As war erupted in the rainforest, the atmosphere at the distant base on the American Continent was so oppressive that only the faint hum of instruments remained.
Ever since receiving the news, Nikki, Joel, Yuzuriha, and the others had been working tirelessly to complete the final device.
Everyone knew that their research was the Science Kingdom's last chance to turn the tables, the only hope of saving them all.
In the center of the laboratory, Joel held the last natural diamond steadily between his fingertips and slowly fitted it into the slot at the device's core.
The slot clicked neatly into place, and the device flickered.
Joel stared intently at it. "0.03m, 3s."
Bzz-
A burst of green light illuminated the entire dim laboratory.
Joel let out a long breath of relief. He wiped the thin sheen of sweat from his forehead and couldn't help chuckling softly.
"Heh heh heh. My craftsmanship really is the best."
He instinctively looked up toward distant South America.
"I wonder how that brilliant old craftsman is doing."
"I really want to meet him soon and share the joy of this success."
But that peace and joy lasted only a fleeting moment.
Brody, who had been silently watching from the shadows behind Joel, suddenly gave a low laugh.
Joel's heart tightened. Before he could turn to react, his wrist was abruptly dragged downward.
Brody moved with blinding speed, snatching the Petrification Device and gripping it firmly.
His gaze was mocking. "I've been watching you from the start."
"Once you finished tuning it perfectly, it was all over."
The men lying in ambush outside the base immediately poured in, ready to take control of the device.
Kirisa sprang into the air and used his momentum to drive a vicious kick into the face of the foremost