"Are you alright, dog?" Golden asked with his characteristic sarcasm, though concern flickered in his golden eyes.
Silver responded with a confident, albeit slightly weary, smile.
"Yeah, kitty. This is nothing compared to carrying billions of rocks on my back."
Before they could move further, a group of soldiers burst into the corridor, quickly surrounding them. Weapons were aimed at them, ready to fire.
Golden and Silver exchanged glances, and a sinister grin appeared on both their faces. With synchronized and precise movements, they took down the enemies in seconds. The sounds of their blows echoed throughout the area, leaving the unconscious bodies sprawled on the ground.
"Well, it's time to find our lord," they said in unison, their voices filled with determination. A loud "Yes!" escaped their lips as they began to advance swiftly toward the heart of the tank.
Meanwhile, Ribras was furiously typing on his computer, setting up a destructive sequence. A sinister smile spread across his face as he muttered to himself:
"Well, with this, no one will survive. Not even that golden being will live."
Ribras paused for a moment, reflecting on his next move.
"I'd better leave and tell Meloc that I defeated these guys and that Avocios died in the process. Yes, that's what I'll do," he said, trying to convince himself that his plan was foolproof.
Golden and Silver continued advancing without stopping, facing any danger that crossed their path. They defeated dozens of soldiers with speed and precision, leaving a trail of chaos in their wake. Finally, they arrived at a large room where the container holding Avocios was located.
"My lord!" Golden exclaimed, his voice brimming with emotion as he finally saw his creator.
However, Silver frowned as he observed Avocios's state.
"But… what have they done to him? He looks like gas!"
Golden shook his head, perplexed.
"I don't know, but we'd better save our lord."
At that moment, a voice echoed from the shadows.
"Halt right there!" It was Ribras, who emerged holding a remote control in his hand, his expression full of arrogance.
"Don't make a wrong move, or I'll destroy this vehicle… and with you inside!" he threatened, waving the remote control in front of them.
Golden looked at him with disdain, though a shadow of doubt crossed his face.
"You may be able to destroy this thing, but we'll survive. Even Avocios won't die in an explosion," he replied firmly, though his tone couldn't entirely hide his uncertainty.
Ribras let out a mocking laugh, enjoying the moment.
"Do you really believe that, fools? In case you didn't know, in the state he's in now, he can die just like any living being. Go ahead if you want to find out," he said, knowing full well that his words were a calculated lie.
Silver growled, his jaw tightening.
"You're lying! That can't be true," he protested, though doubt was beginning to seep into his mind.
Golden also hesitated, alternating his gaze between Ribras and Avocios's container. Both guardians knew they couldn't risk endangering their creator's life. If Ribras was telling the truth, an explosion could mean Avocios's definitive death. But if it was a lie… abandoning him would betray everything they had fought for.
Ribras, aware of his advantage, continued to toy with them.
"I don't know… It's your decision: will you surrender and abandon your creator, or will you die with him right here?" His tone was confident, almost mocking, as he held the remote control firmly.
Golden and Silver were sweating, their minds racing. They knew that if they left, they would never see Avocios again. But if they confronted Ribras, and he activated the device, the result could be catastrophic.
Finally, Ribras broke the silence with one last provocation:
"So, what will it be, you useless fools? Will you surrender and abandon the tank, or will you come for my control, which I wouldn't recommend unless you want to see pieces of Avocios scattered everywhere?"
A triumphant smile spread across his face as he thought to himself:
"Surely they'll choose to leave. If they're loyal to Avocios, they will… And that way, I'll save myself."
"Well, we've decided… Krasper!" Golden said, as if calling him to judgment for not participating.
Ribras responded, confused:
"What do you mean, Krasper? That's not one of the options."
Before he could react, Krasper appeared instantly at Ribras's side, snatching the remote control from his hands with feline speed.
"What?! How?!" Ribras exclaimed, visibly shocked before receiving a precise blow that knocked him unconscious.
"We did it!" Silver and Golden exclaimed in unison, sharing a look of triumphant relief.
Minutes earlier, what Ribras didn't know was that Krasper had been listening to the entire conversation through the mental link. Golden, using his telepathy, had mentally ordered him to infiltrate the tank, stealthily approaching thanks to his ability to blend into the environment. This advantage allowed him to slip unnoticed to Ribras and neutralize him within seconds.
"Alright, enemy defeated," Golden declared with satisfaction, crossing his arms.
But Krasper frowned, pointing at the device in his hands.
"But wait… how do we stop this machine?"
Silver let out an ironic laugh, looking at Golden reproachfully.
"What? Didn't you think of everything, Golden?"
Golden rolled his eyes, annoyed.
"And now we need to go to the control room to shut it down," Silver added, gesturing toward the interior of the tank.
"Well, leave that to me," said Golden, who took off running at full speed through the enormous vehicle, inspecting door by door. The tank was as large as a moving building, and every second counted.
Finally, he reached the driver's cabin, only to find the pilot dead. His heart raced as he saw the numbers on the screen, rapidly counting down.
"We've got a problem!" Golden alerted the others through the mental link.
"What happened?" the others asked in unison.
"Well, there's no driver. He's dead, and this thing is out of control. Plus, there are numbers on the screen counting down," Golden explained, his voice tense.
Krasper cursed under his breath, immediately understanding the situation.
"Damn it, that control was a lie. He'd already activated this thing's self-destruction."
"Then we need to get out of here immediately!" Golden shouted.
Silver, always pragmatic, created a huge hole in one of the tank's walls with a powerful punch.
"It's time to get out of this thing!" he announced, though his expression changed when he saw the container holding Avocios.
"Yes, but… how are we going to take Avocios with us?" Krasper asked, pointing at the vessel containing their creator.
Silver, confident in his strength, stepped forward.
"With a punch," he said, delivering a powerful blow to the container. But it didn't break.
Krasper burst into mocking laughter.
"Stupid dog, you only think with your muscles. Now I see why you fight so much with Golden."
Silver growled, irritated.
"It's made of a very resistant material. It won't break so easily."
Golden returned to them, his face tense.
"There's no time, guys! The clock just hit 20 seconds."
"We need to leave quickly through that hole the dog made," Golden instructed, pointing at the enormous opening in the wall.
Krasper nodded, thinking quickly.
"We'll need to do something risky." He then turned to Silver: "Silver, can you carry all of that?"
Golden interjected sarcastically:
"Well, the mangy dog can. He's the strongest… or so he claims."
Silver, ignoring the comment, responded with determination:
"Of course I can. I'll do it."
With a supernatural effort, Silver lifted the heavy container from below, hoisting it onto his back. Though his face turned red from the strain, his titanic strength managed to keep it steady.
Meanwhile, Krasper pulled out one of his inventions.
"Golden, take this," he said, handing over a strange device.
Golden examined it curiously.
"And what is this?"
"That, my friend, is my invention: a propulsion device," Krasper explained proudly.
"Huh!" Golden replied, confused but with no time for questions.
Krasper grabbed the weapon along with Golden, and after pulling the trigger, both shot out of the vehicle, taking Silver and the container with Avocios with them.
As they exited the tank, Krasper shouted:
"Now, Meliradal!"
Immediately, Meliradal used her magic to create a kind of air wall that cushioned their trajectory, preventing them from being flung too far. At the same time, Kilibur summoned a massive magical energy mattress for everyone to land on.
The team landed with a dull thud but safely. The vehicle continued its path until it crashed into a massive rock, exploding into a thousand pieces like a giant fireball, illuminating the night sky and ending Ribras instantly.
Once everything settled, the five guardians gathered in front of the container holding Avocios. Tension still lingered in the air, but there was also a sense of relief at having escaped the disaster.
Kilibur, ever analytical, carefully examined the artifact with his sharp eyes.
"And now… how do we free him?" he asked, his voice heavy with concern as he cautiously touched the resilient material.
Silver crossed his arms, recalling his failed attempt.
"I have already tried brute force, and this material seems practically indestructible."
Meliradal stepped forward, her hand glowing with magical energy.
"I can try with magic," she suggested, though her gaze showed some doubt about whether it would work.
Krasper quickly shook his head, interrupting her before she could attempt it.
"No, I don't think that's a good idea. We might end up harming Avocios in the process," he said firmly, his eyes reflecting caution.
Golden, always practical, interrupted the conversation with a decisive tone.
"So, what do we do?" he asked, clearly expecting a quick but effective solution.
Krasper, ever methodical, approached the container with a thoughtful expression. He pulled out some rulers he had created on the spot and began taking precise measurements, examining every detail of the artifact. After a few minutes of intense calculations, he nodded to himself as if he had found the solution.
"I think I have a plan," he announced, handing each of his companions a short sword-like weapon charged with energy.
Kilibur frowned, confused.
"And what are these for?" he asked, inspecting the small weapon in his hands.
Krasper calmly responded, pointing to specific spots on the container that he had previously marked.
"All of us need to channel a bit of our power into these swords and place them simultaneously on each side I've marked on the container. It's the only way to break it without risking Avocios."
Krasper, taking charge of the moment, positioned himself at the forefront with a firm stance that radiated confidence. His eyes gleamed with intensity as he observed his companions preparing, ensuring that each one was ready for what lay ahead.
"You're ready," he said in a clear and determined voice, laced with seriousness but also a reassuring undertone. He looked at each of his companions, pausing briefly on their faces to gauge their determination as he watched them charge their weapons with their respective energies.
The atmosphere grew thick with almost palpable tension as everyone prepared for the decisive moment. The air vibrated with the combined energy of the five guardians, whose swords shone brightly, reflecting their unique powers. Krasper, steadfast and resolute, raised a hand, his voice echoing with authority as he began the countdown.
"On my signal… 5…"
Each number hung in the air like an echo, marking the inexorable passage of time. The guardians adjusted their stances, focusing all their strength and resolve on this crucial moment.
"4…"
The glow of the swords intensified, illuminating their faces with flashes that revealed a mix of hope and nervousness. Each breath was controlled yet audible, synchronized with the rhythm of the countdown.
"3…"
Meliradal closed her eyes for a brief moment, feeling her magic flow precisely into her weapon. Silver gritted his teeth, ensuring he channeled his power without losing control. Golden slightly adjusted his grip, his golden gaze fixed firmly on the target.
"2…"
Kilibur exhaled slowly, allowing his energy to flow in harmony with the others. Krasper, his hand still raised, felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, knowing this was the moment when everything would be decided.
"1… Now!"
As one cohesive team, the five hurled their swords toward the marked points on the container, infusing each strike with their combined powers. A blinding flash illuminated the area as the energies collided, creating a shockwave that rippled through the surrounding air. A loud crack echoed through the space.