Chapter 018 Invitation

Wang Bo: ...

Wasn't that bloody obvious?

Eru Ilúvatar was a creator god after all; how could he not know of Wang Bo's existence?

To Eru Ilúvatar, Middle-earth was no more than the size of a palm. How long would it take a creator god to sweep his gaze over such a tiny place?

A thousandth of a second, or a ten-thousandth?

What was so strange about discovering Wang Bo? What Wang Bo wanted to know was Eru Ilúvatar's attitude toward him—was it curiosity, surprise, indifference, or observation...

Hey, wait!

Wang Bo suddenly realized: was he judging a superior being by his own standards? And a creator god at that, or rather, a God?

Wasn't that far too arrogant?

As the saying goes, you cannot discuss ice with a summer insect. Who did he think he was, presuming to fathom the thoughts of a God with his own mindset? Wasn't that overreaching?

Having realized this, Wang Bo quickly understood that his earlier worries were completely unnecessary.

The fact that Eru Ilúvatar had not chosen to strike him down when he crushed the giant already spoke volumes. So his earlier fear, panic, flight, and even today's speculation and anxiety were all unnecessary.

Because the two sides did not even think on the same level.

Wang Bo was troubled by his identity as a transmigrator, but perhaps in Eru Ilúvatar's eyes, a so-called transmigrator was no different from a stone by the roadside—not worth paying attention to.

To put it another way: suppose a transmigrator ant appeared in an anthill. Even if that ant were very strong, would he need to care?

No, no, absolutely not.

After all, no matter how strong an ant, it was still just an ant; he wouldn't care.

If someone with strong self-esteem understood this, they might become angry, feel aggrieved, feel their dignity insulted.

Then swear that one day they would become so powerful that no one could ignore them.

But Wang Bo was different. He was just a salted fish trying to live an ordinary life. Eru Ilúvatar's attitude was the best he could hope for.

Even this idea was just Wang Bo's speculation, and might not be reliable.

But from the fact that Eru Ilúvatar had not eliminated Wang Bo, much could be inferred.

Having figured this out, Wang Bo's expression became much more relaxed, his gaze gradually softening. Gandalf, who had been observing Wang Bo's reaction, was amazed.

You look very relaxed now.

Because I've figured some things out. Wang Bo gave a calm smile.

Gandalf didn't quite understand the pressure Wang Bo had been under; the change seemed abrupt to him, but he still said, Congratulations.

Thank you. Wang Bo asked, Is there something you came to see me about?

Yes. Gandalf nodded. He had indeed come to see Wang Bo about something. You know, the White Council lost several members because of Saruman.

Wang Bo nodded. He had just heard Gandalf say that when Saruman was controlled, he not only killed Gandalf but also several other members of the White Council.

The original members of the White Council were: the head, Saruman the White; Gandalf the Grey; Radagast the Brown; Círdan the Shipwright; Lady Galadriel; and Elrond the Half-elven.

But in the battle two months ago, not only was Gandalf the Grey killed, but Radagast the Brown and Elrond the Half-elven also fell to Saruman's evil.

Later, Saruman also died.

After that battle, only two members of the White Council remained: Círdan the Shipwright and Lady Galadriel.

Fortunately, both Gandalf the Grey and Radagast the Brown were Maiar.

After their deaths, their souls were not destroyed.

So they were both resurrected by Eru Ilúvatar.

Gandalf the Grey thus advanced to become Gandalf the White, while Radagast the Brown remained Radagast the Brown, simply brought back to life.

But Elrond the Half-elven was not a Maia; he was only a half-elf, with a long lifespan but still fragile, so after death he was never resurrected.

And although Saruman was a Maia, as the culprit behind all this, no one resurrected him either.

So his soul could only wander Middle-earth until he was completely forgotten.

Becoming a lonely ghost.

Even so, the White Council had lost members—two members at once. Worse still, the two survivors were severely injured.

Lady Galadriel in particular, as one of the main forces against Saruman, had been deeply affected by the dark power.

Although the great Eru Ilúvatar later cleansed the dark power,

Lady Galadriel was still deeply wounded, her power now less than a tenth of what it was.

Círdan the Shipwright had lost a hand, making it no easy task to build another ship.

It could be said that the White Council had suffered a heavy blow. If Sauron were to stage a comeback now, the White Council would probably be unable to stop the Dark Lord.

Fortunately, Eru Ilúvatar's manifestation of divine power had not only intimidated Wang Bo.

Sauron was also among those intimidated.

So he absolutely would not dare to act recklessly at this critical juncture.

While Wang Bo was thinking, Gandalf said, After I was resurrected and promoted to the White, I heeded Lady Galadriel's advice and became the head of the White Council.

Wang Bo clapped his hands and said, Congratulations, Gandalf.

Gandalf continued, But the White Council is now too weak, so I have decided to recruit new members to make it stronger.

Wang Bo was taken aback; he wasn't stupid, and immediately understood Gandalf's intention. You want me to join the White Council.

Yes! Gandalf nodded.

This King under the Mountain, who had slain a Balrog, was certainly qualified to join the White Council. When Gandalf first planned to strengthen the Council, Wang Bo was the first person he thought of.

So he mentioned Wang Bo to Galadriel and the others, and they agreed.

But when he traveled all the way to the Lonely Mountain, he found that Wang Bo had already left.

With no choice, Gandalf had to return.

Then a few days ago, Gandalf heard that Wang Bo was back, so he hurried over.

Wang Bo thought for a moment and did not refuse. Instead, he nodded and said, If you don't mind, I am willing to join the White Council.