Chapter 66: Shadows After the Explosion

Location: Ruins of the Black Iron Tower – 3 hours after the Black Crown was destroyed

The sky is gray, the tower's ash falling like a light snow. The wind carries the smell of burning iron, as if the earth is breathing after a long suffocation.

Marco (sitting on a broken rock):

"Oh, perfect for a romantic picnic... amidst the ruins of the apocalypse."

Luca (bandaging his wound):

"Only if your girl likes gunpowder and open fractures."

Colombo (looking at his cracked laptop):

"It's done... or so we think."

---

Franco stands at the edge of what's left of the tower, watching the distant sea. Irina comes up beside him, holding a small data disk.

Irina:

"I found this in the Z room. Encrypted data... containing all his experiments, and all the names of his collaborators around the world."

Franco (quietly):

"So the war with Zacrota... was only the first chapter."

Irina:

"Exactly. This is where the real game begins."

---

Scene – Underground bunker, unknown location

A man in a white suit sits in front of a huge screen. His face is covered by a silver mask, and his voice is distorted.

Man:

"Z failed. But Franco… exceeded expectations."

Ten men appear behind him, their features blurred. One of them speaks:

Man 1:

"Shall we begin Phase 2?"

Masked leader:

"Yes. Launch Project 'Black Shadows'. And let the hunt begin."

---

Scene – In a makeshift camp in the middle of the forest

Savio (trying to install a new transmitter):

"I need a cup of tea, a long rest, and… the disappearance of all robots from life."

Luca (smiling as he helps him):

"You don't like rest, you admit it?"

Savio:

"I do… I just haven't had it since I was a fetus."

Marco (appears carrying a bag full of food):

"And now, to celebrate our victory... shawarma! I found it in an abandoned warehouse!"

Colombo:

"If we eat it and die... I'll edit your memories in my grave."

---

Franco watches everyone, smiles for a moment, then looks away. Rafael comes over quietly.

Rafael:

"You know... this peace is temporary, right?"

Franco:

"Yes. Many eyes are watching. And behind each eye... a hand pulling the strings."

Rafael:

"And what will you do if war returns?"

Franco (with a faint smile):

"I'll dance with her."

---

Final Scene - Wide Shot

Voiceover (from Columbo's device):

"Warning: Unknown electronic activity... coming from the sky."

Everyone looks up... on the horizon, a huge ship appears among the clouds...

Marco (in surprise):

"Oh, wow... a new enemy! Can someone write me a holiday?!"