Marvel's master of cosmic magic

Chapter 551

When the sun first rose over Middle-earth, humanity, the Secondborn of the world, awakened in the far eastern lands.

Over generations, they spread.

Some migrated west, driven by curiosity about the rising sun. Others remained in the east.

Those who traveled west gradually formed scattered tribes. Many encountered the elves and learned language, culture, and knowledge from them, much like the ancient noble human houses.

But some who remained in the east fell under Morgoth’s hidden influence and became his devoted followers.

Rowan had anticipated this.

That was why he built a mind-reading function into the Awakening Hat.

The hat itself possessed limited awareness. If it detected hostile intent or allegiance to Morgoth, it triggered a warning phrase.

"Azkaban."

A prison from another world. A signal that security should detain the wearer immediately.

Now that Elven City was open to all humans, infiltration was inevitable.

Before, Rowan could personally screen candidates.

Now? Numbers would grow too large.

Automation was necessary.

And his caution had already proven justified.

After Sauron’s destruction and Morgoth’s failed attempt to manipulate Rowan, the Dark Lord had acknowledged him as a threat.

So Morgoth had already begun planting loyal human agents into migrating populations, hoping they could infiltrate Elven City and gather intelligence on Rowan.

Some even suspected Rowan might not be human at all, but a Maia disguised in mortal flesh.

"This one is a Morgoth sympathizer," Rowan said calmly, handing the boy to a nearby steel guardian construct. "He attempted to infiltrate the Academy."

The crowd relaxed slightly.

This wasn’t unprecedented.

The eastern defensive collapse years earlier had been partially caused by human defectors betraying elven forces at a critical moment.

Morgoth corrupted everyone eventually.

Elves became orcs.

Humans became followers.

After Rowan returned to his seat, Lúthien continued the ceremony.

No further incidents occurred.

Crossing from the east to Elven City was already difficult. Finding infiltrators young enough and capable enough to pass testing was even harder.

Six hundred new students completed the Awakening process.

"Today the Academy welcomes six hundred new students," Rowan announced, rising. "Classes are suspended for half a day. Celebrate. Rest."

With a wave of his hand, the three long banquet tables filled instantly with food.

The Academy didn’t rely on magical servants. Cooking for this many people would take too long.

So Rowan used advanced transfiguration.

The dishes weren’t limited to local cuisine.

Puddings. Cakes. Grilled meats. Dozens of world cuisines recreated perfectly.

Gasps spread across the hall.

Even elves lost some of their usual composure while tasting unfamiliar flavors.

After the celebration, Rowan briefed the elven princes on intelligence extracted from the captured spy.

Raids quickly uncovered additional infiltrators hiding among migrant groups.

Rowan assisted with interrogations, extracting valuable intelligence on Morgoth’s military movements.

"Well?" Angrod asked eagerly.

Rowan raised two fingers.

"One good piece of news. One less pleasant."

Lúthien raised her hand. "Good news first."

"Morgoth’s army isn’t planning a full assault on our front lines anytime soon."

Relief spread through the room.

Since King Thingol’s realm joined the war effort, and Rowan eliminated the Valley of Terror, the defensive network had become nearly seamless.

Northwest: Ered Wethrin.

South through Gondolin and Dorthonion.

Further south through Doriath and the Long Wall of Andram.

Eastward to the Seven Rivers and the Blue Mountains, where dwarven defenses held firm.

The entire line formed a massive enclosed arc around Morgoth’s territory.

Rowan had also placed teleportation anchors at every major strongpoint, allowing rapid reinforcement anywhere along the line.

The Balrog legions had already tested Doriath once.

They were driven back by unified counterattacks.

That was the battle where Galadriel personally killed a Balrog, earning legendary status.

Since that defeat, Morgoth had avoided direct assaults.

"That’s good," Galadriel said. "So what’s the bad news?"

"Let me guess," she added grimly. "Gothmog is coming for us again. If he does, I’ll hang his head over the city gates myself."

She had grown much stronger recently, learning advanced magic from Rowan.

Her raw talent was second only to Lúthien among the elves.

"Gothmog is attacking again," Rowan said.

"But not us."

"He’s targeting the Sons of Fëanor."

After Maedhros’ defensive line collapsed, he and his brothers retreated to Himring.

At first, only Maedhros and Maglor held the fortress.

The others arrived later, fleeing Gothmog’s pursuit.