NOVEL WEB Chapter 67: Chapter 67: I'll Eat You Sooner or Later
Buzz!
As Ace bit into the Sun Seed, an overwhelming surge of heat burst forth. Intense light and blistering temperature filled the entire cavern, making even the heat-loving Sunfolk elves recoil.
"Ace!"
"Ace-kun!"
Cacus and the others shouted in panic, but their vision was blinded by the radiant glow, and even they — beings adapted to high heat — found the temperature unbearable.
"Everyone, get out first! I'll go save Ace!" shouted Cacus, forcibly shielding himself with Armament Haki as he braved the scalding heat, forcing his way toward the heart of the eruption.
But the temperature of the Sun Seed far exceeded even Ace's maximum flame heat. Even with Armament Haki, Cacus could feel his body nearly melting as he drew closer.
"Don't worry about me, I'm fine — the nest is full of mold and junk anyway!" came Ace's muffled voice through the light, clearly joking even with a mouthful of radiant seed.
In truth, Ace wasn't just fine — he felt better than ever. As he devoured the core of the Sun Seed, a torrent of pure solar energy surged through his body. It wasn't ordinary sunlight, but a concentrated essence of the Sun itself — far more intense. Ace's Flame-Flame Fruit (Mera Mera no Mi) ability reacted instantly, his elemental fire evolving and heating up dramatically. Every second felt like he was basking in the sun at 10,000 meters altitude — multiplied many times over.
"Ace! Stop!" Cacus called out, flinching in the heat. "You can't absorb all that! The Sun Seed's energy isn't meant for mortals!"
"Don't worry, Cacus!" Ace called back cheerfully. "I ate the Mera Mera no Mi — I'm literally made of fire! This stuff is like dessert for me. Just get out of here and let me finish!"
Cacus paused, sensing Ace's body with Observation Haki. Confirming that he truly wasn't being harmed, he nodded, trusting Ace's instincts, and retreated from the cavern.
Outside, Carolus immediately flew to him in worry.
"Brother Cacus! Where's Ace?!"
"He's okay," Cacus assured her with a soft pat on the head. "He's absorbing the Sun Seed's energy. Since he's a Logia-type fire user, the energy might even enhance his Devil Fruit powers."
"That's right! He told me he's the Flame-Flame Fruit user!" Carolus chirped. "Flames shouldn't be harmed by sunlight, right? That means he'll be okay!"
"A Devil Fruit user?" Elder Marcus stroked his long golden beard thoughtfully. "Indeed, such powers are known to be miraculous. Perhaps this boy could help us stabilize the Sun Seed's eruptions."
Back in the cave, Ace continued absorbing the immense solar energy. With each passing second, his internal flame temperature soared.
— 20,000°C… then 25,000°C…
The temperature began to increase more slowly after each milestone.
— 30,000°C… then 40,000°C…
After nearly an hour, the Sun Seed's energy output finally dwindled. Its radiant glow dimmed, and its size had shrunk significantly.
Ace released it from his mouth and looked down with a satisfied grin.
"What, done already?" he chuckled, licking his lips. "Tch, I was hoping to break 100,000°C today..."
At first, Ace only wanted to test the Sun Seed's properties — but to his surprise, it became an unexpected opportunity. His elemental flames had now surpassed 40,000°C, nearing 50,000°C, something that would've taken a year of training under the normal sun.
"I wonder what would happen if I ate the whole thing?" Ace said, licking his lips again. "Maybe I'd hit a million degrees… Sooner or later, I will eat you whole."
Ssssshh!
The Sun Seed visibly trembled at his words, its glow flickering like a frightened child.
Just then, several tiny winged figures flew in.
"Ace! Are you alright?!" Carolus hovered right in front of him, face full of worry.
"Never better!" Ace flexed both arms confidently. "I feel amazing!"
"Look! The Sun Seed has changed!" cried Elder Pim in surprise. "It's smaller — and the light has dimmed!"
"Indeed," Elder Marcus added. "Its energy has been greatly depleted…"
"Human boy, what exactly did you do?" Elder Victor asked, voice tinged with awe.
"Uh… I kinda ate its energy," Ace admitted, scratching his cheek. "Sorry if that causes problems or anything."
"Far from it!" said Elder Kaz with a laugh. "You've done us a huge favor. We old ones no longer need to sit by the tree absorbing solar energy every day."
The five elders exchanged knowing glances, then bowed deeply toward Ace.
"Human boy, you are now a great benefactor of the Sunfolk Elves!"
End of Chapter 67
To be continued...
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