Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

At Ais' request, Bell and Lili followed her through the bustling camp of the Loki Familia, weaving between tents and groups of adventurers tending to their equipment. Their destination: the captain's tent.

Inside, Finn Deimne sat behind a sturdy wooden table, his sharp blue eyes assessing them the moment they entered. Bell bowed his head slightly. "Thank you for helping us. If there's anything I can do to return the favor, I'd be happy to assist."

Finn studied him for a moment before offering a small, knowing smile. "Your offer is appreciated, Bell. But right now, our concern lies elsewhere." He leaned back in his chair, folding his hands. "Many of our members have been poisoned, and the team we sent to the surface to retrieve the antidote hasn't returned. Until we have a solution, we'll be staying here."

Bell absorbed the information, nodding in understanding. Though Finn's words were calm, the weight of the situation was clear—Loki Familia, one of the strongest groups in Orario, was effectively stranded.

Once their business concluded, Bell stepped out of the tent alongside Ais, leaving Lili behind to rest. The moment they emerged, an excited voice rang out.

"Bell Cranel!"

Before he could react, a pair of strong, toned arms latched onto his left arm. Bell stiffened as Tiona wrapped herself around him, pressing herself against his side with a bright, playful grin. "That Minotaur fight was so cool! You've gotta tell me how you did it!"

Bell stammered, his face heating up, but before he could muster a response, Tione chimed in with a smirk. "I have to admit, that was quite the feat." Her emerald eyes gleamed with approval.

Bell managed a small, sheepish smile in response, still overwhelmed by Tiona's enthusiasm.

As the excitement settled, Bell found himself walking beside Ais through a serene, forested area. The further they ventured, the brighter their surroundings became, illuminated by a mysterious glow filtering through the trees.

When they finally stepped out into a clearing, Bell's breath caught in his throat.

A colossal tree stood at the center, its branches stretching toward the heavens. Above it, a massive crystal formation radiated an ethereal light, casting shimmering hues across the landscape. It was as if the very air itself glowed, creating an atmosphere unlike anything Bell had ever seen.

Ais turned to him, her golden eyes reflecting the light. "As time passes, the crystal dims... creating night." She glanced upward, watching the gentle pulsations of light. "Adventurers call this place the Under Resort. The Labyrinth Paradise."

Bell took a slow breath, drinking in the sight. A hidden world beneath the Dungeon—a place of both danger and beauty.

That night, as the crystalline glow softened into a twilight-like radiance, Ais approached him and Lili once more.

"Dinner will be ready soon," she said simply, her voice calm as ever.

The warm glow of lanterns flickered throughout the Loki Familia's camp, illuminating the gathering of adventurers sharing a well-earned meal. The aroma of roasted meat and simmering stew mixed with the lively chatter, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie. Bell sat among them, his plate full, yet his mind still processing everything that had happened.

Lili, sitting beside him, eagerly recounted his battle with the floor boss to anyone who would listen, her pride evident in every word. Bell, embarrassed by the attention, could only offer sheepish laughter between bites.

Then, amidst the lively feast, a familiar voice rang through the air.

"Bell!"

A small figure burst into the camp, her twin tails bouncing as she rushed toward him. It was none other than Hestia. Tears welled in her sapphire eyes as she threw herself forward, arms wide open for an embrace—