While the twins' group spent their sweet time collecting Starlight Fruits, the experts in the Golden Palace still made their way further and further into the various regions.
There was a big change this time around. As mentioned before, usually no more than a single Universe comes to the Golden Palace. Because of that, you have a much lower number of experts managing to reach the deeper parts. You would always see the top powers of that Universe doing the best progress, while most of the rest don't get far.
Now, groups similar to the one the twins had with Royer were made everywhere. Experts from various Universes, not part of any top power, are joining forces and especially sharing knowledge. Sure, the top powers still had the best time on their way further into the Palace, but they weren't alone like they were before.
