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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAWsReIXv3
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUKrdUSTHM
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3XcpFyF9G
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7aH3DjkI2
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhehi7mFcB
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtnecWBK2m
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRQvWTOAS6
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUJXFbvJK6
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRksLLcYiu
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LyvgDyino
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUClL7tr6X
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzzXq80WGo
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo34bnYTcWY
But Rylee shook her head.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKENW4MZ69
“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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFkeWwOt78
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRTi2AwABK
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzx5hrPbSa
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ygRmnSFts
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sVljBj4fh
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyEDqSUSjB
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdltLtoRjn1
That struck a chord in Leeway.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTmBSD9JAo
“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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYk8SHA7FQq
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNfhUHpUYb
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3JZJpbyZS
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KWqJ4z0Du
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWgGdMW7Lb
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU77TuzVmDB
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjw0HOH3Lz4
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RSBeVAGav
“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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrnLsmSRJk
Leeway blinked.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7iF2XAaTS
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ396vNyaOA3
“Yes.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRuCCzrHXu
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWcPcQxYDe
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz52OzlzTdE
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMsAgiZxse
“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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4OeryYLhT
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8E5IlqyIwf
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iLAIZVXXR
But Leeway softened.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Eyne69oj0
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzwpDfZ1Jm
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzp6hmy62n0
“I will do it.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQrkMIWRa1
Her whole expression lifted.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPWxeLm1LA
“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…”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfXGkbXbh6
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyuGHJV2A3
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93VJoP1gfC
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnduYOe1Zy
I wish I could answer her.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvq7lm9X9T
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hHc9wiAcS
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkgn7YyOhN
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2kDtoHerD
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19uTmmYASf
Then Leeway walked in.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUSE1ACgnK
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxU5ITWEfW
Renji didn’t waste time.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR2UcZ6N0a
“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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9KkgROGQj
“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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnnN2CU3l9
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhqWXWR3Z2
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM04xZb9ua
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLj3gtAHKvn
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsCP8GGoHb
Seriya lowered her eyes.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotaV0oAKW8
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEltNk2r4aF
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzaBOZZjDw
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorfUw3lWtF
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIOFrYLGSN
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWto6t2JYZ
But not forgotten.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv971rSuFQ9
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QdNju5A3b
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYp7wKZsjWp
“Umm no, nothing.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2n2CNWYnnA
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tpHTlFx3I
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4N9CaUQBP
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpFkh2Uwyq
“Oh hey, Daichi.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylSqZUefxv
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs38BzZsntj
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nTGnOw4DQ
Seriya chuckled.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7jv8nvjfG
“Always so formal as ever.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8bNJCWk3w
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNvwBIhgzG
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AaIlZRuoo
Seriya offered him a calm look.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EPOxe3TTL
“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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZGKI7teJC
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJVUL9uVQa
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIvD1xB5Lb
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwQiYn5yes
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6FbH4vdb0
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80uw2vytJR
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTzYyZ8rL9
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4oWlPmM93
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9J5PWR0Qd
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPldLkETRZr
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66o3reTiHb
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7oFFyvtbb
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4MVmFQhAy
Seriya perked up.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2kbNxayKl
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpe8le9sx1z
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsSHtb9lpL
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmoL9vJdh7
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxgInWPRUI
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLZw7hGT2i
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kfHrX1ozP
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoimFRcHf4
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzydpVAXuqX
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gfD8ebEQ8
“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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ecqVpsVt5
“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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvA9J1h8Ord
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLxsvBt3Th
“We classify them into generations.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbD2qmH8Ch
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8hKLCqp0L
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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCQfIHgjmk
“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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEc5hVCbQU
“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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSFSxRaEcK
“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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1uo7E78Mk
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ3Yi7AkPh
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwljBGsFYP
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURhmu776gN
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkPAa6o8Fe
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZtsWPi0Ni
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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7J2OEQ9f9
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF45ELhLDjb
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqoMpNMovO
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!”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxxIEaC5jS
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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZHRqs6JxR
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtuy2jwuus
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVE8HcvBhKE
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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiRnooSxV4
“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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrt2zXJKd12
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCFTFXVVvp
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9XjMs9lLV
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eFpfi2YLj
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjGUvMidi7
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qTxJursQQ
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXo70kRwoe
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU47NU125Fz
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSjrpWWIcx
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84Lpw8GbKi
And just like that, I could feel the shift.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcz2Zcg0321
They were on the edge of something real.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIl3GUDuyJL
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTaiksQdfh
They were stepping into my shadow.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6CH3wStM1
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsb6r2NZG0f
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0dixESCmu
“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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QTcXHmIST
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX63puqbFjb
“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?”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCyNmvjbS3
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdRrX6rdGw
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0jdVkQKfF
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdBbiwx37r
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4x0xuZwqGN
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1eSB03qBo
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8pgJVSELR
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sfKq2vCQs
The Quantum Cruiser.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2yxDlVzzu
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!”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIzQ5IY2mT
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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMufDRia5O0
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVi2BVpHIa
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmB7cx2KQ0
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 City133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2Ns24dhvH
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0Lx9Bgmvy
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQWXQzuYHG
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Lkw6ejCVo
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfwlzjTmdo
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxufyWCGQwQ
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIM4oNYOKz
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpe7aMwuVv
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbGGIKmm0l
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqcnJuTr6q
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUC54aBt0f
A long pause, and then:133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRCKdfQGrD
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsWJU28UQo
She brushed her hair behind her ear.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGwszYdhFB
“Stubborn as always.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqPRQSFM2a
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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKr2tdoQbt
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oGA2LYD57
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvI8Taby54y
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAH2Fks5gfZ
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYA6GgTm3n
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bifyut2hb
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnHd32KNsp
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwCxDQjY0P
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IezVqsB6C
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2kdJKUjEC
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.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBUfy21lef
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaSrsU4Ipb
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnDYfpcuFL
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWI4oCyz3fG
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8Zl02dBKg
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNk7UvYHKB
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pxwZJ51hd
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NgTiGBcxo
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pBWy1K3Nj
“We’re about to find out.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWZDzd2mxy
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiS83QFCYN
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7fdfFP5OQ
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVp989FVnma
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ve4msmEJ7
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslCsLroEgl
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaW9r7a2hBO
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHzTFPdsZ2
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5n3AlnRz8q
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxedXuLj4Dn
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXUT0CBM8P
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONONAASRnc
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOH5CVPx4S
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA6K2tt1IZ
“Just follow my lead.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXs33mC6i0f
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX4wiy4EAt
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXyVPZ26L1
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HdVTApQOV
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvZ5xlVbV9
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOL7Ug1nOk
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpl7imGEvl
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuuzyOOLmF
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCnqp0FmLS
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7H6YbrNU7e
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3eenazpv7
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntzEv9DH6R
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zh30IEVA6
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc1PUVTexw
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9UrOuD8pG
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkN7LMLwCr
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5EHzysJuW
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHHH6xl5LR
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wod5dqBVC
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hG7GCBkU3
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuCkQ0vh3x
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuz3ezEVV65
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmacFhfN15
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr4sUKBKtw
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xo0Rb6NTs
The door hissed open.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AF4aaGP5i
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeDfijj4ni
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwdqc8d66R
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHlVpkua57
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMQuEndWAR
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHHP7FNymP
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxgSEjRlWj
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5v0yJYkg4
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoyVLvD24W
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKhVC8iF5o
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjp6lQ66lA
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDkPemwEDi
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffKfvTHwcM
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXM7egKIQjt
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9n7DvOLhH
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRHPrxSEyJ
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBmxIgcYmG
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6rn2EnWsz
Renji smiled, low and eager.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2nqCszfhz
“Finally.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2Kp9fa1vi
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKOgFpUdWH
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9w4uprcwM
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.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZYFzXWk3X
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwx7FQaFHu
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyVIUNy7K9
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrohnLYJVCY
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T310Di61l
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe9CUz1loP
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuXKv3vpQg
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubWd3smoTd
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZToPssjdc
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwD05vP4MQx
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2fHIklGEs
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobasstjJFi
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdU3auot58p
Maximus.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4v38MwpNW
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFg7ZPNoMU5
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTS9DJ9KHh
“You’re in bad luck.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNfFPQpYIU
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55byNDulN6
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaI55wvEOa
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldJIpLOH18
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsXYnCP3wN
