He sat there with his back to the door, on the steps, a sword planted beside him, glimmering with light.
He looked quite relaxed.
But the drum sounds behind him remained within the doorway, no longer approaching.
The brutal and bloodthirsty orcs held sharp weapons in their hands, yet hesitated to launch an attack.
Clearly this guy is full of openings, but somehow it feels like making a move would get us killed.
This was the first thought that emerged in the minds of the watching orcs.
They were generally hot-tempered, hyperactive, vicious, and bloodthirsty, but they weren't without wisdom or incapable of thought.
That sword made the orcs tremble from within their hearts, and that man, just as he'd said before the battle, had successfully made all the orcs recognize him.
Not only was that person blocking the way, but there was also an elven army outside.
Should they advance?
The orcs looked at each other.
The giant beasts also scratched their heads, looking down at the orcs below.
"Uh ah..."
Levi stretched with a yawn. The orcs immediately became agitated. Some raised weapons and shouted, others closed their eyes and ran backward.
"No, no more fighting!"
Even their leader, the Balrog boss, had retreated. What was the point of risking their lives?
Whoosh. The army retreated backward, scattering in defeat.
The giant beasts scratched their heads and looked at Levi, then at the collapsing army. Using their limited brain capacity to think, they also went back.
The will support provided by Sauron had been forced back, and the Balrog serving as replacement had also been beaten back.
This legion from hell had completely lost morale and scattered at the first touch.
Seeing the army retreat, Levi also breathed a sigh of relief.
Honestly, though he himself wasn't afraid, those orcs and giant beasts, especially the giant beasts, if they really charged out, their lethality against the elves would still be considerable.
No matter how skilled you were, giant beasts could break through with pure force.
When those things went berserk, they really couldn't be stopped for a while.
Elves fought relying on martial diversity; orcs fought relying on biological diversity.
This saying wasn't wrong.
Swoosh.
The radiance on the precious sword produced by the orcs' approach gradually faded. Levi sheathed it, returning it to its scabbard.
Then he stood and formally greeted the elves.
"Thank you for your support."
"Ah... ah, you're welcome, respected ally. The Lady led us here."
After politely acknowledging this captain, Levi walked toward Lady Galadriel and bowed to her.
Lady Galadriel looked meaningfully at the retreating orc army, then said to Levi with a smile:
"I foresaw your visit and the troubles you might encounter. I'm glad to see you safe and sound."
"That's all thanks to your help."
This respected lady had come specifically to help him.
Levi could confirm this now.
Truly worthy of being the White Lady of the Golden Wood. Her prophetic abilities were as strong as ever. She probably already had a premonition when he was battling the Balrog underground.
"This is not suitable as a place for conversation. A banquet hall has been prepared in Lothlórien."
"Please come with us."
Moria's east gate wasn't far from the Golden Wood. That very day, the elven army, along with Levi, returned to this golden and flourishing land.
Along the way, many elven warriors couldn't help but steal glances at Levi.
That scene of matching the Balrog blow for blow was truly heart-shaking.
Throughout history, those who could accomplish this feat were, without exception, some famous and powerful elven lords or kings.
Whoosh.
The moment they stepped into the Golden Wood's borders, the fog on the map gradually cleared.
This area was golden-colored on the map.
"Truly beautiful."
Levi looked around and sighed with admiration.
The elven captain beside him made conversation:
"For ordinary strange visitors or some who stumble in by accident, we generally escort them out."
"Don't tell me you also blindfold them."
Levi made a joke.
"How did you know?"
The elven squad leader turned his head with some surprise.
Wait, they really do that?
"I guessed."
"Your guess was quite accurate."
The squad leader explained: "This is all for the safety of this beautiful land."
"Perhaps in many rumors from the outside world, we're mysterious and cold, keeping people at arm's length, but I can guarantee we've never harmed any innocent person. Every accidental visitor has been safely escorted to where they should go."
"What about visitors?"
Levi asked.
"Generally those who come visiting actively are our kinfolk. They know the way."
"You're one of the few humans who could walk here."
While speaking, the group had already reached the end of this forest path. When they stepped forward again, gentle light emanated, making one feel their skin opening up with comfort.
Standing at the path entrance, Levi looked into the distance.
He saw a forest clearing where gray-white city walls covered with green leaves and vines were built, with a moat surrounding them. Over the moat was a curved bridge leading to great doors embedded with brilliant gems.
Pure white, shining, and solid.
Like a dream, like an illusion.
The guards on the city walls looked down and, seeing Lady Galadriel sitting elegantly sidesaddle on horseback with her legs together, immediately transmitted orders to open the great doors.
The scene within the territory thus revealed itself.
Elven architecture always gave one a dreamlike feeling.
Within the city were many tall mallorn trees, with wooden structures built among the branches of almost every tree.
Some were simply platforms without any shelter, while others were houses where the elves of Lothlórien lived, using rope ladders to move up and down.
Besides the bare platforms and ordinary houses, there were also some larger trees that housed entire luxurious mansions. Such places had spiral staircases going upward, so one didn't have to climb.
Walking along, before long the elves returned to their respective destinations. Some to rest, others to busy themselves with other matters. While busy, they spread word of what they'd witnessed on this expedition.
The Balrog, the human legend, the frightened-away legion from hell, the sword forged by kinfolk from distant ages...
One could imagine that this forest wouldn't lack topics of conversation for quite some time.
With the army behind them disbanded, only the elven captain and Lady Galadriel remained to accompany Levi.
Together they came to the largest mallorn tree in the city. This was the residence of Lady Galadriel and her husband, Celeborn, consisting of several platforms built around the trunk and a great hall.
"Welcome, Levi Stonecraft."
From atop the sacred hall, an elf slowly descended, gently taking Lady Galadriel's hand and helping her down from her horse.
This was the Lord of the Golden Wood: Celeborn.
The two stood side by side, looking together at Levi.
Gentle radiance filled this space without appearing dazzling.
"It's a great honor to visit this place. Greetings to you both."
Levi smiled and bowed slightly.
Celeborn also returned the bow