Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

The streets of Orario buzzed with life as the morning sun cast golden rays over the city. Merchants called out their wares, adventurers in gleaming armor strode through the market, and the aroma of freshly baked bread mixed with the scent of sizzling meat from nearby food stalls. It was a rare moment of peace for Bell and his companions—a day without dungeon dives, a day to simply enjoy the city they fought so hard to protect.

Bell walked alongside Lili and Hestia.

Bell chuckled at their exchange, his gaze wandering across the marketplace until he spotted Hermes leaning against a fruit stall, casually tossing an apple in the air. "Bell! Just the man I wanted to see," Hermes greeted with his signature smirk.

"Hermes? What are you doing here?" Bell asked, tilting his head in curiosity.

"Oh, just observing," Hermes replied. "You know, it's always fascinating to watch adventurers outside the dungeon. Some look more comfortable swinging swords than choosing between apples and pears."

"And which one do I look like?" Bell asked, crossing his arms.

Hermes took a dramatic pause, studying Bell with exaggerated scrutiny. "Hmm... definitely someone who could use more practice in both."

Before Bell could retort, a loud crash sounded from a nearby alley, followed by the yelp of a child. Without hesitation, Bell dashed toward the noise, weaving through the crowd. When he turned the corner, he found a group of older boys surrounding a younger one, who had fallen to the ground, clutching a small bag.

"You should share some of that, don't you think?" one of the bullies sneered, reaching for the bag.

Bell stepped forward, his presence immediately drawing their attention. "That's enough," he said, his tone firm but not hostile.

One of the boys scoffed. "Who the hell are you?"

"Bell Cranel," he answered simply. That alone was enough to make them hesitate. The White Rabbit of Orario was no longer an unknown name.

The boys exchanged nervous glances before huffing and walking off. Bell turned to the child, offering a hand. "Are you okay?"

The kid nodded, clutching his bag tighter. "Thank you, mister!"

Bell ruffled his hair before walking back to his group, where Hestia and Lili were waiting with knowing smiles.

"You really can't ignore anyone in need, can you?" Hestia teased.

Bell just smiled. "I wouldn't be much of an adventurer if I could."

—

The air in the Mid-Level of the Dungeon was thick with the acrid scent of burnt flesh as Bell, Lili, and Mikoto stood amidst the scattered remains of a pack of Hellhounds. The battle had been swift but intense, the fiery breath of the monsters leaving scorch marks along the cavern walls. Mikoto wiped a bead of sweat from her brow, exhaling deeply as the last of the creatures fell.

"That was tougher than expected," she admitted, sheathing her blade.

Bell turned to her with an appreciative smile. "You did great, Mikoto. Thanks for coming with us."

Mikoto shook her head. "No, I should be thanking you. This was my request, after all."

Lili scoffed. "You two can pat each other on the back later. Let's get out of here before more of those things show up."

Later that evening, the trio found themselves at a bustling pub in Orario, the air filled with the scent of roasted meat and the clamor of adventurers unwinding from their dungeon forays. Bell and his companions sat at a corner table, drinks in hand, indulging in the rare moment of respite.