Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 2053: Being watched

Upon emerging from the stairs, we discovered a completely new realm awaiting us below.

This wasn't merely an artificial area designed to mimic a world; rather, it formed a complete world all its own.

Surrounding us were various plants and creatures that revealed a thriving ecosystem hidden down here.

Gazing upward, one could even spot what appeared to be a genuine sky overhead.

This wasn't some illusory sky crafted with magical tricks to fake a sun. Instead, it looked like an authentic sky featuring a real sun shining distantly above.

Of course, if we decided to send our wyverns up to verify...

Yet right now, more pressing matters demanded our focus first.

Undoubtedly, this had to be the location Solista mentioned regarding the trial. That implied the individuals I needed to assist were hidden somewhere within this expanse.

As for their potential hostility...

This very concern troubled Klein and the royal guards too, prompting them to fan out swiftly once they recovered their composure. They formed a protective circle around me, ready to shield me from any lurking threats.

However, nothing dangerous presented itself.

It wasn't as if no life existed nearby; simply, no hazardous beings seemed to lurk close to us.

The spot where we'd exited the staircase opened into a clearing just before a dense forest. From our vantage, we spotted wildlife darting through the treetops.

These creatures showed nothing unusual—they were the typical forest dwellers one might encounter anywhere. Based on the sights, this forest came across as serene and calm.

"So where are the ones that I’m supposed to help?" I muttered aloud while scanning the surroundings.

Klein and the royal guards refused to lower their vigilance despite the scene, which only heightened their caution. Still, from our position, we had few options to act on immediately.

Ultimately, we required additional details to proceed.

Klein's initial proposal after briefly surveying the terrain was, "We should bring the wyverns down."

The staircase had sufficient width to allow our wyverns to descend if desired, yet I'd opposed the idea. My entire purpose for being here revolved around aiding certain people.

Arriving with wyverns in tow would surely convey the wrong impression.

Although I understood the wyverns posed no threat under our command, that assurance wouldn't extend to anyone else present. Wyverns carried an inherently fearsome look regardless.

For those unfamiliar with wyverns, viewing them as perilous wouldn't surprise anyone. This held especially true if such beasts suddenly appeared in a tranquil setting like this.

"No, there's no telling what lies above us. If we fly up and get ambushed, what could we possibly do?"

I realized this argument alone wouldn't sway Klein, so I shifted to another point.

"We can take that risk." He pressed firmly.

I appreciated his dedication to my safety, but I shook my head and replied, "No, I won’t allow that."

With a resolute expression, I met his gaze directly as he pushed for deploying the wyverns to scout aerially.

Thus, we reached a stalemate, with neither of us yielding ground.

Eventually, though, Klein relented, recognizing my words stemmed from worry for their well-being.

"We’ll go slow and scout from this place." This became my final compromise.

In truth, I yearned to plunge straight into the forest and hunt for clues, but I knew he'd never permit such recklessness due to the perils involved. Therefore, I opted for a systematic sweep, forming a wide search net to uncover whatever might be here.

This approach offered the utmost safety we could muster, though it would inevitably falter given our limited numbers.

For the moment, at least, Klein consented to this plan.

I joined the search line myself, refusing to idle in place.

As a result, the formation ended up lopsided, with extra personnel assigned to ensure my protection.

I didn't need to participate, yet my curiosity about the forest's secrets drove me to demand at least a short venture forward.

The instant I stepped into the woods, a subtle discomfort washed over me.

Glancing at Klein, I questioned, "Do you feel something watching us?"

Not just Klein wore a puzzled expression; the other royal guards mirrored it, indicating they detected nothing like what I sensed. Nevertheless, they gripped their weapons tightly, bracing for combat without relaxing.

Despite a thorough inspection of the surroundings, they uncovered no signs of anything unusual.

Yet I remained convinced that eyes followed our every move.

For me alone to perceive this while they couldn't...

"Is it related to divine energy?"

This seemed logical, given the trial's ties to the gods.

Moreover, they'd employed divine energy in that array to seal the entrance here.

Clearly, this situation proved far from straightforward...