In the chaotic void, a golden meteor streaked through countless universes, heading towards the depths of chaos. Just as it passed a magnificent universe, an immense will from within the cosmos cast its gaze, accompanied by waves of music—sacred, supreme, and majestic.
With just a glance, the golden meteor was seen through by this will. Thus, the meteor suddenly changed direction, drawn into this universe and integrated into its fabric. A new note appeared in the grand symphony of this world, adding a touch of agility to the already magnificent score.
...
"Hey, sir, wake up!"
A voice shook Daniel from a deep sleep. Opening his eyes, he saw a landscape of green trees. In front of him stood a person looking at him with concern.
Daniel was confused; shouldn't he be sleeping at home? How did he end up lying in the wilderness? And who was this stranger in front of him?
With questions swirling in his mind, he asked directly, "Who are you?"
"Uh, I am Bilbo, Bilbo Baggins, sir."
Bilbo Baggins? Why did that sound so familiar?
Suddenly, Daniel froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. How could he, someone whose English grades were always mediocre, suddenly understand what this person was saying? He even spoke the same language, as if it were his native tongue.
Standing up with a mix of surprise and doubt, he realized that the Bilbo in front of him was less than half his height. A dwarf? He didn't look like one. Upon closer inspection, Daniel noticed the little fellow had pointed ears, and his broad feet were bare, covered with thick pads and fur.
This wasn't any human race he knew! Connecting this with the name, an absurd guess popped into his mind. "Are you a Hobbit?!"
The simple Hobbit nodded sincerely. "Then where is this?"
"This is the Shire, Hobbiton in the Shire, sir."
Daniel felt a wave of despair wash over him. Oh my goodness, what was going on? How did he wake up in such a dangerous world? He knew this place was filled with extraordinary beings like Orcs, Trolls, Elves, Wizards, Dragons, Balrogs, Maiar, and even the divine Valar, and the creator Ilúvatar. How could an ordinary person like him survive here? This was a hell-difficulty start!
Bilbo watched the human in front of him, whose expression shifted rapidly, and couldn't help but subtly retreat a few steps. This human seemed a bit mentally unstable. But as a kind and friendly Hobbit, he couldn't abandon someone in need.
"Uh, sir, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, I just can't find my way home!" Daniel replied with a bitter smile.
"Are you lost?" Bilbo asked, surprised. "Perhaps you could buy a map in the village; they sell maps of areas outside the Shire there."
Daniel shook his head, feeling dejected and powerless. "My home is very far away, perhaps I'll never reach it in my lifetime."
Bilbo's expression was bewildered; he couldn't quite grasp how far this distance could be. But seeing the human enveloped in loneliness and sadness, the kind Hobbit felt flustered, unsure how to comfort him.
"Uh, sir, perhaps you'd like to be my guest at my home?"
Daniel looked up, a hint of surprise in his sad expression. Being looked at like that, Bilbo felt a bit embarrassed. "We rarely have outsiders in the Shire. If you have nowhere else to go, you can stay at my house for a few days."
Daniel immediately showed gratitude and readily agreed. "Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Bilbo Baggins, you are truly a good person!"
Bilbo blushed with embarrassment at the praise. "Ahem, then please follow me, sir." Slinging his fishing rod, which was more than twice his height, over his shoulder, and carrying a fish bucket in his other hand, he led the way.
As Daniel walked behind, the sadness on his face vanished, and he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Though his emotions were not entirely false, he had mostly been acting to gain Bilbo's sympathy and secure shelter. After all, having transmigrated into this unfamiliar world, if no one took him in, he would likely have to sleep in the wilderness.
Moreover, as far as he knew, Bilbo Baggins was, in a sense, one of the protagonists of this world. Whatever his future plans, being near a protagonist would offer more opportunities and choices.
Along the winding path, they passed one Hobbit house after another. These homes were characteristic of Hobbits; most were built into hillsides, with grassy slopes for roofs and round wooden doors painted in light greens, yellows, or blues, with flourishing gardens in front. They were like rabbit holes from a fairy tale.
The Hobbits they passed peeked curiously from their gardens, observing the human following Bilbo. Bilbo, contrary to his usual self, didn't greet his neighbors and even unconsciously quickened his pace.
Daniel, on the other hand, didn't mind being stared at and actively smiled and nodded at the Hobbits. They arrived at a burrow-like building at the end of the path, with a wooden sign by the gate that read "Bag End." This was Bilbo Baggins's home. The garden at Bag End was neat and beautiful, clearly well-tended by its owner.
"I forgot to ask your name, sir, what is it?" Bilbo asked after opening the door.
"My name is Daniel…?" As Daniel was about to say his name, the name Duier suddenly popped into his head, and his mouth unconsciously uttered it. It was as if that had always been his name!
What was going on? Daniel was inwardly shaken; when did he get this name? Bilbo didn't notice Daniel's abnormality, and as he entered, he reminded him, "Alright, Daniel, please mind your head when you come in. After all, you know, humans are much taller than us."
"Bang!" Daniel, not paying attention, directly bumped his forehead on the doorframe, instantly clutching his head and crying out in pain.
"Um, Mr. Daniel, are you alright?" Bilbo asked, concerned yet trying to suppress a laugh.
"I'm fine!" Daniel rubbed his head, waving his hand. Now he couldn't afford to overthink things. This Hobbit hole was somewhat unfriendly to his height of six feet one. He could only duck his head and bend his back, fearing he might hit the doorframe again.
Unable to understand, he simply stopped thinking about it and found a seat to sit down. Bilbo, meanwhile, dove into the kitchen to prepare to entertain Daniel.
**[Hogwarts Sign-in System: Location Shire - Hobbiton - Bag End. Sign in?]**
A prompt appeared out of nowhere before Daniel's eyes. "What the hell?!"
Daniel was startled.
"What's wrong, Mr. Daniel?" Bilbo poked his head out from the kitchen.
"No… nothing!" Daniel realized the other person hadn't seen the prompt in front of him and immediately shook his head in response.