Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 2049: Time for a trial

Previously on Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure...

Shota navigated a crowded street in the Holy Empire, pausing frequently to observe numerous children inexplicably stained with divine energy, a rare power typically confined to the gods' realm. He pondered whether recent events—or his own actions in bringing divine relics to the mortal world—were to blame, resolving to consult the popes and enlist Max to develop a means of detecting and aiding the affected children. At a modest yet revered temple, the Holy Council bowed deeply upon his arrival, but Shota focused on his statue before the Creation God's, now holding an orb relic of his making that formed a new faith-fueled connection, subtly enhancing both him and the artifact despite his mortal limitations.

Having verified everything I needed to verify, there really wasn't any reason for me to stay longer in this spot.

Because of that, I announced, "Let’s go back to the main church."

All the popes looked taken aback the moment they caught my words.

Their gazes toward me carried an expectation that I'd mention the statue somehow. Yet my total silence on the matter left them utterly unprepared.

In the end, they had nothing they could really say in response.

Though their expressions hinted at questions burning inside, their status kept them from voicing them outright.

However, right before our departure, one figure stepped up.

This individual stood apart from the other popes, yet the energy emanating from them marked them as part of that elite group.

Actually, the presence surrounding this figure felt even more potent than the popes' own. It carried a unique, elevated vibe all its own.

Externally, though, this person resembled just an ordinary elderly fellow from around the area.

As this person approached, their gaze pierced me in a way I couldn't fathom, before they uttered, "Please cherish the blessing that you’ve received. One day, you will do great things with it."

Then, as if a thought struck them suddenly, the elder added, "Please feel free to visit us whenever you can."

It was obvious this elder oversaw the temple housing my statue. That positioned him as a devoted follower of the Creation God.

His leadership role implied deep trust from the Creation God too.

Thus, I couldn't help pondering exactly what secrets this elder held.

Yet no matter how closely I studied him, his facial expression remained impenetrable.

A smile graced his features, but it rang hollow, devoid of any real feeling. This emptiness evoked memories of the Creation God's own detached demeanor.

Truly, something about this elder's unreadable nature felt eerily akin...

Evidently, this elder was no ordinary soul, harboring knowledge far beyond what he revealed.

Still, pressing him for answers wasn't an option.

Much like how the popes couldn't demand explanations from me, I couldn't compel this elder to spill. Crossing that boundary would shatter our fragile dynamic entirely.

Therefore, I ultimately let the issue slide.

Guided by the popes, we soon reached the main church without delay.

My visit today aimed to pose questions to the gods, just as in previous times.

Unexpectedly, though, the gods had another surprise in store for me.

Once more, the instant I stepped into the main chapel, a force yanked me into the divine realm.

Again, deities awaited my arrival there.

This occasion, however, featured far fewer gods in attendance.

Apparently, only Solista had come to receive me this time.

Moreover, her usual welcoming approach was absent.

Rather, she simply fixed her stare on me, as if lost in contemplation.

An unfamiliar gravity hung in the air here, one I'd never sensed before.

"Is something wrong?" I finally inquired, noticing her prolonged silence.

Solista paused briefly before replying, "It seems like you’ve made some progress."

A puzzled expression crossed my face right after hearing that, though I held my tongue since it tied into what I planned to bring up. Still, her wording struck me as off from how I'd put it.

Labeling it as 'progress' hardly matched my own take on the situation.

Nevertheless, I wondered what she'd reveal next.

Likewise, I itched to know her term for my recent changes.

"With your greater adaptation to the divine energy, you're now capable of bearing our advanced mark."

"Huh?" Her statement left me stunned beyond words.

Solista ignored my interruption and pressed on, "Your increased adaptation shows your form can handle more of our divine energy. Yet we can't simply bestow this superior mark without consequence. Doing so would violate the divine laws."

"Hold on, hold on, who said I even wanted this?" I interrupted her abruptly.

Solista fell quiet and turned her gaze toward me, her confusion plain to sense.

Though her face stayed hidden, I could sense her bewilderment at my refusal.

After a quiet beat, she responded, "Why wouldn’t you want it? This will surely aid you later against the forces of Destruction. You'll wield even greater portions of our power because of it."

"You haven't explained yet how my body has adapted. You must realize this isn't typical. Without a clear explanation, I see no point in keeping this bond. I might as well hand back the mark you've granted me."