Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

Chapter 18. Recognition

After their sparring session, Ais insisted on another kind of training—something Bell had never expected.

"Napping?" Bell blinked in disbelief.

Ais nodded. "It's important. You need to learn how to rest properly, even in dangerous situations." Without hesitation, she lay down on the stone wall and, within seconds, drifted into slumber.

Bell gawked. She's already asleep?!

Meanwhile, deep within the Dungeon, Ottar stood over the defeated minotaur, his broken weapon discarded at his feet. The battle had been fought, the lesson imparted. Without a word, he turned and walked away, leaving the battered creature to contemplate its fate.

That evening, Bell found himself walking alongside Ais through the lively streets of Orario. The city buzzed with life, merchants calling out their wares, adventurers sharing stories over mugs of ale. Eventually, their stroll led them to a food stall—one manned by none other than Hestia herself.

The moment she spotted them, her eyes narrowed.

"Bell!" she huffed, crossing her arms. "How many girls are you planning to get involved with? First Lili, and now Ais?!"

Bell flinched at her words, scrambling to explain. "It's not like that! Ais is just helping me train—"

Hestia's suspicious gaze flickered to Ais, who remained as unreadable as ever. When she finally relented, it was with a sigh of resignation.

"Fine. It's only for a few more days anyway," she conceded, though she leaned forward, poking Bell square in the chest. "But listen here! No funny business! Training only!"

Bell nodded frantically, eager to avoid the wrath of his tiny yet formidable goddess.

Ais, as usual, merely tilted her head. "...Funny business?"

Hestia turned red. "You heard me, Ais Wallenwhatsherface!"

—

"Bell!"

A familiar voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned to see Syr, a playful smile on her lips.

"Perfect timing," she said sweetly. "I need a favor."

Before he could even respond, she tugged him toward the Hostess of Fertility.

That favor, as it turned out, was washing a mountain of dishes.

Much to his dismay, Bell sighed in resignation and rolled up his sleeves. If nothing else, at least this mindless task would keep him from dwelling too much on Ais.

The workload, however, was staggering. Just as he was beginning to question how long he'd be stuck there, another figure silently stepped in beside him.

Ryuu.

Without a word, the elven waitress began assisting him, her movements swift and efficient. Bell blinked in surprise but quickly followed her pace. The two worked in harmony, the quiet between them strangely comfortable.

The next morning, Bell met Ais once more atop the training grounds. This would be their final session together.

Steel clashed as their blades met, a whirlwind of strikes and counters. Bell had learned much over these past days, but Ais was still a force beyond reach. Even so—

He saw it. A slight opening.

Now!

He shifted his weight, twisting mid-dodge, and drove his blade forward. It wasn't a decisive blow, but he managed to land a solid counterattack.