Chapter 76: In the Enchanted Forest

The Elf-path, an ancient and secret route from the previous age, was a little-known trail.

Looking at the familiar scene, Ino was somewhat dazed; this was the very place he first arrived at when he came to Middle-earth.

Back then, he found the forest eerie and chose the grasslands instead. Now, two days later, he found himself back at his starting point.

"Alright, let's release these ponies and let them return to their owner," Ino dismounted and spoke to Bilbo and Thorin, who were standing beside him. After all, these mounts were provided by Beorn.

After freeing the ponies, the dwarves surveyed the dark forest before them.

They knew that taking the old forest road or detouring around the forest river would waste a lot of time. To reach the Lonely Mountain before autumn ended, they had to cross this forest.

"Do we have no other way?" Bilbo asked, his face showing fear as he looked at the ominous Mirkwood.

"We must reach the Lonely Mountain before Durin's Day. Only then can we find the door into the mountain," Thorin said, looking at Bilbo. His eyes showed no fear, only a fervent determination.

The closer they got to the Lonely Mountain, the more apparent this fervor became.

Thorin's intensity made Bilbo uneasy, causing him to step back slightly.

Seeing this, Ino silently chuckled. Perhaps the dragon-sickness had already seeped into the dwarves' bones.

"Before we set off, I hope everyone puts a detoxifying stone in their mouth. The dark Mirkwood's air contains toxins that can bewilder the mind," Ino said as he took out a large bezoar from his suitcase.

Though Gandalf had introduced him before leaving, and the others knew he was a wizard, the strange stone still drew curious glances from the dwarves.

"Does it really detoxify?" Thorin asked, skeptical.

"As you can see, it is used for detoxification, but the choice is yours," Ino replied, understanding their doubt. After all, they had only known him for a day, and even Bilbo had only been fully accepted by the dwarves at the last moment.

Thorin hesitated for a moment before breaking off a small piece and putting it in his mouth.

Following Thorin's lead, the rest of the dwarves lined up to take a piece of the bezoar.

"Ugh… this taste."

"Like rotten sour water…"

"Like Fili's smelly socks."

"You secretly smelled my feet?"

Watching the chain reaction, Ino almost burst out laughing but noticed Thorin's sharp gaze.

"Why aren't you taking one?" Thorin's eyes narrowed, and his hand moved to the hilt of his sword.

The other dwarves also stopped laughing and became alert.

"Me? Because I have this. Shield everything!" Ino said, drawing his wand and tapping his head lightly.

The Charm, often used in the kitchen to block the smell of onions, peppers, and surströmming, created a barrier around his head.

Seeing the irrefutable evidence, Thorin said nothing and turned towards the forest.

The other dwarves gave apologetic smiles.

"I apologize on his behalf. My uncle can be stubborn and scary at times," said Kili, Thorin's nephew and the dwarf who secretly fell in love with a woodland elf.

"I don't mind! I just hope you can reclaim the Lonely Mountain soon," Ino said honestly.

Having promised Gandalf, Ino intended to help Thorin pass through Mirkwood as smoothly as possible. This was a small matter considering the broader journey. Based on the story's development, despite Mirkwood's terrors, they would receive the elves' help, making the journey perilous but ultimately safe.

Once out of the forest, however, his involvement would end, as his promise extended no further.

…

Mirkwood.

The entrance to the Elf-path was framed by two trees leaning against each other, resembling the passage to a dark cave.

Though Ino was entering for the first time, he knew from the story that they would encounter spider-like dark creatures. He kept his wand ready, staying vigilant.

The initial part of the path was narrow, winding through the trees, sometimes only allowing one person to pass at a time.

As they ventured deeper, the light from the entrance gradually vanished behind them.

The forest was eerily silent, the only sounds being their footsteps and, if they stopped, their breathing.

At some point, a faint mist arose, growing thicker until visibility was severely reduced.

Now, they could barely see the outline of the person in front of them.

"Solarium!" A determined voice broke the silence, firm and resolute.

In front of the group, a golden light appeared, like the sunrise.

The light pierced the darkness, clearing the fog within a radius of dozens of meters.

"Nice trick..."

"Should've used it earlier. Who kept poking me with their sword hilt?"

"Let me tell you..."

The sudden light lifted the group's spirits, and the dwarves began chattering.

"Don't let your guard down! We haven't covered even a tenth of the path. We don't know what lies ahead," Ino warned, holding his wand aloft.

After a brief commotion, the dwarves quieted down, gripping their weapons and remaining vigilant.

After all, each dwarf was a skilled warrior.

…

Time passed slowly.

Walking through the silent forest, they lost track of time.

When they were utterly exhausted, the sound of flowing water came from afar, revitalizing everyone. Young Kili and Fili rushed towards the source.

"Stop! That stream is tainted by dark magic," Ino shouted.

Perhaps due to the light spell's influence, Ino had gradually gained authority in the group.

Kili and Fili halted immediately upon hearing his voice.

"Drink only the water you brought. If anyone runs out, come to me. I have plenty of water. But avoid touching anything here as much as possible," Ino explained.

"He's right! We must reach the Lonely Mountain quickly. Everything else is secondary," Thorin, who had been silent, now spoke to establish this rule. He glanced around, seeing the exhausted faces.

"We'll rest here for a while. Kili, stand guard!"

As the last king of Durin's line, every word Thorin spoke was strictly obeyed by the dwarves.