Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

Chapter 28. Victory, Debt, Decision

Some time after their hard-earned victory, the Hestia Familia stood before their new home—the grand estate that once belonged to Apollo.

It no longer felt like the cold, imposing mansion it had been. It was theirs now. A place where they could truly belong.

To mark this new chapter, Hestia made one final change.

Their Familia emblem, once a simple flame, was reborn. A flame and a bell—forever entwined. A symbol of their journey, their struggles, and the boy who had defied fate itself.

The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses.

A grand toast was held in his honor, marking not just his growth as an adventurer but also his new role as the Familia's commander.

Standing before his friends and comrades, Bell hesitated for a brief moment before lifting his glass.

"I have grown so much stronger since then and I am well aware of that," he admitted, his voice humble. "But I promise to not let this fact blind me. Protecting the people who have always stood beside me is my priority."

Cheers erupted, and the drinks flowed freely in celebration.

As the night progressed, conversation turned to the extravagant décor of their new home—Apollo's former manor.

It was then revealed that the manor had been designed by none other than Goibniu, the renowned craftsman. And to everyone's delight, Hestia had already commissioned him to add a special touch to their new residence—a cypress bathhouse.

Without hesitation, Mikoto was the first to experience it, submerging herself in the soothing, warm waters. A blissful sigh escaped her lips as she leaned back. "This... is heaven."

Meanwhile, as Hestia, Bell, and Lili discussed renovation plans, an unexpected sight caught their attention.

Standing at the gate were two familiar figures—Cassandra and Daphne, former members of the Apollo Familia.

Their reason for being there?

Cassandra had lost her beloved pillow.

"My Oneiromancy foretold that it would be here," she explained earnestly.

Bell, after a quick search, located the pillow and handed it to her. Grateful, Cassandra and Daphne exchanged knowing glances before turning back to him.

"We'll be back tomorrow," Daphne stated matter-of-factly.

Bell tilted his head. "Why?"

A smirk played on Daphne's lips. "Because Hestia Familia is recruiting new members."

The following day, the manor was bustling with energy as a large crowd gathered, hopeful to join the Familia.

Seizing the opportunity, Lili took charge of screening the applicants—prioritizing women she deemed "unsuitable" for Bell's attention.

Bell, confused yet helpless against Lili's scheming, could only sigh.

Elsewhere, Mikoto—having taken too long in the bath that morning—hurriedly stumbled upon a small box marked in Hestia's handwriting:

"DO NOT TOUCH."

At that moment, the recruitment process was interrupted as Mikoto burst into the room, holding the box aloft.

Her voice rang out like a war horn.

"We're in debt! Two hundred million valis!"

The crowd fell into stunned silence.

The hopeful recruits who had gathered moments ago exchanged panicked looks before collectively deciding—almost telepathically—to leave immediately.

As the dust settled, Bell hesitantly opened the invoice.

His hands trembled as he read the name of the debt holder: Hephaestus.

His mind reeled.

The debt... it was for the forging of Hestia's Knife.

His expression froze, his entire being overwhelmed with sheer disbelief.

Two hundred million valis?!

That evening, the atmosphere within the Hestia Familia's manor was heavy with unspoken tension.

Seated around the table, the members of the Familia discussed the enormous debt looming over them.

"The best option is to take on quests in the Dungeon," Lili proposed, arms crossed. "If we grind hard enough, we can chip away at it."

Mikoto nodded. "It won't be easy, but it's a viable plan."

However, before the discussion could continue, Hestia raised a hand, silencing the room.

"This debt is mine," she declared firmly, her small hands clenched into fists. "I'll take full responsibility for repaying Hephaestus. I won't let any of you suffer because of my choices."

The determination in her voice left no room for argument. The matter was settled, at least for now.

But even as the topic of debt faded, Bell found himself unable to shake another lingering thought—one that had been gnawing at him for a while.

Taking a deep breath, he finally spoke.

"Lili... I don't think I need a supporter anymore."

The words hung in the air, heavier than the debt itself.

Lili exhaled sharply, as if she had been expecting this. "I figured this was coming."

Bell hesitated. "I'm sorry, I—"

Lili shook her head, cutting him off with a wry smile. "Don't be. It makes sense. You basically have an entire adventurer party inside your...shadow or whatever."

Despite the lighthearted tone, there was something unreadable in her expression. But she didn't let it linger. Instead, she quickly turned to Hestia.

"I suppose I should find other work, then."

Hestia, sensing the shift in mood, offered a suggestion. "The Guild is always looking for experienced supporters. You'd be perfect for the job."

Lili tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I'll consider it."

That night, as the weight of the day's revelations settled, Hestia made one final decision—one she knew she couldn't keep to herself.

Despite her earlier insistence, she finally relented, allowing the rest of the Familia to help her pay off the debt.

It wasn't just her burden to bear—it was theirs, together.

And with that, the night ended not in despair, but in celebration.