Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

As dawn broke over Orario, Bell stood alongside Hestia, their resolve unwavering. Beside them, Mikoto, now officially a member of the Hestia Familia, adjusted the grip on her sword, while Ryuu stood silent and composed, her sharp gaze fixed on the road ahead. They had all gathered for one purpose—the War Games.

Seated in a wagon filled with rowdy Beastmen, Bell felt the weight of their expectations. Their cheers and toothy grins carried a raw, unfiltered energy, a reminder that his battle wasn't just for himself.

"Give 'em hell, Argonaut!" one of the Beastmen roared, slamming a fist against the wooden frame of the wagon.

Bell chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'll do my best."

Suddenly, hurried footsteps approached. A familiar voice called out.

"Bell!"

Turning, he found Syr sprinting toward the wagon, her silver hair bouncing with each step. Breathless, she reached up and pressed something into his hand—a necklace adorned with a green jewel.

"This is a good luck charm," she explained, a warm smile gracing her lips. "From a certain adventurer."

Bell blinked, confused, but before he could ask, she continued, "When this is all over, I'll have a hot meal waiting for you. So come back safe, alright?"

Bell tightened his grip around the charm, feeling the warmth of her words settle in his chest.

"I will," he promised.

The next day, the city was alive with anticipation. Crowds gathered near the Guild, and atop the grand Babel Tower, deities and their subordinates overlooked the scene with eager eyes.

A booming voice cut through the excitement.

"PEOPLE OF ORARIO! I AM IBRI OF THE GANESHA FAMILIA, YOUR HOST FOR TODAY'S WAR GAMES!"

The declaration sent a ripple of cheers across the city. High above, standing beside Ouranos, Hermes smirked as he activated his magic, sending a pulse of divine energy outward.

A moment later, shimmering images formed in the air, broadcasting the battlefield for all of Orario to witness.

The War Games were about to begin.

At the stroke of noon, the War Games began.

With a burst of motion, Ryuu led the assault, her figure a blur of deadly grace as she charged forward alongside Bell's Shadow infantrymen. Blades clashed, boots pounded against the earth, and war cries filled the battlefield as the shadows tore into the Apollo Familia's front line with ruthless efficiency.

From atop the castle walls, Hyakinthos narrowed his eyes. He wasted no time issuing orders. "Half of you, outside! Crush them before they gain any ground!"

His men obeyed with some hesitation, pouring out of the stronghold to confront Ryuu and the shadows. Swords clashed against enchanted steel, and the battlefield erupted into chaos.

Amidst the melee, Ryuu weaved through enemies like a wraith. Her fist connected with an elven warrior's gut—Lissos, a high-ranking member of Apollo's forces. His eyes widened in shock before he crumpled to the ground, unconscious. Without missing a beat, Ryuu pivoted, already targeting her next opponent.

Meanwhile, Mikoto had infiltrated the castle's interior, her movements swift and calculated. She sprinted through dimly lit corridors, only to hear the sharp whistle of arrows slicing through the air. Snipers. She barely dodged in time, rolling forward as arrows shattered against the stone behind her.

Gritting her teeth, she took a deep breath and began chanting. "Futsunomitama!"

A surge of mystical energy erupted from her, chains of light materializing in the air before lashing out at her foes. The Apollo Familia members caught in its grasp stiffened, their limbs bound by unseen force. Their struggles were futile—Mikoto had them right where she wanted them.