In one of Venusaa's dark evenings, where dust never sleeps and stars watch in silence, the gang gathered in a small basement that smelled like gunpowder… and slightly like cheese.
Marco (standing in front of an old map):
"The target is clear. An old communications warehouse in sector B-17. Rumor has it there's a device inside called 'Kaiser' that can temporarily disable the robot networks."
Franco:
"And what exactly does 'temporarily' mean?"
Colombo:
"It means we'll have just enough time to celebrate... or die."
Savio (holding his rifle):
"I prefer the first. But the second sounds more exciting."
Lucchini (placing a helmet on his plant):
"I'm taking my plant. It breathes better when there's action."
Rocco:
"I just want to know… why am I always the driver?"
Luca Feri (smirking):
"Because you're the only one who doesn't puke during car chases."
---
Scene: Road to Hell
The vehicle raced through wrecked cars and abandoned houses, while Lucchini played an old song and sang horribly off-key:
Lucchini:
"We are the dark heroes… Venusaa calls us… Aahaaaaaha!"
Franco:
"Can I open the door and jump out now?"
Savio (laughing):
"The robots will probably bring you back out of fear."
---
At the Warehouse
They arrived. The warehouse was guarded by red-eyed robots moving in perfect synchronization—like a deadly dance performance.
Marco:
"Infiltration won't be easy. Colombo, disable the cameras. Savio, carry Franco if he trips."
Franco:
"I'm literally right here."
Savio (joking):
"I know. I just like carrying you. You're like a combat pillow."
They slipped inside quietly. The place glowed with humming devices and strange whispers. Footsteps echoed—mechanical, not human.
---
First Encounter
As Franco approached the glowing device, a mechanical voice rang out:
Voice of Napol (from a hidden speaker):
"Intruders… did you think I wouldn't see you?"
Everyone froze.
Marco (calmly):
"Napol... he's getting more alert."
Franco:
"What do we do?"
Luca Feri (raising his weapon):
"We ruin their party."
A fierce battle broke out. Franco, using a move from his training, leapt over a robot and fired his modified pistol, while Savio smashed another bot straight into the wall.
Lucchini (hiding behind a desk):
"My plant! Protect it! Ahh!! It lost a leaf!"
Rocco:
"If we die here... I'm coming back to kill you again, Lucchini!"
---
Mission Complete
They grabbed the device and escaped by blowing up part of the warehouse.
Inside the vehicle, everyone was catching their breath.
Franco (looking at the device):
"This is only the beginning, isn't it?"
Marco (quietly):
"Yes… This isn't just a device. It's the first key… to unlocking Zakrota."
Savio:
"And I think I broke my fourth rib."
Lucchini:
"And my plant… still standing strong like a warrior."
Rocco:
"Can we eat now? I mean… we're a gang, not a fasting cult!"
They all laughed—for the first time in a long time.
End of Chapter 5
In the heart of the night, under the ruins of an old world, hope was being born from pain.
Franco was no longer just a boy who lost his family…
He was now a fighter, beginning a revolution—against iron minds… and against Zakrota.