Chapter 23: Carl’s Courage

The air was heavy with tension as the Viper gang prepared for their next move. The Copperheads and Steel Jaws alliance had stepped up their attacks, hitting Viper supply lines and spreading fear among the gang's members. Morale was low, and even the most loyal Vipers were starting to doubt Rod's leadership.

But Rod wasn't one to back down. He gathered his key allies—Li, Carl, and a few trusted lieutenants—in the dimly lit meeting room to strategize their counterattack.

"We're not just going to survive this," Rod declared, his voice steady but commanding. "We're going to crush them. But it's going to take everyone giving it their all. That means no room for fear."

Carl shifted nervously in his seat, avoiding Rod's gaze. Despite his loyalty, Carl had always been more of a follower than a fighter. He wasn't sure he was cut out for the kind of danger Rod was asking of him.

Rod's plan was risky but brilliant. The Copperheads were using an abandoned rail depot as a staging ground for their operations. If the Vipers could sabotage the depot, they could disrupt their enemy's supply chain and gain a crucial advantage.

"Li and I will handle the explosives," Rod explained. "But we need someone to create a diversion. Someone to draw their attention long enough for us to get in and out."

The room fell silent. Everyone knew how dangerous the job would be. Carl's heart pounded as Rod's eyes landed on him.

"Carl," Rod said, "you're the only one I trust for this."

Carl's throat went dry. "Me?"

"You're quick on your feet, and they won't see you as a threat. That's exactly why you're perfect for this. You can do it, Carl."

Li added, "We'll have your back. Just buy us ten minutes. That's all we need."

Carl wanted to refuse, to say he wasn't brave enough. But when he saw the faith in Rod's eyes, something inside him shifted.

"Alright," Carl said, his voice trembling but resolute. "I'll do it."

The night of the mission was cold and moonless, the perfect cover for their operation. Carl's job was simple but terrifying: create a loud enough ruckus to lure the Copperhead guards away from the depot without getting himself killed.

As Rod and Li moved stealthily toward the depot with their explosives, Carl approached the perimeter, clutching a metal pipe. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves.

"Here goes nothing," he muttered.

Carl smashed the pipe against a metal drum, the loud clang echoing through the night. "Hey, Copperhead scumbags! You scared of a little Viper action?" he shouted, trying to sound braver than he felt.

The guards snapped to attention, their flashlights cutting through the darkness. "Who's out there?" one of them barked.

Carl grinned nervously. "Just a friendly neighborhood Viper, here to ruin your night!"

The guards cursed and took off after him. Carl bolted, zigzagging through the shadows, his heart pounding as bullets whizzed past him.

Meanwhile, Rod and Li worked quickly inside the depot. Li used her lock-picking skills to bypass the main gate, while Rod set the explosives near the supply crates.

"They're distracted," Rod said, glancing toward the distant shouts and gunfire. "Carl's doing his part. Let's finish this."

As they planted the last charge, a guard stumbled upon them. Rod reacted instinctively, using his elemental powers to create a burst of wind that knocked the man off his feet.

"Impressive," Li remarked as they made their escape.

Back outside, Carl was running out of places to hide. Cornered in an alley, he swung his pipe wildly, managing to knock one guard unconscious. Just as another guard raised his gun, a deafening explosion lit up the night sky.

Rod and Li had done it. The depot was in flames, and the guards scattered in panic.

Rod and Li appeared moments later, pulling Carl to his feet. "You did good, Carl," Rod said, clapping him on the shoulder.

Carl, still catching his breath, managed a shaky smile. "I didn't think I had it in me."

"You've got more in you than you know," Rod replied.

Back at the Viper headquarters, the gang celebrated their victory. Carl, for the first time, found himself at the center of attention. The other Vipers clapped him on the back, praising his bravery.

Li handed him a drink. "You're a hero tonight, Carl."

Carl blushed, but there was a newfound confidence in his posture. "I just did what needed to be done."

Rod raised a glass. "To Carl—the heart of the Vipers. Without him, tonight wouldn't have been possible."

The gang cheered, and for the first time in his life, Carl felt like he truly belonged.

Though the depot's destruction was a significant blow to the Copperheads and Steel Jaws, Rod knew the war was far from over. As the celebration died down, he pulled Carl aside.

"You proved yourself tonight," Rod said. "But this is just the beginning. We'll need your courage again."

Carl nodded, determination in his eyes. "I won't let you down, Rod."

Rod smiled. "I know you won't."

The battle for Dustvale was escalating, but with allies like Carl and Li by his side, Rod felt ready for whatever came next. The Vipers were more than a gang now—they were a family. And together, they would take on the world.