The Reincarnated OP Protagonist Is Now A 3rd Grade Student (Patreon)

Chapter 49: Which Mud-Covered Vehicle to Take to Mount Doom?

Although the allure of gold was indeed strong, Chen An was well aware that he wasn't the rightful owner of these magical rings. Relying on his strong willpower, he closed the sandalwood box and pushed the magical rings back to Gandalf.

This seemed to surprise 'Gandalf.'

He knew very well that the Hobbits gathered around him could resist the temptation of the One Ring because they didn't understand what these magical rings truly meant. It was their innocent ignorance that allowed them to resist the overwhelming and maddening magical power.

But the Hobbit in front of him was different...

He was intelligent, as intelligent as a little adult. This intelligence allowed him to easily see through the true nature of the One Ring with his naked eyes, realizing the immense benefits its power could bring him.

This intelligence had probably brought him great benefits in the past, but it also added many flaws to his originally pure and innocent mindset. The magical aura emitted by the One Ring effortlessly invaded his consciousness, igniting the fire of desire.

It was a symbol of becoming a slave to the One Ring.

Fortunately, he was not only intelligent but also possessed a willpower far beyond an ordinary Hobbit. This willpower, comparable to that of an adult, allowed him to suppress his desires and regain clarity from the enchantment of the One Ring.

A truly remarkable Hobbit.

After a slight nod from Gandalf, he spoke, "Chosen ones, tell me your thoughts now. Do you want to follow the guidance of fate and join the Order of Ring Guardians?"

Lu Li still hesitated, looking at Chen An, while Chen An remained silent, gazing at Gandalf. "Alright, I have to admit, the magic of this One Ring is terrifying, and the situation is indeed serious. But it has strengthened my belief—let's just call the police directly."

"You Hobbits are the only ones who can resist the temptation of the One Ring," he added.

Gandalf shook his head. "Others can't do it. To neutralize the harm of the One Ring, we must rely on the power of Mount Doom."

Chen An's mouth twitched a bit. People's hearts were inscrutable, and he couldn't refute Gandalf's words at all. However, Mount Doom?

"Our mission as Ring Guardians is to take the One Ring to Mount Doom."

Paladin, standing beside them, solemnly added, "Only by throwing the One Ring into the Mount Doom can it be destroyed, ensuring that the One Ring can no longer harm the world."

"Are you serious? Are you really going to throw away this treasure?"

Chen An stared at Gandalf, and Gandalf smiled and nodded. "I have no reason to keep this corrupt thing that can bewitch people."

"You just called it a treasure?"

Paladin nervously looked at Chen An. "Is the influence of the One Ring still not gone? Wake up, this thing cannot fall into anyone's hands; it can only be destroyed by the power of Mount Doom."

Listening to Paladin's innocent words, Chen An sighed and said, "Buddy, do you know where Mount Doom is? Do you know which— No, the bus might need to be replaced with a mud-covered vehicle to get there."

"Eh?"

Paladin was stunned for a moment. Then he pointed to the side. "Isn't Mount Doom over there?"

Chen An followed Paladin's finger and looked at a small hill outside the Mongolian-style tent, feeling a mix of laughter and tears. "If I'm not mistaken, my grandmother said that place is called—Club Hammer Mountain."

"That's Mount Doom!"

"That's called Club Hammer Mountain!"

"Gandalf said it's Mount Doom!"

"But my grandmother said it's Club Hammer Mountain. Even if God himself comes, it's still Club Hammer Mountain!"

"Alright, alright."

Gandalf, with a smile, interrupted the dispute. Then he looked at Chen An and said, "Whether it's the Mount Doom or Club Hammer Mountain, it's just a name. The unchanging fact is to take the One Ring to the summit and throw it down, using the mountain's power to destroy the ring and protect humanity."

Chen An fell into contemplation. If he remembered correctly, at the foot of Club Hammer Mountain, there was a cliff with a small lake below. If he threw the ring into it, it would probably remain untouched for centuries.

"Because it's a matter of great importance, I want to ask again, are you serious?"

Chen An looked at Gandalf earnestly. "Are you really planning to throw away these rings? Clearly, keeping them could create endless wealth. Even if you donate it to help children in impoverished areas, it's better than just throwing it into a lake for the sake of making a splash."

"That's the horror of the One Ring's power!"

Gandalf looked at Chen An with a serious expression. "Most people think that as long as they are good, they can ignore the power of the One Ring. But in reality, good people are more likely to be tempted by the One Ring because evil people use it for desire, and good people use it for compassion. Both have different purposes, but the essence is the same—both are using the 'One Ring.' Once you use it, the fate of humanity will be shrouded in a thick haze."

"Alright, I understand, very clearly." Chen An rolled up his sleeves without hesitation. "Since you want to throw away these rings so much, let me help you. I'm willing to join you, join this Order of Ring Guardians!"

"I join too! I join too!" Lu Li raised her hand with shining eyes. Although she didn't know exactly what had happened, it was clear that it was going to be a lot of fun!

"On behalf of the Order of Ring Guardians, I welcome your joining."

Gandalf waved his staff, pointing to Paladin.

"Holy Hammer Knight, go and bring the Three Divine Artifacts Fate Manifestation Device. Let these two chosen individuals see clearly what 'occupations' they will have."

Paladin hesitated as he looked at Chen An. He had a feeling of uncertainty; it seemed that the Hobbit's intention to join the Order might not be entirely pure.

But soon, Paladin shook his head, dispelling any doubts. No matter what, the newcomer had proven that he could resist the temptation of the One Ring and returned it to Gandalf. This clearly showed that he was indeed a Hobbit, and there was no reason to doubt him.

With these thoughts in mind, Paladin left the Mongolian-style tent. Soon, he returned with a crystal ball shimmering with strange colors.

Is this the so-called 'Fate Manifestation Device'? Chen An's expression became more serious.

Having witnessed the terror of the One Ring, he could no longer underestimate this seemingly childish Order of Ring Guardians. Although the so-called Narsil was just a tree branch, who knew if this crystal ball was made of expensive crystal?