Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

Chapter 5. Gifts and Debts

100 squats.

10 km run.

Each movement burned, but Bell welcomed the pain. Every drop of sweat, every strained breath—it all meant progress.

With each rep, each step, he reminded himself:

He couldn't stay weak.

He wouldn't stay weak.

Three days.

By the time Hestia returned, he would be even stronger.

—

The warm, familiar scent of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the air as Bell stepped into the Hostess of Fertility once more. The night before had been a disaster, but he was determined to make things right.

Mia Grand, the formidable owner, stood behind the counter with her arms crossed. Bell approached her with his head bowed slightly.

"I'm really sorry for leaving without paying last night," he said sincerely. "I promise it won't happen again."

Mia let out a gruff chuckle. "Kid, if I was mad, you wouldn't be standing here right now."

Bell swallowed nervously. That... wasn't exactly comforting.

"But," Mia continued, "you're lucky Syr argued in your defense. If it weren't for her, I'd have made you work off that debt yourself."

Bell's eyes widened slightly, and as if on cue, Syr Flova appeared from the side, carrying a neatly wrapped lunchbox.

"You must be starving after a long night," Syr said with a kind smile, holding out the meal.

Bell hesitated for a moment. "I—"

"Just take it," Mia cut in. "And make sure you thank her properly."

Bell looked between the two women before taking the lunchbox.

"Thank you, Syr," he said earnestly.

She beamed. "Just come back here again, okay?"

Bell nodded, feeling a little lighter as he left.

—

Bell found himself standing in front of a weapon shop. His fingers twitched slightly—he knew he needed better gear, but his funds were still limited.

Just as he was lost in thought, a familiar calm voice called out.

"Bell Cranel?"

Bell turned to see Miach, the gentle and kind god, carrying a bag filled with supplies.

"Miach!" Bell greeted him with a smile. "Are you out shopping?"

The blue-haired god nodded. "Supplies for my Familia. What about you?"

Bell rubbed the back of his neck. "Just... thinking about getting a new weapon."

Miach's gaze softened. "I see."

A pause. Then he reached into his bag and pulled out two small glass vials.

"Here, take these."

Bell's eyes widened. "Potions?"

Miach nodded. "Consider it a gift. You're growing fast, and I imagine you'll need them."

Bell stared at the potions for a moment before accepting them with both hands.

"Thank you, Miach," he said, bowing his head slightly.

Miach smiled warmly. "Stay safe out there, Bell."

With that, the two parted ways.

—

Meanwhile, in the heart of Orario, inside Hephaestus' workshop, Hestia was on her hands and knees.

"Please, Hephaestus! I'm begging you!"

The red-haired goddess of the forge sighed, arms crossed as she looked down at her prostrating friend.

"Hestia, get up."

"I won't until you say yes!"

Hephaestus pinched the bridge of her nose. "You're impossible."

Hestia clasped her hands together, eyes shining with determination. "Bell needs a weapon! Something special! Please, Hephaestus, I'll do anything—just make it for him!"

Silence stretched between them.

Then, Hephaestus let out a long sigh.

"...Fine."

Hestia's eyes lit up.

"But," Hephaestus added sternly, "you will pay your debt, no matter how long it takes."

Hestia nodded so fast she almost lost balance. "I don't care! Thank you, Hephaestus!"

The forge goddess smirked slightly. "Don't thank me yet. You're going to help with this."

Hestia froze.

"...Help?"

Hephaestus chuckled. "If this weapon is for your child, you should have a hand in its creation."

Hestia gulped, but her determination did not waver.

"For Bell, I'll do it!"

---

Next: Growth