Chapter 353: Searching Memories Inside the interrogation chamber, Seraphina wasn’t the only conscious person present besides the unconscious Adrian. Shams had also entered, his ancient presence immediately changing the atmosphere of the room. Shams was a light elf, considered one of the oldest living members of their entire race. Unlike other elves of his advanced age who typically maintained youthful appearances through elf’s longevity and magical vitality, he looked incredibly old. His face was deeply lined with wrinkles, his hair completely white and thin, his posture slightly stooped from the weight of countless centuries. Elves weren’t known for visible aging, which made his appearance all the more striking and unsettling to those who encountered him. The deterioration suggested something unnatural had occurred, some price paid that exceeded what time alone could exact. He usually kept to himself in self-imposed isolation, not wanting attention or social interaction of any kind. Simply living life as it was on top of a remote mountain that he had claimed as his permanent home, far from the politics and conflicts of elven society. "Your Highness, you called for me?" Shams asked, his voice carrying the rasp of extreme age despite elves typically maintaining vocal clarity throughout their lives. Seraphina met his ancient eyes directly, her expression showing no hesitation about what she was requesting. "I want his memories searched. Comprehensively. Everything he knows about his contacts with the dark elves, every piece of intelligence he shared, all his knowledge about their plans regarding the mysterious shopkeeper." Shams frowned deeply upon hearing the request, his weathered face showing genuine concern. This was no small thing she was asking. The Memory Search skill, which was his signature ability and the reason for his reputation throughout the kingdom, didn’t only damage the victim subjected to it. The technique also harmed the practitioner who wielded it, consuming something far more precious than simple mana. "Your Highness, this skill... you understand the consequences," Shams said slowly, wanting to ensure she fully grasped what she was ordering. "Adrian might never recover from the procedure. The intrusion into his mind could leave him brain dead, or at minimum severely disabled, unable to comprehend anything beyond simple primitive thoughts. His consciousness could be permanently shattered." Seraphina nodded without visible emotion at the description of what would happen to her nephew. "I know the risks to him. His betrayal has forfeited any consideration I might have shown to family bonds. The information he possesses is worth more than his continued mental functionality." Shams studied her for a long moment before continuing. "And the consequences I will face? The Memory Search consumes life force with each use. It’s why I appear as I do, despite elven longevity that should have preserved my youth for millennia more. Each search shaves years, sometimes decades, from my remaining time." The queen had clearly anticipated this objection and prepared her counter-offer. "In return for this service, once we achieve victory in the war, your family will receive a constant supply of enhancement items from the human shopkeeper who I’m certain you’ve heard about. The premium products that can extend lifespan, restore vitality, cure ailments that normal magic cannot touch." She paused to let the value of that promise sink in before adding more immediate incentives. "As for your current situation and recovery from this procedure, I will ensure that your mountain and all its neighboring territory is completely sealed off by royal decree. Nobody will ever disturb your isolation again. You complained about intrusions from travelers and hunters several times over the years—that problem will be permanently eliminated." "You will be able to recover and rest without any worries or interruptions. Full protection, complete privacy, and resources for your family’s future prosperity." Shams calculated the pros and cons of the offer. The deal was favorable for his family’s long-term interests. His descendants would benefit enormously from guaranteed access to the shopkeeper’s miraculous items, resources that could elevate them to positions of power and security within elven society. Besides, the years he had left were objectively few regardless of whether he performed this memory search or not. He had already lived far longer than most elves could hope to achieve, experiencing centuries of history that younger generations only read about in ancient texts. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢 He had lived long enough. Sacrificing what remained to secure his family’s future seemed like an acceptable trade, perhaps even a noble final act that gave meaning to his accumulated suffering. "I accept your terms, Your Highness," Shams said finally, his voice carrying resignation mixed with acceptance. "Before I start the process. I will need complete silence and ten minutes of uninterrupted concentration to perform the search properly."​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ A smile formed on Seraphina’s face. "Of course, I will make sure nobody interrupts you at all. I will be in the throne room, waiting for your arrival." Shams nodded before he walked towards Adrian Silveroak, placing his hand on his head. *** In the forest surrounding the World Tree, Lola and Noah maintained their positions while the gathering continued to grow. The tension in the clearing had become almost suffocating as more and more creatures arrived, drawn by the overwhelming mana signature like moths to flame. Noah was growing increasingly frustrated as he watched the outer ring of master-rank beasts expand with each passing hour. The clearing’s periphery was now crowded with dozens of creatures of varying species and power levels, all waiting with desperate hunger for any opportunity that might present itself. "Hey, when is this damn thing going to ripen? When the entire forest’s beast population is assembled here?" Noah asked with obvious irritation, gesturing toward the ever-growing crowd of spectators. Lola chuckled at his impatience, though she understood the concern behind his complaint. "It should be very soon now. The mana fluctuations from the teardrop have become increasingly unstable over the past hour, which typically indicates the final stages before full maturation." The atmosphere in the clearing had transformed dramatically from the relatively calm standoff that had existed when they first arrived.