Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 2050: A little at a time

Previously on Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure...

After confirming his suspicions regarding the statue in the temple, the protagonist departed without comment, surprising the popes, though an enigmatic old man—likely a trusted follower of the Creation God—approached to urge him to cherish his blessing and extended an invitation to return. Sensing the old man's hidden depths and inscrutable demeanor, reminiscent of the Creation God himself, the protagonist chose not to press further. Upon arriving at the main church, he was drawn into the divine realm to meet Solista, who noted his adaptation to divine energy and offered a higher-level mark to bolster him against the forces of Destruction. Unwilling to accept without answers, the protagonist demanded explanations for his abnormal experiences and threatened to return the existing mark.

An uncomfortable hush settled in after my sudden outburst.

Undoubtedly, venting everything felt relieving in that moment, yet I realized this wasn't the ideal approach to express it.

The manner in which I'd blurted it out made me come across like a kid in the midst of a childish fit.

Once the words escaped, there was no way to retract them...

Thus, all I could manage was to await Solista's reply.

It took some time, yet Solista finally spoke up.

Her initial reaction came as a deep sigh, followed by her words, "I know it’s been tough on you, but this is part of the process. I can’t reveal it to you because it’s forbidden."

I found myself squinting at Solista upon hearing this, though she showed no signs of budging.

Actually, this appeared to be one of those rare matters where she'd stand firm regardless.

I'd encountered this before and understood it stemmed from some binding force on her, causing this behavior. Despite being a god, constraints held her back...

Evidently, this force was immensely potent.

Still, something in Solista's delivery struck me as peculiar.

Ultimately, I gazed at her with a conflicted expression before sighing and asking, "Then what can you tell me?"

Solista nodded, acknowledging my frustration, before responding, "We can’t disclose everything, but gradually, as time goes on, we’ll share bits with you. That hinges on your performance in the trials, though. Passing them proves you’re worthy of this knowledge."

My eyes narrowed again as I regarded her, but Solista offered no further details on the subject.

Right up to the conclusion, she refused to divulge even a hint.

In the end, I had no choice but to go along with her words.

"What exactly is this trial?" I inquired with a heavy sigh.

I wasn't fully pledging to undertake it, but I left the door open for the chance.

"You’ll get an oracle directing you to a specific location. Once there, aid those you find."

A puzzled expression crossed my features at this revelation.

I glanced at Solista to confirm, yet she added nothing more.

This confirmed it was truly the trial assigned to me.

Nevertheless, it made zero sense whatsoever.

How could a trial meant to upgrade the Mark of God to a stronger form involve assisting strangers?

Helping others wasn't inherently bad, but the directive felt utterly bizarre. What connection did aiding folks have to enhancing the Mark of God's power?

If the goal was merely to assess my moral character, it seemed far too belated.

After all, granting the Mark of God to an unworthy individual shouldn't happen initially. Such evaluations ought to precede bestowing something like the Mark of God.

Yet Solista showed no intention of altering her statement.

This was unmistakably the trial laid before me.

Its nature only heightened the suspicion that deeper elements lurked beneath.

"Who exactly are these people I need to help?" I finally pressed, as it felt crucial.

Surprisingly, Solista withheld an answer, despite it relating to my trial.

It appeared this detail was meant to stay concealed. Or judging by her demeanor, I was expected to uncover it myself.

Her evasiveness only amplified my growing unease.

Indeed, if even this was hidden, who knew what other mysteries tied into this affair.

Ultimately, she seemed done speaking.

With that, I posed one final question, "Where are the other gods?"

Her response this time caught me off guard and left me baffled.

"It’s better if you don’t encounter them, so I’ve dismissed them." Her tone carried no feeling as she stated it.

I stared at her, searching for hidden meanings in her words, but nothing surfaced.

Clearly, the gods were resolute in keeping certain truths from me.

I barely had time to respond before Solista returned me to the mortal realm, my mind still swirling with these thoughts.

Upon arrival, the popes stood ready, awaiting my return.

Moreover, they bore something intended for me.

The oracle from Solista arrived far quicker than anticipated.

It had been dispatched even while I lingered in the god realm.

However, the destination outlined in this oracle...