Chapter 143 – Filvis Challia

Despite the darkness of the tunnel that even Iv.6 adventurers like Finn and his group couldn't see through, Aston, with his Sharingan, could see everything clearly. In the depths of this dark passage, a figure clad in a black robe and wearing a mask was silently standing there, watching them. Recognizing the figure, Aston immediately thought of a name.

Filvis Challia, one of the survivors from the 27th-floor nightmare incident years ago, who had fallen from an elf to a monster and now served under the god of wine, Dionysus, with a strength of an upper Iv.7. This appearance and strength could only belong to her, and she was the only one with the ability to appear here.

Aston hadn't expected to encounter her here. It seems that the outbreak of the new type of monster was her doing.

While observing Filvis, Aston chose not to immediately share this information with Finn. He didn't want to expose Dionysus's plans as fighting several fallen fairy avatars, all of Iv.7 level comparable or even stronger than Balor, would yield a lot of experience points. There might even be a chance to trigger a quest like with Balor and receive significant rewards.

Revealing Dionysus's actions directly would not benefit him. However, he realized he needed to prepare defensive magical tools for Tione and Tiona, as the Loki Familia would be the main force in any confrontation with Dionysus.

As for Riveria, there was no need to worry. With the Shilheim necklace and her ability to cast spells, even the fairy avatars would find it nearly impossible to break through double Shilheim protection.

"How about it, Aston? Did you see anything?" Finn asked, knowing somewhat about Aston's Sharingan's abilities throughout the expedition. He had come to greatly admire and envy Aston's exceptional insight, recognizing that no one present could match his observational skills.

Upon hearing the question, Aston shook his head slightly, indicating he hadn't seen anything significant.

Finn, accepting Aston's response without further inquiry, continued to guard the passage, ready to unleash an Unbreakable Magic Sword strike with the power of Fimbulvetr at the first sign of monster activity.

Soon after, Loki Familia's adventurers and Aston's group reported back, informing everyone that the camp had been packed up and all supplies were ready, allowing for an immediate return journey.

Without hesitation, the group departed from the site, showing no attachment or regret. Before leaving, Aston gave one last glance at the figure standing in the depths of the tunnel.

This time, Aston felt a stir in his heart. He observed the figure kneel and bow gently towards the entrance of the tunnel as they left. Aston was certain this gesture was directed at him, with no second guess about who else it could be for.

Even Riveria wouldn't elicit such a response from Filvis, now a monster, though still bearing an elf's appearance and obsessions. Her heart had been tainted, and while she might respect Riveria, she wouldn't bow to her, much less being a fallen elf.

The only logical recipient of such a gesture was Aston himself. He became even more curious about the aura he exuded, which not only commanded reverence and admiration from elves but now seemed to affect even the fallen ones.

Curious, Aston sought out Riveria during their return journey for her insights.

"In my eyes, you embody nature itself; no elf can compare to you," Riveria said solemnly in response to his questions, "Even those of the Elf Royal Family feel the same. By your side, I feel as if everything around me is purified, embraced by nature itself."

She had noticed this effect long ago.

Aston's aura of nature became increasingly intense, to the point where it could be likened to the embodiment of nature itself. If it weren't for her own reservations as a woman and her indispensable role as a magician in the Loki Familia, not to mention her established relationship with Aston, Riveria would have considered moving to the Hestia Familia to cohabit with Aston.

"Is that so?" Aston was quite surprised by Riveria's answer.

Despite possessing the aura of nature, Aston hadn't sensed anything special emanating from himself, apart from becoming more sensitive to natural auras, similar to what he had felt from Demeter in her estate.

Was Filvis's reaction due to sensing the same kind of aura as Riveria described, akin to the embodiment of nature?

Despite becoming a monster, Filvis had always longed for salvation. That longing made her an easy target for Dionysus, who took her under his wing with mere words of acceptance, causing Filvis to loyally serve him.

This suggested that Filvis might have hoped to find true salvation from Aston. For an elf, receiving affirmation from someone embodying nature itself might be enough, even if they had been turned into a monster.

However, Filvis's reaction indicated a desire for salvation but also a hesitation to approach, possibly fearing that greater expectations could lead to greater disappointments, leaving her in a conflicted state.

"If my assumptions are correct, I could consider welcoming her into the Hestia Familia when she decides to approach us," Aston thought. "But she has to come to me on her own initiative. Plus, Dionysus's plan must not be interrupted; otherwise, I'll lose a few strong experience opportunities."