Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

Chapter 5. Gifts and Debts

Hestia walked closer, sitting down beside him. "What happened?"

Bell hesitated before sighing. "I just want to be strong."

The words left his mouth like a confession.

Hestia reached out, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "You will be."

Bell looked at her, doubt flickering in his crimson eyes. "How can you be so sure?"

She smiled. "Because I believe in you."

Her words settled something in his chest—a warmth that pushed back against the lingering frustration.

Bell wasn't there yet.

But he wouldn't stop.

He couldn't stop.

Not until he proved them all wrong.

—

The morning sunlight filtered through the windows as Bell sat across from Hestia, recounting everything that had happened in the past day. He revealed his updated stats.

Hestia's blue eyes widened as she listened.

"Bell... this is incredible," she murmured, setting down the parchment. "You really do have the talent to be an adventurer."

Bell's heart swelled at her words. "You really think so?"

Hestia nodded, smiling. "I don't think so—I know so. You're already getting stronger at a crazy pace." Her expression grew softer. "And I'll always support you, no matter what."

Bell felt warmth spread through his chest. Having someone who believed in him made all the difference.

But then, he noticed something.

Hestia's expression shifted—her usual enthusiasm dampened by something unspoken.

"Hestia?" Bell leaned forward slightly. "Is something on your mind?"

She hesitated for a moment before sighing. "It's just... don't leave me alone, okay?"

Bell blinked, surprised by her sudden request.

"Hestia..."

She looked at him with earnest eyes, and Bell could see the vulnerability hidden beneath her usual confidence.

A silent promise formed between them at that moment.

"I won't," he assured her. "I promise."

A small, satisfied smile returned to Hestia's face.

"...Thank you, Bell."

She then stood up, stretching. "Well, I need to go out for a few days. It'll only be three, so try not to miss me too much, okay?"

Bell tilted his head. "You're leaving?"

Hestia nodded. "Yeah. I've got some things to take care of. But I'll be back before you know it."

Bell made a mental note of that.

Three days.

He wondered just how much stronger he could become in that time.

After Hestia left, Bell wasted no time.

He stepped outside and took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself. If he wanted to be stronger, he needed to be disciplined.

His daily quest began.

100 push-ups.

100 sit-ups.