[Name: Bell Cranel
Lv.1 → Lv.2
Attributes:
• Strength: E487 → D574
• Endurance: D524 → D597
• Dexterity: C674 → A854
• Agility: B787 → S901
• Magic: B784 → S924
Magic:
"Four-Dimensional Space"
• Storage
"Lightning Command"
• Quick-Cast Magic
• Lightning Control
Skills:
"Personal Training"
• Early Bloomer
"Heaven's Luck"
• High Luck]
His [Attribute Grades] had once again grown significantly—Magic and Agility had both entered the S rank, and Dexterity had reached A.
The only downside was that Strength and Endurance hadn't improved as rapidly.
Of course, what caught Hestia's attention the most was that Bell had already accumulated enough Excelia at Lv.1 to qualify for a level-up. The discovery had her practically bouncing with excitement.
"Bell, your Excelia is more than enough. You could level up right now if you wanted."
Leaning back against the Goddess-sama, Bell wasn't all that surprised.
Those five Minotaurs had been more than enough to push him from Lv.1 to Lv.2. In fact, given how one-sided the fight had been, even just one might have sufficed.
"Congratulations. See?
Even though the goal is still far away, you've taken the most important first step."
"So, Bell, should I level you up now?"
"No, not yet."
Bell shook his head slightly. He wasn't finished growing at Lv.1.
"Goddess-sama, my [Attribute Grades] still have room to go up by the thousands, right?"
"Yes, there's still plenty of room to grow."
For a typical adventurer, those stats would already be enough for a level-up. But Hestia knew this wasn't Bell's limit.
It had only been about ten days since he became an adventurer—not even two weeks. There was no need to rush.
"Magic and Agility have already reached S, Dexterity is at A, and while Strength and Endurance are still in the D range, they're approaching C."
"Magic and Agility rose the fastest?"
Bell suddenly realized something—[Attribute Grades] were more a reflection of his combat style than anything else.
The reason Magic and Agility hit S was likely due to his frequent use of Lightning Transformation, which had driven rapid growth in both stats.
Dexterity was a bit behind, but given how much high-speed movement he was doing, that too was bound to improve quickly.
The biggest gap was still in Strength and Endurance.
"Next time I head into the Dungeon, I'll change up my fighting style and focus on boosting those two."
Bell's goal was to become a well-rounded, hexagonal warrior.
Because of his current combat style, Strength and Endurance had lagged behind and needed to be balanced out.
As long as the conditions for growth were still there, Bell had no intention of leveling up before reaching the peak of his [Attribute Grades]—doing so would only limit his potential later on.
He got dressed and pushed aside any lingering thoughts.
"Goddess-sama, if you're free today, want to go out for a walk?"
"Sure, sure!"
Bell looked at her, a little startled by how excited she was—he even felt a bit embarrassed.
Since arriving in Orario, he'd been so focused on his own goals that he hadn't really spent much time with her. She had helped him so much, believed in him, and yet he'd hardly made time for her.
"This is the first time Bell-kun has invited me out. I'll go change into something nicer!"
Seeing her so happy only made Bell feel more guilty.
He needed to take her out more often.
...
By evening, the sky had darkened, but for Orario, nightfall was just the beginning of the city's lively nightlife.
Once they stepped out of the alleyway, the darkness didn't dull the bright lights of the city streets in the slightest.
"Wow~ I haven't been out at night in forever."
The air was cool, so Hestia wore a white coat over her usual outfit. Bell, meanwhile, stuck with his slightly worn trench coat—though today, he left the hood down for once.
He looked around with interest. The stalls were different at night—mornings were all weapons and gear, but evenings were filled with food vendors.
Walking the streets, Bell could feel Orario's vibrant atmosphere. Everyone seemed so relaxed, laughing freely as they embraced the night.
The streets buzzed with life, and delicious aromas drifted from the open taverns nearby.
Bell had always been socially awkward—not good with strangers, not used to chatting on the street—so the nighttime view of Orario was something new and refreshing for him.
"Did you used to come out often, Goddess-sama?"
"Hehe~ That was back when I freeloaded at Hephaestus's place. I used to ask her for money to come out and eat!"
Bell's face twitched slightly.
In some ways, he was certain that Hephaestus really did love Goddess-sama. Otherwise, who would let someone eat and drink for free and still hand them pocket money to go have fun?
If one of his old friends had tried that at his place, he would've kicked them out without hesitation.
'Goddess-sama... sorry, I can't be as generous as Hephaestus-sama.'
For some reason, Bell felt a pang of guilt.
He reached behind him and pulled out a small pouch he had prepared in advance.
"Goddess-sama, this is for you."
"A pouch?"
"Yes. After setting aside part of our funds for repaying debt, I kept a bit for daily expenses. This pouch is that portion."
It wasn't much—just 200,000 Valis. Before leaving the Guild, he had even taken the time to exchange some larger coins for smaller denominations.
He had prepared this as her spending money.
Bell wasn't worried about her going hungry while working for Hephaestus-sama, but after her shift, she should at least have something to treat herself.
"I got it ready earlier today. I was going to give it to you tonight."
"Ooooh!!"
Hestia took the pouch—it was pleasantly weighty. From the feel of it, it had to be over 100,000 Valis.
"Bell, you're the best! I love you so much!"
She had her cravings too. There were things she wanted to buy. Not having money really sucked sometimes.
But that was the old her. Starting today, she had her own little money pouch, filled with spending money from her beloved Bell.
With eyes full of emotion, Hestia clung tightly to Bell's hand, leaning her whole weight against him.
To anyone passing by, they looked just like a sweet couple, deeply in love.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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