Chapter 377: Destroying the One Ring
Chapter 377: Destroying the One Ring
The One Ring fell into the lava pool and floated for a few seconds before sizzling and melting into a pool of gold. At that moment, an angry roar mixed with numerous chaotic sounds. Flames shot out, licking the cave ceiling.
Earlier, there had been minor earthquakes around Mount Doom due to the volcano's reawakening, but now it had turned into a massive tremor, shaking the entire volcano. Liam felt all the suppression he had experienced since entering the Gorgoroth Plain vanish, so he immediately pulled out his Broomsticks and flew out of Mount Doom with Rose Crystal.
Once outside, he realized this was likely the most magnificent scene he had ever witnessed since his birth: as Sauron's evil stronghold, it had incredibly sturdy towers and fortresses, complex caves, a vast plaza, and dungeons. Even the gates were made of steel and gold. But now, all of this was gone.
All the artificial structures had been destroyed, walls shattered and melted, falling to the ground. Dense smoke and fog rose into the sky, colliding with the high atmosphere and then raining back down like a storm.
Finally, the earth roared, and the ground shook violently. Cracks opened up across the plain, and Mount Doom behind Liam erupted! Flames shot up from its summit, piercing the clouds, and the sky was filled with thunder and lightning. Torrents of black rain poured down like a flood. At the center of this storm, all the evil creatures tried to flee, but they peeled away and melted like the earth, disappearing into the air.
"We did it, we saved so many people", the little Puppet in Liam's arms cheered. Rose Crystal didn't really care how many people were saved; she was just happy because Liam was happy.
"Yes, this was the most difficult time we've ever saved the worlds", Liam said, somewhat tired. "I want to find a soft bed and sleep well. I bet you feel the same way." The little Puppet nodded vigorously in agreement.
So, Liam rode his broomstick westward and soon arrived at Minas Tirith, the capital of Gondor. This city, built in tiers against the mountains, was extremely grand. It backed onto the White Mountains, and the famous White Tree was planted at the highest level of Minas Tirith. The city's defenses were very strong, with towering stone walls and mithril gates.
Upon entering the city, Liam found it in chaos. Many citizens had flooded the streets, discussing the strange occurrences from Mordor. Fortunately, the inns were still in operation, and Liam quickly found a high-end inn to stay in. After paying a few gold coins and telling the innkeeper not to disturb him, he entered the guest room, cast a Scourgify spell on the bed, and fell asleep. Rose Crystal, once he lay down, patted his belly and then nestled her head against it, falling asleep as well.
In his dream, Liam felt himself in an endless expanse of white light. It was full of vitality, making him feel like a fetus in its mother's womb.
"What is this?" With Liam's current soul strength, he could usually control his dreams. This inexplicable dream suggested that something had invaded his mind. However, after repeated checks, he found nothing amiss. The only abnormality was that he couldn't wake up no matter what.
"Far traveler, do not be alarmed", a grand voice echoed from all around, but it wasn't as harsh as he expected. In fact, after hearing the first words, Liam felt his soul immediately calm down.
"Who are you?" Liam knew that anything capable of invading his soul to this extent could easily kill him or twist his mind, but the entity had not done so. This indicated that the being was benevolent, so he dropped his defenses and asked straightforwardly.
"I am Ilúvatar, the creator of all things. Because you have destroyed evil, I wish to reward you. So, far traveler, what is your heart's deepest desire?" the grand voice said.
"I hope to gain knowledge", Liam said, not intending to hide his true thoughts before the Creator of this world. "For knowledge is power, and with power, I can protect all those I wish to protect."
"Very well", the voice replied. "I have observed that you already possess the immortal power from other worlds, which will eventually form your own Flame of Eternity. Therefore, I have decided to grant you knowledge equivalent to that of the Maiar. I hope you do not let power cloud your vision in the future. Additionally, the gates of Aman are now open to you, and you are worthy to set foot on that sacred land."
As the voice faded, Liam awoke from his dream. Upon waking, he felt something pressing on his stomach. Lifting his head slightly, he saw Rose Crystal curled up on his belly, comfortably tucked under a blanket, fast asleep.
"She must have been exhausted during our journey", Liam thought. He lay back down, closed his eyes, and began to recall the dream. Most of it had already faded, but he remembered a high-ranking Deity granting him a gift for defeating Sauron. As he entered a meditative state, Liam discovered a vast amount of knowledge flooding his mind, which would take at least half a year to fully digest.
Unlike the faith deities of the A Song of Ice and Fire world, the innate deities of this world were truly deserving of the title of Deity, both in terms of power and status. Even Liam's current level was not enough to directly gaze upon them, as it would cause irreversible damage to his soul. This was why he could not recall many details of the dream, as the local deity had erased those memories to protect him.
"At least I have the knowledge now. I have a clear direction for my next steps", Liam thought. He began to meditate in bed, analyzing the knowledge he had been granted. This knowledge was a complete system, though it differed from his own. However, the methods of using such high-ranking power were invaluable to him. With this reference, he could more easily summarize ways to enhance his own power. Even if his current strength was insufficient, he could still gain significant benefits and improve his abilities.
By the time the sunlight outside turned to darkness again, the Puppet finally awoke. Seeing that Liam was already awake, Rose Crystal blushed and smiled sheepishly.
"Feeling better?" The Puppet nodded, her face still red from her earlier nap. "Let's go grab something to eat and then head back to Rivendell's Ruins."
After ordering a lavish feast, Liam began to ask the innkeeper what had happened during his sleep. The innkeeper was so surprised by the elegant but rapid way Liam and Rose Crystal devoured the food (he thought Rose Crystal was a dwarf) that he barely paid attention to what Liam was saying. It wasn't until a gold coin landed on the table with a clear clink that he snapped back to reality.
"Esteemed guests, the shadow over Mordor has lifted. A great eagle brought us the news of Mordor's destruction. Following the Steward's orders, our army is preparing to reclaim Osgiliath. Recent reports from the front are excellent. The orcs are in chaos due to Mordor's fall, and our army has easily slain several times their number. We will soon reclaim the city and restore our former glory", the innkeeper said with great joy, as the long-standing threat had finally been lifted, a cause for genuine celebration.
"Truly excellent news", Liam agreed. After finishing his meal and settling the bill, he left the inn with Rose Crystal, mounted his broom, and set off on their return journey.
(End of Chapter)
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