LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 19: Chapter 19
Chapter 19: The First War
The dim glow of the warehouse lights cast long shadows over the assembled group. Luca Moretti stood at the head of the table, his gaze steady, his presence commanding. Around him were his trusted lieutenants and enforcers, their expressions a mix of anticipation and tension. This wasn't just another operation—this was war.
The target was the Falcones, a mid-level gang that had been encroaching on Moretti territory for weeks. Their brash tactics and growing arrogance had made them a nuisance, but tonight, Luca intended to put an end to their ambitions.
"Listen up," Luca began, his voice calm but laced with authority. "The Falcones think they can take what's ours. They've been skimming our profits, intimidating our people, and spreading their rot into our streets. That ends tonight."
He tapped the map spread across the table, highlighting key locations in the Falcones' territory. "Their stronghold is here—a rundown nightclub they've been using as a base. According to the system, they've got about thirty men inside. Most are amateurs, but Raul Falcone, their leader, has a reputation for being ruthless. We can't underestimate him."
Marco, his second-in-command, leaned forward. "What's the plan, boss?"
Luca's system interface blinked in his vision, feeding him data and suggestions. He used it to craft a strategy that played to their strengths.
"We divide into three teams," Luca explained. "Team One will create a diversion at the west entrance, drawing their attention. Team Two will breach from the north, targeting their supplies and cutting off their escape routes. My team will take the east entrance and head straight for Raul."
The men exchanged glances, their trust in Luca evident despite the risks.
"Any questions?" Luca asked.
One of the younger enforcers, Tony, raised a hand hesitantly. "What about casualties? They'll be expecting a fight."
Luca nodded. "We minimize our losses. Stick to the plan, follow orders, and watch each other's backs. The system has mapped out their likely defenses. If we move smart, we'll have the upper hand."
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The Battle Begins
The night was quiet as the Moretti crew approached the Falcones' territory. The air was thick with the promise of violence, the kind of tension that came before the first gunshot. Luca's system pinged softly in his mind, highlighting the positions of sentries and weak points in the nightclub's defenses.
Team One moved into position first, tossing a Molotov cocktail into the alley near the west entrance. The explosion shattered the silence, sending flames licking up the brick walls and drawing the attention of the guards stationed outside.
"West entrance engaged," the system confirmed.
While the Falcones scrambled to respond, Team Two breached the north side of the building, slipping through a poorly guarded back door. Inside, they found a stash of weapons and cash, which they quickly began to dismantle and destroy.
Luca and his team moved with precision toward the east entrance. Two guards stood smoking by the door, their weapons slung lazily over their shoulders. Luca signaled for silence, and one of his men crept forward, taking them out with a swift blow from the butt of his rifle.
They entered the building, their steps quiet but purposeful. The pounding bass of the nightclub's music masked their approach as they navigated the dimly lit halls.
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The Clash
The Falcones were disorganized, caught off guard by the multi-pronged assault. As Luca's team pushed deeper into the building, they encountered pockets of resistance—small groups of Falcones who fired wildly in their panic.
"Cover me!" Luca shouted, ducking behind a pool table as bullets whizzed past.
Marco returned fire, his shotgun roaring as he took down two of the attackers. Another enforcer, Pietro, lobbed a smoke grenade into the room, filling it with a choking haze that gave them the cover they needed to advance.
The system's voice was calm and steady in Luca's mind:
"Enemy morale decreasing. Proceed to target location."
They pushed forward, cutting through the Falcones with ruthless efficiency. Luca's team worked like a well-oiled machine, each man covering the others as they moved.
When they reached the VIP lounge—a gaudy room filled with plush couches and gaudy decorations—they found Raul Falcone waiting for them. He stood behind an overturned table, a pistol in one hand and a sneer on his face.
"So, the little Moretti prince finally shows his face," Raul spat, his voice dripping with contempt. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But you're out of your depth, kid."
Luca stepped forward, his own pistol aimed steadily at Raul. "This isn't a negotiation, Raul. You had your chance to walk away."
Raul laughed, the sound bitter and harsh. "You think you can take my territory? My men? You're nothing but a puppet dancing on someone else's strings."
The system chimed softly in Luca's mind: "Distraction tactic detected. Prepare for counterattack."
Before Raul could make his move, Luca fired. The bullet grazed Raul's arm, forcing him to drop his weapon. Two of Raul's bodyguards rushed forward, but Luca's men were faster, cutting them down in a hail of bullets.
Raul tried to flee, but Marco tackled him to the ground, pinning him with a knee to the back.
"Looks like you're out of options," Marco said, his voice cold.
Luca crouched down, meeting Raul's furious gaze. "This is what happens when you cross the Moretti Family."
With a nod from Luca, Marco delivered the final blow, ending Raul Falcone's reign for good.
---
Aftermath
The battle left the nightclub in shambles, but the Morettis had achieved their goal. The Falcones were defeated, their territory now under Moretti control.
Back at the compound, Luca addressed his men, his voice steady and resolute.
"Tonight, we proved that the Moretti Family is stronger than ever," he said. "The Falcones thought they could challenge us, but we showed them the price of defiance. This is our city, and anyone who stands in our way will face the same fate."
The men cheered, their loyalty to Luca solidified by the victory.
Later, as he sat in his office nursing a glass of whiskey, Luca reflected on the night's events. The system's voice interrupted his thoughts:
"Mission success. Influence increased by 20%. New opportunities unlocked."
Luca exhaled slowly, the weight of his decisions settling over him. The First War was over, but the battles ahead would only grow more challenging.
For now, though, he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. He was no longer just an enforcer or a rising star. He was a force to be reckoned with—a leader who would stop at nothing to see his family rise to the top.