I lived happily with Arwen for sixty years. Besides my magic research, I used my [Blacksmith] ability to create various things, and through that, I also obtained an ability called [Craftsmanship].
[Craftsmanship]: Allows the understanding and processing of material characteristics.
Since it was just labeled as 'Craftsmanship,' it seemed to encompass everything, including leatherwork and jewelry making.
Using these abilities, I forged swords and several sets of armor for display. The mithril available in the Lord of the Rings world was incredibly light, stronger than steel, and highly magic-friendly. However, the downside was that while its lightness made it excellent for armor, it wasn't quite suitable for making weapons on its own. Therefore, I used mithril alloys for weapons like swords.
I also enchanted the weapons and armor I liked with properties like fire, frost, and lightning—keeping things within the limits of this world's setting. I made many items from leather as well as metal, mostly bags. Occasionally, I would craft jewelry as gifts for Arwen.
Crafting as a hobby eventually led to a whole warehouse being filled. Consequently, my [Blacksmith] ability reached EX rank, and [Craftsmanship] reached SSS.
I didn't spend all my time just researching magic and crafting items. I frequently visited Rivendell to chat with Elrond and occasionally traveled with Arwen. We also had guests from time to time; Aragorn, who had left Rivendell to become a Ranger, would often drop by to get some pocket money, share a meal, and stay for a few days. The funny thing was that Aragorn now looked older than me. It felt a bit strange hearing an older-looking guy call me 'Brother.'
Gandalf also visited frequently; it seemed he couldn't pass near the Misty Mountains without stopping by. He'd get a meal and take some coffee to go. Moreover, when his inventory bags wore out during his travels, he came by several times to have them repaired.
An unexpected person also visited: Saruman. While discussing magic, Saruman once had a magic duel with Arwen and lost. Perhaps shocked by the defeat, he swallowed his pride and visited several times afterward to seek advice.
"Saruman, do you know why you keep losing to Arwen? It's because you're too obsessed with power. What's the use of having power you can't even fully utilize?"
"Then what should I do?"
"In my opinion, you should cultivate your imagination."
I taught Saruman various magics and explained why imagination was so important.
"Oh, I see. I understand."
The next time he came, Saruman had developed a spell to manifest and wield a fire whip, and he won the duel against Arwen.
"Wow! That's impressive. Do you understand now? Isn't magic fun?"
"You're right. I was missing something crucial. As you said, power isn't everything. Oh... I've just thought of another interesting magic. I shall take my leave now."
And with that, he hurriedly rode back to his tower. After that, he didn't emerge from his tower for ten years. Gandalf was so worried that he visited Isengard and found Saruman so engrossed in his magic research that Gandalf had to force him out of the tower for a stroll in Lorien. Gandalf said when he first saw Saruman buried in papers of magical research, he almost mistook him for having fallen into darkness.
Since then, Saruman visited occasionally to share meals with Arwen and me and engage in magic discussions. He seemed to thoroughly enjoy these debates every time. Surprisingly, I became quite close to Saruman because of this.
"This is a spell that creates a flower bed."
"Oh, fascinating! Did you accelerate the plant growth?"
"Yes. But the problem is that it doesn't last long because it's accelerated too forcefully."
"Hmm... that is a shame... wait! What about this?"
This was how our discussions went. One of the three of us would demonstrate their magic, and if there were issues, we'd share opinions to fix them. Thanks to this, Arwen and Saruman's magical skills improved day by day. Through these discussions, I was also able to raise my [Mana Efficiency] from B to A.
'It'll be a problem if Saruman turns evil now.'
Certainly, Saruman's obsession with power had decreased significantly lately. Instead, it had transformed into an obsession with magic research, making him focus entirely on creating his own spells.
One day, Gandalf suddenly dropped by during a magic discussion.
"Saruman! Sauron is growing stronger by the day. Stop cooping yourself up in your tower for research and look at what's happening around you."
"Hah, the nag has returned. We are in the middle of an important discussion, so please be patient."
"Good grief, what's so important about a discussion... fine, I'll join too."
From that day on, Gandalf also participated in the discussions.
"Like this?"
"Honestly, how can someone called a Wizard be so clumsy? Move aside."
Gandalf tried to replicate a spell I showed—using water magic to instantly freeze water in mid-air and fire ice thorns in all directions. However, while the water did freeze when Gandalf tried it, it was too clumpy and weak. Seeing this, an impatient Saruman gave a demonstration.
Ratatatap!
"This is how it is done."
Arwen and I applauded Saruman after seeing that.
Clap clap clap!
"Oh! Typical Saruman. Exquisite control and even strength. Amazing!"
"Ahem, it's nothing much."
Saruman acted shy at our praise. Then, as if his pride was piqued, Gandalf kept practicing. Being a Wizard, it took him a while, but he eventually started to manage it. We coached Gandalf and then continued our discussion together.
"How is it? Magic created by utilizing two natural effects?"
"It is a new world. While it has its difficulties, it certainly expands the diversity of magic."
"Right? That's why I keep telling you that imagination is important for magic users."
"Indeed, imagination! Oh, I think I've thought of something else."
Then Gandalf tried to stop Saruman.
"Calm yourself! Honestly... are you going to shut yourself in your tower for another ten years?!"
Seeing that the sun was setting outside, I prepared a meal for them.
"So, regarding that spell..."
"I'm telling you, there's a problem with that..."
"In my opinion..."
We continued to debate even while eating. After the meal, while drinking tea, Saruman spoke up.
"Come to think of it, calling this just a 'discussion' feels a bit lacking, doesn't it?"
"Hmm... well, this gathering has been going on for a while."
"Then, how about 'White Magic Research Society'?"
"Sounds good. What do you think, Arwen?"
Arwen also agreed while sipping her tea.
"I like it."
Then Gandalf spoke with a worried expression.
"My friends, is it alright to use our powers so freely like this?"
"Honestly, haven't you been avoiding using your powers for so long that you've almost forgotten how? Occasionally, training like this is necessary. That way, you can use your power when the crucial moment comes."
"Hmm... I suppose you're right. Very well, I'll join from time to time."
Surprisingly, Gandalf said he would join the group. I thought he would just keep nagging given how hectic things were with Sauron. Anyway, we decided to hold a White Magic Research Society meeting once every two months.
As time passed, I realized that a song called 'Arcardjin' was being sung among the people. The lyrics were as follows:
Lord of the Misty Mountains, Arcardjin
He who stands tall upon the mist-shrouded peaks, his red heart blazing as he rends the heavens. With breath of fire, he burns the earth, and before his name, even Orcs and Trolls hide in the shadows.
A majesty that even silences the cries of children, the wind holds its breath at the thunderous beating of his wings. His gaze holds wisdom that pierces through a thousand years—Lord of the Misty Mountains, Arcardjin.
'Should I be happy about this or not...'
It seemed like this had happened because of my actions at the Lonely Mountain last time. Although the melody was quite nice, the lyrics were about me, so it was a bit embarrassing. Arwen found the song extremely amusing.
Anyway, that was what had been happening for the past sixty years.
Then one day, Aragorn came to the tower.
"Welcome, it's been a while."
"Brother, it's been a long time. Sister, long time no see for you as well."
Aragorn went into his room to shower first. Because he visited so frequently, he had a designated room.
Having finished his shower, Aragorn came into the living room.
"I see Gandalf hasn't arrived yet?"
"Hm? Were you supposed to meet Gandalf?"
"He told me to meet him at the Dragon's Tower."
I was speechless. These people were using the Dragon's Tower as their meeting place.
"I can't believe this..."
Aragorn told us what had been happening while he ate.
"Orcs have been appearing frequently lately, so it's a problem. People are having a hard time traveling between towns."
It was clear that as Sauron gradually regained his power, the number of Orcs was increasing.
"Be careful. There are many who would be sad if you were to get hurt."
"I know."
While spending time talking with Aragorn about this and that, Gandalf arrived at the tower.
"You were here first."
"Gandalf, it's good to see you after so long."
I prepared a meal for Gandalf. Perhaps because he was hungry, Gandalf explained why he had called Aragorn while he ate.
"I have a favor to ask. I want you to capture Gollum."
Gandalf asked Aragorn to capture Gollum alive. However, Aragorn knew nothing about Gollum.
"Pardon? Gollum..."
"Have you ever heard the story of the 'blood-sucking ghost' in the villages near Mirkwood?"
"Ah, that rumor was famous. You're talking about the ghost that eats the young offspring of animals in Mirkwood or comes down to human settlements to rummage through babies' cradles."
"Yes, and as the rumors grew, people said it even sucks human blood. Gollum is the subject of those rumors."
"But why are you asking me to capture that ghost?"
Gandalf pondered for a moment. He seemed to be weighing how much he should reveal.
"Hmm... it seems Sauron is trying to do something using that ghost. So, I want you to capture him alive instead of killing him. I must find out what they are planning."
"I see. Understood."
Gandalf had begun an investigation, suspecting that Bilbo might possess the 'One Ring.' In the process, he had traced it back to Gollum and ultimately sought Aragorn's help. This request would lead Aragorn to a long and grueling struggle as he pursued Gollum.
After hearing the story, I tapped Aragorn on the shoulder and said,
"Hearing the story, it sounds like you're in for quite a hard time. Come here."
I opened the warehouse and showed Aragorn the weapons and armor I had made over the years.
"Whoa... I knew you were making things, Brother, but I didn't realize it was to this extent."
Aragorn was amazed at the various weapons and armor brilliantly displayed in the warehouse.
"If there's anything you want, pick it out and take it."
At my words, Aragorn looked around at everything. Eventually, he chose a set of light armor made of mithril and a mithril alloy sword enchanted with [Lightning] and [Solidity].
"Be careful with that sword's edge. It's enchanted with lightning magic."
At that, Aragorn drew the sword and examined it closely.
"I like it. But does lightning always course through it?"
"The lightning won't trigger if it's in its scabbard or if it's not being held."
"I see."
Gandalf looked intently at the staffs I had made. Wizards in the Lord of the Rings world had the characteristic of gathering their mana in their staffs, so they couldn't easily change them. For that reason, a staff was both a powerful weapon and a weakness.
"Hmm... there are many fine staffs. If I were a younger Wizard or if the staff I am using now wasn't so old, I would have swapped too."
Since he couldn't change his staff, Gandalf began looking at daggers.
"I can feel mana in this dagger too. What effect does it have?"
"If you stab an opponent with it, it absorbs their life force and blood to heal the owner's wounds."
"That sounds like a cursed dagger. Then what about this one?"
"That's a dagger that uses fine vibrations to increase its cutting power. It's extremely sharp, so you must be careful."
"Oh, I see. I'll take this one. By the way, do the swords and armor you've made have names?"
"Hmm... no. 'Jin's Magic Dagger'? That sounds a bit strange. Just let the person who takes it name it."
"Very well."
After selecting their weapons and equipment and spending a day at the tower, they prepared to leave with their gear and food. Knowing that Aragorn would have a hard time, I packed plenty of gold and silver coins for him. Seeing this, Aragorn said,
"Brother, aren't you giving me too much?"
"I think it's going to take a long time. That's why I'm packing generously."
"I feel uneasy hearing that for some reason."
Then Gandalf spoke as if to reassure Aragorn.
"Don't worry. We'll catch a mere ghost like that in no time."
After that, Aragorn and Gandalf didn't return for over seven years. Occasionally, rumors reached us. Stories of a warrior wielding a lightning sword and hunting Orcs. Perhaps by now, even Aragorn would be cursing Gandalf under his breath?