Money had piqued Nami's interest in "archaeology," and the group continued onward along the two rows.
When they reached the end of the river—or rather, the rift—a massive, motionless shadow gradually emerged before them.
They stopped, each trying to shine a Lamp Dial at it, but they could not make out its full form.
Yet even in the dark, deep seafloor, its enormous outline remained clearly visible.
Was that a palace built against the mountainside?
"Looks like this is the place," Nami said instinctively.
A trace of shock showed in everyone's eyes. Vivi muttered, "Isn't this way too huge? If they're only burying two people, was all this really necessary?"
By now, no one treated the legend as merely a legend anymore.
Reiner decisively swam ahead first without looking back. "Let's go take a look."
Once they got closer, the light made their view much clearer. It was undoubtedly a palace, built from countless massive stones fitted seamlessly together.
But the front gates were tightly shut. The group swam all the way around it and still could not find any way in.
"It's sealed off. Looks like they never intended anyone else to enter when they built this place," Nami said thoughtfully.
Vivi pursed her lips and instinctively said, "If that's the case, could there be traps inside?"
"Probably. In any case, they definitely weren't going to make exploring it easy."
Reiner swam forward, placed a hand on the wall, and tried pushing it. Then he probed with Observation Haki and understood. He said,
"There's no water inside, apparently. The walls aren't very thick, and breaking through them won't be difficult."
The others understood what he meant. He was planning to force his way in by making a hole.
"Wait!" Nami called out, stopping Reiner.
Seemingly noticing something unusual about