Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

Chapter 19. Argonaut

Lili leaned back, arms crossed, but a small smirk tugged at her lips. "It's got a nice ring to it. Sounds cool."

Before Bell could respond, Syr and Ryuu appeared at their table.

"Mind if we join you?" Syr asked with a teasing smile.

Bell blinked. "Uh, sure, but... why?"

Ryuu sighed, placing a hand on her hip. "Mia's orders."

Laughter and chatter filled the air as the tavern's patrons recognized Bell's latest accomplishment, some raising their mugs in his honor. Amidst the lively atmosphere, the conversation shifted.

"So," Syr mused, resting her chin on her palm. "What's next for The Argonaut?"

Bell met her gaze, determination burning in his eyes.

"The middle levels."

As Bell sat at his usual table in the Hostess of Fertility, Ryuu's calm yet firm voice cut through the lively tavern atmosphere.

"Don't go past the 13th floor."

Bell blinked at the unexpected warning.

"The monsters beyond that point are a different league from what you've faced. Even with your strength, tackling them alone would be reckless," Ryuu continued, her gaze unwavering. "You need more allies if you plan to explore the middle floors safely."

Bell nodded, taking her words to heart. He was strong, but even he understood the limits of a solo adventurer.

Before the conversation could continue, a group of adventurers—led by a muscular man with a scarred face—swaggered over to their table.

"Oi, Bell Cranel, right?" The leader grinned, eyes flicking toward Ryuu. "How about you join our party? In exchange, maybe we get to spend a little quality time with the lovely elf here."

Ryuu's expression remained unreadable, but the air around her grew colder.

"No." Her voice was flat, final.

Bell's fingers twitched against the table, a sharp pulse of bloodlust slipping from him like a blade unsheathing.

The atmosphere shifted.

The adventurers stiffened, their bravado faltering under Bell's piercing gaze. Beads of sweat formed on their brows as their instincts screamed danger.

"...Tch. Whatever." The leader forced a laugh, raising his hands in mock surrender. "No need to be so tense." He gestured to his party. "We're leaving."

With that, they turned on their heels, tossing a few coins onto the table to cover their tab before slipping out of the tavern.

Bell exhaled, easing his presence back into calm control.

"Bell," Ryuu said quietly, studying him.

"...Sorry." He scratched his cheek sheepishly.

But she simply shook her head.

The next morning, Bell adjusted his equipment, preparing for his next dive into the Dungeon.

With Lili at his side, they descended into the 10th floor—this time with a new party member.

"This formation feels a little unbalanced," Lili commented, glancing at their recruit. "The middle floors will be much tougher. Are we sure we can handle this?"

Before Bell could respond, the ground trembled.

Shadows stretched across the dungeon walls as figures emerged from the darkness—Imps with razor-sharp claws and brutish Orcs with massive clubs.