Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

Chapter 32. Price of a Hero

Bell returned to the Hestia Familia home with heavy footsteps and a heavier heart. The moment the doors shut behind him, a shrill voice echoed across the hallway.

"Bell! What were you thinking spending the night in the pleasure quarter?!"

Hestia's fury descended like a divine thunderbolt, her twin tails practically crackling with frustration.

Bell flinched, hands raised defensively. "I didn't go there on purpose, I swear!"

"Then what—? Never mind! You're grounded! Starting now, you're on community chore duty for the whole week!"

"But—"

"No buts! You're lucky I'm not smiting you!"

Beside them, Mikoto stepped forward, her expression solemn. "Lady Hestia, if I may, I was involved as well. I should take responsibility for what happened—"

Hestia waved her off with an exhausted sigh. "Fine, fine. You can both do chores. I don't care how many of you tag along, as long as Bell learns something."

—

Later that day, Bell stood outside a neighbor's garden, arms folded as his summoned shadow infantry diligently swept the path, carried crates, and repaired worn fences. Their movements were precise, nearly silent, like phantoms serving their commander.

Bell watched them work with a mixture of pride and guilt.

It wasn't long before he heard laughter—a group of children nearby, caught up in their own little adventure.

"I'm the Hero!" one cried.

"And I'm the Princess!" squeaked another.

"No! I'm the Monster! You have to beat me to save her!"

Bell's gaze lingered.

Hero. Princess. Monster.

The roles were simple. Yet within them echoed something much more painful—a memory of a lonely fox-eared girl who once whispered that she wished a hero would save her. A fantasy she had long since deemed impossible.

Haruhime.

His hand clenched by his side.

He hadn't forgotten her. He couldn't.

"Still at it, Bell?" came a familiar voice.

He turned to see Mikoto and Lili approaching, both carrying baskets filled with supplies.

"I figured you'd still be doing chores," Mikoto said with a slight smile, before glancing at the shadow soldiers finishing up their tasks. "Though... looks like your helpers have things handled."

Bell chuckled. "Yeah, I figured I'd lighten the load a bit."

Lili crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes. "You really had them cleaning gutters?"

"They don't complain," Bell shrugged.

Mikoto knelt by a patch of flowers, gently tending to them. Then, as if the thought had weighed on her for some time, she spoke up. "The friend I was searching for... back in the pleasure district. She's a Renard."

Bell's heart skipped.

"Haruhime...?"

Mikoto nodded.

Bell lowered his gaze. The puzzle pieces had fit together, yet hearing it confirmed twisted something in his chest.

Lili didn't miss the shift in his expression. "Don't even think about it."