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

~3 minute read · 757 words
Previously on Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure...
On the first day, Shota encountered a peculiar koi fish swimming unharmed through lava, adapted with a fire elemental affinity that allowed it to control flames as a defense, spitting fire when approached. The flame elementals eagerly fished these creatures from the rivers, crediting a recent ceremony for revitalizing their numbers and sustaining their fiery habitat. The next day brought land animals equally adapted to the environment, capable of manipulating fire, which the elementals hunted by burning them to absorb their elemental energy, highlighting the unique nutritional needs of these flame beings.

"The ancestors wish to see you." The flame elemental elder declared to me without warning.

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

Naturally, I felt surprised at first, yet I composed myself swiftly because I had anticipated something like this.

Previously, the rock elementals' ancestor had agreed to meet me only after I insisted strongly. Without that push and my demand for clarity, encountering that ancestor would have proven difficult.

I figured the flame elementals' ancestor would require the same effort, yet surprisingly, that proved untrue.

Still, the ease of arranging this meeting without any action on my part left me startled.

It seemed as if I ought to have repeated the process used with the rock elementals here among the flame elementals.

Nevertheless, with their eagerness to see me, refusing was out of the question.

"Where must we head to encounter the ancestor?"

While speaking those words, a sense of unease crept over me regarding my phrasing. Upon reflection, I confirmed there was indeed an issue with it.

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

The flame elementals appeared startled by my question, but the elder responded, "It means just what it says—there are multiple ancestors."

The elder delivered this explanation casually, as if it were ordinary, yet for me, it carried deeper implications.

My brows furrowed instantly upon hearing this revelation.

Unlike the rock elementals, who possessed only one surviving ancestor, the flame elementals boasted several.

Could this indicate that the flame elementals surpassed the rock elementals in power?

Or perhaps it suggested a lack of the same determination found among the rock elementals?

In truth, I doubted the flame elementals' past diverged greatly from that of the rock elementals. Thus, having multiple ancestors likely meant they adhered less strictly to the original scheme than the rock elementals did.

Alternatively, their superior strength might have allowed them to sustain a bigger population without sacrificing as many from their kind.

The more I pondered it, the deeper I sank into these thoughts, though I eventually halted myself.

Overanalyzing offered no benefit; confronting the ancestors directly would reveal the truth.

Therefore, I repeated my query: "Where should we go to meet these ancestors?"

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

Their expressions revealed concern for my well-being, but they relaxed upon noticing my patient wait for their reply.

Clearing his throat to steady himself, the flame elemental elder announced, "No travel is necessary; the ancestors will arrive here to meet us."

I shot the elder a puzzled glance before gazing skyward, scanning for any incoming presence.

During my prior encounter, a massive rock formation had journeyed far to greet me.

For a flame elemental ancestor, one might expect a colossal blaze.

Yet, nothing caught my eye or sense.

Despite the elder's assurance that the ancestors would come, no sign of their arrival appeared.

"What do you see up there?" The flame elemental elder questioned abruptly, noticing my upward stare.

I lowered my gaze gradually and replied, "Where is your ancestor?"

A bewildered expression crossed the flame elemental's features as it replied, "The ancestor has always been present here. What exactly are you searching for?"

Confusion now marked my own face while I scanned the surroundings, but nothing resembling an ancestor stood out in the vicinity.

"We've remained here throughout."

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

With that voice's emergence, the ambient flames began to stir. They gathered swiftly, coalescing into a humanoid shape.

It became clear that the flame elementals' ancestors had lingered in this spot from the start.

They had simply dispersed into flames, blending throughout the area.

"Why conceal yourselves in that manner?" I finally asked.

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

Perplexity lingered on my features, but the voice clarified, "We did whatever was needed to preserve this domain, even at the cost of our forms."

My puzzled expression persisted a moment longer before gradually shifting.

Their essences had been dispersed to sustain and vitalize this world as its core energy gradually faded.

Admiration welled up in me for these ancestors' sacrifices.

Indeed, such an feat demanded immense effort.

Moreover, without my timely arrival, they might have perished by overextending their vital forces.

Clearly, their devotion to their offspring ran deep...

"Approach, for there is much we must discuss." The voice invited with a hint of amusement.