Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

Chapter 25. The Hidden Dungeon

Bell smirked. "I want to see what Titan can do."

Titan, hearing his master's command, let out a deep, rumbling chuckle. His massive form trembled, and then—

FWOOOOSH!

From the depths of his core, an inferno erupted.

A tidal wave of fire roared across the battlefield, swallowing the landscape in an instant. Ice melted, snow vaporized, and the oncoming Ice Bears never even had the chance to scream.

When the flames died down, nothing remained but smoldering embers and the scent of scorched dirt.

Bell's companions could only stare.

Titan turned, his massive form towering over them, embers still flickering from his maw.

The battlefield belonged to them.

Only one Ice Bear remained, its massive form barely standing amidst the scorched battlefield. This one was different—larger than the rest, with a deep, jagged X-shaped scar carved into its chest, a testament to battles long survived. Its icy breath came in ragged puffs, but its gaze burned with unyielding ferocity.

Bell met its eyes for a moment before shifting his gaze to the Minotaur. A simple nod was all it took.

The beast understood.

With a ground-shaking roar, the Minotaur lunged, closing the distance in an instant. Its massive axe cleaved through the air, aimed directly at the bear's scarred chest.

SLASH!

The blade struck true, tearing through frost-covered fur and muscle. The Ice Bear roared in agony, staggering back—but the Minotaur was relentless.

In one brutal motion, it swung again.

CRACK!

The axe cleaved through bone and sinew, bisecting the bear's massive frame. A final, savage swing sent its head flying, severed clean from its shoulders.

A moment of stillness. Then, the lifeless body collapsed, its blood staining the snow.

Bell eyed the fallen Ice Bears, his mind already weighing the benefits. Having more variety in his forces wouldn't hurt. Their raw strength and resistance to the cold could prove useful in future battles.

With a deep breath, he extended his hand.

"Arise."

A chilling wave of magic pulsed through the air. The snow-covered battlefield trembled as the corpses of the beasts twitched and stirred. Then, with an eerie glow in their eyes, the massive Ice Bear and five of its kin rose once more—now bound to Bell's will. Their forms loomed in the cold, frost still clinging to their revived bodies, but their eyes held a different light—obedience.

Lili crossed her arms, giving Bell a wary glance. "I'll never get used to watching you bring things back from the dead."

Mikoto, however, seemed intrigued, her sharp gaze scanning the reanimated creatures. "A formidable force... Their durability and size could be an asset."

Hestia huffed, puffing out her cheeks. "Bell, aren't you gathering a few too many of these things? What if they stink?"

Bell chuckled. "They don't rot, Goddess. No bad smells."

Hermes, watching with amusement, stroked his chin. "It's certainly an intimidating sight. No matter where you go, Bell, you never fail to surprise."

As they continued deeper into the icy expanse, they eventually found a wide clearing. It was the perfect place to set up camp.

Bell exhaled, his breath visible in the frigid air. "Stop hiding, I know you're there."