Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 1970: Special relic

"This entire region, which I believe you mortals refer to as Death Valley, is actually a unique habitat constructed specifically for me by my lord." The god’s messenger provided this explanation after noticing the expression on my face.

However, despite their attempt to clarify things, it didn't feel like much of an explanation at all.

To be honest, the words they spoke didn't seem to make any sense.

Following a brief silence, the god’s messenger added, "I presume you are familiar with relics. This entire area is nothing more than a relic itself."

My expression shifted gradually upon hearing this, yet a sense of confusion still lingered within me.

Ultimately, the god’s messenger took the time to detail everything.

As it turned out, the entirety of Death Valley and its various biomes were intentionally constructed. This whole place was designed as a sanctuary for the god’s messenger, with the different environments serving as incubation chambers for various insects.

"Does that mean you've known we were here from the very moment we entered this place?" I couldn't resist asking once the explanation concluded.

The god’s messenger remained silent. Even though their face was obscured, it wasn't difficult to interpret their meaning based on the way they stared at me.

Given that explanation, it was easy to imagine just how many insects were lurking throughout Death Valley...

But I didn't exactly want to dwell on the number of bugs currently surrounding me.

Redirecting the conversation, I asked, "Then where must I go to claim ownership of this relic?"

"It is quite straightforward; simply descend to the core of this place and the relic will be there. As the Holy Son, claiming the relic should be an easy task for you," the god’s messenger stated with absolute certainty.

I, however, did not share the messenger's level of confidence.

"Will you be escorting us?"

"Regrettably, I am unable to move at this time as I am still in my incubation phase. However, I shall dispatch some of my elite guards to lead you down there." Immediately after the god’s messenger spoke, several guards standing to the side stepped forward.

These insects were significantly larger than the ones we had previously encountered, standing tall enough to reach my knees.

Upon approaching, they promptly leaned forward as if performing a bow of respect toward me.

A strange sensation washed over me at the sight of insects bowing, but I suppressed it and turned my attention back to the god’s messenger.

A part of me remained deeply suspicious.

Although the god’s messenger was radiating divine energy—which served as proof of their status—I couldn't help but feel skeptical. I had been under the impression that this entire place was a trap designed for me.

It felt as though the true messenger might have been eliminated by these insects and replaced by this queen bug.

Their refusal to accompany us made it feel like they were merely steering us into an ambush.

Nevertheless, there was no concrete evidence of a trap, and they weren't being openly aggressive. In fact, they seemed to treat us—or at least me—with a great deal of respect.

Therefore, until they displayed actual hostility, it seemed unwise to provoke them.

"Fine, I'll go and retrieve it," I conceded.

The god’s messenger nodded before reclining once more on the bed where they had been resting.

As the queen of this insect colony, she was pampered by her subordinates. The area was meticulously arranged to provide her with maximum comfort.

I also noticed stores of food and water gathered nearby. It was clear that this god’s messenger prioritized her own luxury.

After I spoke, the elite guards kneeling before me rose in silence. It appeared they had received a mental command, as they immediately moved to carry out their duty.

The messenger had mentioned possessing strange powers, and I suspected they were linked to the insects. There seemed to be a hive-mind connection between her and every bug in the colony.

Just as I prepared to follow the guards, they abruptly halted as if receiving a new set of instructions.

I turned back toward the god’s messenger, looking both curious and bewildered.

"I neglected to mention something," she said suddenly when she saw me turn around.

I was bracing myself for some profound revelation, but it never arrived. Instead, she shared something that could have easily been said later.

The messenger really went through all that drama just to say this...

"I forgot to tell you that my name is Queenie."

Immediately after the messenger—Queenie—said this, she seemed to lose all interest in the conversation and laid back down to be fed by her guards.

The elite guards in front of me resumed their march.

A wry smile touched my lips at the sight, but I kept my thoughts to myself and followed them.

This Queenie... I had suspected it before, but this confirmed it.

She clearly only cared about herself, which was perhaps expected of the sole queen of an entire insect race.