Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

Chapter 19. Argonaut

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the city, Bell sat in quiet contemplation, his fingers tracing the jagged edges of the Minotaur's horn. A trophy of his triumph—a symbol of his growth.

With a deep breath, he opened his status screen, eager to see how much stronger he had become. But as his eyes scanned the familiar stats, another window unexpectedly materialized before him.

New Skill Acquired: Argonaut.

[A skill that grants the ability to charge an attack for enhanced power. A full charge requires five minutes, and its activation is marked by a chime—soft like a whisper or resounding like a grand bell, depending on the charge. It can be applied to any form of attack, but loses effectiveness if the user is struck or loses focus.]

Bell's heart pounded. A skill entirely unique to him.

Without hesitation, he rushed to inform Hestia.

"That skill..." Hestia mused, tapping a finger against her lips as she studied the status screen. A warm smile spread across her face. "It's proof of your dream, Bell."

"My dream?"

She nodded. "Your desire to become a hero—your wish to protect others. That's what shaped this skill."

A warmth bloomed in Bell's chest. This wasn't just another power—it was his power, born from his deepest aspirations.

Soon after, Hestia departed for Denatus, the quarterly assembly of the gods. Tonight, they would bestow a second name upon Bell—a title that would echo throughout Orario.

Within the temple's grand halls, Hestia strolled through a marble corridor, only to be intercepted by a familiar figure.

"Hestia."

She turned to find Takemikazuchi approaching, his expression caught between curiosity and amusement.

"I imagine you've heard the rumors about your little adventurer," he remarked. "He's progressing fast."

Hestia folded her arms, grinning. "Of course! He's my Bell, after all."

Takemikazuchi chuckled. "It's impressive. I've also come with news—one of my own, Yamato Mikoto, has reached Rank 2."

"Amazing! Congratulations to her," Hestia said genuinely before their conversation drifted toward the upcoming naming ceremony.

Back at the church, Bell swept the floor absentmindedly, his thoughts drifting.

His second name... what would it be?

Would it be something cool? Something grand?

His gaze flickered toward his old armor set, battle-worn but filled with memories.

Suddenly, the doors burst open with an energetic bang!

"Bell!"

He barely had time to react before Hestia practically flew toward him, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"You got it! Your second name!"

Bell's hands tightened around the broomstick. His heartbeat quickened.

"Well?! What is it?!"

A triumphant grin spread across Hestia's face.

"The Argonaut."

That night, at the Hostess of Fertility, Bell beamed with pride as he shared his new title with Lili.

"The Argonaut." He let the name roll off his tongue, savoring the weight of it. "What do you think?"