Spy-x-War Showdown
Chapter 1214 - 1219: Thoughts Deep Inside

Chapter 1214: Chapter 1219: Thoughts Deep Inside

The Truth Serum was discovered a long time ago. A doctor in the United States found that after patients were anesthetized by a certain drug, they would unconsciously answer many questions accurately.

The human mental state can be divided into three levels: conscious awareness, subconsciousness, and unconsciousness. When the Truth Serum is used, the person under interrogation loses their conscious awareness. At this moment, if you ask them questions, they will reveal everything they know from their subconscious.

Of course, the Truth Serum isn’t always effective, nor is it omnipotent. For instance, it doesn’t work on mentally ill individuals because they perceive their hallucinations as a real world. Using the serum on them would yield nothing but incoherent ramblings of a madman.

Furthermore, the Truth Serum has one major drawback: it damages the user’s brain. Simply put, after using the serum, especially in large doses, the interrogated individual is likely to become an idiot, and the information extracted would be fragmented.

If the subject of interrogation is highly important or the only living clue, deciding whether to use the Truth Serum must be made with caution. A single misstep could turn the sole surviving lead into an idiot, leaving no chance for repeated questioning to cross-examine prior testimonies for truth verification.

Currently, Aaron is absent, and the decision to use the Truth Serum rests with Yang Yi.

Yang Yi pondered for a long time.

Elvin was captured voluntarily; there’s no doubt about it. But where Elvin gets the confidence to withstand interrogation by the Grey-cloaked People is completely beyond Yang Yi’s comprehension.

Receiving counter-interrogation training is perfectly normal for spies. Knowing how to handle questioning is a skill every spy should possess, though the degree of effectiveness varies by individual.

Yang Yi didn’t know where Elvin’s poise came from, nor what Elvin was capable of enduring. If Elvin revealed something beneficial to Yang Yi, it would be advantageous to Yang Yi. But what if Elvin disclosed something he wasn’t supposed to?

For example, what if Elvin framed Yang Yi’s recent betrayal as part of the Cleaners’ conspiracy? What if Elvin claimed everything had been planned from the start? Even if those claims sounded absurd, the Grey-cloaked People ought to be cautious—must be cautious—and undoubtedly prudent. Elvin’s testimony could potentially render all previous efforts futile.

Therefore, Yang Yi had to make a decision.

The safest choice would be to immediately instruct the Grey-cloaked People to use the Truth Serum on Elvin. Under the effect of the serum, Elvin’s testimony would inevitably be fragmented, and he would quickly spiral into idiocy. This way, even if Yang Yi had to take a certain risk, it would only be a one-time risk, and once Elvin became an idiot, Yang Yi would be safe.

If he refused to authorize the use of the Truth Serum, leaving the Grey-cloaked People to interrogate Elvin slowly and cautiously instead, it would take a great deal of time—perhaps ten days, or even a month. Yet Yang Yi believed that Elvin would eventually divulge everything over time, and this would place Yang Yi in a very unfavorable position.

Using the Truth Serum assured Yang Yi’s safety, spared Elvin further suffering, and though the immediate risk was significant, the long-term outlook seemed beneficial. On the contrary, refraining from its use ensured short-term safety but posed long-term risks.

Yang Yi thought for a moment, then said gravely to the person in front of him, "What’s the active ingredient in the Truth Serum you’re using? How effective is it?"

"The Truth Serum is extremely effective. Our confidence in extracting information quickly is entirely based on trust in the serum’s capabilities. I don’t know the exact composition; I only know how effective it is."

Yang Yi frowned and asked, "How severe are the side effects?"

"Severe. It will undoubtedly result in idiocy, but before that happens, the extracted testimony’s reliability is extremely high."

Yang Yi made his choice.

Sorry, Elvin, truly sorry.

After silently apologizing and mourning for Elvin in his heart, Yang Yi shook his head and said, "The risks are too substantial. Considering Elvin’s unique identity, we can’t immediately use the Truth Serum on him. Given Elvin’s status and value, using the serum is excessively risky. Let’s proceed slowly but methodically, utilizing traditional interrogation methods."

The visitor didn’t argue with Yang Yi. Instead, he bowed slightly and replied in a low voice, "Understood. The Truth Serum will not be used. Are there any other instructions?"

"No. Just ensure Elvin doesn’t die, got it?"

"Understood. I’ll proceed with my work now. I’ll notify you if there’s any new progress. Goodbye."

The door closed. Bonnie glanced at Yang Yi, her expression questioning why he didn’t permit the use of the Truth Serum.

Yang Yi felt that the serum couldn’t be used, and his eyes conveyed this to Bonnie.

No explanation was necessary; Yang Yi’s inner reasoning was clear.

At this moment, Yang Yi preferred to treat the authority Aaron had entrusted him with as a test.

The prudent choice would not go wrong. Rushing for immediate results could squander everything. Regardless of whether Aaron intended this as a test, choosing caution at least built greater trust.

Thus, Yang Yi had to choose a course of action that inspired belief from others.

Even if there truly came a time to use the Truth Serum on Elvin, the decision had to come from Aaron.

Aaron arrived in the afternoon. When he did, Bonnie was feeding Yang Yi. After witnessing their intimate interaction, Aaron left and waited outside until Yang Yi finished his meal before re-entering.

"Did you refuse to use the Truth Serum on Elvin?"

Aaron spoke with a smile. Yang Yi nodded and replied, "Yes, I thought the risks were too significant. We have plenty of time to question him slowly. There’s no need to rush into using the serum."

Aaron raised his index finger and waggled it slightly, then said regretfully, "The problem is, we don’t have time. By the time we extract what we truly need to know, it will be too late."

Sighing softly, Aaron said in a low voice, "I understand your choice, and I must respect your decision. After all, I entrusted you with this matter. But I’d like to discuss with you the possibility of using the Truth Serum on Elvin sooner rather than later. What do you think?"

Yang Yi hesitated briefly and then said, "Alright, let’s use the Truth Serum on him."

"We can observe its effect. The serum works quickly."

Yang Yi returned to the room with Aaron, a room equipped with surveillance monitors. The two sat side by side in front of the screen.

From the footage, it was clear that Elvin had already entered a state of unconsciousness.

Suddenly, before anyone could question him, Elvin shouted aloud, "Protect Yang Yi. Protect the Sea God. Protect him as he carries out the undercover plan..."

Yang Yi’s expression grew grim, though Aaron couldn’t see it.

Aaron watched the screen calmly without speaking. After a while, Elvin seemed to have lost all awareness. At that moment, someone in the room spoke, "Describe your current thoughts."

"Kill Yang Yi! Kill Yang Yi! He must not be allowed to live. He’s too dangerous—kill Yang Yi!"

Elvin suddenly shouted. His eyes opened wide, his hands were immobile, yet his entire body strained against the chair, revealing that his deepest subconscious desire was to kill Yang Yi.