[CH200+ Continued] Dungeon Diver: Stealing A Monster's Power

The rhythmic clatter of the train tracks beneath me was a constant hum, a stark contrast to the months of silent solitude I'd spent training. Through the wide, open window, the bustling marketplace of the capital city shrank into a distant memory, replaced by the heavy trees and small, shimmering lakes of a mountainous region. We’d traveled for hours, farther from my hometown than I’d ever been.

My teammates, familiar faces I hadn't seen in too long, were scattered around our private cabin, their chatter a welcome symphony after the quiet companionship of only Ember. Maria, her blonde hair catching the light, reminded me of where we'd started, farming goblins just to make rent. It felt like a lifetime ago.

As the sun began its descent, painting the arid landscape in hues of orange and red, the towns we passed grew smaller, the wildlife scarcer. We were heading into a desert, a place I’d only known from dungeons and books. The excitement was a tangible thing, a nervous energy buzzing beneath my skin. Just as the last sliver of sun dipped below the horizon, and Maria's head found a comfortable spot on my shoulder, I drifted into a deep sleep, the train’s rumble a soothing lullaby.

I woke to the jarring screech of brakes, Leo’s voice cutting through my doze. “Rise and shine, we made it to the outer wall of Gate 1. Let’s go check in and get you guys situated.”

Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I looked out the window. Less vegetation, no trees, just a vast, dry expanse. And then, I saw it—a massive, grey wall, over forty meters high, curving endlessly into the distance. It was imposing, alien. As I stepped onto the small wooden platform, a man's voice rang out, greeting Leo. Abby, Maria, and Arie followed me out, their expressions mirroring my own awe.

“What is this place…?” I whispered, the silence of the desert pressing in around us.