Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 1965: Different biomes (3)

The further we ventured into the depths, the more the signs of passage began to fade.

While a few footprints remained, it was obvious that very few souls dared to travel this deep into the heart of Death Valley.

Klein and the royal guards noted that only a single party appeared to have reached this point.

Though there were numerous sets of tracks, their synchronized movement suggested they all belonged to one cohesive unit.

We followed these marks for a short while until we reached a location hemmed in by towering stone walls. These rock formations had gradually transformed into massive cliffs that completely isolated the area.

However, the cliffs were not the only thing present in this desolate place.

Gaping holes pierced the rock faces, appearing to serve as tunnels leading toward unknown destinations.

Due to the oppressive darkness, it was nearly impossible to discern where these openings led or how far they descended into the earth.

Given the sheer number of tunnels surrounding us, wandering off aimlessly felt like a foolish endeavor. Entering them too deeply would be incredibly hazardous, as we could easily become hopelessly lost.

Another unsettling detail was the apparent endlessness of the canyon.

It felt as though the path could stretch on for eternity... yet logically, that was impossible given the geographical limits of the region. After all, the far exit of Death Valley had been mapped long ago.

The unnatural length of this passage simply defied common sense...

"There’s something off about this place."

I didn't actually need to vocalize my concern, as the others had already closed ranks around me, prepared to defend me at a moment's notice.

Upon hearing my remark, Klein asked, "Your majesty, should we leave this place then?"

The way he spoke had shifted from his previous tone.

I could pick up on the subtle nuance hidden in his words.

He was maintaining his usual facade, yet he was clearly attempting to persuade me to retreat as quickly as possible.

On this occasion, I found myself in agreement with him.

My sole intent for visiting Death Valley today was to perform a reconnaissance mission, and based on our findings, that objective had been met.

Advancing further would serve no purpose and would only invite unnecessary risk.

Furthermore, I hadn't uncovered a single trace regarding the god’s messenger rumored to be lurking here. Rather than roaming about like a headless chicken, it was wiser to seek out more concrete intel.

I already had a specific source in mind.

The mercenaries who first informed me of this location were the most capable veterans in the local town. They were, after all, the only ones who had successfully penetrated this deep into Death Valley.

They were bound to possess the specific information I required.

"Let’s go back then."

Visible waves of relief washed over Klein and the royal guards at my command, but I ignored their reactions and turned to lead the way out.

The guards and Klein fell into formation behind me, keeping me shielded as we moved.

The complication arose the moment we attempted to exit the area...

"Everything looks identical... I can't find the way out at all," Klein hissed under his breath.

Despite retracing the very tracks we had left upon entering, the exit remained nowhere to be found.

The further we marched, the more the path seemed to elongate.

It was certain that we had covered much more ground than we had on the way in, so the issue wasn't a lack of distance traveled.

The problem was that something was actively preventing us from reaching the exit.

Because the scenery was so repetitive, it felt as though we were being forced to walk through the same corridor over and over again. To achieve such an effect...

"It doesn’t seem like illusion magic, or else I would have noticed something," I told Klein as our group came to a halt.

Hearing this, Klein and the royal guards couldn't help but frown deeply. They had suspected as much, but they were holding out hope that my Cultivation or insight would reveal a solution.

Now that I had confirmed I could find no magical interference, it was as if their last shred of hope had been extinguished.

"We’ll start choosing who to send out to search the area," Klein finally decided.

Now, it was my turn to scowl.

Based on his grim tone and choice of words, his intentions were transparent.

However, I wasn't about to permit them to carry out such a plan.

It felt wrong to allow them to make such a sacrifice on the slim chance of finding an escape route.

But I never received the opportunity to intervene.

Just as I opened my mouth to speak, a sensation erupted from my hand.

It wasn't a common feeling, causing me to immediately look down at my palm.

A sigil had suddenly manifested on my skin, and it wasn't just any ordinary mark.

It was the Mark of God, and it had begun to pulse with light.

"Your majesty, this is?" Klein and the others spotted the glow emanating from my hand instantly.

Ignoring their questions, I whispered to myself, "Then this is related to the god’s messenger?"