemy."
The guard nodded, although he was clearly not entirely convinced.
"Very well," Marco said, closing his shop with a thought. The door vanished as if it had never been there. "When do we leave?"
"In one hour. Pack your things. The journey will be tough."
One Hour Later - Leaving the Settlement
Marco had never ridden an elven horse before.
It turned out that the elven horses were just like the elves themselves: faster, more elegant, and seemingly aware that you were a complete incompetent in comparison.
His horse—a white mare that Círdan called Celeb (Silver ) —looked at him with what Marco could only describe as equine condescension.
"Don't judge me," he murmured to the horse as he mounted clumsily. "I'm from the city. The closest thing to horses I've ever had were horse meat tacos at the market."
The mare snorted. Marco chose to believe it was understanding, not contempt.
The group consisted of:
ElrondCírdanFrameThree elven guards ( Galdor , Lindir and Erestor )
Seven in total.
"Only seven to rescue Celebrimbor ?" Marco asked as they began their journey.
"More numbers would attract attention," explained Elrond , riding beside them. " Sauron has spies everywhere. A small group of travelers raises less suspicion than a battalion."
"What if we run into orcs? Or worse ? "
"Then I trust that your skill demonstrated yesterday with the orc band will be repeated." Elrond smiled slightly. "And if not, I have some experience in combat."
[Marco, 'some experience' is a MASSIVE understatement. Elrond has fought in wars against Morgoth himself. He is one of the deadliest warriors in Middle-earth.]
"Well, that's comforting," Marco murmured.
They rode for hours through the forest. The elven horses maintained a pace that would have killed ordinary horses, but which seemed perfectly comfortable for them.
Marco clung to Celeb , trying not to fall.
"Breathe with the movement," Círdan advised , riding beside him. "Don't fight the horse. Flow with it."
"Flow. Of course. Like with my orientation."
"Sorry?"
"Nothing."
As the day wore on, Marco began to relax in the chair. His improved body was adapting faster than he had expected.
By sunset, he almost felt competent.
Almost.
They camped that night in a clearing by a stream. The elves posted a guard, lit a small fire, and prepared food— lembas and dried fruit.
Marco tried lembas for the first time. It tasted like... honey, nuts, and something indefinably GOOD. One small bite filled him completely.
"Incredible," he murmured.
Elven travel bread is more nutritious than ordinary ingredients," explained Lindir , one of the guards. "It contains a subtle blessing from Galadriel herself."
"Did I mention that your world is absolutely insane?"
"Several times now," Elrond said with amusement. "But I'd like to hear more about your world. Mexico, you said. Mexico City. What was it like?"
And so, sitting around the fire as night descended upon Middle-earth, Marco told them about his former life.
About Mexico City—a city of 20 million people. About technology—cars, phones, the internet. About his family—his mother, his cousin Toño. About his taco stand. About Cruz Azul and his absurd demise.
The elves listened, fascinated, sometimes asking questions that Marco tried to answer without sounding like a lunatic.
"Metal flying machines?" Galdor asked skeptically.
"Airplanes. They can carry hundreds of people across continents in hours."
"Impossible."
"In my world, impossible is just engineering you don't yet understand."
Elrond River.
"I like you, Marco. You bring a refreshing perspective. Too many mortals are intimidated in the presence of elves . You just... speak as if we were equals."
"Because we are," Marco said simply. "You have thousands of years of experience. I have knowledge of worlds you've never seen. Different strengths, but equal validity."
"Unusual wisdom for someone so young."
"I died once. It gives you perspective."
The conversation continued until the moon was high in the sky. Eventually, Elrond established guard shifts.
Marco took the second turn, along with Erestor .
[Marco, I can monitor you while you sleep. You don't need a security shift.]
"I know, TARS. But I want to contribute. Not just be a passenger."
[That's... admirably stupid.]
"Story of my life."
Day 3 of the Trip - Eregion Commuter Rail
They had ridden hard for two more days. The landscape had changed from dense forests to open hills. And in the distance, Marco could see the towers of Eregion gleaming against the evening sky.
An elven city in its heyday. Slender towers of white stone. Terraced gardens. The sound of hammers in forges echoing in the air.
But there was something else too.
His sense of danger began to hum gently.
"Something's wrong," Marco murmured.
Elrond tensed up immediately.
"How do you feel?"
"Danger. Not immediate, but present. Like... an approaching storm."
"I feel it too," said Círdan , halting his horse. "The air is heavy. Something dark is moving."
The guards drew their weapons.
"Shall we continue?" Galdor asked .
"Yes," Elrond said firmly. "But with caution. If Sauron has already made his move..."
I didn't need to finish the sentence.
They advanced slowly towards the city.
When they reached the gates, they found Elven guards on high alert. They recognized Elrond immediately.
"My lord!" one came running up. "Thank the Valar that you are here! We need help!"
"What happened?"
" Annatar returned. Two days ago. He claimed he came in peace, wanting to consult further with Lord Celebrimbor . But Lord Celebrimbor rejected him. He said he had discovered deception. That Annatar was not who he claimed to be."
Marco's heart sank.
"He already knows..."
"And what happened next?" Elrond pressed .
" Annatar flew into a rage. He revealed his true form. Sauron . He demanded the Rings. Celebrimbor refused. Then Sauron declared war. He left, but said he would return with an army. And that Eregion would burn."
"When?"
"He said 'in three days.' That was two days ago, my lord. Tomorrow at dawn."
Elrond cursed in Quenya —something Marco didn't know elves could do.
"We arrived just in time. Barely. Where's Celebrimbor ?"
"In his forge. He's locked himself in there. He says that if he's going to die, he'll die working."
"Typical of him," Círdan muttered with exasperated affection. "Take us there. Now."
Celebrimbor Forge - Interior
The forge was exactly what Marco expected: massive, hot, filled with tools and precious materials. And in the center, working at an anvil, was him.
Celebrimbor .
elven standards . Dark hair tied back. Work clothes covered in soot. Muscles defined from centuries of working metal. And his eyes—when he looked up at the sound of visitors entering—held determination mixed with desperation.
" Elrond ," his voice was hoarse with smoke. " Círdan . Have you come to evacuate?"
"We have come to save you, old friend," said Elrond .
"There is no salvation. I was a fool. I trusted Sauron . I worked with him. I gave him forging secrets I should never have shared." He struck the anvil in anger. "And now my city will pay the price for my arrogance!"
"You can save yourself," Marco said, taking a step forward. "And your people."
Celebrimbor looked at him, noticing him for the first time.
"And who are you, human?"
"Someone with an offer you can't refuse."
And Marco pulled out the Star Forge Hammer.
Celebrimbor 's eyes widened. He approached slowly, as if in a trance.
"That's... that can't be."
Real . The quality. The runes. The power that emanates..."
"It's real. And it's yours. If you come with us."
Celebrimbor looked at the hammer. Then at Marco. Then at Elrond .
"What is this? A trick?"
"It's a ransom," Elrond said . "Marco is a trader of impossible resources. This hammer is payment for your evacuation. Come with us to Rivendell . Continue your work there. Live to create more wonders instead of dying here for no reason."
"And my people?"
"Those who want to come, will come. We'll organize an evacuation. But you specifically, Celebrimbor , are too valuable to lose."
Celebrimbor struck the hammer. Marco saw tears welling up in the elf's eyes.
"I've dreamed of a tool like this my whole life. And you just... give it to me?"
"I'll sell it to you," Marco corrected. "In exchange for your life and your knowledge. Seems like a fair trade."
Celebrimbor laughed. A broken, almost hysterical laugh.
"Right. Yes. I suppose so."
He raised the hammer. It gleamed in response to his touch, acknowledging the master craftsman.
"Very well. I accept. We will evacuate. But," her expression hardened, "when Sauron comes tomorrow, he will find the city empty. And that will enrage him."
"Let him rage," said Elrond . "We prefer a living elf and a furious Sauron to a dead elf and a satisfied Sauron ."
And so, throughout the night, they organized the fastest evacuation Eregion had ever seen.
Not everyone chose to leave. Some warriors stayed to defend. Others simply didn't believe Sauron would actually attack.
But most—including artisans, families, and children—left in a caravan towards Rivendell .
When dawn arrived, Eregion was half empty.
And on the horizon, the torches of Sauron 's army could be seen approaching.
Marco looked out from the city gate, his heart beating rapidly.
They had saved Celebrimbor .
They had changed history.
But the price of that change...
That remained to be seen.
[END OF CHAPTER 9]