The stone wall shuddered as Marcus's companions stepped through one after another.
The world around them shifted in an instant. Before them stretched a vast spiral passage carved into solid stone, winding endlessly downward into dim, silent darkness. The air was cool and heavy, and the deeper they looked, the more the corridor seemed to swallow the light itself. It gave the unsettling impression that it descended straight into the heart of the earth.
The oppressive depth alone was enough to make everyone instinctively lower their voices.
Noticing the girls glancing around in curiosity, Marcus explained, "We just keep following this passage until we reach the bottom. That's where the treasure is hidden, inside the Whirlpool Hall. According to the navy captain's memories, he discovered a blue vortex there that constantly released spiritual energy. That's why he chose it as his final resting place."
