Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

The once-silent streets erupted into cheers. Citizens emerged cautiously from their homes and hiding spots, their expressions shifting from fear to awe as they realized what had just transpired. A triumphant round of applause followed, voices rising in admiration for the lone adventurer who had felled the monstrous Silverback.

Bell, still catching his breath, felt a wave of warmth spread through his chest—not just from his victory, but from the genuine gratitude shining in the townspeople's eyes.

Unbeknownst to him, a pair of golden eyes had watched the battle unfold.

Ais Wallenstein stood at the edge of the crowd, her gaze lingering on Bell. He had grown—stronger, faster. The progress he made was undeniable.

She wasn't alone.

Loki sidled up behind her with a mischievous grin, her hands already reaching out. "Oi, Ais, don't mind if I—"

Ais swiftly stepped aside, dodging Loki's attempted grope with practiced ease.

"Tch, ya never let me have any fun," Loki grumbled, crossing her arms as she returned her attention to the white-haired boy below.

Meanwhile, atop a distant rooftop, a cloaked figure observed in silence.

Freya.

Her violet eyes flickered with a mix of amusement and contemplation. Watching Hestia's frantic embrace of Bell, she couldn't help but wonder—had she made a mistake?

Just as the thought crossed her mind, Bell's head snapped upward.

Their eyes met.

For a fleeting second, Freya felt exposed—seen. His gaze, sharp and unwavering, sent a shiver through her.

He sensed me?

A rare feeling of unease crept into her chest. She had been careful, her presence masked within the shadows. Yet, Bell had still found her.

Before he could get a better look, she retreated, vanishing into the day.

Bell lowered his gaze, only to lock eyes with someone else.

Ais.

Unlike Freya, she didn't flee. She simply smiled, her golden eyes filled with quiet acknowledgment.

Bell's breath hitched. A sudden warmth spread across his face.

Hestia, always attuned to his moods, followed his gaze.

"What are you looking at?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

But when she turned, there was nothing there.

Pouting, she huffed. "Bell, you better not be thinking about another woman."

Bell, still dazed from Ais's smile, could only stammer, "W-Wha—? No! I mean—"

Hestia wasn't convinced.

The fire of ambition burned brighter than ever within Bell's heart.

Back at the familiar warmth of their home, Bell and Hestia found themselves sitting across from each other, the evening quiet except for the soft creak of the floorboards beneath them. The air was thick with unspoken thoughts, but Bell broke the silence, his voice steady with an undercurrent of excitement.

"I've got something to tell you," he began, his eyes gleaming. "It's my system... the way it works."

He went on to explain, recounting the battles he had fought—the monstrous foes, the bosses he had defeated, and the strange power that coursed through him. His voice was steady, but the weight of his words carried a sense of pride.