Xudi led all the soldiers of Harem in holding the line, using sheer numbers to keep up relentless pressure.
As formidable as the Science Kingdom's fighters were, enemies surrounded them on every side. The densely packed ranks were impossible to clear, and openings could appear at any moment.
After only a brief stretch of chaotic fighting, they would be forced onto the defensive. Continuing to fight head-on would only increase their casualties.
Senku loudly ordered everyone to fall back and hold a defensive position.
Everyone immediately responded and retreated.
On the front line, Tsukasa and Hyoga stepped forward together to face Xudi.
Under the combined pressure of two elite fighters, Xudi fell into a losing position.
After dozens of exchanges, Xudi's stamina was rapidly depleted. His breathing grew ragged and erratic, and he was close to giving out.
Amid his jumbled thoughts, Xudi focused on the object in his pocket.
It was the fallback Thorn had given him beforehand.
He pulled out the Petrification Device.
The moment the device appeared, Senku called out a warning from a distance.
"Watch out! That's the Petrification Device! Everyone, stay alert! Do not let the light touch you!"
"Damn it!"
Xudi cursed under his breath.
Gripping the Petrification Device in one hand, he crouched low and quickly scanned the surrounding terrain.
Everywhere he looked, there was no way out.
Behind him was a sea of fire reaching into the sky. Before him stood the Science Kingdom's fighters, watching for an opening. There was nowhere to run.
Xudi gritted his teeth and held on, a glint of resolve flashing in his eyes.
He was dead either way. He might as well stake everything on one last attempt and take everyone down with him.
His gaze swept quickly over the figures nearby.
He fixed his eyes