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

The rhythmic clack of the train on the tracks was the only constant sound, a comforting hum beneath the anxiety and excitement that buzzed within me. I watched the capital city shrink into a distant memory, its familiar skyline swallowed by the vast expanse of mountains and trees.

Beside me, Maria's head rested lightly on my shoulder, a warmth I hadn't realized I missed until now. Months of isolated training had honed my skills, but it had also dulled the vibrant hum of human connection. Now, with my team around me, the laughter and easy banter were a welcome melody.

“Still hasn’t fully hit me yet,” I murmured, more to myself than anyone. “Being gone for so long…”

Leo, ever the pragmatic guide, chimed in from across the private cabin, his silver hair glinting in the afternoon light. “Plenty of time for that later, Jay. For now, enjoy the peace while it lasts. The Dark Continent’s a different beast entirely.”

The landscape outside transformed with every passing kilometer – lush forests giving way to dry, arid plains, dotted with distant, jagged mountains. The sun, a fiery orb, began its slow descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and red.

Hours later, a screech of brakes jolted me awake. “Rise and shine, team!” Leo’s voice cut through the fading light. “Welcome to Gate 1, Section 4.”

I blinked, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, and looked out the window. The world had changed. Before us stood an impossibly high, grey stone wall, stretching endlessly into the horizon. It loomed, a silent, imposing sentinel guarding the secrets beyond.

“What is this place…?” I whispered, a tremor of awe and trepidation running through me as I stepped off the train onto the dusty platform. The air was hot and still, the silence profound, broken only by the distant, echoing whistle of the departing train.