Chapter 53: You can't afford to fail this time.

Professor Layton's hands trembled slightly as he picked up the phone and dialed Serpens's number. After finding out that there was still a way to help Serpens in fulfilling his mission, a wave of relief had washed over him.

He couldn't afford to waste any more time. As the phone rang, he anxiously tapped his fingers on the edge of his desk, glancing at the ancient book now lying open before him.

Finally, the call connected. "Hello?" Serpens's voice came through, tired but alert.

"Serpens, it's Professor Layton," Professor Layton began, his voice filled with urgency. "I’ve found something—something incredibly important. It could be our way of finding the draconic gem before the solstice even without the map and the compass."

Serpens's tone shifted immediately, sensing the gravity of the call. "What is it, Professor?"

"I've been going through my old books, searching for anything that might help us," Professor Layton explained, his words coming out in a rush. "I found an ancient text tha