The chronometer predicts catastrophic events, including an imminent earthquake that threatens the Mediterranean coast. When Layla learns that her family belongs to an ancient line of "watchers" tasked with guarding this technology, she embraces her inheritance despite her scientific skepticism. With her mother Nadia and German historian Dr. Volk, Layla activates the device at a coastal cove, averting disaster by redistributing the seismic energy into smaller, manageable tremors. The chronometer reveals its true purpose: created by an advanced prehistoric civilization called the Recursionists, it allows guardians to intervene in natural disasters throughout history by adjusting probabilities. In the final chapter, the chronometer activates again, predicting an asteroid impact one year away. Recognizing they can't handle this alone, Layla decides to present their evidence to the scientific community while continuing the watchers' sacred duty.