I wasn’t there to witness it, but I can almost feel the weight pressing down on them. The headquarters of Zemstan loomed like it always did sterile, imposing, drenched in power. Just outside, where synthetic precision met delicate beauty, the Clematis garden swayed gently in the breeze. It’s where Rylee often went when her thoughts became too much to hold in sterile walls.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuY1KxnbQY
She stood there again, surrounded by violet and white blooms, lost in thought. Her expression told me more than any surveillance camera ever could she was worried. About me.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwZHrcBu6V
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsF13Xsm5rb
I could imagine the pain she held behind that cool scientist exterior. She didn’t just work under Athenaria she idolized her. And losing her before all this, before my resurrection, must have left her stranded.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH55h42uOO6
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZaBZYyKZS
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICBYoo8PHv
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXgTJskv2u
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVi77OgGmxU
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zIc6rBn3S
They stood together in the heart of the garden, where technology paused and emotions crept in. I wish I could’ve been there to see it. Rylee’s voice softened as she shifted to the topic gnawing at her.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUZH094dWD
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EzJqFTfwn
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDOiOnRSiF
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0S7oTveNAF
But Rylee shook her head.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8v0AaS3cVb
“I actually changed my mind. We have a better mission to do. Though… I’m not sure if I’m making the right decision here.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOAaKYALEV
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rcyAxufPt
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5znCqzwpz
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPmQeixY7a
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAyEm6W3oa
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIsuEnq5eL
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFeXU7CAcY
That struck a chord in Leeway.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8Ynq0p3YX
“Agreed. And it’s been weeks since the incident. He must have already used a huge percentage of the Destruct System. But who knows he might’ve had a reason for using it.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpsrlGIeOn
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOzLNQ72Sn
Leeway didn’t press further. Instead, he gave her that dependable grin of his the kind that tells you he’s got your back no matter what.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJzereaEUo
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡju6nmMSqRh
I don’t know what she decided that day. But I do know this: even when I’m not with them, they’re still fighting for me. Still worrying. Still believing I’m worth something.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9pH8WYHfW
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9YEa6kFd6
Even when I’m not around, my shadow still lingers in every conversation. They’re trying to move forward, to step into shoes that weren’t meant for them. And I hate that.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtixaKTFwJ3
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ao9fgcjT9
“Okay, listen,” she said, her tone steady despite the nerves beneath it. “We don’t have any other Hybrid around to carry out the task. So… it’s up to you Exists to redo the mission.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7wmTZO8r7
Leeway blinked.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwcf5CXmL4
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQcFAC7MSp
“Yes.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzuXuhxZ41
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIjjILmdVh
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0NwBu2OQD
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPMVnve1N4
“I’m up to the task,” he admitted. “But it’s very risky to infiltrate a facility that’s highly secured. All we have are Zemstan’s man-made weapons. I understand why Kyrie was assigned to these missions in the first place. He has psychic abilities he can fend for himself. Us? We rely on training and experience.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJLT5JZUPx
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqduSTc5ZSp
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zD8NTWMAs
But Leeway softened.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYI8Bn04V4s
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0CGhfcRLn
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlQEjmfCS0
“I will do it.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWbMN7dERs
Her whole expression lifted.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpA85DuZG7B
“Oh my! If you’ll do it, that would be awesome! I’m sorry if I’m freaking out. Maybe I’m just stressed out that’s why I’m out here instead of inside. I’m not my usual self right now…”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONPxO9BlaI
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKjcogJfxC
He gave her a firm salute before walking off. And in that moment, she was left standing alone in the garden again, staring after him with uncertainty lingering in her eyes.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKUzb6ABje
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD5blyBm3Z
I wish I could answer her.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgy0p3qmf42
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkQsllqmHc
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyilEGIVjLQ
While I stayed behind the scenes, the world kept turning. At the W.E.S. facility, the air was thick with tension. Troops moved fast, checking gear, calibrating weapons, running last-minute diagnostics. Everyone knew the weight of what they were walking into.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeAKdyEDOL
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6Z87cWD84
Then Leeway walked in.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvImQpRj3l
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjKyv6pGw8
Renji didn’t waste time.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9kW2Wxo5B
“Captain? Are you sure we can do a Hybrid’s mission?” he asked. “I mean… we all know we’re already putting ourselves in danger.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCTkLYZfrb
“Unfortunately,” Leeway said, “we have no choice but to accept orders from Rylee. We’ve been training our whole lives. It’s time to bring that training to the front lines.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAepwxqYVZ
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOt7SM4okj
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRFtI51dfN
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVTVT6N4BY
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCARo2hmyg
Seriya lowered her eyes.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCcPwVeQpW
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGollnpmmA6
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nn0sv02Wu
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ558Br2psXg
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuCQJty5kM
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDR6HVIxa8
But not forgotten.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWrcfYFcPW
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMhO9jRLnr
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxu4nLBz1Ws
“Umm no, nothing.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYvwZGCNZE
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUGfF4oI2r
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFZJJk2oOk
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBcVpAN3lt
“Oh hey, Daichi.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmruwaDjxO7
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRb6bHKpfew
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqTqhsyPlv
Seriya chuckled.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VMXYsZH2v
“Always so formal as ever.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcAhXJMV7n
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuhsrND43X
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVcrw9RUPd
Seriya offered him a calm look.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQVeVUH50l
“Don’t worry. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Nothing will happen to us as long as we have the Captain on our side.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18sbiaCdEG
Leeway, polishing his weapons at a nearby table, glanced up. His hands moved with practiced precision cleaning, checking, assembling each motion a ritual of control in an unpredictable world.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmFRgYRIHV
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eadSA2miH
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2u7zNUbcMg
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuu9RubOAyR
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrSclQCDP1
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1lFehEPXN
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bb6Fi7qJ8
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtE6eviO1VV
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jvMY31dqb
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HZkn4DEeh
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbuMH68QJR
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRE0YjuLubg
Seriya perked up.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmdxvYuolJ
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV52VGtskfS
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAgpXLbxjQ
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LxqN2kirO
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvv8naHMZP
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0klpNcG4Sf
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjez373HO7q
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBIl5q2dEP
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdh6xqoAH68
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQU8QtzVzrf
“During the experimental incidents, the group known as Exist fulfilled the role of defending Alien Technologies’ Main Quarters. They represent one of the ancient combat orders from before the new era.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNTCvleXP9
“Unlike Hybrids, Exist members are pure humans. They possess no psychic abilities, no internal dimensional enhancements. Their only edge relentless physical conditioning, combat expertise, and access to weapons far beyond the public’s reach.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNC7uYwr8EX
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw64NoQzZt1
“We classify them into generations.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBDvKitIw6
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUsHLp8Zdu
The Second Generation includes guns and lasers ranged weapons engineered with energy converters, recoil dampeners, and plasma amplification cores. Designed for precision and speed, these weapons are perfect for medium- to long-range combat.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdv0itx5k0Z
“The Third Generation comprises modified gauntlets or combat gloves. These aren’t ordinary melee enhancers. They’re equipped with kinetic amplifiers, energy shields, and even pulse emitters. Many Exist members prefer these for close-quarters battles.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBGnbGqsGx
“Lastly, the Fourth Generation encompasses motorcycles and other land crafts. These machines aren’t just for mobility they’re made for battle. Outfitted with offensive and defensive modules, some are even capable of limited vertical propulsion and stealth operations.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hLXbpLgc6
“Each generation of weapons possesses its own unique attributes and statistics, allowing users to modify them according to their preferences. The term ‘generation’ is used not just as a label but as a timeline each weapon was born in a different era, reflecting the growth of our civilization’s technological understanding.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdSdKSiQxC
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybvwSOc9ol
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OUzRDzF9C
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnskRawYVFo
Every voice, every shift in mood it echoed faintly in the space between us, like a whisper I wasn't supposed to hear. They were preparing. They were nervous. And I wasn’t there to lead them this time.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3Wgw03EIo
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NGcemgbeK
Leeway, ever the composed captain, responded calmly, “Captain, where are we going again? I didn’t discuss it with you guys ‘cause we’re still letting the maintenance team check the durability of our weapons.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1FoyLX1kT
Just then, Junichi arrived, flanked by a handful of W.E.S members. Each of them carried repolished weapons, gleaming with precision blades, gauntlets, energy rifleslaid out carefully on the steel tables.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMus9yxRpq
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NCtfkEnTJ
Leeway nodded with gratitude. “Professor! We wouldn’t be here without your efforts. Thank you for taking the time to repolish everything, even though you’re busy!”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBURISafgG3
Junichi chuckled. “Oh no, don’t sweat it. I’m in charge of the Engineering Department after all. Fixing and exploring mechanical crafts it’s what I do.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOPYlH6UxM
The crew responded with quiet professionalism, taking their weapons with a mix of reverence and readiness. These weren’t just tools. For them, they were lifelines.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNL1ZLrlPsf
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouXjWVxWkm
Junichi gave a tired yet confident smile. “Oh, don’t worry. We’ve got everything under control. We may be lacking energy resources to fully perform our duties… but I know everything will be okay soon.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxI03WS1aQ
“We will do our best to meet your expectations,” Leeway said, his voice carrying the weight of a promise. The rest of the crew stood up straight and saluted as one, their expressions firm.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytTZ5tYLsa
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsi0SPomRY
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xmD6SvAJf
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1N3IUCovG6
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPfP81KR9q
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNaDDOuBaD
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2SIEgiuAs
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhIK1WpMxL
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgsyjOHwVN
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJOPCKOadG
And just like that, I could feel the shift.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa93syJgnR
They were on the edge of something real.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcmy024RuG
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKze5YCbCx
They were stepping into my shadow.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlS6CwB4zYz
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPXszo1WdM
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOby6ieiJP
“Our objective is to infiltrate a territory located in the south known as Greed Haven,” he declared to the crew. “It is crucial for us to remain vigilant at all times. We may encounter not just one hybrid… but potentially more than three.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVs7t7J3aN
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02L55qqnu3
“I hope everyone is in their best state of mind,” he continued. “This mission might prove to be one of the most challenging yet. Is that clear to everyone?”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroJ7Z8kzVT
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ntdykd8Dq
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13VhqbZvk6
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaTEnDddLL
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJObXnsvXeI
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnDMav05CZ
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhBWxnSbb3
With that, the main W.E.S crew marched out, their boots echoing against the pavement as they exited the campus. Outside, they approached their ride an angular, high-performance vehicle waiting just at the base of the slope. The sleek hull shimmered in the light.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMRm0Aau31
The Quantum Cruiser.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5pUURny1Q
Renji grinned like a kid again. “Man, it’s been a while since I’ve felt a Quantum Cruiser thrill! Zemstan is the best. Thank you to our alien ancestors!”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVsX0Yk9qh
Seriya’s smile faltered, her voice turning softer. “Too bad Kyrie isn’t here with us. Every time we go on a dangerous mission like this… either he joins us, or he insists on going alone.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8ApjpbZ3B
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7EauWAdo7
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGOkEHvrMq
They all entered the cruiser in quick succession. The doors sealed with a hum, engines warming. The horizon stretched open before them bleak, vast, and uncertain.
Meanwhile Winterbourne Residence, Grandeur City96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6k4X4SMxE
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZfTZaNfgS
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlQxYYjkHN
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0w4mB75yiH
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHAKKSVMzw
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHpHGy7B5w
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnz9FUVIWS4
Her room was quiet. Filled with the soft hum of the heater, the old wooden clock ticking faintly, and the distant life of a city too busy to notice a girl mourning in silence.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOnHDGTQ7S
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyg2x22wIA
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoP57vYLKws
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVs5XcW7HvP
A long pause, and then:96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNJbHOocPv
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPGvCzidfL
She brushed her hair behind her ear.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByyrwfmyLo
“Stubborn as always.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9YSIFpDjG
Junichi’s voice softened from behind the door. “I hope it’s alright with you, Ms. Rina… There aren’t many around who can handle such a mission. But your brother can.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5C0ywiGZ7
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqcxlWGfij
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRqWhsVxnl
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKBZrNej2H
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsKkjf3nwA
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVj4fAEsuo
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJUn2Azyo0
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKo6wEynJ7
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0zFrYeWPa
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNEHKPNeLh
Junichi watched her closely. “Oh my… I don’t know who that someone might be,” he said, smiling gently, “but… let’s hope for the best.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYxLNuMzHn
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0I9jt8z713
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDagwItDXw
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZHMGzd0j2
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpL5oxIq9Sa
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zxtnxyPx0
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqEtz0V04e
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAEhQxCLIC
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWsj4QB1IT
“We’re about to find out.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfZltKZFXt
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzUsW69nOM
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbhpSlPm1E
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MoIn6QsbN
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVLn7FAZ0Y
We pressed forward, entering what looked like a dimly lit lab structure. Shadows bent against the corners of the walls, machines humming quietly beneath glass tubing and glowing control panels.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwL4DhDt9x
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyYtjAFVJl
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxKOBS9b1v
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjllxImjun
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgm24uV06Dc
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72ePegLfzF
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKZyw6Odoj
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu4g5PGDND
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhU8u2v66m
“Just follow my lead.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6riMEVZxb
We moved silently, splitting formation. I caught sight of Renji, Seriya, and Dachiryo from across the corridor, their silhouettes briefly framed by dim red lights overhead.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrhdiD31EQ
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqG6tppvTP
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQnERQ4Blf
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsP5iQFO6iX
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULcSQjY9pg
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OlGO9XLoI
I held my breath as Leeway took the card with one hand. With the other, he injected her with a thin needle. The woman’s body slackened, folding silently to the ground.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHLfML3g5L
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYtsXvmndT
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJFV9UHFeT
We pressed forward through the narrow corridor. Each step echoed just faintly against metal tiles. Then the path split one stairwell winding up, the other descending into deeper dark.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR6KkK77dp
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdgUPjqPKs
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLU6BVqZ5iI
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lvzHXpJz5
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYlPuBT6cl
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwOhhLAyL9
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gHufPsSWh
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqQeOXiO0X
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WNDYCu4ZV
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCwIVtic3a
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpIhuuRKJ3
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEG0v4Poxi
We descended the steps, one floor at a time, until the metal walls gave way to sleek panels and sterile lighting. At the end of the hall, we found it RESEARCH ROOM stenciled on the door in stark white.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9bXFBbd8F
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZEfN3yK2O
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarGabj4O6H
The door hissed open.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX3zkJ0ew8
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXp6pVkkkNZ
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgydW7hhXtS
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhtqNCQx66
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lfc6ZqEVT
We stepped inside. The room swallowed us in silence wide, sterile, and empty. Our boots made faint clicks on the smooth floor. Cold lights above flickered faintly.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCmMMu8jeJ
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iygplI7v6
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprabcxlafd
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedL9mAYYXL
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaDyiksed0
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNPdeSZSnH
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqWi6r8dOG
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVo4XZOCA4
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCGL9P9FzV
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb3gkhgNPd
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdX1ynQrKC
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37HeZA5zza
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuxwGhWmf8
Renji smiled, low and eager.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbwfSWP9Ia
“Finally.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2N90r8sRyu
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbJ9lCKAZp
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULVrJo8AFC
Dachiryo’s eyes widened in shock as the bullet whizzed past him. Reflex took over he twisted, dropping to the floor just in time to avoid the shot.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dv9u2On8N
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EWuyRKMYj
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2Za57J6BD
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbqgbThgSH
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcG8vIpizGK
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRnlWayWsB
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCiazboloh
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn561GdHCp9
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJgHw5bfXi
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa79FCXgbc
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUJDbryGNa
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2LGmtA3tj
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3be7HbG4pR
Maximus.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYB8bA5BYBM
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRtjFcEAEN
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqNnSiCYyQ
“You’re in bad luck.”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18wU0y4Zi3
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2UX9XDCUX
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IL60r48xJ
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEUXEybbdV
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8yIX4uaBr
