Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 2117: First gift

Over the next few days, the routine remained unchanged—I injected divine energy into the whirlpool and then worked to incorporate those insights into my training sessions.

My instincts had proven correct, with steady progress each passing day.

A colossal swirl of currents, the whirlpool vividly illustrated the movement of divine energy.

Even endless observation wouldn't unravel all its secrets.

Yet from grasping the essentials, my mastery over personal divine energy surged far beyond previous levels, enabling me to craft solid objects from it.

This leap was enormous compared to my prior struggles just to outline basic forms.

However, even the finest moments must conclude.

We couldn't linger indefinitely, nor could I watch the whirlpool endlessly—pressing matters demanded attention elsewhere.

Paramount among them: barricading this domain to protect the water elementals from the forces of Destruction.

Opposing feelings gripped the two parties involved.

Clearly, the water elementals felt dismay over the departure.

They had no desire to abandon their home; their sorrow stemmed from losing someone they desperately wished to retain.

In stark contrast, the spirit herself brimmed with delight at our exit.

A beaming smile stretched across Undine’s face amid our preparations to depart.

Undine had no wish to stay surrounded by those who trailed it endlessly, hailing it as princess.

Yet prior to our exit, the water elementals presented something special for Undine.

To clarify, this offering was intended for me.

"This is a gift. I hope that you will take care of our princess."

The present astonished me, as no prior elementals had bestowed anything similar. Primarily, I never imagined elementals possessed items worth giving.

They proved me wrong, revealing possessions—and this one was exceptionally captivating.

"This sapphire, the amount of mana that’s stored in it..."

A youthful magician from the Sorcery Empire blurted out upon beholding the gift.

Indeed, the water elemental ancestors extended a sapphire overflowing with vast mana, just as the young one observed—though that barely scratched the surface.

Mana represented only the beginning.

Experienced magicians quickly perceived the sapphire's wealth of water elemental energy, a rare essence difficult to gather yet brimming with applications.

Hence, such an item qualified as a genuine treasure.

Still, to me, its practical value seemed limited, ineffective against the forces of Destruction.

Pure elemental energy shone brightest versus this world's races, potentially igniting strife more than providing help.

Rejecting the water elementals' gesture outright would offend deeply.

After all, it embodied their profound affection for Undine.

"Thank you for this gift. As my partner, I will never do anything to harm Undine."

The water elemental ancestors nodded curtly before dismissing me entirely, their sole concern fixed on Undine.

Undine feigned ignorance of their snub, yet ignoring such displays proved challenging. Nonetheless, Undine harbored emotions toward their fawning.

Undine's bond with the water elementals ran deep and mutual, a natural tie impossible to overlook.

Such a link endured unbroken, despite the water elementals' occasional excess.

After prolonged quiet, Undine uttered, "Take care of yourselves."

Lacking eyes to sparkle, turbulent waves erupted in the water, betraying their thrill—untouched by our protective bubble, though it alarmed the onlookers.

To the uninformed, the spectacle terrified, given the bubble's formidable strength; their unease made perfect sense.

"Princess, please come and visit us any time."

Undine offered no reply to the fervent plea from the water elementals.

Rather, it pivoted toward me, silently urging departure.

I nodded back, lacking control over the water bubble myself.

Thus, with Undine’s hand wave, the bubble surged upward toward the surface.

The water elementals trailed us relentlessly until we broke the surface, then halted.

This farewell stood uniquely heartfelt, far warmer than send-offs from other elementals.

For once, it transcended their usual motive of detaining me to harvest divine energy for their realm's core.

At last, they parted from one whose absence would sting deeply.