Chapter 53: Upgrading

[General POV]

-Expedition Team-

Currently, the group was lying around a campfire. Bombur and Bofur had been chosen for the night watch, allowing Aldril to focus on increasing his stats. He had been postponing it, but it was time to use those attribute points. So, while he kept his eyes closed, he opened his system panel. "Turun," the familiar sound made him smile unconsciously. 'That sound always reminds me of the Resident Evil menu,' he thought, as nostalgia washed over him when he remembered that sound. It was one of the few things that connected him to his previous life.

[Name: Aldril (Ancient Shining)]

[Race: Human-Elf (Peredhil)]

[Attribute points: 13]

[Attribute: Strength LV1; Constitution LV1; Agility LV1; Mentality LV1]

[Skill: Universal Language; Military Survival LV2; Dancing Star LV2; Archery LV3]

[Talent: Good Fingers (Special Skill) Hawk's Sight (Skill)]

[World Exploration: 6.0%]

World exploration caught my attention; it seemed to have reached 6%. However, as I thought, I will only receive rewards once I reach 10%. But that doesn't matter now. My attribute points need to go into my stats. Today's fight showed that I need to improve in these areas, especially in constitution. Yes, the elf stone helps, but with constitution at level two, my recovery should be able to match my exertion, or so I hope.

Without further thoughts, I began to increase my stats. It took two points to level up to two, and my 13 points would allow me to level up all four attributes, so there would be no problem.

[Strength LV1]--> [Strength LV2]

[Constitution LV1]--> [Constitution LV2] [Attribute points: 5] 

[Agility LV1]-> [Agility LV2]

[Mentality LV1]-> [Mentality LV2]

I felt the same warm current coursing through my body, but this time, with my mother's coat, I felt a comforting sensation, almost as if she were hugging me. This boost wouldn't only help improve my technique but also accelerate my body's adaptation to the swift and precise movements of Rellana and Malenia. Five attribute points remained, and I wasn't sure where to allocate them.

'It's better to save them; they could save me in a critical situation.' With this thought, I yawned, waking Bofur and Bombur, who seemed to have just started dozing off. Before falling asleep, a question crossed my mind: 'Why didn't I have the dream where Rellana and Malenia taught me their moves? I only remembered how to use them. I'll think about it later.' With that final thought, I let the comforting warmth of my mother's coat envelop me and drifted off to sleep.

-Aldril's Dream-

The landscape was different from what Aldril remembered. There were no longer the vast forests that brought him so much peace. Instead, he found himself in a desert-like place. The ground was a vast expanse of water, and the stars shone brightly. The most striking feature was the two moons in the sky: one dark blue and the other a lighter blue. They were exceptionally beautiful, like twins.

It was a strange but incredibly beautiful sight. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, perhaps due to the stars or the quiet surroundings. In this warm setting, a mist appeared, bringing with it an incredibly beautiful woman. Her silver armor gleamed in the moonlight, and she held two swords in her arms. The sight of this woman froze Aldril in his tracks because he knew who she was.

"I am Rellana, twin moon knight. From what I've seen, you've learned my moves. However, you lack the elegance and lethality they should possess. You're missing the basics, and that's why I'm here." Her introduction was extremely elegant, demonstrating the grace the Carian should have.

Rellana said nothing more and adopted her characteristic stance. Her black hair swayed gently, as if moved by an invisible breeze, giving her an even more elegant appearance.

Just by looking at her stance, he immediately understood that she would teach him through combat. Mimicking Rellana's stance, Aldril prepared for his next lesson. He didn't know why she appeared to teach him now, but he pushed those thoughts aside as Rellana launched toward him with extraordinary speed.

Of course, Aldril responded by clashing both swords with Rellana's. Quickly positioning himself at her side, he executed a slash, which Rellana blocked. At that moment, she spoke again, "The twin sword style requires more than strength," she explained, moving with almost supernatural grace. "It needs balance, coordination, and a deep connection with your weapons." With a counterattack, she sent Aldril flying back.

Launching at Aldril again, she executed elegant yet extremely dangerous slashes. When her sword grazed Aldril's cheek, she said, "Observe how my swords complement each other," continuing with an arcing attack from her right sword while her left prepared for a counter. "It's not just about attacking but creating a constant flow of movements. You must be as fluid as water."

With another clash that sent him back, Aldril stabilized and tried to mimic her movements. Raising his swords, he executed another counterattack, his movements becoming more fluid. It was as if he were blending Rellana's style into the combat, his basics strengthening, allowing him to move with more grace.

Their combat continued for a few more hours. Aldril was panting; facing Rellana had left him exhausted. She also had sweat on her forehead but was in better shape than Aldril.

Letting out a sigh, Rellana dropped her stance and relaxed, turning her gaze to the twin moons. "You've learned well, but remember that mastery requires constant practice."

She turned back to Aldril, her eyes holding an indescribable emotion. With a charming smile, she said, "It's gratifying to know that my style won't be lost. Now, it's time for me to go. You've done well." Her words conveyed joy because her style would have been lost to history after her defeat. Now, she had someone to remember her.

With one last smile, she began to turn into mist, her final words before disappearing were, "Trust in your abilities."

I nodded in gratitude. Despite her cold demeanor, I could feel through our clashing swords the joy she felt in teaching her sword style. It was a shame she couldn't teach me magic, as she mentioned that magic in the world of The Lord of the Rings was more mystical than that of the Lands Between and couldn't be used as easily.

As always, I made a respectful bow. "I thank you for the lesson," I said. I saw a smile form on her beautiful face before she disappeared. Soon, my surroundings began to blur, a clear sign that I was waking up.

-Mirkwood-

Tauriel was deeply worried about her best friend. It had been a day since Legolas left the kingdom. Of course, his departure caused the king to reprimand her for not preventing it. But what could she do? She had never seen Legolas in such a state of mind, so she chose to give him some time alone. She was almost stripped of her position as captain, and if it hadn't been for Lady Thalwen, she would have been expelled from the kingdom for her failure.

She sighed at the day's events. To relax, she went to her favorite spot, a tree located near the kingdom's gates. This tree was enormous; if you climbed to the top, you could see all of Mirkwood. But the truly fascinating view was at night when you could admire the vast stars in all their splendor.

"Lady Tindómiel, why didn't you take me with you?" she murmured while admiring the stars. She liked the kingdom, but her dream had always been to venture through Middle-earth and combat all the evil that plagued it. The adventures Tindómiel had told her about increased her longing even more. Yes, Tindómiel visited Thranduil's kingdom on her way to Erebor. She came specifically to kill Smaug because, unlike in the movies, the dragon would come out from time to time to feed, and many humans and elves were his victims.

This reached Tindómiel's ears, and she ventured to stop these killings. From what Tauriel had heard from her, Smaug had run to hide in Erebor, closing all the entrances. His encounter with Tindómiel had left him very wounded, so he had no choice but to flee.

Tauriel had asked to go with her on her adventures, wanting to be as strong as she was. But apparently, she was too young in Tindómiel's eyes, who said she would come back for her when she grew up. However, more than 60 years had passed, and she never appeared, so Tauriel put her fantasy aside and prioritized her duty at the cost of her dreams.

Shaking her head to clear those old memories, she focused on admiring the stars again. They brought her a lot of peace. "Great Varda, creator of the stars, what does the future hold for me?" she murmured.

-With the expedition team-

"Damn it, Bombur, try to sneak food out of my ring again, and I promise I'll stick my sword in your ass," Aldril said angrily while washing his face.

"Seriously, couldn't you last a single day, Bombur?" Glóin scolded, giving him a smack on the head. Moments ago, Bombur tried to take Aldril's storage ring. His justification? He was hungry and wanted to get the food.

"Hurry up, we'll have breakfast and set off. We shouldn't waste any more time," Thorin's authoritative voice was heard. "Aldril, please get breakfast ready," Thorin indicated in a kinder tone.

"I'm on it," Aldril said as he dried off, giving Bombur a threatening look. "And rest assured, I'll keep my word if you do it again." With that final warning, he headed to where everyone was sitting. He only heard a loud gulp from Bombur. 'That's better,' he thought.

****

The Uruk-hai proved to be more helpful than you filthy orcs! Come on! Give more power stones and maybe I'll spare you. 

These chapters that seem like filler will go up faster, plus they serve to build the world that Aldril will sooner or later explore in the years he will have before the events of Lord of the Rings.

"P@treon.com/Mrnevercry" Here you will find 15 chapters in advance.