Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

Chapter 10. Deception and Trust

Lili left the shop with slumped shoulders, frustration curling in her chest. Damn it. Another wasted effort. She sighed, shoving her hands into the pockets of her tattered cloak as she trudged down the dimly lit street.

Then—thud.

She smacked into something solid, bouncing back with a small yelp. Rubbing her forehead, she blinked up at the tall figure looming over her.

A pair of sturdy boots. A familiar white jacket.

Lili's breath hitched as her gaze traveled upward—only to lock eyes with Bell Cranel. His crimson irises weren't angry, but there was a weight behind them that made her stomach twist with unease.

Just my luck...

Before either of them could speak, a voice called out.

"Bell, fancy seeing you here," Syr greeted with a smile, walking toward them with Ryuu beside her.

"Good evening," Ryuu added, her usual calm demeanor unwavering as she assessed the situation.

Bell returned their greeting before turning back to Lili. "I know you took my knife." His tone wasn't accusatory—just stating a fact.

Lili stiffened. There was no point in playing dumb. She sighed, lowering her gaze. "...Sorry."

Syr frowned, placing her hands on her hips. "Stealing from an ally? That's pretty low, don't you think?"

Ryuu shook her head disapprovingly. "You should be grateful Bell is so forgiving. Others would not be as kind."

Lili's ears drooped.

Bell chuckled, waving a hand. "Hey, don't be too hard on her. We've already settled it."

Syr sighed but relented, while Ryuu gave Lili one last pointed look before the two women said their goodbyes and left.

Now alone, Lili kicked at the ground. "I really am sorry," she muttered.

Bell crossed his arms, watching her carefully. "If you're serious about that, then come with me tomorrow."

Lili's ears twitched. "To the Dungeon?"

Bell nodded.

She hesitated, searching his face for any sign of deception. But all she saw was earnest sincerity.

"...Fine," she relented.

The next day, the two ventured into the Dungeon once more. As they walked, Lili noticed something missing.

"Wait... where's your knife?"

Bell tapped his bracer. "I'm storing it here now. Can't risk losing it again."

Lili sighed but couldn't argue. They then discussed her pay, eventually agreeing to split their spoils evenly.

Days passed.

—

A thunderous roar shook the cavern.

A hulking Orc stomped forward, its muscles bulging beneath its thick hide. Yellowed tusks gleamed under the Dungeon's eerie glow as it bellowed, swinging its massive club toward Bell.

Bell darted forward, narrowly dodging the devastating strike. The impact sent dust and debris flying, cracks webbing across the stone beneath them.

"Lili!" he called.

"On it!"

From behind a boulder, Lili released the lever on her crossbow. A bolt whizzed through the air, striking the Orc's exposed eye.