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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWH6eONOYs3
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCGdvp8t6j
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eBy6hzDaq
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7NmCg9Cig
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7tBFnMiDy
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeoJdNqB1W
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhXc2jYbnV
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mXBxsBoVE
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScszPT4HEX
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC1G9chHUN
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeZ3zJE2Cm
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO7E5NqzV7
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4ivAWBQcz
But Rylee shook her head.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0xcVA6qVS
“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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXmrzoJwZQ
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxR4Y2MZSU
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGPNtAJ0l1
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB9sELF1Tq
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhedlDn30y
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGqjYkgnHG
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPe0G6dUe9
That struck a chord in Leeway.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MkIoG66wx
“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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPj3JvxFXY0
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL5gxxOPSu
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs64rYUvITw
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDHO1nKpvd
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQTYvghNKD
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoELNNmZPs
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfyJut6whr
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwhyRSnI7Z
“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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfFzi5oNWu
Leeway blinked.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F1M1Q0RZU
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oMx7rhL01
“Yes.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j7dtTDdPq
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHNEaSXEu1
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7rKWtqOb2
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWxxFriRaR
“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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9sEPF1CGG
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oJ9SZS5td
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVtSKJ8j3w
But Leeway softened.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIx2jmwTTW
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojPwGxHdTn
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcRKKibrrY
“I will do it.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3VsvJo4CU
Her whole expression lifted.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZWT0WovAY
“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…”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvbpRQGoN9
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJi0HRfYd4
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv3UCSDXhg
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsYJMwqG2g
I wish I could answer her.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd7xPoZjy3
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsfhl1PZdp
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzSq0hg2pi
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibCYeZS7i3
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhwYV5jrNN
Then Leeway walked in.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oKMYLesLs
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ufIgX2uK8
Renji didn’t waste time.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61qDjVLdq0
“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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqpZ4lVUTz
“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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMXdmgh7Tq
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmJdEaHCG2
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXFUpzLYX2
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAUbizlCpB
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYFJHZ4oZS
Seriya lowered her eyes.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwKxQGChFv
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8LqIz8nbk
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwkADMzTPv
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtj72jJYLjI
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNtwpMxq1a
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6LEXr579f
But not forgotten.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY93vrDt7t3
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1rxRMYTb3
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcF50b3GT5n
“Umm no, nothing.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuwQ4sC6KV
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0I4U23q2Q
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLodcxKrsAP
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf298Cvrr4x
“Oh hey, Daichi.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6t4J1jeJgt
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2PENtDeG7
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTy12PIsaZT
Seriya chuckled.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIxT41v3bx
“Always so formal as ever.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCKpmnDTwV
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoAqf5KgX5
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7eW6FjrfB
Seriya offered him a calm look.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKg5CCv1R1
“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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhteChxOPb
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72HeHxcimC
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrGqs3oGUl
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRVS6AciUs
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtK7gILJqa
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgvxSrPWGe
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEd9bz559j
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddSnIopXla
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVm7GQwx4A
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHJKI8AUtp
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoucQcJP7p
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtYyMsDo97
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwTKVTPNKD
Seriya perked up.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3w0nxI2XX
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjJfKuulMg
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWlEA0Ztcu
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T8Smnp0J3
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx02lwiW3Ar
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HhPUZNLBE
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUhEy1pT2F
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFPBXF5r4u
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRfxKK9cQh
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9noftm5EGN
“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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBGHYvCbRx
“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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCj9TG8xB0
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZkdHlvIbZ
“We classify them into generations.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoE2SMcavky
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvwc5Ba6VH
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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQcSkMb1Xn
“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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDfyqO1SXw
“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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPELFiwQEG
“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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dqGsdHvw3
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGbXRDdeE9
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDP13LRFq1
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEy2pPllum
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE0x0vf5Mk
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk77N7w3Lx8
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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhg5bkwj9e
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqo3Agpfga
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdx80rSBqw
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!”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEJ8CGnDl3
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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs48T1KOzZ7
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecjyUcI328
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rqLDbAGcd
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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnFX21dTUu
“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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJQWuoTk3G
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrbHA0ASkL
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbB0KVq6S4
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsQW5TcLH0
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDK15hMLdRk
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVNfEbNTwW
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDnCMSZ2cb
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNRwVeSDc3
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2ZergjfAb
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgliUbcfI0f
And just like that, I could feel the shift.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70KSFvz7qC
They were on the edge of something real.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiyauHaeXg
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAPfa7fNLF
They were stepping into my shadow.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfumk8uVZK7
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BecoLZelC
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoj8VH3AYiY
“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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UUDFzYS20
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiQP3iKzl3
“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?”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7Esuy4vh0
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcAC9BuuPa
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1TPBy61MC
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWlJDFG3cl
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYg5Ibck6q
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7ODqO5UwR
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4UeiEIJVZ
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSCOa6MVhX
The Quantum Cruiser.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWtkH6JDaE
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!”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG8FWxRCEp
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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36Cjkyrbfa
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrfI11Lcfy
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzuKh8HXDv
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 City99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEzV2WXuDb
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5o7Ad7j8jq
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZo6oy36fHH
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAmqFIXg4s
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1g7Y3iidGW
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpSYgOxm8M
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxoby2pPEg
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxNfGkkOnW
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpN625FW4M1
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeE1Rk51IU
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXwpRVXflO
A long pause, and then:99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKzAPOAGoY
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSQEzZcBtw
She brushed her hair behind her ear.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5TaFW3Waa
“Stubborn as always.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rIDlX71JO
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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JELiFJHic
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwNg0ZK2IV
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31FTl3K7i7
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPqUP6pCPl
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFORtx56lZ
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrWKxT68HU
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYMJ21USNW
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8TT04jC9S
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UVOGt1HTL
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2fYd9Kyul
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.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3yMhkvYvc
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ389AfOf5j
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XHhzwOI9j
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AfWinPIhH
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8tywLrlvw
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIpGBbQv2C
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5w9w8Nfkl
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyrBAUQbOQ
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSfRTxLxvr
“We’re about to find out.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKIsfChX3u
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXNxhHsu3L
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hy88ZvWsF
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIX8AZyAud
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcl75DjsIx6
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofa8GRnpCh
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmyF0Es11A
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Affx3gDsz
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzCsUuwkF9
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdf2jQ1isY
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHutDzx21rD
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETqfmCyWM0
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiqlSrp898
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZN5CgiOzCD
“Just follow my lead.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSibm3G8HB
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNVMdihIDG
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMSyJKbSFP
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dPm0Q7iZO
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qyyApOqLI
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnczKPNFcWm
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcN7BrfDhM
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IrkDJI3rY
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTpPRY0OrJ
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFDoD1BJCA
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkiyCYQ8Dw
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkdyeM3lGi
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCsVj3ZqF2
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlARJrm5H2p
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9YOpgRhaz
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN0LtjLAtm
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVX5BZT776
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0jd2eTyve
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAf6tgH5Vj
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kaabtIUHc
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wbDGnMTOZ
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMss086lP8P
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPcvCNEodg
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3J7K1wGYo
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSH2PIgFGt
The door hissed open.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1JFtCAepC
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYD8H6tHcE6
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j3BiEW5hz
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFSlzvubtJ
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9fVw1rKV6
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOywlTw9xZ
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJaYIExTat
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODTglAjDvL
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9z1rVScRRd
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFq0kYrIqZ
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpruMeIWksg
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8B4wdUiwE
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlvjF4ebZX
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFheU90TADp
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YOL7eKgvC
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6h2AeVDO7a
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglO5fwnrCH
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWfMRFqn8l
Renji smiled, low and eager.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsfAMbUF3T
“Finally.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCLvrhrYdn
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCcbDBkAKU
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnz0wYJ8q2p
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9hoUaJGOY
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpOLFf6nvU
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9ZbfvkPq4
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6tfgpOpYi
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6X4A5YA0u
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbAbTrrE1x
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqd3IT1mBY
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMdTUcWs7j
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgk7d2nYqv
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxQzt2Wso4
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf3eyhHy45
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfojOTQ9RSF
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTqGuwm9s9
Maximus.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m7mM5qJRW
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7dsU4XUkD
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyzB0t7bZO
“You’re in bad luck.”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kCdWQ3Hxq
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIUGG0aEZZ
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpdE8PgU0l
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9MmC8aMw0
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadnhhV46lC
