Chapter 149 – Ais’s choice

Many of you might have noticed, but this story has already reached its final chapter on Patreon. I don't want to spoil too much, just to mention that the original author was unable to continue and opted for an early ending.

I'm looking to start translating another fanfic, but with so many choices out there, I can't go through all of them myself. I'm hoping you can assist by recommending any MTLs you've read and loved. Feel free to comment with the name of the MTL here or on my latest Patreon post, accessible to all.

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The next morning, Aston started his day early, walking slowly and openly from Hearth Manor towards the Tower of Babel.

It took him a full hour to cover the distance.

The reason? Well, it was essentially to signal to Ishtar, "I'm heading to the dungeon now. If you want to trouble me, send someone over quickly."

Along the way, Aston was even delayed by Syr for quite a while; otherwise, half an hour would have been enough.

When Aston set off, Lili and the others also started their journey.

However, Lili and her group moved in secret. After Aston entered the dungeon, they stayed hidden, observing the people entering and exiting the Tower of Babel.

Yet, even after two hours, Lili and the others hadn't spotted any significant movement from the Ishtar Familia, not even scattered members.

"It's strange. Could Aston-sama's plan have been mistaken?" Lili murmured to herself from her hiding spot, frowning.

"Could they have entered the dungeon from another location?"

"I remember hearing at the Guild that there are other entrances to the dungeon in Orario, aside from the Tower of Babel," Eina wondered, recalling documents she had seen during her tenure at the Guild, voicing her speculation.

"It's possible. Let's report this to Aston-sama," Lili suggested after a moment's thought.

…..

"I was wondering why there has been no response for two hours. It seems likely they might have come through another entrance."

"Like the one near Daedalus Street."

"The Ishtar Familia has connections with the dark factions, even having contacts with the Njord Familia in the port city of Melen."

"Given the Ishtar Familia's connections with the dark factions, it's indeed possible they used a hidden entrance in Daedalus Street to enter the dungeon," Aston murmured quietly after receiving Lili's message, while working on the fifteenth floor.

"This complicates things."

"If we can't pinpoint when the Ishtar Familia will come down, I can't actively seek them out."

"It looks like we'll have to wait."

If Aston could be certain of when the Ishtar Familia's members would descend, he could directly confront them. But under the current circumstances, Aston's plan could only succeed by waiting for the Ishtar Familia to come to him.

Moreover, it's still uncertain whether the Ishtar Familia will act as Aston has predicted, aiming to trouble him in their vendetta against Freya.

"It's fine, I can afford to spend a day or two," Aston said with a slight shake of his head, as he once again engaged with the refreshed Minotaurs in the game.

Aston wouldn't just instantly kill the Minotaurs.

Spending a whole day in the dungeon, especially in the upper levels, would be too boring without finding something to do.

However, the next moment, a voice made Aston instantly take down the four Minotaurs.

"Aston?" It was a naive and cute voice, and Aston recognized the owner without even turning around, having spent most of his time with her since becoming an adventurer.

After taking down the Minotaurs, Aston turned to look at the newcomer.

Golden hair adorned with a silver hairband, light armor covering key areas of her body, and a face that was both delicate and beautifully naive, it was Ais, who had been adventuring with Aston for nearly a month.

"Ais, why not rest properly after the expedition and come down here again?" Sheathing his sword, Aston walked slowly towards Ais, asking as he moved.

"You should be the one resting for a few days," Ais replied softly, not really answering but instead asking back.

"I had something to take care of," Aston explained with a smile.

"I am—," Ais started to say but then stopped mid-sentence.

Pausing, with a sunlit earnestness, asked Aston, "Aston, I also want to become strong like Tione and Tiona. Can you help me?" The naive Ais didn't overthink, directly voicing her inner thoughts of these past days.

"Like Tione and Tiona?" Ais's words made Aston's expression turn slightly strange.

"It looks like you've noticed the change in them."

"Yes, I've seen them spar. Even without using the close combat magic you gave Tione her strength has increased a lot, which is unusual."

"And Tiona is the same."

"This change occurred after their relationship with you changed," Ais said, nodding firmly.

The magic Tione acquired was from a grimoire Aston gave to Tione, from which she learned close combat magic.

But when she sparred with Tione, even without using that close combat magic, just using her previous combat methods, Tione still won against her.

Tiona is in the same situation.

It's important to note that due to her mastery of wind magic, she was consistently winning against Tione and Tiona.

However, the situation has recently reversed.

She can't beat Tione anymore, and even with Tiona, it's a draw.

Ais also desires this kind of improvement. Although her combat skills have significantly improved due to sparring, there has been almost no increase in her strength.

Seeing her companions, who were once behind, now stepping ahead of her, while she can only pace in place, unable to catch up, has made Ais very anxious, even leading to feelings of irritation inside.

This urgency to vent her inner frustration is why she rushed into the dungeon immediately after the expedition, not expecting to encounter Aston.

This unexpected meeting ignited a certain impulse in Ais, leading her to express thoughts that had risen in her heart but she had been afraid to voice.

She is aware of the relationship between Tione, Tiona, and Aston, but Ais doesn't care.

Because she also enjoys Aston's company, Ais doesn't mind being with him.

Seeing Ais so determined, Aston pondered for a moment, then nodded, explaining the matter of the Faction Card to Ais.

Since Ais took the initiative, Aston naturally wouldn't turn her away.

After all, in his previous life, Ais was one of his waifus, how could he possibly refuse.

It's not just the Hestia Familia, but Tione, Tiona, and Riveria who have signed the Faction Card, and their relationship with Aston goes without saying.

If Ais signs the Faction Card, Aston will also include her. After all, the slots for Aston's Faction Card are precious and not easily obtained; Aston wouldn't just give them away to outsiders.

"I'll sign!" After hearing Aston's explanation, a gleam appeared in Ais's naive eyes, and her usually emotionless tone became somewhat excited.

"Are you sure?" Aston asked with a smile.

"Yes, I'm sure," Ais's voice calmed down, replying with certainty.

Seeing this, Aston didn't hesitate, placing his palm on Ais's face, holding her face, and leaned in.

First, a stamp, and then look for the opportunity to seal the deal.