Chapter 86 – Protagonist’s destiny 

In the brightly lit cave, a diverse group of tall, short, slim, and stout people dressed in various styles of clothes were having animated conversations. Aston sat quietly on a rock, observing them. These people were Xenos, transformed into humans by Aston's transformation spell.

Aston underestimated the effect of his natural aura. Upon seeing him, the Xenos were instantly captivated by it. Regardless of their stance towards humans, be it friendly or aggressive, they were all easily subdued under Aston's natural influence. Even the highly distrustful spider-woman Ranye was no exception.

Lyd, Ray, and Gros, the leaders of the Xenos, had already been added to Aston's Faction Card, using up the last three slots. With them on board, Aston wasn't worried about any change of heart from the others.

"I never expected you to have such a ability," remarked Fels, sitting next to Aston, amazed at the sight of the humanized Xenos. "I'll take care of their identities. They'll be introduced as adventurers from outside Orario, who joined the Hestia Familia upon their arrival." Fels volunteered to manage their identities, understanding that Aston's mysterious nature would soon make a significant impact in Orario and draw the attention of the gods.

He also knew that the gods might investigate the sudden addition of Lyd and others to the Hestia Familia and wanted to ensure their true identities were concealed.

"Thanks, that would be great," Aston replied, somewhat absentmindedly, as he was internally communicating with the system about the recent notification of him taking on the protagonist's destiny.

Fels found Aston's reaction unusual but didn't press for details

"The system has been transferring the original protagonist's destiny to you since your arrival in this world," the system explained. "The transfer is now complete after fifteen years. The events experienced by the original protagonist will start manifesting in your life."

Reflecting on this, Aston considered the events of the original novel: joining the Hestia Familia, encountering Syr, defeating the trained Minotaur, the battle with the enhanced Goliath, the war with the Apollo Familia, the Entertainment district event, the Xenos event, encountering the Juggernaut, and then the Freya Familia affair.

"The first event in line with the original protagonist's experience must have been joining the Hestia Familia," Aston deduced. "But why did it only start after the second such experience?" Aston was curious about this aspect of taking on the protagonist's role.

System: "…"

"After the host experienced the first event, it activated the system. The second event marked the beginning of taking on the protagonist's destiny."

"Ah, I see," Aston responded somewhat awkwardly, realizing that this was indeed the correct sequence. The system hadn't been activated earlier, so he couldn't officially take on the protagonist's destiny.

"But is this really reliable?" Aston questioned. "Considering my current situation, it's plausible for some events, but killing the enhanced Goliath seems far-fetched. That was due to a reaction to divine power in the dungeon. I wouldn't put Hestia in such worry now, given that I already have Level 6 strength and have ventured deep into the dungeon several times. And why would I go to the Entertainment district? What's there for me, a bunch of women?"

Aston expressed doubts about experiencing all the events the original protagonist was meant to undergo.

"The system isn't sure about that," the system replied. "It has transferred the protagonist's destiny to you, and you've officially taken it on now."

"This world no longer has Bell Cranel; only Aston."

Aston's skepticism remained unanswered by the system, which itself was unclear if all the protagonist's experiences would occur to Aston. As Aston pointed out, his strength far surpassed that of the original protagonist.

"Okay, then." 

"Wait, system, you're saying I've taken on the protagonist's destiny, right?" Aston asked, suddenly excited. "Does that mean I'm favored by this world?"

"Yes, you are now under the favor of the world of Danmachi."

"That means I don't need to hide my abilities anymore. The gods won't specifically target me due to my uniqueness."

"Theoretically, yes," the system confirmed. "The gods are mostly interested in what happens to the protagonist and don't interfere, just observe. Only a few have ever intervened. Most gods in this world are pleasure-seekers who enjoy interesting events."

"Your experiences are very interesting to them. Moreover, the gods of the lower world won't break the rules unless necessary, as they would be forced to return to the boring heavens."

"Ah, I see!" Aston exclaimed. "So, I can act more freely."

He was relieved to hear the best news since unraveling the mystery of his birth. He had been worried that his unique abilities would draw the attention of the gods and that they might personally intervene.

"Now that I have the system's assurance, I no longer need to be cautious."

***

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