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"You did well with this matter. Aston possesses magic that can imbue weapons with great power. His joining our Loki Familia's expedition will be beneficial and harmless."
"Even if you hadn't done this, I had the same idea and would have asked you to extend an invitation to him." In Finn's office at the Twilight Manor, Finn sat at the head of the table, resting his chin on his hands and smiling at Ais and the others sitting across from him.
After their first mission with Aston, Ais and her team had informed Finn about Aston's ability to enhance weapons with magic.
Over the past few days, Finn and others had discussed and considered this matter.
Having Aston's power join their expedition would be greatly beneficial.
The deeper floors before the 50th floor were manageable, but once they entered the floors beyond the 50th, such auxiliary abilities became extremely important.
The floors beyond the 50th presented a significant threat to the Loki Familia, and every bit of increased strength mattered.
Based on what Tione and others said two days ago, Aston's weapon enchantment allowed them to exert significantly more power, approximately equivalent to fighting at full strength.
Even if it was just one level, it was a considerable boost.
After all, Tione and her team were not low-level adventurers but top-tier first-class adventurers in Orario. The increase of one level in strength for a first-class adventurer could be imagined.
"The most important point, however, is Aston's growth rate."
"Our original plan was based on Aston's growth reaching the level to enter the deeperfloors in a month."
"It's surprising that it's only been a few days and Aston already possesses the strength of a first-class adventurer. This rate of change is truly frightening."
"Even the ancient heroes weren't this exaggerated."
"I think Aston's talent and potential can be compared to Albert, the Mercenary King from a thousand years ago," Riveria added, continuing Finn's thought.
After knowing Aston was an ancient hero, Riveria and others stopped comparing him to modern adventurers and started treating him as an ancient hero capable of rapid growth.
In their eyes, Aston could definitely grow quickly.
By the time the Loki Familia embarked on their next expedition, Aston's strength would certainly reach the threshold to enter the lower levels alone and even follow first-class adventurers into the deeper floors.
This was one of the reasons they had discussed inviting Aston to join the expedition.
But Riveria had never expected Aston to meet the criteria so quickly.
"Indeed, according to records, it took Albert, the Mercenary King from years ago, several years to grow to our current level with the help of a fairy."
"If Tione and the others hadn't spoken up, Albert couldn't be compared to Aston."
"I think in another month or two, Aston might reach the level of Finn and me," Gareth, sitting in a luxurious high-backed chair, agreed, nodding.
Gareth even suspected that, at Aston's rate of growth, he might be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with him and Finn in another month, capable of sparring with them.
"Indeed, since becoming an adventurer, Aston has only been one for a little over a week. To grow to such a level in about a week is truly astonishing. Who would dare to think that? Not even the gods would dare, not even the ancient heroes."
Loki wouldn't have thought of it either.
Loki's estimation was that Aston would need at least half a year to grow to the level of a first-class adventurer.
Now, the actual outcome is vastly different.
Hearing what Riveria and Gareth said, Ais seemed to be deep in thought, her eyes flickering.
"Yes, we didn't expect it either. It's only been a few days, and Aston has grown so much. When I saw Aston going head-to-head with Ais, I was genuinely shocked," Tione also expressed her amazement.
Tiona was continuously nodding in agreement.
"Ah, right, where's Loki? I haven't seen her," Tiona asked about Loki after nodding.
"Ahaha, well, she should be on her way to visit a god friend," Finn replied with a slightly awkward smile.
"Visiting a god friend?" This response left Tiona and the others puzzled, tilting their heads in unison.
"You'll find out soon enough," Finn chuckled and shook his head, clearly not eager to elaborate. They would understand what was going on once Loki returned.
"Tione, we agree with your invitation, and it was a decision we were already prepared to make," Finn said seriously to Tione.
"Ask Aston for his opinion, and if he agrees, then issue a formal invitation in the name of the Loki Familia."
"Okay," Finn instructed solemnly.
"Yes, Captain," Tione replied earnestly.
Then, Tione's expression became hesitant.
"Captain, there's something I need to discuss with you alone. Could you step outside with me?" After a few seconds of hesitation, Tione finally mustered the courage to speak to Finn.
"Something private to discuss with me?"
"Okay," Finn looked surprised but agreed and stood up from his office chair, walking towards the door, with Tione quickly following.
"What could it be, Tiona?" Seeing them leave, everyone was puzzled, and Riveria asked Tiona.
"Uh, I don't know either," Tiona shrugged and spread her hands.
"I don't know," Ais also shook her head, indicating she didn't know either.
"I see," Riveria didn't probe further upon hearing this.
"Ah, right, Riveria, there's something special I need to tell you."
"There's a very unique aura on Aston..."
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