Bilbo's face flushed pink.
"Adventure?" he squeaked. "N-no, no, no! We don't want any adventures here, thank you! nasty, disturbing, uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!"
Before Gandalf could respond, Bilbo suddenly stood, grabbed my wrist gently, and pulled me toward the round green door.
"Wait Bilbo-Ack" I winced in pain as my horns hit the ceiling.
'Damn it he won't listen'
"I'm terribly sorry," he muttered in a hurried whisper.
He opened the door and ushered me inside.
"We appreciate the offer!" he called out nervously. "But we're quite content—very content—where we are!"
Outside, Gandalf did not argue.
He merely smiled.
Gandalf lifted his staff— With slow, deliberate strokes, he marked the round green door with a curious symbol.
A rune, Simple, Unassuming.
inside the house.
Behind me, Bilbo let out a long sigh of relief.
"There now," he said, brushing his hands together. "That settles that."
A translucent screen flickered faintly at the edge of my vision.
(Main Quest: An Unexpected Journey)
Progress: 0%
Time Remaining: 1 Month
'Yeah… that definitely did not settle anything. and i only have one month? I'm still at level one'
———
As the night fell I decided to experiment on the Leveling system.
I stepped quietly back outside once Bilbo had gone to bed.
'This place is really quiet'
The night air was cool, silvered by moonlight. The Shire slept peacefully, unaware of runes carved into its future.
'Lets see... how do i access the system'
"System..." I called out.
...
"... okay it doesn't work... how about..."
"ABRACADABRA" My hands fluttered as I wave them ridiculously.
(Cricket noise)....
I raised my shoulder nonchalantly "eh. worth a shot"
After the humor faded, the silence returned — deeper this time, as I began to focus at the task at hand.
after a long pause.
I inhaled slowly. Raising my Hands, then I felt it — a faint pulse of magic surge through my body not hot — not cold either simply warm, calm and peaceful.
Then It appeared.
A flickering Translucent screen shimmered across my vision.
Name: Mallory Anderson
Age : 30
Race: Dark fae
Magic: light and dark
Level: 1
Skills/Affinity:
—healing magic
—nature manipulation
—minor telekinesis
I exhaled slowly.
"I guess that worked."
I stared at the screen for a moment, my fingers spiraled studying it carefully—then it hit me.
"This feels like a video game but... is... that it?"
'now that i looked closely isn't the skills i have, already overpowered?... or is there more to the system...'
As I studied it closely my eyes swept on a tiny glowing button.
At the corner of the screen, the words "Skills/Affinity" shimmered faintly — dimmer than the rest, as if waiting to be acknowledged.
My eyes narrowed as I read the text.
"Alright… let's see what you're hiding."
I focuses on the words as i lift my fingers to touch it.
The text ripples.
The simple list expands.
Name: Mallory Anderson
Age : 30
Race: Dark fae
Magic: light and dark
Level: 1
HP:100/100 MP: 100/100
Skills/Affinity:
—Healing Magic – Beginner
Effect: Closes small cuts, eases bruising, slows bleeding.
Plant Effect: Restores wilted leaves (non-combat).
MP Cost: 5 per use
Limitation: Cannot heal broken bones, poison, or severe wounds.
—Nature Manipulation – Beginner
Effect: Encourages plant growth within arm's reach.
Applications:
• Accelerate sprouting
• Strengthen stems
• Sense plant health
MP Cost: 3 per activation
Limitation: Cannot control trees or create weapons.
—Minor telekinesis:
Minor Telekinesis – Beginner
Controlled Lift Capacity: 4 lbs
Sustained Use: 1 MP per second
Reflex Trigger: In emergencies, output may exceed limit briefly.
My eyes narrowed.
'Huh? what does reflex trigger mean?'
Memory flashes.
Bilbo stumbling.
Tea tilting.
Her heart lurching.
The tray freezing mid-air for half a second.
Bilbo's body slowing just enough not to slam into the floor.
MP Log:
Emergency Burst – 32 MP consumed.
My eyes widen.
"…I used that much?" I sighed deeply "no wonder I felt tired that time. but how do i gain back the MP"
Then my eyes darted back onto the screen
[System Reset After Rest
MP Fully Recovered.]
"i guess that answers my question."
And so for the rest of the night, I practiced.
Not recklessly.
Carefully.
At first a pebble.
It rose an inch off the grass — steady this time.
MP: 99… 98… 97…
I let it drop before the headache returned.
"Okay… manageable."
Next, I pressed my palm to a patch of clover.
The warmth flowed downward.
Tiny leaves straightened, dew rolling off them as if nudged awake.
MP: 94.
A faint notification flickered.
[Control Increased]
I blinked.
"…Oh?"
Encouraged, I tried again — and this time pushed too far.
The grass around my hand surged upward in uneven strands, twisting over each other before collapsing limply.
My breath caught.
MP: 82.
A dull ache throbbed behind my eyes.
I took a rest.
[Overextension Detected]
I exhaled slowly.
"Right. Pace myself."
Level Up – 2
HP Capacity+10 MP Capacity +10
Control Slightly Increased
New skill: Transformation
—Transformation-begginer
Effect: Can temporarily alter a small, non-human creature into a different form.
Limitations:
Duration: Infinite
Size: Only creatures smaller than human-sized can be affected.
Target limit: 1 creature at a time
MP Cost: Medium (15 MP per use: once cast drains 2 MP per 10sec)
If MP reaches 0 or the caster loses consciousness, the target immediately reverts to its original form
Warning: "Advanced forms may require more training."
A small smile tugged on my lips
"Transformation huh?... that might be useful in the future but for now."
"one at a time"
———
The next day Light spilled across the Horizon in soft gold.
Inside of Bag End, Bilbo stirred.
He stretched lazily his hand reaching towards the ceiling as a satisfied smile left him.
Another peaceful day.
He slipped on his robe and stepped outside.
And then he froze.
His eyes widened in awe.
Where there had once been neatly trimmed grass now stood waist-high weeds. Vines curled over the stone path. Flowers had burst into bloom in wild, chaotic patches of color.
The once orderly garden looked as though it had grown an entire season overnight.
"…Oh dear."
A cluster of ivy crept up the fence post.
A rosebush had doubled in size.
Bilbo adjusted his robe nervously.
"I don't suppose gardens are meant to do that," he muttered.
his gaze swept across the overgrown yard— then landed on me, lying flat on the grass.
I quickly hoisted myself up, brushing dirt from my sleeves, and took in the surrounding disaster.
"Oh..." I lifted a hand to cover my mouth.
"I'm... terribly sorry Bilbo. I kinda... got carried away" I scratched the back of my neck sheepishly.
Bilbo blinked once. then twice.
"It's quite alright" he replied waving a hand dismissively—though his eyes flickered toward a vine currently strangling his mailbox.
"I just need some help cutting these down..."
He turned slowly, surveying the chaos in its full, leafy glory.
"…although it may take quite some time."
Suddenly a thick stem chose that moment to creak ominously as it tightened around the fence.
I winced.
'who knew magic can be destructive even at level two?."
"well then. no time like the present" Bilbo declared. He hurried towards the shed and returned moments later with tools in hand.
"Here you go" he said cheerfully offering me a pair of iron shears.
I reached out to take them—The moment my fingers brushed the metal—
"OW!"
I Hissed sharply jerking my hand back as a searing burn shot through my palm.
[warning: weakness detected— Iron]
A faint sizzle echoed in the air.
Bilbo flinch. "Are you alright!?" His eyes dropped to the shears.
For a split second, the metal glowed a dull red — as if reacting to something unseen — before the light faded.
A thin trail of smoke curled from my fingertips.
I stared at my trembling hand.
The skin wasn't blistered.
But it hurt. Not like fire. Like rejection.
A sudden realization washed over me.
'Thats right. Iron burns fae just like in the movie... how could i forget.'
I said as i slap my palm onto my face.
"I'm... I'm sorry bilbo " I said wincing "but do you have something else that could cut grass. maybe with a wooden handle?."
"Oh um. sure!. be right back"
He Hurried toward the shed and returned moments later with a different tool.
for the rest of the Morning, we worked together, cutting back the overgrown plants and taming the wild garden.
———
By noon we were seated across from each other at the table, a modest meal between us.
I chewed thoughtfully on a piece of bread.
"So, Bilbo," I said carefully, letting the words hang in the warm sunlight streaming through the window, "maybe… you should consider going on that adventure."
Bilbo chuckled softly, shaking his head.
"oh no I'm afraid not. Hobbits like me aren't cut out for Adventure" He replied taking a bit off on a piece of bread.
"Why not?. it might be fun" i said my lips curled into a smile.
Progress: 1%. Okay, at least it did something not quite enough though. He's still just staring at me like I grew another pair of horns.
Time to try subtle encouragement.
"Well… think about all the stories you'll have to tell afterward," I continued, leaning forward slightly, trying to meet his gaze. "You might even surprise yourself."
Progress: 7%.
'Slight twitch of curiosity detected… small victory!'
Bilbo raised a brow, nibbling on his bread. "Fun, you say?"
Progress: 15%. 'Okay, it's working… there's something there. Must… push some more.'
I smiled faintly. "Yes. Fun. You've always liked stories, right? Imagine being in one in person. Not just reading about it."
Progress: 22%.
'Great... just a few more'
Bilbo's lips quirked in thought, and I could almost see the gears turning behind his eyes.
Bilbo chewed his bread thoughtfully, then sighed. "I don't know… adventures are… well, messy. dangerous even—Nasty things happen… and fatigue… and—"
Progress: 25%.
'Okay, fear detected. Gonna need to push gently.'
I leaned back, letting a small, reassuring smile settle on my face. "That's true… but think of the stories, Bilbo. The tales you could tell. You'd never forget a single moment."
Progress: 32%.
He's listening now.
He tapped his fingers against the table, frowning slightly. "Stories… hm. I've never been one to leave my home for anything more exciting than a picnic or a stroll to Bywater."
Progress: 35%.
'Thats right baby steps… let's push some more and keep nudging him.'
I tilted my head, letting my gaze soften. "I understand. But… sometimes the best stories come when you step just a little outside your comfort zone. You're clever, resourceful… I think you'd manage just fine."
Progress: 42%.
'A tiny spark of confidence showing. I can work with this.'
Bilbo's ears twitched as he considered my words, eyes narrowing slightly. "Manage… fine, you say?" He shifted in his seat, his curiosity battling his caution. "And… what about you? will you be there?"
Progress: 50%.
I nodded, letting my horns catch the sunlight from the window. "Of course. I'll help where I can. You won't be alone. And honestly… you might even enjoy it. And i think i would too.
I have a feeling the adventure could be… exciting."
'yeah that's a lie — i haven't even watched lord of the rings'
Progress: 55%.
Bilbo leaned back, staring outside the window for a long moment. Then, almost imperceptibly, he smiled. "Exciting… huh? Well… I suppose I've never thought of it that way. Maybe… just maybe…"
Progress: 55%.
'55% huh, yeah that's good enough. for now at least... let's take a step back. pushing further might overwhelm him.'
I pushed myself up from the chair.
Then a loud thud echoed as I my horns collided with the ceiling.
"Agh!"
Bilbo choked holding an amused laugh as i hit the ceiling.
'Right i have horns' Imuttered under my breath, rubbing the top of my head.
The door creaked softly as I stepped outside. The afternoon air was crisp, carrying the scent of grass and blooming flowers. Sunlight dappled the path leading toward the fields, sparkling over dew-kissed leaves.
I strolled around the shire for a few minutes.
Then, out of nowhere, the familiar translucent green screen shimmered into view.
[Side Quest: Save the Crow — Again]
'Huh…?' I murmured, tilting my head.
'what do you mean save the crow again?...'
A sudden flurry of movement caught my eye as i turned to — a group of hobbit children from a distance, laughing and shouting, running toward something. My heart skipped a beat as I noticed a small black shape tangled in a coarse net.
The crow flapped frantically, its wings struggling against the ropes, cawing in distress. One of the children giggled, pulling the net tighter without realizing the harm.
'The crow from Yesterday!?'
'Wait this may be a perfect opportunity to use that skill... '
I exhaled slowly.
I raised my hand gracefully, fingers pointed toward the crow. A faintGolden light shimmer, gathered around my hands onto the tip of my fingers, thin as mist but steady.
"Into a man."
The words left my lips like a command — soft, but absolute.
[Skill Activated: Transformation – Beginner]
MP –15
The air around the crow trembled.
Feathers froze mid-beat. Then light rippled outward from its body. The black wings dissolved into drifting sparks, shrinking inward as bone reshaped with quiet cracks and shifting muscle.
The net sagged as the creature's form elongated.
Gasps erupted from the children.
Where the crow had struggled—
A young man collapsed into the grass, tangled loosely in the severed net.
Dark hair fell into sharp, intelligent eyes — the same eyes that had stared at me moments ago. His chest rose sharply as he sucked in air like it was unfamiliar.
For one suspended second— there was
Silence.
Then—
"IT'S A MONSTER!"
The children shrieked.
Panic shattered the stillness. Small feet pounded against the earth as they fled down the path, some tripping over themselves in terror.
The young man, standing tall, did not flinch. He flexed his fingers deliberately, testing his body as though savoring the unfamiliar sensation.
He stared at his hands.
Turning them over.
Flexed each finger with deliberate fascination.
Then— His head snapped towards me,
our gaze locked.
I approach him gracefully — steady. careful. calm. each step measured.
he blinked once.
Then took a slow step back.
His eyes widen not in fear. in recognition
"It's you."
The words were low. Certain.
The crow — or perhaps the man — stood there in stunned clarity, studying me as though I were the one transformed.
"Are you alright?" i asked. as I looked at him closely. 'looking at him now hes quite cute but—
'WHY IS HE NAKED!?.'
'... i did not think this through. then again how am i supposed to know this would happen'
"I—uh..." His voice caught, rough like wind over stone. He swallowed, steadying himself. "Thank you for... saving me. again"
He tilted his head slightly as if unsure how human gratitude is supposed to look.
"O-oh it's N-niothing" I stammered very deliberately focusing on his face.
'Dont look down Mallory. Dont. look. down'
"Will i remain like this?" His tone carried curiosity rather than panic.
I cleared my throat. "As long as I wish," I replied "You can stay human for now."
A low breathe left him—relief unmistakable.
"What shall i call you mistress?." his eyes narrowed slightly. studying me.
I smiled "call me Mallory"
"And what should i call you?." I crossed my arms. trying to look composed.
He paused his gaze lingered on me as if he were memorizing every detail, his eyes wide and unblinking."
"...Rowan. Mistress"
I nodded. Then waved my hands gracefully reverting him back to his original form, feathers shimmered along his arms, a subtle reminder of the crow beneath. But he did not take flight yet. He lingered, loyal, waiting for my command—or for me to signal it was time.
"you may go" I said. then smiled cheerfully.
With a powerful beat of his wings, he launched into the sky.
[Side Quest: save the crow-again—successfull]
Complete:
Level Up – 3
HP Capacity+20 MP Capacity +20
Control Slightly Increased
New skill: none
HP: 130/130 MP: 130/130