Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

Chapter 36. The Distance Between Gods and Men

Bell Cranel sat across from Hermes inside a modest pub tucked between two aging stone buildings. The place smelled of roasted meat and ale, its wooden beams darkened by years of smoke and laughter. Adventurers filled the room with low chatter, blissfully unaware that one of the figures shaping the future of Orario sat quietly at a corner table.

"So," Hermes said lightly, swirling the drink in his hand, his ever-present grin curving wider, "Haruhime's officially part of the Hestia Familia now, huh?"

Bell nodded, wrapping his hands around his mug more for comfort than thirst. "Yeah. She's... still adjusting. But Mikoto's been helping her a lot."

Hermes chuckled. "I figured she would. Still, you really stirred the pot this time. Saving a renard priestess from a fallen goddess? You've got a flair for dramatic heroics."

Bell shifted in his seat, "I just did what I thought was right."

"Of course you did," Hermes replied, eyes glinting knowingly. "That's exactly why this world keeps dragging you into bigger things."

Bell frowned slightly. "Bigger things?"

Hermes leaned back, chair creaking as his tone grew more contemplative. "Bell, have you ever heard of the Three Great Quests?"

The name alone sent a strange chill through Bell's chest. "I've... heard people mention them," he said slowly. "But I don't really know the details."

Hermes's grin softened, replaced by something more serious. "They're legends, sure—but legends rooted in truth. Tasks given to mortals that only a true hero could ever hope to complete."

He raised one finger. "The first was the Behemoth. A walking calamity that trampled nations. The Zeus Familia took it down."

A second finger followed. "The second was the Leviathan, ruler of the seas. Hera Familia ended that one."

Bell's eyes widened. "Those Familias were... wiped out, weren't they?"

Hermes nodded. "By the third quest." He paused, letting the silence stretch. "The Black Dragon."

Bell swallowed. "I thought that was a myth."

"So did most of the world," Hermes said quietly. "But it's real. I've seen the records myself. The dragon destroyed Zeus and Hera Familia completely. Not even their strongest survived."

"And that monster..." Bell murmured, "...is still alive?"

Hermes met his gaze. "Yes. Sleeping somewhere beyond humanity's reach. Waiting."

A heavy knot settled in Bell's chest. The Dungeon suddenly felt small compared to the vast, terrifying world Hermes was describing. "Why are you telling me this?" he asked.

Hermes smiled again, though this time it lacked its usual playfulness. "Because heroes don't stay small forever. And because... I think you might one day be dragged into that story, whether you want it or not."

Bell looked down at his reflection in the mug. A hero worthy of such a task? The idea felt impossibly distant.

Elsewhere, far from Orario's warm taverns, the atmosphere was anything but calm.

Inside a heavily fortified war room, Ares paced back and forth. "How is this possible?!" he roared, slamming his fist against a stone table.

Marius, his vice-captain, stood stiffly at attention. "My lord, our losses continue to mount. The enemy's tactics are—"

"Excuses!" Ares snapped. "How can we be losing so easily?! I am the god of war!"

Marius winced. "With respect, Lord Ares... Orario's adventurers are simply on another level."