The second day of travel passed more quietly than the first. Derek maintained his sullen silence in the carriage, staring out the window while pointedly ignoring Kai's existence. Roland and Thomas filled the quiet with occasional conversation speaking about dungeon tactics and monster classifications.
Lin sat near the other window, reading a book on water essence manipulation. Kai noticed her glancing at him periodically when she thought he wasn't paying attention, then quickly looking away when their eyes met.
They stopped for lunch at another cleared rest area. Master Henrik gathered the team for a brief tactical discussion while they ate.
"We'll reach Thornvale Ruins by mid-afternoon," he announced. "I want to enter the first level before sunset, establish a safe zone, and begin proper exploration tomorrow morning. This gives everyone tonight to acclimate to the dungeon environment."
"What's the first level layout?" Ben asked.
