145 145 "Hidden Ruins" (2/2)

Rock puts his hand in the sand at his feet as he asks. And then--

”Whoa!

The ground where Locke had stuck his hand in swallowed his hand with a zubzudoku, and just like that, Locke disappeared into the sand.

Heh?

Wait, is that ......?

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of it.

I'm not sure if it's a hidden path ...... or more of a camouflage with sandy-land prison applied.

Sand Prison. The so-called ”ant hell” thing?

So that means there's something under here?

No, we can't leave Rock alone either way. Let's go get him right away.

Yes.

Everyone seemed to agree with me, and we jumped into the spot where the rock had been swallowed.

Then the ground, which was flat just a moment ago, is swallowing us up like a bottomless swamp, and the next thing you know, you feel like you're walking into the sand.

The next thing that came next was the sensation of being thrown into the air. Then we fell to the ground just below.

Wow, that was close.

It wasn't that high, so there was little damage to the leg.

But what was more surprising was the scene in front of me.

”This thing--

There were countless ruins hidden beneath the ground.

It was a literal sight of an underground empire.

Many of the ruins were half destroyed or collapsed just like the ones on the ground, but there were some that were hiding underneath the ground almost intact.

This is ...... amazing. The ruins above are a literal sham. Most of them were hidden underground here: ......

Either it was hidden underground by the sandstorms of the long years, or it escaped underground just before this civilization itself was destroyed.

”Dad, that one!

As I was thinking about this, I pointed to one of the ruins that Locke had already entered this underground.

Compared to other ruins, most of the exterior is intact, and there is a much bigger and more massive structure than other ruins and buildings.

There was a building that resembled a castle, to say the least.

...... there, huh?

I asked him about it, and he nodded his head, holding back his trembling shoulders quietly.

I don't need to check with Locke, but the moment I saw that building, I felt my body tremble for some reason.

It was because my instincts told me that there was something there.

And that's exactly why I was led to this place.

Feeling this, I lightly slapped my cheek as if to firmly support my trembling body, and looked around once more at the faces of the companions around me.

They all have the expression of determination to follow me.

Okay, then, everyone. Let's explore the inside of that central building.

I get it!

”You can count on me, Kyou-sama.

”I'm on it, brother.

”Yes!

Hearing each response, my friends and I set out for the ruins.