Chapter 60 - C:62

As Eldara, Hestia, the chieftainess, and Nerina continued their interrogation of the elves, my curiosity deepened. The chieftainess, Illyana Everbloom, stood tall and regal among them, her long silver hair flowing gracefully behind her as she examined the High Elves with a piercing gaze. Her emerald eyes shimmered with ancient wisdom, her stature commanding yet serene. Illyana had led the Lumera village for centuries, her leadership grounded in a balance of strength and compassion, much like the great trees that dotted our village.

Unlike most Lumeras, Illyana's tattoos extended slightly past her elbows, glowing softly with green and gold luminescence, indicative of her unique bond with the forest. She wore a ceremonial robe woven from enchanted vines and petals, which shimmered with every slight movement, echoing her connection to nature. It was rumored that in her youth, she had stood shoulder to shoulder with Nerina and Autumn, helping defend the village during the first plague that had ravaged the forest.

As she continued to interrogate the elves, her voice was calm but firm, carrying an undeniable authority. "State your purpose here. And choose your words carefully, for lies will only invite worse judgment than the beasts of this forest."

Beside her, Nerina, the ancient Tree Spirit, regarded the High Elves with a softer gaze, though still one of quiet intensity. The flames of Selena, still burning low on her miniature form, flickered around me as the atmosphere hummed with tension.

But my curiosity got the better of me. I slipped my glasses on, their lenses gleaming as I directed my focus toward the High Elves. The glasses, infused with magical properties, granted me the ability to delve deep into the essence of others, revealing their innermost strengths and abilities.

---

**Status Screen: High Elf Princess**

- **Name:** Valendra Moonshade

- **Title:** Princess of the Everbright Kingdom

- **Race:** High Elf

- **Age:** 462 years

- **Affinity:** Moonlight Magic, Illusion Weaving, Arcane Archery

- **Lumina Core:** 850,000 units

- **Skills:**

- **Moonlit Veil:** Conceals her presence under the light of the moon, rendering her invisible to all but the most perceptive beings.

- **Arcane Bowmaster:** A master of archery capable of weaving powerful enchantments into her arrows.

- **Lunar Shield:** Creates a shimmering barrier of moonlight capable of deflecting powerful magic and physical attacks.

- **Illusory Mirage:** Conjures illusions of herself or her surroundings to confuse enemies.

Valendra was regal in every sense, her silver hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of starlight. Her ethereal beauty was complemented by the crescent-shaped diadem atop her brow, a symbol of her royal lineage. Yet, despite her elegance, her eyes held a haunted look, the scars of their recent ordeals evident in the tension of her posture.

---

**Status Screen: High Elf Warrior**

- **Name:** Thalion Duskwind

- **Title:** Captain of the Moonshade Guard

- **Race:** High Elf

- **Age:** 587 years

- **Affinity:** Nature Magic, Wind Manipulation

- **Lumina Core:** 780,000 units

- **Skills:**

- **Windcaller's Blade:** Enhances his blade with the power of the wind, allowing for swift and deadly strikes.

- **Sylvan Armor:** Summons armor made from the bark and leaves of ancient trees, providing him with immense protection.

- **Gale Step:** Allows him to move at incredible speeds, as if carried by the wind.

- **Verdant Fury:** Calls upon the power of nature to unleash a devastating force of vines and roots to entrap and crush enemies.

Thalion's tall and muscular frame exuded the raw power of a seasoned warrior, his hair a deep shade of green, reflecting his bond with the forest. His sharp, angular features were hardened by battle, but his eyes betrayed his unease as Illyana's questioning continued.

---

**Status Screen: High Elf Mage**

- **Name:** Elowen Silverleaf

- **Title:** High Mage of the Moonshade Kingdom

- **Race:** High Elf

- **Age:** 673 years

- **Affinity:** Elemental Magic, Teleportation, Healing

- **Lumina Core:** 950,000 units

- **Skills:**

- **Elemental Mastery:** A master of the elements, capable of controlling fire, water, earth, and air with ease.

- **Blink:** Can teleport short distances in the blink of an eye, making her difficult to pin down in combat.

- **Healing Touch:** A gifted healer, able to mend even the most grievous of wounds with a touch.

- **Stormweaver:** Commands powerful thunderstorms, capable of summoning lightning and torrential rain at will.

Elowen had an air of grace, her movements fluid and controlled. Her robes were adorned with arcane symbols, glowing faintly with the elemental magic that swirled within her. She stood slightly behind the others, her expression calm but wary, clearly aware of the gravity of the situation.

---

I took in their stats, impressed by their abilities but still cautious. Despite their claims of innocence, there was something about their story that didn't sit right with me.

"Princess Valendra Moonshade," Illyana's voice cut through the silence. "You say it wasn't your doing. Yet, your arrival in Zone 1 is cause enough for suspicion. Only the bravest—or the most foolish—dare venture this deep."

Valendra's eyes flicked between the chieftainess and the others, her voice steady but urgent. "I swear on the honor of my house and the Moonshade Kingdom, we are not the ones who slew the Flametail's kin. We have been pursued by a group of assassins for months. They have attacked us repeatedly throughout our journey, and it was they who killed the Flametail. We found its body already desecrated when we arrived."

Eldara raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp as she probed further. "Assassins, you say? How convenient. And yet, where are they now? Why have we not encountered these attackers?"

Valendra's jaw tightened, frustration clearly building within her. "They are elusive, capable of masking their presence with dark magics. We have only barely survived their attacks thus far."

I stepped forward, Selena's miniature form padding silently beside me, her fiery tails flickering in the tension. "You claim innocence," I said, my voice low but resonating with authority, "but you ventured into Zone 1 knowing the risks. Your actions, whether deliberate or not, have led to the death of one of the forest's sacred creatures. You will answer for this."

Valendra's eyes met mine, her expression both pleading and resolute. "We did not mean to bring harm to this forest. We came here following a prophecy, a vision of a godly artifact born within these woods. We are not the only ones who have received such a message. Other races, too, seek this relic. We sought it not for power, but for protection."

Illyana raised a hand, silencing her. "The forest does not forgive so easily. You speak of a prophecy, but that does not absolve you of responsibility for what has transpired. The Lumera will need proof of your innocence before any further judgment can be made."

The elves exchanged glances, clearly realizing the precariousness of their situation.

"You will stay under our watch until we have investigated this matter further," Illyana concluded. "If your words prove true, we will help you in your quest. But if you are lying, no prophecy will save you from the wrath of this forest."

The tension in the air thickened as Illyana's words settled in. The elves nodded in agreement, though their faces were lined with worry.

The tension was palpable as Illyana's words settled in. The elves nodded solemnly, their faces etched with worry and fear. They were escorted back to the village under close guard.

Once the elves had been taken away, Illyana returned to me, her expression a mixture of concern and curiosity. We resumed our previous conversation, the atmosphere charged with flirtatious undertones.

Grandmom Hestia and Eldara approached us, their playful demeanor evident. Hestia's eyes sparkled as she teased, "Rosé, now that you've reunited with your favorite Grandmom, have you forgotten us? We're still here, you know."

Eldara chimed in with a mischievous grin. "Yes, we've missed you. Or have we become mere afterthoughts now that Illyana is around?"

I chuckled, my gaze shifting between the two. "Not at all. I've been trying to balance everything. Besides, who could forget you two?"

Hestia leaned in closer, her voice soft and teasing. "You know, Rosé, it's been a while since we had some quality time together. Perhaps we should remedy that."

Eldara's hand brushed lightly against mine, her touch lingering. "Indeed. And now that you've been so busy, it's only fair we get a bit of attention too."

Illyana observed the exchange with a mixture of amusement and slight envy. Hestia and Eldara's flirtatious remarks were making their presence known, and Illyana found herself drawn into the lively conversation.

Hestia, with a playful glint in her eye, extended an invitation. "Why don't you join us for dinner tonight, Illyana? Rosé's cooking is truly something special, and I'm sure you'd love it."

Illyana's eyes lit up with interest. "That sounds wonderful. I'd be honored to join you."