"As in the original story, Bell's route to get here is the same. So, at this point in time, this area is already being used as a temporary residence for the Xenos," Aston thought to himself, observing everything clearly with his Sharingan in the dark.
"We're here," Fels announces, and soon the cave is illuminated by numerous glowing lights emanating from around him. Aston observes as Fels uses a crystal sphere, shattering it to spread light throughout the cave.
"Indeed, a sage who has mastered magic to such an extent." Although Aston's own enchantment skills were masterful, he couldn't help but praise Fels' ability, who had developed his skills independently, unlike Aston's inherited enchantment legacy.
"They will be here soon," Ferus said, turning the cave bright while Aston takes a seat on a rock, waiting for their arrival.
In a few minutes, he senses several strong presences approaching from the west – likely the most powerful among the Xenos, but none at level 5 yet.
"Lyd and his group have arrived," Fels noted as three figures appeared at the entrance of the tunnel.
The figures of Lyd, Gros, and Ray, elite Xenos, soon appear. Aston immediately recognizes their identities. Although they haven't reached level 5 yet, they will eventually attain such strength.
As Aston observed the trio, they too were examining him. Unlike Aston's calm demeanor, their eyes were filled with shock and disbelief.
"This is the sense of familiarity Marie spoke of!" exclaimed Ray, looking at Aston.
Lyd and Gros also snapped out of their surprise, agreeing with Ray.
"There's something about this human that I find very appealing, an urge to get closer," Lyd said, nodding.
Even Gros, a more aggressive warrior-type, didn't object but looked at Aston with a complex expression. As a leader who typically held a hostile view of humans, Gros couldn't help but admit that Aston might be different, perhaps even trustworthy.
He couldn't believe that someone emitting such a warm aura could be as shallow and cruel as other humans.
"Greetings, I'm Aston," he introduces himself, acknowledging their reaction to his presence.
"This time, I came here with Fels to discuss a matter with you," Aston said, understanding the effect his aura had on the three Xenos. He continued, "I am Aston, and I hope you will join the Hestia Familia and become my comrades."
"I'm Lyd, nice to meet you, Aston," said Lyd, the elite lizardman, with a warm and friendly attitude.
"Ray, pleased to meet you, Aston-san," said Lei, the songbird, politely nodding her head with her hands in front of her.
"Gros," replied Gros, the Gargoyle, even with his aggressive nature, he responded to Aston with a nod, introducing himself.
Observing this, Lyd, Ray, and Fels exchanged curious glances.
"I don't like beating around the bush, so I'll get straight to the point," Aston said. "I want you to become members of the Hestia Familia and work alongside me."
The Xenos looked at each other, unsure of how to respond. They longed to see the sun and live freely on the surface, but their appearance made this difficult. They feared being attacked by adventurers if they showed themselves above ground.
"We appreciate your offer, Aston, but we can't accept it," Lyd explained. "We'd be treated as monsters and hunted down the moment we appeared before other adventurers."
"Are you worried about your current appearance? What if I could turn you into humans?" Aston asked, causing their eyes to widen in surprise.
"Really?" Ray asked excitedly.
Without responding, Aston took out a cloak from his system space and threw it to Ray, who wrapped herself in it, leaving only her head and legs exposed.
"What's this?" Lyd asked, puzzled.
Aston didn't answer but instead pointed his finger at Ray. A light emanated from his finger, and soon Ray was surrounded by a faint glow. The others saw no change, but Ray was astounded.
"Aston-san, what is this?" Ray asked in shock.
Aston's action triggered a significant event, marking the start of a new chapter in their story: "Host initiates the Xenos event, assuming the role of the protagonist!"
***
600 power stones = 1 extra chapter
Check out my Patreon for 20 chapters ahead! Your support helps a lot.
PATREON.COM/METARLN