"We did it!" Ace cried, watching the passage, roughly ten meters wide, gradually stabilize within the mist.
"Hurry!" Lin Ye shouted. "The passage won't last long. We have to get through as quickly as possible!"
Sabo immediately ordered full speed ahead. The Shadow Dance sailed into the purple passage, with mist on either side like solid walls, emitting a faint hum. Sweat beaded on Luffy's forehead; he was clearly enduring immense mental pressure, but he gritted his teeth and kept the passage open.
When the ship finally passed through the mist barrier and entered the island's inner waters, a spectacular sight unfolded before them—the entire island lay beneath dazzling auroras, with seven-colored lights flowing across the sky like a mythical paradise.
The island's buildings were ancient and mysterious, their towering spires piercing the firmament. Every structure was carved with patterns similar to those on Lin Ye's robe. A group of islanders in star-patterned robes had already gathered by the shore, watching the suddenly appearing ship with caution and curiosity.
"The Aurora Tribe," Lin Ye explained softly. "They are descendants of the Star Gate Watchers, guardians of dimensional knowledge for generations."
After the Shadow Dance docked, an elderly man with a kindly face but sharp eyes stepped forward. He wore a purple robe trimmed in gold, and an Anchor Stone, similar to Lin Ye's but far older, hung from his chest.
"I am Claire, chief of the Aurora Tribe," the elder said in a steady, powerful voice. "What wind has brought you to this forgotten corner?"
Lin Ye stepped forward, removed the Anchor Stone from around his neck, and held it before his chest. "I am Lin Ye, the Shadow of Traversal, one of the Guardians from the prophecy. We have come for the third Anchor Stone."
Claire's eyes widened abruptly