87 Chapter 87 – Xenos joining the Familia

For readers seeking a fresh experience beyond the typical fantasy and adventure stories, I highly recommend reading my other work: "COTE: The Disruptor in Class 1-C."

***

Taking advantage of the night, Aston and Fels led a large group of transformed Xenos towards the city. Soon, the group reached the surface. The guards at the Tower of Babel found it odd to see a large group of people in casual clothes and cloaks emerging from the dungeon but didn't question them.

The group then left the Tower of Babel.

Regarding their attire, some Xenos wore casual clothes and others wore cloaks, prepared by Aston after he decided to recruit them. However, due to the significant body size changes after transformation, some Xenos couldn't fit into the clothes Aston had prepared, so they had to make do with cloaks which were quite large and prevented any indecent exposure.

"Take good care of them, Aston Glycias," Fels said as they stood at the guild's entrance. "If possible, have Hestia mark them with her blessing tonight to settle this matter. I need to arrange their identities overnight to avoid any risks."

"Okay," Aston nodded, then turned to the Xenos, "Come with me."

Aston led the group towards the Hestia Familia's residence. Their journey back from the 19th floor of the dungeon had been swift, thanks to the Xenos' overall strength above Level 2. They reached the Hestia Familia's residence by 2 a.m.

Their arrival caused quite a stir, waking up everyone in the Familia.

"Wow, you actually brought them back directly, Aston, you're amazing!" Hestia was surprised and then became excited as she saw the dozens of transformed Xenos. She threw herself into Aston's arms, shouting excitedly.

Behind Hestia, the many elves, Eina, and Airel, were equally shocked to see the large group of new people who seemed to be joining the Familia.

"How did our leader go out and bring back so many people in one trip?"

They were happy, though, as more members meant a stronger and larger Familia. Once these new members increased their strength, the Familia would become more powerful and prestigious.

The Xenos sighed in relief seeing Hestia's welcoming attitude, which was crucial for their future on the surface. Despite Aston's promises, they were anxious about how Hestia would react to them. Her positive response was exactly what they had hoped for.

"Hestia-sama, please allow us to join your Familia," Lyd stepped forward slightly, using the etiquette he learned from Fels, placing one hand over his chest and slightly bowing towards Hestia with a request.

"Yes! I, Hestia, let you join the Hestia Familia," Hestia stood up from Aston's embrace, stepped in front of Lyd, placed her hand on his head, and showed a kind and gentle smile, giving Lyd and others the response they hoped for.

Seeing Hestia's compassionate and gentle smile, Lyd and many other Xenos were visibly moved.

The next moment, all the Xenos knelt down without hesitation.

"Hestia-sama!"

Observing how smoothly things were progressing, a smile formed on Aston's lips.

Soon, Aston told Eina and others to rest, as they would need to start adventuring in the dungeon the next day and needed to be well-rested. Unlike him, with immense strength and vitality, they couldn't go days without sleep.

Moreover, Aston still needed to see if Hestia could inscribe blessings (Falna) on Lyd and others.

This was something Eina and others shouldn't witness.

In case Lyd and others couldn't receive blessings, it would be hard to explain.

Aston never thought Lyd and the others could receive blessings when he first planned to bring the Xenos into the Hestia Familia.

Whether they could receive blessings was irrelevant to both Aston and Hestia.

From the start, Aston planned to use the Faction Card to ensure the Xenos' loyalty.

Although Hestia wasn't aware of the Faction Card, she knew Aston had a way to ensure their loyalty.

Fortunately, even though Lyd and others were Xenos, they could still be inscribed with blessings after transforming into human forms.

For an hour, Hestia continuously bled, inscribing blessings.

Despite the constant bleeding, Hestia's face was filled with smiles.

With each blessing inscribed, the power of the Hestia Familia grew, giving Hestia every reason to be happy.

According to the information Aston provided, the Xenos' strengths started at Level 2, with only a few at Level 1.

Lyd, Gros, and Ray had Level 4 strength (the three hadn't yet become strong enough to reach Level 5).

The Hestia Familia, with Aston, a first-class adventurer, and the newly recruited elves who were all rookie adventurers, now had their core strength filled by the addition of the Xenos.

Hestia couldn't help but feel ecstatic.

While Hestia was busy inscribing blessings on the Xenos, Aston was also occupied, purchasing items from the system's Shop with points.

Aston suspected the system was a wish-fulfilling entity, providing whatever he needed.

Sure enough, Aston, who was worried about running out of Faction Cards, found new Faction Cards in the Shop.

He immediately purchased them and signed ten more powerful Xenos.

***

600 power stones = 1 extra chapter

Check out my Patreon for 20 chapters ahead! Your support helps a lot.

PATREON.COM/METARLN