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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEJtD4DXRF
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqhzWfBc5K
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriRCoRTJ4i
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIeRFVs7am
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fMSYcbz0i
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjOGoHIJHG
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7oR5TTu3p
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrNXptmGsB
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGpQI9zyrk
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFONXCsU3dO
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOSXFGquY7
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumJ4XiZzTD
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIhTxHIK8B
But Rylee shook her head.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzP5DbakCrN
“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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7wEDcHjBQ
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrz9VN3iHa
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BhLEaBnDi
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKaFofELsK
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqg50bHiSd
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r2PCjvyT0
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxniKVBYDZp
That struck a chord in Leeway.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6vvrL7YCZ
“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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPcL1YJbgD
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRBseEpl18
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhl3rgSrh3
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZyiqBHvQr
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQaAUqQ9EX
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFpGmVgT9u
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3IbUHDYlK
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlSDnLxSds
“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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSuE9AVShq
Leeway blinked.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSICfUsRXJ
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lIH2yWkne
“Yes.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35I33pphhZ
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BxQvdXmUL
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjP3If2hV4P
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9nkU7bJOI
“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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡds9ySxpmt1
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTIxTd4HdA
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FOCCCTYn1
But Leeway softened.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGIFna5nuL
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu32oUmdZc
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w6i9Y2iyn
“I will do it.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVnMrnZ5JH
Her whole expression lifted.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGZ1KubWMK
“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…”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNidr54GPL
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsPfPBQ8Ou
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCvp0vZU8d
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eMogwgv0q
I wish I could answer her.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEM4n9YlRe
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNQ1tDC91y
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkznP2qHKF
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6RROvqCJ3
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbMTLyzaFJ
Then Leeway walked in.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw8GKm8KJR
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKOOXzYgpP
Renji didn’t waste time.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnM4iuu6VAv
“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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWsp6ZKO7O
“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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVAsbdiyHG
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHX237KoHk
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQSnHUiCFu
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOZoPjeAD6
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZzZLMfpbH
Seriya lowered her eyes.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQs2nkLq2B
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWdHcGDtkQ
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzI7hXe6ItY
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiSxFDLgLm
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrBm9geNTI
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCXyTDWXO5
But not forgotten.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJZ31BqLQZ
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOLN9IQS91
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYMQpcvyDD
“Umm no, nothing.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWc6NL7UpxN
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7BqZMrWtk
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQvj2dhT1o
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvN0194yqL
“Oh hey, Daichi.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBrWu8n4i6
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UhnWZWYEW
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXihLjOw01
Seriya chuckled.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK4BEFKqkG
“Always so formal as ever.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFV6QbdDxuI
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PYsdD6pSP
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2y1qY7e5n1
Seriya offered him a calm look.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8xFfbwpTB
“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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2sm4ZWYnc
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm4VZeMWDA
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHxZXD7Y3t
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9fYEdnraA
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelONoeRQ4T
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHllkIM19oZ
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMu0onIYZV
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEdHkGpj8R
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkEGFoaCah
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmxnF0ECMb
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuD9rOtSuZ8
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LpM9Maq6N
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYFXNwA07w
Seriya perked up.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVxEWMsRgr
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03TJcEBY13
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0APQ4hSrsS
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyDhjIv3he
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDW8jRmz9f
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMABY68PdE
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsvoxjnvvg
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuZJeuDozA
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQxUJuQDmA
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoi2s4UyR4Y
“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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUB4qllh4MX
“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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxE21tI8DOB
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUh6zQcUSY
“We classify them into generations.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XRSfg44kE
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NTegfFiiO
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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9NGTU7xP6
“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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVcHMVC0yg
“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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNE132sO2MR
“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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBG5SBzHGAp
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZTajMri1i
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCNBvgOC6n
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNKE6o0eUp
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBTWFDBRkb
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6OV01QWyw
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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbJsqxdYED
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrjluiMmVi
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubX2BKiaXn
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!”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9riFmwidgu
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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeONdl1vVQ
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFYADF1cD5
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeS0WIM4lD
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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuIJp3NzTY
“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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7d2FoHg2TK
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnUj7U2Al6
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3hwjYYvhW
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuw4WJB3xVg
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHCUuWDwE2
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQ9PGvTGV9
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbj85cFiGn
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNModNhExT
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gDvBz7bTS
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKsGK5dCTX
And just like that, I could feel the shift.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLXvEuMG43
They were on the edge of something real.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZHcIVpy87
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbXB4Y8Ytf
They were stepping into my shadow.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYy4jLiR9Sr
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxxhIWtR4P
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RrM0nNa8T
“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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDpwumMgIG
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzN1uMJtSV
“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?”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFhtApaWDb
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrEa6EW0kD
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9elr04bLZ
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3TitslulR
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQyobyzdEi
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0Vi6GMKPQ
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡys8pZILcsw
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkVMSK52He
The Quantum Cruiser.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1iIUc0XQb
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!”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6UlD1EthH
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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCt7d6AfD0
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdV3WgSwz5k
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZAOdDEApP
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 City18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVgQ6MYPuD
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobiV52gdkY
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4jgEakZM6
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCK0Dsuvgn
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLVrbpQxIX
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKS74A6iEYU
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi22WPKNlot
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5z2bUkvNdG
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaawbm54Kzz
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnSQqD58ge
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJS3hKKRpUX
A long pause, and then:18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LRF7lZ6n5
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtU4DglsPKQ
She brushed her hair behind her ear.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUFpjvo6P6
“Stubborn as always.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYTypEh3bM
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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCN9XE5eZP
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFzKyhd57x
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHPEKMOtjj
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV0xOU74Ok
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt311xnmWi
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLClXznQ0w
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlqfcxCyKP
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBH9oGStY37
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLREX5pdX8
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYBTeyQmVH
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.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SZvL4iqWn
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Jjm78isag
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZytbzJc7A
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RJo7dATcL
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuLer0ldlS
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcViWL9l04j
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL42JHw7l5o
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfxouMhiqo
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhZrmCnIVW
“We’re about to find out.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2iQ9OzXvv
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRS7kjryE24
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvl7j5scrZy
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKSjNAD8R3
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVler0F0aD0
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBj3srhsHfs
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFakh7NP34K
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2ZDvoGLxk
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOinyoOZOYD
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tMtaXlldK
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYazgMtuDlh
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwb6n5IHXgZ
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiX7NSwPuvj
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ656CTwVthl
“Just follow my lead.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOyt4Xjvyk
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EHqmmPx8k
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPBj6sTbmi
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqDrzgwLHq
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPBrSPve9E
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBTxTPoKGf
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNDd5AihbU
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBePrZ6d7J
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGA72RWQee
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU86XiIHQG7
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUOaweFK41
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZ0fCbuL5u
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbPJYGdyjw
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzx19ZAsP0
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbhvjuKtMk
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcAmXujPjZ
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvLEHJz2XK
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQ9H0pPq35
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTQvv70KfI
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeksRgWte2Y
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJzDVZut1O
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ukXzNfVbg
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2plWxFC5SS
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S4lp4al4C
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAQTtbRiIQ
The door hissed open.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKj0vL8MXxg
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2PgjwJFhb
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qkwuzzSzu
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt97BVGW97X
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCCxaUM3pi
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvenoHW3AG0
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nQkDXSRRB
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVwm5Z5aEK
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8IZsC6txf
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UHBcnYsVp
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPrO2CBLrg
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2uw8Ba2ux
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJnDOz2ujB
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRt90dcPuh
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8zpt2g0cx
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYneRtaJFD
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjTHetSLge
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1ibNTCMbh
Renji smiled, low and eager.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBTULoNHuI
“Finally.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBH4lYLRRL
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeuTRygnZo
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFXxJPdjxf
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.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlNehFJXHH
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6HBTeJWJ5
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhZ5v6lxAA
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxM2B9rSbF
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NIsKimbBD
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbR2xrEu77o
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNPoJ1nohb
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAMV8336Wv
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqh085mXnSo
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOrkUaZsWT
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVMWT1zMX5
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjD6hMcj3KR
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ511ldfdrK2
Maximus.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxicDvLIrHo
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDetr1m5U32
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLNnU5zDUE
“You’re in bad luck.”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyISwODW14
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1fbb20uGM
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAafCfrcYco
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADLeJTrvUB
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SPH1W09jv
