Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 2090: It’s a seal (1)

~3 minute read · 649 words
Previously on Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure...
After concluding the divine energy injections into the red gem and leaving the underground realm following a tense discussion with the flame elemental ancestors, Shota surfaces to an intensified chill in the taboo zone. The guards, bundled against the sudden temperature drop from about an hour ago, confirm the change, which coincides with a recent flame elemental ceremony. Realizing the ceremonies may be siphoning warmth from above to fuel the underground vitality, Shota questions the true nature of the gods' bestowed divine energy, suspecting an underlying imbalance or trap. He consults Klein on their ability to endure, learning supplies suffice for now but extreme cold poses limits, prompting plans to urge the elementals to cease further rituals despite the challenge.

I rushed down to meet the flame elementals without delaying until dawn.

Upon spotting me descending once more, they couldn't hide their astonishment.

They had witnessed how I departed earlier.

In their minds, processing the revelation would require time before returning.

Still, their reception wasn't unwelcoming.

Essentially, I represented their chance to revive their habitat.

The gazes they fixed on me suggested eager anticipation for me to channel additional divine energy into the crimson jewel.

Yet, that wasn't my purpose this time.

My visit aimed to quench the optimism radiating from them, rendering it increasingly uncomfortable to voice my thoughts, particularly under their expectant stares.

Deep down, I realized that postponing this revelation would only escalate the difficulty.

It needed to be addressed swiftly, like tearing off a plaster, to avoid greater complications ahead.

Thus, I abruptly inquired, "The ceremony you've been conducting, when is the next one scheduled?"

My question caught the flame elementals unprepared, leading them to regard me with puzzled faces, seemingly baffled by the sudden shift.

Despite their stares, I held my tongue.

The elder among the flame elementals replied, "We intended to perform another shortly. Though our domain is gradually mending, replenishing the elemental energy here would prove beneficial."

His manner of speaking complicated my follow-up words, yet proceeding was necessary.

"Hold off on further ceremonies for the moment."

As these words left my mouth, a wave of bewilderment washed over me.

This stemmed from the absence of shock or bewilderment on the elder's features.

Indeed, not a single flame elemental displayed surprise at my declaration.

Nevertheless, a hint of letdown flickered in their eyes upon hearing it.

"Of course, I overlooked that detail. It appears we've acted too hastily in this affair." The elder remarked with a heavy sigh, deepening my perplexity.

This conclusion felt off somehow.

It hardly matched the expected reaction to my statement.

Yet, the flame elementals showed no inclination to clarify their swift agreement; instead, they appeared preoccupied with other concerns.

All the same, their ready acceptance gnawed at me...

"How come you agreed without hesitation?"

The elder seemed taken aback by my query before explaining, "The blunder is ours from the start, driven by impatience. Originally, the ceremony shouldn't occur until stability returns. The prophecy handed down to us foretold all of this."

A peculiar expression crossed my features upon absorbing these words.

This information was entirely unfamiliar to me.

I'd never encountered anything like it previously...

Before further questions could form, flames began assembling abruptly.

I remained composed at the sight, having witnessed it prior.

The convergence indicated the ancestors manifesting; their essences dispersed throughout the area made their sudden emergence unremarkable.

Their constant eavesdropping on our conversation wasn't unexpected either.

Even so, the sensation of constant surveillance felt odd.

As the flames fully coalesced, the ancestral flame elementals materialized.

While the others paid homage, the ancestors directed their attention squarely at me.

"We'll clarify this circumstance for you."

Their declaration heightened my confusion, though their intent to elaborate was clear, leaving little reason to complicate matters.

The pair of ancestors separated from the group.

Their behavior implied a reluctance to disclose this to the others.

Once distanced from the flame elementals, the ancestors pivoted toward me. Despite their gaze, words didn't immediately follow.

Their stare conveyed deep contemplation.

I stayed quiet initially, but their prolonged silence proved too much.

"It's a seal." One ancestor finally uttered.

This didn't startle me, as I was already aware, yet nuances seemed present. The ancestor's expression hinted at additional insights.

"I understand the array seals elementals inside, but how does it connect to the chill?"

"It's designed to repel humans, preventing interference with the seal. The area becomes utterly inhospitable to them, safeguarding what must remain untouched." The ancestor concluded with a sigh.

Surprise registered on my face at first, but reflection convinced me this was the most sensible rationale.