To Daru's astonishment, the wooden chest unlocked with a click.
He couldn't help but think about how Nando somehow had the key to the coffer.
Was it a mere coincidence formed by the old man's diligent efforts in scouring the other side of the river?
If so, then why was the key there and the chest here?
Daru knew that the answers to such questions would have to wait, though, plus he was more curious about the coffer's contents, pulling it open with his fingers.
It was…an old page of a book.
Daru smiled, his breathing growing a little heavier in excitement. After all, each page collected meant that he was one step closer to the Surface.
He pulled it out and read its contents:
"The promising ivy once wore a princely crown and bore admirable skills, yet he sought a sweeter leaf than any throne could offer, and that was how he fell. He wanders still, craving what poisoned him, each bloom a chain and a crown. Steal his fruit, and he will falter."
'The Ivy…'
