Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 1971: She’s just lazy (1)

Guided by the elite guards, our group soon began venturing into the deeper reaches of this facility.

The descent was obvious; the tunnel slanted sharply downward, indicating that we were plunging further into the depths of the earth.

It was clear that whatever chamber held the relic was situated at the very heart of this subterranean complex.

However, the thick silence that hung over us as we moved was undeniably uncomfortable.

Ever since their encounter with the god’s messenger, Klein and the royal guards had remained tight-lipped.

They seemed to harbor the same suspicions I did and were preparing for the worst-case scenario. Their hands never strayed far from their weapons, ready to draw steel the moment a conflict erupted.

Despite the tension, the elite guards did nothing but lead the way forward.

I could empathize with the guards' wariness, as there were simply too many anomalies in this place to ignore.

Yet, I still hadn't pinpointed the most crucial piece of the puzzle.

At the very least, I couldn't detect even a faint trace of the corruption energy that usually plagued such sites.

It took a considerable amount of time before we finally reached the destination Queenie had described.

I recognized the location immediately by the surge of divine energy radiating from ahead. Only a true relic could emit such a potent and steady aura of divinity.

I was actually quite startled by the sheer magnitude of the divine energy flooding the area.

This level of power was far beyond what one would consider normal.

It was a testament to just how extraordinary this particular relic truly was.

Still, a sense of unease filled me as I considered the nature of the object. For a deity to pour this much divine energy into a relic specifically for one messenger...

It demonstrated the incredible value that Insectum, the God of Insects, placed upon Queenie.

I simply couldn't fathom the reason why.

Upon arriving at the chamber housing the relic, the elite guards abruptly halted. They turned to face Klein and the royal guards, their silent stares making it clear that the others were forbidden from going any further.

Naturally, Klein and the royal guards were unwilling to comply, as their primary duty was to ensure my safety.

Protecting me would be nearly impossible if we were forcibly separated.

It looked as though they were prepared to force their way inside, even if it meant engaging the elite guards in combat.

I stepped in to stop them, however, wanting to avoid an unnecessary confrontation.

Klein gave me a look that pleaded with me to reconsider, but I met his gaze with a firm expression that silently said, "Trust me."

Reluctantly, they agreed to stay behind and wait for my return.

The elite guards also remained outside, apparently intending to keep a close watch on Klein and the royal guards.

This arrangement was suspicious and only served to heighten the party's vigilance, but I offered them one last look to keep them calm.

While the reason for this private entry was unknown, I was fully prepared to defend myself if this turned out to be a trap.

Fortunately, things did not escalate.

"I wished to speak with you in private. Please forgive me if this caused any alarm, but that messenger of mine isn't exactly the most dependable individual."

I was taken aback to find that the voice originated from a tiny spider perched upon a pedestal. Beside it lay what appeared to be a simple bracelet, though the divine energy pulsing from it told me it was anything but ordinary.

Before I could examine the bracelet, my curiosity was drawn to the spider.

It wasn't a typical arachnid since it possessed the power of speech, yet I realized the voice wasn't its own. This creature was merely a common insect, devoid of any inherent magical power or high intelligence.

Sensing the divine energy swirling around the tiny creature, I realized it was being possessed by another entity.

"Is this spider the actual messenger, while the one I met earlier was a fraud?" I asked, my brow furrowing deeply.

"No, no, Queenie is indeed my messenger..." The voice carried a strange inflection, and after a brief, weary pause, it sighed. "It is simply that she is... unique. To put it bluntly, she is quite lazy."

I couldn't help but give the spider a skeptical look after hearing that, but there was a more pressing question on my mind. "How are you able to possess this spider? If you can communicate directly through insects, why do you even require a messenger like her?"

"My situation is unique because I am the God of Insects. I assume you have encountered the God of Tides and witnessed their specific circumstances. My situation is similar, though the conditions differ slightly."

I continued to stare at the spider with an expression of disbelief.

Noting my confusion, the spider elaborated, "Because Queenie is my messenger, I have bestowed her with a portion of my power. This allows her to manifest and command countless insects. However, since those bugs are created from the power I gave her, they remain a part of that essence. Because they belong to my power, I can seize control of any insect she brings into existence. The drawback is that I cannot sustain this for long, as these insects are not suitable vessels. If I wish to manifest for an extended period, I must descend into her body, as she is the only perfect vessel for me."