The training room echoed with the sound of fists meeting metal.
Franco stood in the center, sweat dripping from his brow, facing a combat robot designed for close-quarters simulation. Around him, the others watched with varying degrees of interest… or snacks.
Savio (chewing on dried fruit):
"You sure he's ready for Level 3 bots?"
Marco (arms crossed):
"He doesn't have a choice. If Franco is what Zakrota says he is… it's time to unlock it."
The bot lunged. Franco dodged left, rolled, and landed a punch directly into the bot's side. A loud clang. The machine stumbled but wasn't down. It retaliated with a spinning kick that sent Franco flying into the wall.
Rocco (winces):
"Ouch. That's gonna bruise more than his pride."
Franco (groaning as he gets up):
"I liked it better when training meant reading books."
Suddenly, Marco stepped in.
Marco:
"Enough. Franco—again. And this time, stop thinking like a human."
Franco (annoyed):
"What am I supposed to think like, a blender?"
Marco (calm):
"Think like something that was built to win. You've been surviving, not fighting."
Franco took a breath. Closed his eyes. The moment he opened them, something was different—his stance shifted. The moment the bot attacked, Franco slid under it with inhuman speed, disabling its motor joint in two quick strikes.
The bot collapsed. Silence.
Luca (whistles):
"Well, somebody found the 'on' switch."
Franco (panting):
"...What was that?"
Marco (serious):
"That… was instinct. Buried deep in your nervous system. Zakrota trained you before you could even speak. You're remembering now."
Before they could process more, an alert lit up on the main screen.
Colombo:
"Uh, guys… we've got visitors. Small drone squad approaching fast. Not Zakrota. It's... Karos."
Lucchini (pulling on gloves):
"He really doesn't take rejection well, does he?"
Marco (grabbing his rifle):
"Positions. Let's remind Karos that spying on ghosts is dangerous."
---
Elsewhere...
Karos stood atop a dusty hill, watching through his drone feed.
Karos (to himself):
"You're learning fast, Franco. Good… I need you sharp when the real game begins."
He turned, stepping into the shadows, a smile beneath his metallic mask.
Karos:
"And I never play games I don't intend to win."
---
End of Chapter 12
Let me know if you'd like Chapter 13 to introduce a new location, a betrayal, or even a deeper dive into Karos's backstory!