The crew followed the mysterious figure, wary but unable to ignore the pull of the island's ominous energy. As they ventured deeper into the jungle, the once familiar sounds of nature fell silent, replaced by the eerie creaking of ancient stone. The cloaked figure led them toward a hidden entrance, half-buried beneath overgrown vines.
"Where are we going?" Luffy asked, his curiosity piqued.
"To the heart of the island," the figure replied, their voice still hollow. "To the place where the power sleeps."
The entrance opened with a grinding sound, revealing a dark passage that led underground. The air was thick with moisture and dust. With little choice, the crew followed, their footsteps echoing against the stone walls.
As they descended, Robin's sharp eyes caught sight of strange symbols carved into the walls, similar to those on the pedestal. "These are the ancient writings of the Void Century," she said quietly, her voice filled with awe. "This island is tied to the lost history of the world."
"Void Century?" Nami echoed, confused. "What's that got to do with us?"
"Everything," Robin answered, her expression grim. "The Void Century is the key to understanding the world's true history. And this island may hold the answers we've been searching for."
At the bottom of the passage, the crew entered a vast underground chamber, bathed in a dim, otherworldly light. In the center stood a massive stone structure, its surface etched with countless runes. The cloaked figure stopped before it and turned to face the crew.
"You've come to seek the power," they said, eyes glowing faintly. "But be warned—only those who are ready to face the truth can unlock what lies within."
The stone structure began to tremble, and the ground quaked once more. The air was thick with anticipation.
To be continued...