Money piqued Nami's interest in "archaeology," and the group continued onward between the two rows.
They reached the end of the river—or rather, the ravine—and a colossal, motionless Black Shadow gradually emerged before them.
They stopped and each tried shining a Lamp Shell at it, but they couldn't make out its full shape.
Even so, its enormous outline was clearly visible in the dim, deep sea.
Was that a palace built against the mountainside?
"Looks like this is the place," Nami said without thinking.
Everyone's eyes showed a hint of shock. Vivi murmured to herself, "Isn't this a bit much? They were only burying two people. Was all this really necessary?"
By now, no one thought the legend was just a legend.
Lina decisively swam ahead first and said without looking back, "Let's take a look."
As they got closer, they could see more clearly in the light. There was no doubt it was a palace, built from countless massive stones fitted tightly together.
But the front entrance was firmly shut, and even after swimming all the way around it, they couldn't find a way in.
"It's sealed up. Looks like they never intended to let anyone inside when they built it," Nami mused.
Vivi pursed her lips and said, "If that's the case, maybe they set up some kind of trap inside?"
"Probably. Either way, they won't make it easy to explore."
Lina swam closer, pressed a hand to the wall, and tried pushing. Then he tested it with Observation Haki, understanding the situation. He said,
"It seems there's no water inside. The wall isn't very thick, and it shouldn't be hard to break through."
The others understood what he meant. He planned to make a hole and force his way in.
"Wait!" Nami called, stopping Lina.
She seemed