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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtMSzdvDVc
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSZcx9lbNE
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLX3uNbFQrA
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveuKHv8Qmn
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0yILSFSjF
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCgCLZZHK0
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXNXjuON7s
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLxabt6MH8
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxG8IEJBNSg
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk1GEBn1yM
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiC2x5zm3K
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQ1IRYFuSC
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdACSYqHD6
But Rylee shook her head.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kbsUsx2KL
“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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjtyPqh7Rl
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsilaMFG1b
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouoHGsOEOR
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUdAJsWF9f
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCEPMmK06e
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxuc7gebwh
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe7whPMHD3
That struck a chord in Leeway.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQ1STmfeL4
“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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mGEzWq4wK
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DNlkKY7Af
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQchnWU5p3
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKFbvbUY6Q
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7JRQdzY1p
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQYW0lJjkB
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jH4nxL0mY
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhoDJig78m
“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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNinAhrQBm
Leeway blinked.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwVsxfWuK6
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbryNTOMSR
“Yes.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvpPEgNxRQ
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyNkqQJ5gH
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjRHxcznhc
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHNQfQ3rfq
“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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn0nldlMKp
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Gc1DyzvGd
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheVcMfh540
But Leeway softened.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiYjmyRO5S
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXuztx9KPL
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQMIzhMEAB
“I will do it.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtJntooKI8
Her whole expression lifted.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbZ4HDafGG
“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…”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gDHTuZTLQ
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpsjeewfXE
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8vjr5Pcul
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0jkCjTc2N
I wish I could answer her.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PTDua5vyD
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvioC3qiMG
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdEzj5vYAI
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzst9KDqGQf
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XAodjkDLj
Then Leeway walked in.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGyOub6Syh
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEcz3ukwY0
Renji didn’t waste time.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nJQY8acKH
“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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbReVuCHIQV
“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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwJ4iv7091
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRxmz4ClGw
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5F2ZPxm2fU
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0kXTXATP9
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLd6e4lhpo
Seriya lowered her eyes.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fBnZBvNce
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ890dsupJRE
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkfjrqBtqI
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzVrMeBIb0
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTjHoiaR8z
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzpFj9Q1QP
But not forgotten.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mdeGRAMAi
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUPNngqoLQ
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkDd7YiDov
“Umm no, nothing.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjj7IPZdqky
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rMGQNySER
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi139k8PQ7z
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMwv5Jh9Pm
“Oh hey, Daichi.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpm1Iv6fMyi
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmyCctm4rf
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvV45gN25O
Seriya chuckled.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRbf6jt3lQ
“Always so formal as ever.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3oIkTF3FX
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOruK3wT92
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHGq2SR0hG
Seriya offered him a calm look.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2tlsD2mks
“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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldM6ANF5JJ
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYONp6AtRn
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFLXw6cmCs
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBSo8qApZI
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58LtibVskP
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqfx4oHeAg
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDY5YI8RG63
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxalzeMvkv4
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYSbrqNMBZ
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43JaMkkQmF
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2UivpYX8v
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJM7MU419f
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU0kMUWSkW
Seriya perked up.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k4x5fDoPH
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aWdaUIMqr
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUubisC0uA
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ETG7ECgd4
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡid7NAEVRpq
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcr3x0J5p0c
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmbfGXiVEG
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcDPNjt2ZY
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pk74qJ3nT
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jeQ8YEr2y
“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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvAb9ifmEo
“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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgwyGK9bek
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwFdtd7ylG
“We classify them into generations.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihr029RoXE
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3Ny9EU8BJ
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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOereLJN0t
“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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRHHzNEwAQ
“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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJAGsYqWyD
“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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFvmiPVqyI
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFw8wzD0KHq
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0lCx737RH
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8seBO5ngfH
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6lpjgXG27
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFhm8fOUo2
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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn541ydyhGf
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFINrNj7Yr
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkivkORKJgH
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!”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApVcezhx8Q
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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefo24j8yFQ
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFXfu3Ci0Z
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlovMIRkd6O
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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGONFbUwHXi
“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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEu5Hb389AA
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCQLH0K04T
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZHdD5qSUM
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7FAKaGDMo
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo18QRnsbZx
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADveuFvSJu
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWieTrKcL0
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsTCH5ycwS
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtCtvekyIQ
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQctAP3laW
And just like that, I could feel the shift.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsSLtBZX26
They were on the edge of something real.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RxsCq3Oph
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50QTFFXEbu
They were stepping into my shadow.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokrJAaX9Ys
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjESBWJbc5
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsPMv5MKj4
“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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQpO1yeq8W
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87UanS80Po
“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?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrHBErWZz3
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0puwW3yPx
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsv85ndnhJx
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4EX3OJf1C
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdOPRAGU2O
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2zr6QFsC8
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2sfk9QzZY
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjk2dDqXNe
The Quantum Cruiser.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWi40rbOOSP
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!”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVf4mePLREx
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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpM5oaQxNN
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJ245pffin
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAStA1oHizz
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 City71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUlT8sMfii
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2ttm0EY6c
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIr0c8djZYQ
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbVW1BlH7F
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6Rch94NBu
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGotYePAYF
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG4IY3LpQ8
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcITF7Am1T
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DOgELJr5t
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYLmvYo9vY
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbB1osE1Eg
A long pause, and then:71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OJoAnh4w8
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOGAjnI5bE
She brushed her hair behind her ear.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LYhs2Hzfb
“Stubborn as always.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAYXn5GTs0
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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlGw7J2fbR
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc99RvdIQm5
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KBYwLvtdr
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMq5GgjSQC
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDdqvKVHgO
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IDgT15zWH
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkqD581n88
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FV7aVsZb6
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeG6dmMG0n9
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt132i6Ma3o
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.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NXmjZJdMQ
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3GupeyQ0J
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqFUE5ddJw
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSpkHXLEbj
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ310tOSAM3H
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsuzsPt0Ho
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQ74Ew4uTo
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmXapIep5o
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DglIBLy7B
“We’re about to find out.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bcZE6x3lc
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmVKcdwn6s
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mtjtYxaLn
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPT8N52KsG
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMHhJchvCY
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTvHkYUhJn
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0IXktD73s
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJMVzM6wni
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKAh1TYyho
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL5oWa8UXp
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWdUktcUiS
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2EMbTi9KF
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yBxi33uQ0
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m7dbx0Kty
“Just follow my lead.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDMW8y6eHf
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaQlwvIOTO
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPFp74fFYy
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKG1vEp3Hv
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36P3BHoJID
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjiMfhA510
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PCpPDKCK9
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm4eLoO6HN
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3f30pyyam
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxFDXzJmef
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKgPLTRqG6
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90qIixV7fZ
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9ziV1R5Wn
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYdeE4NlEP
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWpGU9JTkg
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOGeEFe0Y3
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQEalSaYiB
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXpafdAdPk
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ999Wllo1ty
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcIwl20giX
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XgkbuLNwq
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfyYdN7U8l
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5hKLszpgP
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeNjhA61Fp
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYlGBWGvgv
The door hissed open.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqmFfr833g
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSaLvRBsA6
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZadJiuB5hx
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaq08PuTZ83
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXl2Zp0dC7
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXTIaJiBCg
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYS6ikY1ZHN
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ330qCKEQGn
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjPaQ8ftQm
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdWrWH67UO
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sLIpL1UGg
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K16lhNFWG
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6gB3vhxlo
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfknpIRoTAR
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuo8gtzEfp
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxXeRZ9uWo
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZg5OHU5qN
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMIgy4lIQX
Renji smiled, low and eager.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbZrjjyeCO
“Finally.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroLBePDKZs
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVZHbjSo2y
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDYHT1Drtg
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.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCsNWDg1ZZ
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLVMfFNO0q
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6WgF12Bwl
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIW2uehRSn
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFvVRwYscY
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLYhBNKjj7
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUKZaznaYJ
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29bNlE9VPS
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBDvhnhJ0P
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgXHcGXeQp
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZe4fOZKxl
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDGTEz4y99
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7reGTUgUEH
Maximus.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8B8rqxq6m
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9tis6Y33M
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOWska9zwj
“You’re in bad luck.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bbSraD5iF
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtXdtB2vF7
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SewIMZB15
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOWtWsQc8b
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y4YHF8OIc
