Honestly speaking, Reef truly hadn't experienced being imprisoned upon waking up into a new world.
If it was truly to replenish party members, then everyone should be congregated together right from the beginning; just like what happened in the Starship Trooper World. That should be followed by a mission that requires everyone to make a concerted effort, a crisis that forces them to fight shoulder to shoulder. In this manner, successful survivors could be officially bonded through victory.
This was indeed the normal growth model of establishing a party.
Yet this current predicament was incredibly peculiar. Nevertheless, they could confirm that Yerna was definitely an ex-party leader, which explains her imposing bearing. Of course, viewing her performance, she was undoubtedly not an outstanding party leader. Therefore, she was tossed back to the start after a certain failure.
"Could it be the realm is only willing for us to replenish two members? Or choosing one between both Franklin or Yerna?" Reef asked bewilderedly.
Sheyan pondered a little and replied.
"Not so far-fetched. Based on your explanation, there can only be one explanation - our party isn't the only one needing to replenish members! Other parties aren't as formidable as us, therefore they cannot compete under a fair playing ground. Without a doubt, the realm granted them some privileges; allowing them to act first and establish a certain interaction and trust, which will lead to relationships being formed before successfully assimilating as one party. Still, that is temporary. Don't think too much they aren't that big of a threat to us. There is one other point though that I don't understand."
Reef inquired.
"Which point?"
Sheyan furrowed his brows and answered.
"Logically speaking based on our previous experience in this world, we should be able to enter the elf kingdom of Rivendell with ease. Yet the realm still arranged a chance to rescue stable boy Pombo with achievement points, in exchange for enrolling into Mister Wright's caravan. It is as though entering Rivendell is absolutely necessary. On the contrary, if we didn't have the luxury of choice, then wouldn't we be disadvantaged when clashing with other parties?"
After listening, Reef added on.
"Discarding all other elements, just speaking theoretically; according to your statement, there is only one possibility - if we don't join Wright's caravan, we cannot enter Rivendell!"
Sheyan squinted his eyes and concluded.
"Correct. That is the only explanation, but if that is true, I can't think of the reasoning behind that."
While the duo were discussing, Mister Wright finally noticed them.
"The both of you can follow my caravan to Rivendell as well. Otherwise, best of luck to your journey ahead."
Following that, this dashing and heroic male hopped onto a mighty black horse and raised his sword while proclaiming.
"Gentlemen! Just 14 leagues to home, Rivendell's fortune awaits us all! I hope to see the elven's enchanted ribbons fluttering beneath the oaks before dusk!"
(TL: 1 league is about 3 miles in Lord of the Rings)
The caravan members lifted their weapons up in unison and cheered before commencing their journey forward.
At this moment, Sheyan and Reef simultaneously received the notifications.
[ Time: Third Age, year 3000 (1 year before the Lord of the Rings trilogy) ]
[ Location: Middle-Earth, Misty Mountains ]
[ Setting: Lord of the Rings ]
[ Difficulty: B+ (dangerous) ]
[ Pain limitation: 50% ]
[ Individual capability bonus: 0% ]
[ Present setting exploration rate: 8.13% ]
[ Setting description: Setting is free world setting ]
[ You automatically grasp the relevant language. Able to interact freely with characters of this world, and erased upon leaving this world ]
[ Your appearance/identity have been settled; restored upon returning to the real world. You can also commence modifications within the nightmare realm. For any doubts, voice the relevant queries to the nightmare imprint; if your scope of authority is adequate, you will receive an answer ]
[ Party Ace: This is your second time entering this world, you will retain interpersonal relationships with certain characters. Therefore, before obtaining any reputation, your identity and status will also be acknowledged. Please receive the articles deposited in this world ]
[ Detail: You received an unknown object - Scorched Ocean Moria's Egg ]
[ Detail: You received 3 platinum coins and 17 copper (note: 1 platinum coin = 1000 silver coins) ]
[ Detail: Crucial relationships with storyline characters: Twilight Elf Melody (intimate), Saruman (hostile), Uruk-hai Lurtz (nemesis) ]
[ Detail: 'Intimate' is a special relationship. Normally developed with the opposite sex but not excluding the possibility of same sex. Under normal times, it will be determined with the similar effects as 'Worshipped' ]
"Eh?" Sheyan exclaimed. "Scorched Oceanfreak Moria's Egg? When did we obtain this?"
The platinum coins were plundered from Saruman's wizard tower previously. However, that 'Scorched Oceanfreak Moria's Egg' was extremely surprising. Reef was astonished as well.
Back then, with them both working together, Reef was the one that carried the 'Oceanfreak Moria's Eggs' away. Never did he expect, when he couldn't bring all back, the realm had forcibly retained one.
Sheyan hastily investigated and was immediately enlightened on the reason of its retainment.
[ Item: Scorched Oceanfreak Moria's Egg ]
[ Type: Special item ]
[ Origin: When the raging Balrog was injured, a drop of blood sprinkled onto this miserable 'Oceanfreak Moria's Egg'. Therefore, although it seemed that nothing odd happened on the exterior, the balrog's blood has fused into the egg and given birth to a miraculous variation...….alright, the series of alchemy involved is complex, just know that it is now boiled and ripened ]
[ Consuming: Grants immunity to fire or water element damage for 100 seconds. This effect is ineffective towards contestants' attacks ]
[ Warning: If eaten multiple times during a short period, the consequence is having boiled innards ]
[ Detail: The egg is large and can be eaten for ten times. Based on its special characteristics, it is unable to be brought out from this world ]
Moments later, Sheyan and Reef received more notifications.
[ Party Ace received a main mission: Choice ]
[ Completion deadline: 30 days ]
[ Mission summary: As the final decisive war dawns on both light and darkness, choose to support the Middle-Earth Alliance or the Dark Lord ]
[ Mission objective: Within 30 days, gain relevant qualifications and arrive at the destination of The Prancing Pony in the Village of Bree OR Gabilshathûr, the Dwarven Outpost in the outskirts of Angmar ]
[ Mission note: Acquire fate points by killing storyline characters of the Middle-earth Alliance or followers of the Dark Lord, or complete relevant missions. After accumulating 1,000 fate points, you will receive the relevant qualifications ]
[ Main mission failure: You will be immediately transported back to the nightmare realm and be deducted 50,000 utility points ]
[ Note: You can accomplish the following milestones in this world ]
[ Elegant Demeanor: Attain an 'Amicable' relationship with all of The Fellowship members ]
[ Scholar: Read the three books -" Existence of Light Magic ", " Fury of Apparitions "and" The Source of Nature ]
[ Please explore and discover other milestones on your own ]
Viewing the main mission contents, Reef wondered out loud.
"Why not reputation but changed to this damned fate points instead?"
Sheyan replied calmly.
"I'm guessing it is to create an even starting line for everyone. Besides, in the movie, the White Wizard Saruman was initially the mainstay of the Middle-Earth alliance but was corrupted by Sauron. Therefore, history between the alliance and the dark lord has lost its credibility, and uncovering hidden truths is a suitable reasoning."
Meanwhile, as the caravan group continued their advance, the other contestant party begun expansion plans; sending a delegate to attempt interactions with Franklin.
On the other hand, Sheyan was pondering over the banquet that Mister Wright mentioned. A faint ominous premonition was currently welling up in his heart.
After pondering, he marched towards the middle of the caravan group.
However, 50 meters away from Mister Wright, a sharp lance pointed to Sheyan's throat.
In reality, the caravan also harbored great vigilance towards these unnamed humans.
"Halt, human. Take one more step and you shall know the incisiveness of a lance sharpened by Mister Nedved."
Sheyan unfolded his arms and implored.
"I only wish to consult with Mister Wright."
"Run along." The one pointing a lance at Sheyan was a tall and skinny male. "Mister Wright isn't free."
Sheyan wanted to convince him but alas, one of the two great prerequisites of doing so was charm, followed by power. Sadly, Sheyan didn't possess either right now. Hence, 5 seconds later, more lances came pointed towards him.
"Fine fine, I'll leave." Sheyan shrugged his shoulders helplessly.
He then noticed that dwarf warrior in heavy armour. The dwarf was still carrying his massive war mace as he stared over vigilantly.
Sheyan's heart was stirred as he recalled a hobby of the dwarves. He then strolled over to strike up a conversation.
"Mister Segimli?"