The group followed the Runes lighting up on the ground and began making their way toward the center of the island. As they ventured deeper inside, the architectural style around them became increasingly clear.
"These murals..." Robin said, pointing at a massive fresco. "They seem to tell of the rise of the Ancient Kingdom and the history before the formation of the World Government. What is recorded here is more complete than any material I've seen before!"
Hirwa was also drawn to certain symbols, stopping from time to time to decipher them. "This mentions the history before the 'Void Century' and records a great war that changed the fate of the world..."
"We don't have time to examine it all now," Sabo reminded them, his eyes warily sweeping their surroundings. "Don't forget that Aokiji and the Marines may still be pursuing us."
Ace nodded in agreement. "Sabo is right. We should reach the Central Temple first, find the Poneglyphs, and then study these details."
As they continued onward, the sound of the bell grew clearer, and the guiding Runes became brighter. Along the way, they encountered several trials from the Guardian System—floating crystals fired energy beams to intercept them, the ground suddenly collapsed into mazes, and ancient mechanisms even released mysterious gases in an attempt to confuse their senses. Yet every time danger arose, the Dawn Blade reacted on its own, either emitting light at a particular frequency or pointing out the correct route, helping them escape disaster time and again.
"The Dawn Blade isn't just a key. It's more like the control core of all Moonlight Island," Hirwa said in amazement. "It has a deep connection to the island's systems."
After passing through a long stairway passage, the group finally arrived at the entrance to the Central Temple. The