[CH598+ Continued] Dungeon Diver: Stealing A Monster's Power

As Abby looks down at her hands, still in awe of the power surging through her now that her yellow core is fully saturated, footsteps echo through the room.

Ember steps out from the isolation pod, and not a single thread of divine energy seeps from his body.

However, there's a new aura about him, one that exudes pride and excitement, sending ripples through my purple barrier.

The silver and golden threads have vanished back into the center of his core, now impossible to see unless I focus my perception closely. Instead, a brilliant white and yellow ball of light burns in his chest.

Ember halts in the center of the room, his crimson eyes glowing fiercely to match his flowing hair. They gleam golden as he stretches his arms and surveys the room, making eye contact with me first before glancing at Raven and Maria, who are beginning to stir as their hibernation ends. He turns his gaze back to me and speaks.

"I'm impressed. This planet isn't resource-rich at all, yet you've improved a lot while I was resting. There must not be many True Cores left..."

He chuckles and his aura sweeps through me, assessing my core's progress, before shifting his gaze to Abby.

He stares at her for a moment.

"I overheard your conversation earlier. The Form of The Immortal Healer—that's a buff you really have?"

Abby raises an eyebrow but nods.

Ember crosses his arms, grinning.

"It's been a long time since I've heard that name..."

As he speaks, both Maria and Raven's white hibernation light fades completely, and their eyes open, taking in their surroundings.

Raven looks startled at first, but I hold back the reflexive pulse of my true core's energy, keeping it behind my purple barrier to ensure everyone remains safe.

Maria turns to Raven, and the two exchange smiles, as if they've already become friends.

They stand and extend hands to shake.

Raven speaks first.

"So it was a draw."

Maria nods as they release their grip.

"It seems so. I like your fighting style. We should go again."

Raven smirks before responding.

"You know, I have a few artifacts back in my region you could use... I've never met anyone with such a strong ice affinity. They were meant for one of the big three named Elara, but I think they'd suit you better."

Ember's eyes shift from Abby to Maria for a moment, looking deep into her Soul Energy Core, grinning and nodding once, before settling his gaze on Raven.

"You're a new one... what an odd aura you have."

He steps forward, extending a hand, and they shake as well.

I speak up as they do, debating whether or not to tell Raven that Ember is a dragon.

"Ember, this is Raven, another True Core on our side. Raven, this is Ember, he's a—Well, let's just say he's a powerful addition to the team. A fellow True Core."

I decide not to reveal more, and from the amused aura radiating from Ember, I can tell it was the right choice. Once we fight together, she'll figure it out on her own.

Over the next few minutes, we catch up. I brief everyone on what I learned during my journey to Central, recounting the events after the B-Class exams that led me to meet Raven and take over the 8 Great Regions for expansion. Finally, I outline my plans for the next 36 hours before the big three return.