Chapter 3: Improved ability

[Aldril POV]

"Did he really say there was someone?" I certainly only said it for the sake of conviviality. I spoke to Gandalf not to get into the plot, it was simply because he was one of my favorite characters and it would be nice to leave a first impression.

"If he's an acquaintance of Gandalf's it can't be just anyone," remembering Gandalf's words.

This road leads to the shire, in which case Gandalf will go to the shire, either to go to Bilbo Baggins' birthday, in which case he would be at the beginning of the events of the Fellowship of the Ring.

The other option is that he will go for Bilbo's help, as Bilbo is a treasure hunter (Thief to some) to help Thorin Oaken Shield, in which case he would be at the beginning of The Hobbit.

Either one would get me involved in the story. I was scared, but at the same time very excited. 

In my other life I wanted to explore the world, to go on adventures, but the economic situation did not allow me to do so, so I had to keep that dream deep inside me.

Now that I have the opportunity, why not take it? Even if I die, I will enjoy an exciting adventure.

"I have nothing to lose, better to die doing what you always wanted than to live a boring life." As I continued to think, Gandalf's voice pulled my thoughts back and I paid attention.

"Since you gave me a nice dinner, it is only fair that I introduce you to someone who needs help. Also, this person needs an adventurer to help him on his way. Come with me tomorrow and I will introduce you to the person. I promise you that the commission for your help will be very good," Gandalf said with a smile as he took another puff of his pipe.

"In that case, I will come with you tomorrow," I said as the anticipation of a great adventure filled my insides.

[General POV]

Intuition told Gandalf that the boy in front of him was not a normal person. 

Something told him that he should take the boy on the next adventure, and he knows his intuition never failed. Looking at the excited boy, he saw that the boy was not evil, he had no malice; in his eyes there was only a huge eagerness for an adventure. 

Besides, from what he had heard from the villages he passed through, the boy would take on wolves and bears as if it were child's play. He would undoubtedly be a great help for the next dangerous journey.

Now, with Aldril joining the team, he has to wait for the night to pass before heading to the Shire to find the last member of the next adventure: Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is an expert treasure hunter. 

At the same time, he has to meet Thorin and his company of 12 dwarves. The two met in Bree and, over drinks, talked about the idea of reclaiming Erebor (The Lonely Mountain). 

To add members to the team, Gandalf had to select people who would benefit the team. 

He knew Aldril would be a good addition to the team, but he wasn't sure Thorin would agree with him. Although that was the least of his problems, his intuition told him that his decision to bring him in was the right one.

...

"It's a pity I don't drink beer, otherwise I would have bought you a drink to celebrate," Aldril said cheerfully.

"That's fine, you can buy me a drink when we get to the Shire. It's not far from here; at most we should arrive tomorrow night." After taking a final puff on his pipe, he spat out the smoke, gave the pipe little taps, and smiled.

"Of course, one drink won't be enough." Haha/haha.

"In that case I'll have to sell these wolves' skins so I can buy you more than one drink."

...

As the night deepened, the two spoke no more, and each leaned against a log in order to sleep.

There were no dangers around for the moment. Besides, with Aldril and Gandalf's strength, even if something wanted to come close to attack them, they would both react quickly.

So, naturally, there was no need for anyone to keep watch.

[Aldril POV]

As I closed my eyes the system appeared in my mind and I saw it change a bit after meeting Gandalf.

[Name: Aldril]

[Race: Human/?]

[Attribute Points: 1]

[Attribute: Strength+; Constitution+; Agility+; Mentality+]

[Skill: Universal Language; Military Survival LV2; Dark Wolf Swordsmanship LV1; Archery LV2

[Talent: Good Fingers (Special Ability)]

[World Exploration: 0.1%]

"Wow, world exploration, which was originally only 0.01%, has become 0.1%."

From the time I transmigrated until today, the progress of world exploration had only reached 0.01%. Despite passing through several villages, the percentage had not increased.

The sudden increase must have occurred because of meeting Gandalf. This leads me to the conclusion that to increase the percentage I must know all the major characters in Middle-earth and the major cities, or participate in the plot.

This is in line with my enthusiasm for exploring the world of The Lord of the Rings, and it may be that by increasing world exploration, my system will give me some points or skills.

With this in mind, I stopped looking at world exploration and focused on the attribute points column.

"Strengthen one of my attributes or one of the skills?" All four attributes are not a problem, as I have been able to easily kill bears over 5 meters with no problem. 

So I have no doubt that killing an orc will be easier. Besides, I'm twenty years old and in the midst of my youth.

Gandalf has already said that I will meet whoever needs my help in the Shire. From my recollection, it is most likely to be the stubborn and proud Dwarf prince Thorin.

Thorin considers this journey to Erebor very important, and it will not be easy for him to accept me. But with Gandalf's backing, I am sure I will be able to accompany them.

I know from the movies that Thorin is very stubborn and it would be hard to impress him if I don't prove my prowess. Thinking about this, I immediately discarded the idea of strengthening one of the four attributes.

Therefore, I focused on the skill column. Military survival is not bad, but considering that I am in a fantasy world of magic and swords, I discarded the idea of raising it. 

"Level 2 is just fine for the time being."

Dark wolf swordsmanship and archery are two skills that the original Aldril counted on, and over the course of these months, I mastered them.

Currently, my level 2 archery makes me look like an Elf because of the accuracy with which I shoot. As for my swordplay, it's good, but it can be better.

With my decision made, a white light flashed on the skills and what would give me the best chance of survival appeared.

"Dark Wolf Swordsmanship LV2."

"How eager to start this journey" With that last comment I let sleep take over me.

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Hello! here is your favorite author! some chapters will be longer/shorter than others, I hope you don't mind.

I wanted to put a little bit about the MC's motivation to get involved in the story, I hope you like it.

My other dino crisis fic will be continued this week, be patient.

With that, I hope you have a nice day and enjoy the chapter!