Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 2086: Flames all over the place

~3 minute read · 700 words
Previously on Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure...
On the first day, the protagonist discovers a koi fish swimming unharmed through lava, adapted with a fire elemental affinity that enables it to absorb heat and spit flames in defense. Flame elementals net these fish voraciously, attributing their sudden abundance to a recent ceremony that restored vitality to the rivers. By the second day, fire-adapted land creatures appear, capable of controlling flames, which the elementals hunt by burning to extract elemental energy, revealing their sustenance relies on such absorption while divine energy remains beyond their grasp.

"The ancestors desire to see you." The flame elemental elder declared abruptly to me.

Dawn had barely broken, and I had only just entered the territory of the flame elementals when the elder uttered those words.

Surprise hit me at first, yet I composed myself swiftly, as I anticipated such an encounter.

Previously, the rock elementals' ancestor only appeared after I insisted strongly. Without that push and my demand for clarity, meeting that ancestor would have proven difficult.

I figured the flame elemental ancestor would require similar effort, but surprisingly, it wasn't so.

What threw me off was needing to do nothing to summon the ancestor.

It seemed logical that I'd repeat the same process as with the rock elementals here.

Nevertheless, with their willingness to meet, refusing wasn't an option for me.

"To what location must we head to encounter the ancestor?"

While speaking those words, a sense of unease crept over me about my phrasing. Upon reflection, I spotted the issue indeed.

"What exactly do you mean by ancestors?" I inquired suddenly.

The flame elementals appeared startled by my question, but the elder replied, "Just as it sounds—there are multiple ancestors."

The elder stated this casually, yet for me, it carried deeper implications.

My brows furrowed instantly upon hearing that.

Unlike the rock elementals with their sole surviving ancestor, the flame elementals possessed several.

Could this indicate superior strength among the flame elementals over the rock ones?

Or perhaps it showed a lack of the same determination seen in the rock elementals?

After all, I doubted the flame elementals' history diverged greatly from the rock elementals'. Thus, multiple ancestors suggested less commitment to their original scheme compared to the rock group.

Alternatively, their power might allow sustaining a bigger population without sacrificing as many kin.

The more I pondered, the deeper I sank into these thoughts, but ultimately, I halted myself.

Overanalyzing this wouldn't aid me; direct confrontation with the ancestors would reveal the truth.

So, I repeated, "Where should we go to meet these ancestors?"

The flame elementals stayed silent as I lost myself in contemplation.

Their expressions showed concern for my well-being, but they relaxed upon seeing me await their response.

Clearing his throat, the flame elemental elder announced, "No travel is required; the ancestors will arrive here to greet us."

I shot the elder a puzzled glance before scanning the sky for any incoming presence.

During my prior meeting with an ancestor, a massive rock formation had journeyed far to reach me.

For a flame elemental ancestor, I expected a huge blaze approaching.

Yet, nothing appeared or registered in my senses.

Despite the elder's assurance of the ancestors' arrival, no sign of them emerged.

"What are you staring at?" The flame elemental elder questioned abruptly, noticing my upward gaze.

Lowering my eyes gradually, I responded, "Where is your ancestor?"

A bewildered expression crossed the flame elemental's face as it replied, "The ancestor has remained here throughout. What exactly are you searching for?"

Confusion now marked my features as I surveyed the surroundings. Still, no ancestral figure stood out in the area.

"We have lingered here from the start."

An unfamiliar voice echoed, distinct from the flame elementals I recognized.

With that sound, the ambient flames in the vicinity began to stir. They gathered and coalesced into a distinct shape.

Evidently, the flame elementals' ancestors had been present all this time.

They merely blended into the flames, dispersing across the landscape.

"Why conceal yourselves in such a manner?" I finally asked.

The voice chuckled before retorting, "Who claimed we were concealing anything?"

My puzzled expression lingered until the voice clarified, "We did whatever necessary to sustain this domain, even if it required such a sacrifice."

The bewilderment on my face persisted briefly before gradual understanding dawned.

Their essences had scattered to vitalize this realm and preserve it as the core energy waned.

Admiration swelled within me for these ancestors' deeds.

Such an act demanded immense effort, as I well knew.

Moreover, without my timely arrival, exhaustion from essence depletion would have claimed them.

Clearly, their descendants meant everything to them...

"Approach, for we have plenty to discuss." The voice invited with a hint of amusement.