Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

The moment Apollo's declaration rang through the banquet hall, a suffocating silence followed. The challenge was clear—if Hestia's Familia lost the War Game, Bell would be forced into Apollo's ranks.

Hestia's expression twisted in barely contained fury. "Absolutely not," she snapped, grabbing Bell's wrist. Without sparing Apollo another glance, she marched toward the exit, dragging her bewildered adventurer along. The murmurs of onlookers followed them.

The following morning, the air inside the ruined church felt heavier than usual. Bell sat across from Hestia, his brows furrowed as she explained the rules of the War Game. He listened carefully, but before the weight of the challenge could fully sink in, a disturbance outside sent alarm bells ringing in his mind.

The ground trembled with the synchronized steps of armored boots. Bell shot to his feet as figures in Apollo Familia's colors surrounded the area. The air crackled with tension, and in the next instant, chaos erupted.

Weapons clashed, shouts rang through the alley, and spells illuminated the dim surroundings as Apollo's adventurers launched a full-scale attack. Inside the Hostess of Fertility, waitresses peered out, recognizing the unmistakable sounds of battle.

"Looks like a Familia fight," one of them murmured, narrowing her eyes.

Outside, Bell and Hestia dashed toward the church's rear, narrowly avoiding incoming strikes. But no matter how many adversaries Bell cut down, more swarmed in to take their place. The tide of enemies seemed endless.

A sudden explosion rocked the area, kicking up a thick smokescreen. Taking full advantage of the cover, Bell scooped Hestia into his arms and bolted, weaving through the maze-like streets of Orario. But their escape came to a halt when they reached a dead end—high stone walls loomed before them, blocking their path.

Bell didn't hesitate. Gritting his teeth, he bent his knees and launched himself upward, landing gracefully atop the rooftop. But just as his feet touched down, a fresh wave of Apollo Familia members emerged, led by two familiar women—the same ones who had so graciously handed him Apollo's invitation.

"There's no need to fight," one of them called out, her voice deceptively sweet. "Surrender now, and we'll make this easy for you."

Bell's crimson gaze locked onto hers. He clenched his fists, the magic surging in his veins. "Not happening."

His opponents lunged, but Bell was already moving.

Firebolt!

A blinding streak of flame erupted from his hand, forcing the Apollo adventurers to scatter. Amidst the chaos, a voice called out—Cassandra, her tone filled with unease.

"Daphne, don't—he's dangerous!"

Her partner merely scoffed, brandishing her weapon. "Your dreams again? Don't start with that nonsense."

But as the smoke cleared, Bell was already gone, vanishing into the labyrinth of rooftops with Hestia still held tightly in his arms.

Lili stood at the entrance of the Dungeon, arms crossed and foot tapping impatiently against the stone pavement. Bell was late. He's never late. Her brows furrowed as unease crept into her chest.

Then, fragments of conversation drifted through the crowd.

"Did you hear? The Apollo Familia declared war on the Hestia Familia!"

"They're attacking them all over the city. It's practically a manhunt for that white-haired kid!"

Lili's breath hitched. War...? A sinking feeling settled in her gut.