The two women waited for another half hour or so before the base gates opened again.
The Boatswain's Mate walked out, and Nelly immediately went up to meet him, her eyes full of anticipation. However, his next words were like a bucket of cold water thrown over her.
"I reported the story you told me to my superiors exactly as you described it, but it is simply too absurd for anyone to believe."
"What about the photos? Did you show them the photos?"
"Of course." The Boatswain's Mate nodded. "Those photos were indeed surprising, but they only prove that there may be genuine Underwater Ruins near Yonaguni Island, and that is something the archaeological community should concern itself with. Besides, we have no way of knowing whether those photos were fabricated."
Nelly's heart sank at those words.
But then she heard the Boatswain's Mate continue, "Even so, we contacted the hotel, the airport, the dive shop, and the boat that brought you back. We confirmed that you did have another companion, one who failed to return after diving with you. On humanitarian grounds, the Self-Defense Forces have agreed to assign some personnel to help search the nearby waters."
"How many people?" Hope flared again in Nelly's eyes.
"Two patrol boats. Including me, twenty-five Maritime Self-Defense Force personnel in total."
"That is too few." Nelly shook her head. "And underwater, we are no match for those monsters."
"I am sorry, but that is the most manpower we can provide." The Boatswain's Mate paused before adding, "We will bring weapons. This is the greatest help I can offer you within the scope of my authority."
Nelly knew this was the best outcome they could hope for.
Perhaps only after seeing the Underwater Palace with their own eyes would these Self-Defense Forces soldiers