Chapter 42 – Loki’s regret

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What Aston is unaware of is that his association with Ais and others has been observed by Freya, who is high above the Babel Tower, using her Divine Mirror.

"Why is this child getting along with the Swordmaidens of the Loki Familia?" The extraordinarily beautiful goddess frowned slightly, displaying a hint of displeasure on her face.

The child she had just taken an interest in hadn't even had a proper encounter with her and was already getting involved with those children from the Loki Familia. This was not what she desired.

"Lady Freya, shall I go warn the Swordmaidens?" Behind Freya, Ottar stepped forward, hand on chest, bowing respectfully to inquire.

"Not necessary for now."

"I'll let you know when it's needed." Despite Ottar volunteering once again, Freya still shook her head, rejecting the offer.

"By the way, didn't Crusher's figure used to be rather flat? How did it suddenly become so plump."

While Freya pondered the unexpected development in Tiona's physique, at the same time, in the Twilight Manor.

Tione and her group had just arrived.

As soon as they returned, Tione and the others directly sought out Loki and gathered all the first-level adventurers of the Loki Familia.

"This is how things happened." Tione recounted the experiences of the past two days to Loki and the others.

After hearing Tione's account, Finn and the others showed expressions of surprise. Even Bete was not an exception.

That half-elf he considered weak actually possessed such terrifying power! Is he still at level 1?

This question echoed in the minds of the first-class adventurers.

"That child should be an existence similar to ancient heroes."

"In the era before the gods descended, before Orario was established, in the time when the blessings of the gods hadn't reached the Lower world, the underground labyrinth was guarded by ancient heroes assisted by spirits. They stood on the front line, eliminating the monsters that emerged."

"Even the mercenary king Albert, a thousand years ago, fought against a black dragon. Although he didn't manage to eliminate it, the fact that he could contend with a black dragon showcased his strength."

"Ancient heroes are extremely transcendent beings. They can grow even without the assistance of the spirits."

"The existence of spirits only shortens the time it takes for them to mature."

"Aston seems to be an individual with the potential of an ancient hero."

"Calling him a hero is not an exaggeration."

"I never expected that such a person would still exist in this era." Others were shocked by Aston's situation, but Loki, completely unsurprised, spoke with a smiling expression.

Aston, who could produce potions that caused changes in the bodies of even gods, had Loki unfazed by any changes he might undergo.

So, when Tione described Aston's performance in the dungeon and his progress in dealing with Lower-Floor monsters, Loki was not surprised at all.

However, Loki's words caused the already astonished group to be even more shocked.

"Damn it, that little guy truly hit the jackpot."

"You know, he initially chose me. Just because he missed the ceremony for recruiting Familia members, he missed the chance to join mine. It hurts my heart so much; it feels like it's going to split open."

Hearing this, Finn, Riveria, and Gareth all sighed spontaneously.

In the past few days, they had investigated Aston's situation. The results they obtained made them very surprised and regretful.

On the other hand, Tione and the others, including Bete, were a bit confused.

What does this mean?

"What's going on?" Tiona scratched the back of her head, looking curious like a child.

"Ah, Aston initially chose our Loki Familia. However, just because he missed the ceremony for recruiting Familia members, and being a newcomer who had just arrived in Orario, he couldn't join Loki Familia and missed the opportunity to be with us." Finn sighed once again, then explained.

The sigh was heavy, indicating that Finn's mood was not good.

Such a promising individual, labeled as an ancient hero by Loki, was missed by them just because of a missed ceremony.

If a person with the potential of an ancient hero joined, the development of the Loki Familia would undoubtedly receive a tremendous boost.

It would also greatly help him achieve his life goals.

However, there was nothing to be done about it. Finn wouldn't blame the gatekeeper who was on duty at that time.

After all, Aston was just an "ordinary person" back then. If the gates of the Twilight Manor were opened to anyone, it would cause chaos, as the residents of Orario were curious about the Loki Familia, a major Familia.

The gatekeeper was just following orders.

Hearing Finn's explanation, everyone was extremely surprised.

They didn't expect Aston to almost become their Familia member.

Even Bete couldn't help but feel regretful.

"Loki, we need to change this rule. In the future, when newcomers come seeking us out, we can let the gatekeeper allow them in, and then you can be the one to screen them. What do you think?" Shaking his head slightly, Finn looked at the disheartened Loki and suggested.

"Oh, sure, I agree." Upon hearing this, Loki agreed without much thought.

Others: "Agree my foot, you should say you promise."

After Aston's incident, Loki felt that the old way wasn't working anymore, or they might miss out on potential newcomers in the future. Moreover, letting them in wouldn't be a big deal. With her insight, she could gauge the potential of newcomers to some extent. If she wasn't interested, she could politely decline.

Then, Loki seemed to remember something and spoke up.

"By the way, these past two days, the little one has been collecting various herbs with Hephaestus. Most likely, he wants to help Hephaestus create a potion to ease her troubles."

"As I see it, the little one's Familia will probably form an alliance with Hephaestus's Familia soon."

"With a powerful ally and his inherent potential as an ancient hero, it's only a matter of time before the little one's Familia rises."

"If it's really as you said, Loki, then forming an alliance with Hephaestus's Familia is indeed in our best interest." Placing his thumb at his mouth, Finn smiled and said.

"Right, Tione, you and Aston have an agreement to continue exploring the dungeon together the day after tomorrow, correct?"

"Before the next expedition, try to build a good relationship with him. It will be beneficial for us." Finn turned to Tione and gave the order.

No one at the scene opposed Finn's arrangement, and they all accepted it.

"Yes, Captain!!!" Tione, receiving Finn's order, suddenly seemed energized, clenched her fists, and loudly responded.

The other two also nodded.

Even if Finn didn't say it, they would do the same.

Because they were all eager to know how Aston managed to achieve what he did.

Especially Ais, who had been stuck at level 5 for a long time, was especially eager to know Aston's secret.

"Oh, oh, one more thing. What I tell you, you cannot reveal to anyone, understood?" Loki continued, making sure they understood.

If the news of her asserting that Aston was an ancient hero got out, it would undoubtedly bring a lot of trouble to Aston. The mischievous gods wouldn't let such a good opportunity pass.

Loki was someone who believed in repaying kindness, and she wouldn't intentionally cause trouble for Aston.

As for Aston being noticed by other gods for different reasons and his potential being recognized, that wasn't her responsibility.

"Rest assured, we're not fools."

On the other side, Aston had already returned to the temporary residence, the Abandoned Church.

Upon entering, Aston was startled by the scene before him.

The already small living room was now filled with various boxes.

Even without opening them, Aston could smell the rich aroma of herbs emanating from the boxes.

Then, Aston heard Hestia's voice.

"Hey, Aston, welcome back."

Looking up, Aston saw Hestia sitting on the sofa, grinning with her big white teeth.

Without Hestia's introduction, Aston already knew the existence of the other person in front of him.

Hephaestus, the goddess of the Hephaestus's Familia.

In addition to Hephaestus, there was a figure behind her.

Black hair, red eyes, wearing Far Eastern attire, a woman with a eyepatch.

Tsubaki Collbrande, the captain of the Hephaestus Familia, the most formidable blacksmith in Orario, known as the one-eyed master, and a level 5 adventurer.

"You're Hestia-sama's Familia member, huh? You look pretty handsome." Tsubaki, with a casual and familiar personality, spoke directly as Aston's gaze shifted to her.

Beside Hephaestus and Tsubaki, there were also others.

Miach, the god of medicine, and his only Familia member at the moment, Naaza Erisuis.

Hearing Tsubaki's words, Aston finally came back to his senses. Looking at the numerous boxes on the floor, he remained silent for a while before speaking slowly.

"What is all this?"

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