"Hmm, I see," Hestia mused after listening to Aston's explanation. "Even though I don't know how you came to know about these matters, I'll give it a try."
Hestia had seen enough of Aston's changes and didn't have a clear understanding of his level-up and sub-profession skills. However, she knew they were beneficial for Aston, so she didn't want to delve too deep or ask too many questions.
She was not planning to investigate how Aston found out about the Xenos' connection with Uranus, as long as it was beneficial for her, Aston, and the Hestia Familia.
"Thank you, Hestia," Aston replied with a smile upon seeing her reaction.
"You're my Familia member, there's no need to thank me," Hestia said as she pulled Aston's head onto her shoulder, blinking cutely.
Seeing Hestia's behavior, Aston chuckled. Then, they began their dinner, joined by an extra guest.
Naaza arrived just in time for dinner, seeking Aston's guidance on potion-making techniques, as agreed earlier. Naaza visited every two nights, usually in the evening, due to Aston's daytime commitments.
Aston began instructing Naaza on potion-making techniques, then assigned her tasks when he felt she had grasped enough, before starting his potion-making work. Every night, as long as he was in the underground church, Aston never missed working on his potions.
Naaza showed a natural talent in potion-making, which wasn't surprising given her creation of a potion with both physical and mental recovery properties. Aston, like any teacher, enjoyed guiding a diligent student and taught as long as Naaza could keep up. Whenever he felt Naaza couldn't follow his pace, he would pause his teaching, assign related tasks, and wait for her to figure things out.
Naaza didn't disappoint him. She kept up with his guidance two days ago and did so again tonight, indicating she had fully understood the potion knowledge Aston had taught.
"Thank you very much for your guidance, Aston-san," Naaza said, bowing slightly as she stood in front of the church with her notebook.
Naaza didn't address Aston as 'teacher', but he didn't mind. He wasn't too concerned about formalities.
"Keep studying hard," Aston replied with a slight smile.
"Then, Aston-san, I shall take my leave now," Naaza said, nodding and bidding farewell.
"Goodbye," Aston responded.
The next morning, Aston set off early for the Tower of Babel. They had agreed to leave earlier than last time since they were heading to the deeper floors of the dungeon this time.
So, at the crack of dawn, Aston set off directly.
This time, Aston didn't encounter Syr (Freya). Passing by the Hostess of Fertility went smoothly without the incidents of the previous times.
When Aston arrived at the agreed spot, Ryuu was already there, which slightly impressed Aston for her punctuality. However, even though Aston and Ryuu were early, Ais and her companions didn't keep them waiting too long.
Aston arrived just a few minutes before Ais showed up. After a brief conversation, they swiftly started on their journey.
This time, Aston did not use his 'Divine speed' ability. Previously, he used it because he couldn't keep up with the others after applying the auxiliary wind magic 'Lightness', but now his strength was on par with them. So, like Ais and the others, he also wrapped himself in a gentle breeze to travel.
The group didn't stop along the way and it took them nearly four hours to reach the deep floors.
"Hey, Tione, what's going on with you? You seem really fierce!" As soon as they entered the deep floors and began their venture, Aston was startled by Tione's actions.
Tione seemed uncharacteristically ferocious, abandoning her usual weapons for her fists, striking each monster with brutal force. Her demeanor was so intense it looked less like a battle and more like a massacre.
"Aha, Tione seems to have confessed to the Captain again," Tiona whispered an explanation to Aston.
"And this time, it's different from before. Tione seems ready to give up after another failed confession."
"I'm not sure why Tione suddenly decided to give up."
"I'm too scared to tease her now, afraid she might beat me up."
"Let's not provoke Tione for now." Aston was taken aback by this explanation.
He hadn't expected this turn of events, especially since Tione had been pursuing Finn for years. Aston wondered if it was really possible for her to give up so quickly.
"Shall we continue forward?" Amidst Aston's surprise, Tione, after brutally dispatching a half-goat monster, turned back to the group and said in a commanding tone, suggesting they move on.
Hearing about Tione's situation, Ryuu had also decided not to provoke her, and Aston and the others felt the same. So, when Tione suggested they proceed, everyone nodded in agreement without any objections.
The group resumed their journey, advancing towards the next floor.
***
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