Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

Chapter 22: A City In A Dungeon

A vast, arboreous forest stretched into the distance, the thick canopy bathed in a soft, ethereal glow from the enormous crystal formations embedded in the landscape. Light refracted through the translucent blue structures, casting dancing patterns across the terrain below. Even after all his time in the Dungeon, Bell had never quite gotten used to how surreal and breathtaking it could be.

Soon, they reached their destination—the bustling town of Rivira. Built on the 18th floor of the Dungeon, it was a haven for adventurers seeking respite from their expeditions. However, its convenience came at a steep price. The moment they entered the town, it became clear just how exorbitant everything was. Shopkeepers displayed rare potions and enchanted gear, their prices so high they might as well have been robbery. Even the local inns charged an outrageous amount just for a single night's stay.

As Hestia haggled fiercely with a merchant over supplies, Bell wandered the marketplace, only to find himself face-to-face with the same man who had confronted him at the bar earlier.

Their gazes locked.

The tension between them was instant, thick like a drawn bowstring ready to snap. The man's lips curled into a sneer, his body shifting subtly as if daring Bell to make a move. Bell tensed, instinctively preparing for a confrontation—

But before it could escalate, Ais stepped between them, her presence alone enough to douse the brewing conflict. The man clicked his tongue, muttering something under his breath before turning away, leaving Bell to exhale in relief.

Later, as the group settled in, Hestia excitedly presented a small glass vial of perfume, holding it up for Bell to see. She spritzed a bit into the air, and a delicate floral scent filled the space between them.

"Well?" Hestia beamed. "What do you think?"

Bell gave her an honest smile. "It smells really nice, Goddess."

Lili, however, scoffed from the side. "Self-absorbed tastes, as expected."

Hestia's expression instantly darkened. "Excuse me?! What's that supposed to mean?!"

As their bickering escalated into a full-blown argument, Tione approached with an amused chuckle. "Hestia, why don't you join us for a bath? It might help you cool off."

Hestia blinked, momentarily distracted. "A bath...?"

"The lake isn't far from here," Tione continued. "We were planning to go anyway."

The ladies of Takemikazuchi's Familia chimed in, expressing interest as well. After a moment of consideration, Hestia nodded. "Alright, I'll come along!"

As the group of women departed, Hermes casually draped an arm around Bell's shoulder. "Now that they're occupied, how about a little chat back at camp?"

Back at the Loki Familia's base, Bete finally returned, carrying a pouch filled with antidotes for his poisoned comrades. The moment he stepped into camp, however, his sharp eyes landed on something—or rather, someone—that immediately irritated him.

Bell Cranel.

His expression twisted into a scowl. "Oi, what the hell is he doing here?"

Finn, standing nearby, gave a vague response, his usual calculating demeanor making it impossible to gauge his true thoughts. "Just having a discussion with Hermes."

Bete clicked his tongue but didn't press further.

Elsewhere, by the lakeside, Bell and Hermes stood side by side, overlooking the water. The moonlit surface shimmered gently, but Bell was far too aware of what lay beyond the nearby rocks. The soft murmurs and occasional laughter of the women bathing carried through the night air, making his face heat up.

Hermes, on the other hand, wore a grin of pure mischief. "Ah, Bell, there are moments in life a man must seize. This—this is romance."

Bell stiffened. "Th-This is peeping!"

Hermes let out an exaggerated sigh. "That's such a narrow way to look at it! A man's love for the beauty of the female form is a tale as old as time!"

Bell's face darkened further, the words striking an eerie resemblance to something his grandfather had once told him. Still, no matter how it was phrased, he wasn't about to start spying on the girls.

Just as he turned to step away, Hermes, in his enthusiasm, twirled a little too dramatically—knocking into Bell.

The impact sent Bell stumbling backward. His foot caught on a loose rock. His balance was lost.

And before he could even process what was happening—

The ground disappeared from under him.

Bell plummeted straight toward the bathing area, eyes wide in horror.

Then—

A shadow surged.

From the darkness beneath him, Igris emerged like a specter, his form flickering in the moonlight. Without hesitation, the shadow soldier seized Bell in a flash, twisting midair and vanishing before he could so much as touch the water.

Below, the women stirred. Some looked around in confusion, sensing something, but only catching a fleeting glimpse of a black blur moving at impossible speed. A murmur rippled through the group, a mixture of unease and intrigue.

Ais, standing at the edge of the water, narrowed her eyes slightly.

She had a feeling she knew exactly what had just happened.

Her lips curled into the faintest of smiles.

Bell Cranel, as always... was fascinating.

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Next: Saving Hestia