Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 2080: Red gem

Just as I had anticipated, a magma-filled chamber awaited my arrival.

However, the design of this magma chamber differed greatly from my initial expectations.

This wasn't an ordinary magma chamber by any means; it appeared specially crafted to permit entry for individuals.

Transparent tunnels, formed from some crystalline material, shielded us from the surrounding magma. These passages evidently guided us toward the core, where yet another crystalline chamber lay in wait.

Upon stepping into this magma chamber, a surge of divine energy immediately emanated from ahead.

"Evidently, this chamber was built to contain the source... yet it's odd how it's structured to let others reach it. Did the gods foresee this event, or does another purpose lie behind it?" Such thoughts raced through my mind as I gazed upon the crystalline pathways encircling us.

Multiple access points dotted the volcano's perimeter, not merely a solitary entrance.

The deeper I examined this setup, the greater my bewilderment grew regarding the whole affair.

Yet, my curiosity waned the moment I arrived at the crystal corridor's terminus.

Something far more captivating drew my focus there.

This object resided squarely in the midst of the crystalline chamber.

What seized my attention about it was...

"As anticipated, this divine energy carries the attribute of creation."

A crimson gem occupied the heart of this crystalline enclosure.

By my estimation, it closely resembled the stone pillar at the rock elemental village's center. Clearly, this gem served as the origin of the domain inhabited by the flame elementals.

Thus, it was the very item destined for infusion with my divine energy.

Having grasped this, I scanned the crystalline chamber for any hints. My aim was to gauge the red gem's potential magnitude at its peak.

Still, no encircling ring like the one around the stone pillar was present.

The flame elemental elder initially appeared puzzled by my actions, yet soon comprehended my search and remarked, "It filled the entire chamber."

This revelation startled me, prompting a closer inspection of the crystal chamber's walls.

Upon nearer examination, a reddish hue became evident on them.

I'd assumed this tint stemmed from the encircling magma. Closer scrutiny, however, disproved that notion.

For this shade diverged from the magma's own red.

A meticulous look revealed it aligned perfectly with the gem's central crimson glow.

Evidently, the red gem's contact with the crystal walls had imparted this color, staining them rather than embedding fragments.

Though an peculiar spectacle, it scarcely troubled me as I refocused on the red gem.

With it positioned before me, a single course of action remained.

Nevertheless, steeling myself preceded any advance toward the red gem.

As the realm's core, this gem undoubtedly radiated the pervasive heat throughout. Approaching it would demand considerable endurance, without question.

Ultimately, my assumptions proved incorrect.

"What's the matter? Why do you stand frozen?" The flame elemental elder regarded me oddly, noting my fixation on the red gem.

Turning to it, I explained, "I'm merely bracing for the intense heat emanating from it."

The flame elemental elder then fixed me with yet another peculiar gaze before inquiring, "What heat?"

Returning its confused stare, I replied, "Well, being the origin of this domain, shouldn't it also generate the heat?"

Upon hearing this, a grin spread across the flame elemental elder's features.

Without a word, it positioned itself behind me and urged me onward.

I attempted to resist, yet the anticipated heat failed to materialize.

Quite the opposite, the warmth seemed to fade as I drew nearer to the red gem.

It was almost like the gem itself absorbed the ambient heat.

At a particular distance, the flame elemental elder halted abruptly and declared, "This is my limit. You'll need to proceed alone from here."

A curious smirk crossed my lips at these words, but I pressed on as instructed.

Reaching the red gem at last, I sensed the surrounding heat normalize. Apparently, the gem neutralized the domain's scorching aura, restoring a temperate climate.

As my hand touched the red gem, the thought inevitably arose: "Could this be a divine safeguard, implemented during its creation to enable access by others?"