Julian knelt among the granite debris, his trembling hands brushing the dust from Elara’s face. The woman coughed, blood seeping from a wound on her temple, but her eyes immediately sought Julian out.
"Sir... that Key..." Elara whispered in a raspy voice.
"It’s too late, Elara. He took it," Julian replied, his voice sounding hollow, as if his own soul had been sucked into the crystal sphere Master A had stolen.
Hurried footsteps echoed in the devastated hall. Dr. Kael appeared with a face that seemed ten years older. He clutched a tablet whose screen flickered red.
"Julian! Elara! Thank goodness you’re still alive," Kael exclaimed, though his breath was ragged.
"Kael, Master A sent a video. He said tomorrow morning the world economy will begin to rot," Julian said as he stood up slowl
