Dungeon Diver: Stealing a Monster's Power

Chapter 107

Arie and I stand about 10m away from the lined-up wooden tables waiting for the rest of our team to make it out.

The rippling light that seems to be Rodrigo's doing distorts the view of the dungeon at large. I want to see what we're up against, but it'll have to wait.

The first to arrive is Maria. She appears out of thin air from the rippling illusion of light with a grin across her face still glowing blue.

"You two finished before me again? Well, it was a fun fight anyways!"

She spins a serpent's fang on a long black string around her finger while walking over and standing next to me.

The next to arrive is Nessa. Arie and Maria look very surprised as she walks over to us without a scratch on her.

"That stealth skill doesn't work so well when I can literally see trees being crushed to bits in front of my eyes. I don't know what I was so worried about!"

I laugh and give her a warm smile.

"I guess you're right... It was pretty easy to track."

I used other means to do so, but watching the plant life being crushed probably did the trick just fine.

She grins and walks past me whispering softly while giving a sly wink.

"Thanks Jay."

Mere seconds later, the green-haired healer comes strutting towards us with a confident, but serious look across her face.

"Now that one was a challenge."

Abby lets out a sigh and eyes the tables behind us eagerly, she looks exhausted. Maria puts an arm around her shoulder and giggles.

"Let's go sit down and save a seat for the others."

She looks up at me, then I give her a firm nod. Nessa follows as well, leaving Arie and me to wait for our final teammate.

The tan-skinned archer turns to me.

"Did all of you come to the exams together?"

I chuckle.

"No, I only came here with Maria."

He nods and doesn't reply. I continue.

"I knew Abby and Nessa prior to this test though, Bruce is the only new teammate. Plus, you of course. Did you come here with anyone?"

He lets out a sigh.

"No, I came alone."

I tighten my lips.

"Assumed so."

We wait in silence for a moment longer, then I speak up again.

"So... where are you from? Your home village, if you don't mind me asking."

I hear an audible gulp as Arie turns to me.

"You're the strongest hunter I've met in this exam so far... and... your team seems to trust you very much, can I trust you too?"

He looks at me again with the same saddened stare from earlier.

I nod firmly one time and look the hooded archer in the eyes.

"Sure, as long as I can trust you."

He lets out a sign while whispering in a low voice.

"I grew up in the Dark Continent. I'm only here to find trusted allies and rise through the ranks of the Hunters Association. I'll do whatever it takes."

By the end of his sentence, the tone became very serious... almost angry...

I reply.

"Understood. Well, I- I don't fully get why, but I understand you have your reasons..."