Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

One discovery Bell found particularly intriguing was his ability to toggle the visibility of his armor at will. When revealed, he could feel its weight and presence, but the moment he concealed it, it was as if he weren't wearing any armor at all—yet its defensive capabilities remained. It was an ability he chose to keep to himself for now, uncertain of how others might react.

Under Eina's guidance, Bell arrived at the novice blacksmith floor, where equipment was reasonably priced for adventurers of his level. As he browsed through the displayed wares, his eyes landed on a particular set of light armor. It bore the signature craftsmanship of Welf Crozzo, its design both sleek and durable, perfect for mobility without sacrificing protection. The price, however, was steep—it would cost him nearly all his savings.

Still, the thought of wearing armor forged by Welf excited him. When Eina found him, he wasted no time in expressing his enthusiasm. "I want to buy this set," he declared.

Eina raised a brow, sighing at his clear favoritism for light armor. While she wished he'd consider heavier, more protective gear, she couldn't deny the satisfaction in seeing him find something he liked. "Well, at least you're choosing something suitable..." she mused, though her expression soon turned serious.

"Bell, you're still a solo adventurer. No matter how good your armor is, tackling the Dungeon alone will always be dangerous," she warned. "You should think about hiring a supporter—it would increase your efficiency and help you avoid unnecessary risks."

Bell paused at her suggestion. He understood her reasoning, but the idea of relying on someone else for survival didn't sit well with him just yet. "I'll consider it," he answered, though he wasn't entirely convinced.

—

Name: [Crozzo's Emberplate]
Rarity: Rare
Type: Light Armor
Durability: 500/500
Physical Defense: +50
Magical Defense: +30
Weight: 7 kg

[Item Effects]

Flame-Touched Forging – Grants +20% resistance to fire-based attacks due to the Crozzo bloodline's craftsmanship.
Light and Agile – Designed for mobility, increases movement speed by +5%.
Reinforced Plates – Reduces 3% of incoming physical damage.

[Item Description]

A well-crafted light armor set forged by Welf Crozzo, a skilled but still growing blacksmith. While not enchanted with legendary properties, its superior craftsmanship makes it reliable for novice adventurers. The fire-resistant properties, inherited from the Crozzo family's forging techniques, provide a minor advantage against heat-based threats.

—

That evening, Bell and Eina parted ways. Before she left, she handed him a bracer, a simple yet sturdy piece of gear. "Take this. Consider it a little extra protection," she said with a small smile.

Bell thanked her and continued on his way home. However, as he passed through a quieter street, he stumbled upon a scene that made him halt. A rough-looking adventurer, Ged Raish, loomed over a small cloaked figure—his supporter. His voice dripped with hostility as he raised a hand threateningly.

Before he could strike, Bell swiftly intervened, grabbing Ged's arm. "That's enough," Bell said firmly.

Ged turned, his eyes flashing with anger at being stopped. "You got a death wish, kid?" he snarled, clenching his fists as if ready to take out his frustration on Bell instead.

Just as the tension thickened, a new presence entered the scene. A sharp gust of wind accompanied the arrival of a tall, elegant figure. Ryuu Lion stepped forward, her piercing gaze locking onto Ged.