---
Location: Venosa - Southern Entrance to Area 777
Reaching Area 777 wasn't easy, nor was it crazy. Even the air was heavier there, as if Venosa was holding its breath at the edge of this spot. Only seven days, Z had said, but Franco and his team weren't planning to wait idly for the countdown.
Luca (looking at the misty mountain):
"Either we're approaching the command center, or the set of a horror movie."
Marco (sarcastically):
"Either way... we'll probably die, just the frame rate difference."
---
Inside the Labyrinth
The stone door opened with a sound like an ancient groan. Narrow passages, walls bearing ancient Zacrota symbols, and a dim blue light illuminated the path as if they were walking into the bowels of a sleeping machine.
Franco (speaking quietly):
"Everything here feels like it's waiting for us."
Irina (examining the walls):
"These aren't just inscriptions... they're code."
Rocco (pulling out his weapon):
"Last time I encountered a code, I blew up a door. I'm not in the mood for math right now."
Savio (grabbing his device):
"Give me a minute... this code has timers... it's a game, we need to get through here in 90 seconds or..."
(Suddenly, the timer starts counting down from 90)
Marco (running up):
"Didn't I tell you I don't trust anything with a countdown?!"
---
The corridors start moving... the walls close in... the floor shakes...
Luca:
"This isn't just a maze... it's a living trap."
Franco (running up, laughing):
"If we survive... I'm going to order a huge meal for all of you at Marco's expense!"
Marco (shouting):
"Whoever arrives first chooses the type of pizza!"
---
Dramatic Moment
As the team tries to get through a door before it closes, Rocco gets stuck behind a stone barrier.
Rocco (screaming):
"Go... I won't catch you!"
Franco (screaming):
"I won't lose anyone again!"
Franco jumps back and pushes the wall with all his might while Savio uses a small device to disable the system, and they manage to pull Rocco out at the last moment.
Rocco (breathing heavily):
"I... am still alive?"
Marco (laughing):
"Unfortunately, yes... and that means you'll be paying for dinner instead of me."
---
After passing through the maze,
the team arrives at a huge hall, in the center of which is a circular platform, and at its edges are metal statues of ancient Zacrota leaders. Above each statue... a stone glows a different color.
Irina (whispering):
"This is the coronation platform... this is where the Black Crown is activated."
Franco:
"And here too... the real war begins."
---
From behind, a strange figure in a black cloak appears... his face hidden beneath a metal mask with blue eyes. His voice is calm... but it's chilling.
Z (in a low voice):
"Welcome... you took longer than I expected. But that's okay... the ending hasn't changed."
---
Savio (raising his weapon):
"You're Z?"
Z:
"I'm more than that... I'm the beginning... and the end."
Marco (whispering to Franco):
"Is their path the same? They all talk like they're in a theater show?"
Z:
"Franco Pato... let's begin the final test."