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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8OE6wwm6z
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPywGt7fj7
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvLCoWJXvp
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1Xc0pvBVO
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1piQTYdGzd
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRffEd7xvnl
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUOmC0T393
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJl1KzqnqhI
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iOh8yH38Q
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69UeeRSvL7
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbXpyXYdrv
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xptcWVCgg
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyE8QmoVRB
But Rylee shook her head.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YCtq9BdHU
“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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAiVG8mgyv
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEPIGmOOgr
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTOGgqyDrk
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39ghoymkoz
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjUGL9eNzr
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uX5vbXvou
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW05W9ZEbMO
That struck a chord in Leeway.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWgucJ8YFs
“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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2F83bpoBeL
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tLkI6JDwx
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiyxx3Ow57
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6L7yl9joX
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrs1j2JcUFE
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5u2tCQbBpg
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFG3IJHbpUM
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBt72WZNH2k
“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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcSqYDuCUF
Leeway blinked.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigyR40Ryl2
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qVngcN1Va
“Yes.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPT181a0a8j
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyPXEcy5Uy
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiY78Nf1qhp
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pVzFUs09h
“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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxJhni4aN4
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hGXGt5rrM
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDewq7YAL2w
But Leeway softened.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdnB3yh6AC
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRRMIBvxEy
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfsffbLD2K
“I will do it.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaDW9j8qKk
Her whole expression lifted.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJF75yLMW5N
“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…”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXype9GNxy7
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGcYj4VpCE
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhumZP7wLog
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YdRdgpjQg
I wish I could answer her.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWwdcRGiPS
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYgy3bTgdr
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O5AdoDVl9
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtudAQ8HD6
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRp2imzoi1i
Then Leeway walked in.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriMWGFaOGe
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXVdkrxpcJ
Renji didn’t waste time.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlro2yE2Dl
“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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TUBgQ53WU
“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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9XeTpURDv
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNNBdrQ13e
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqFUlJTDUp
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiO5Ds3BcC
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE2moVILBu
Seriya lowered her eyes.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡct92sFMxUY
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGZ3mVmPSq
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAlHOeQNUe
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc35naHgcG1
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ICG6P1nCW
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4vg9je76t
But not forgotten.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn93l6M5yQF
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv12Jq64P0K
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMfsKIsBgT
“Umm no, nothing.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSAfUjoJpP
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Kw77Ro5bg
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfokQfFGd83
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6jBIz9Fds
“Oh hey, Daichi.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFyHfxOr0c
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pRTJtcyzn
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5K6XEW2BO
Seriya chuckled.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKrffAtD1V
“Always so formal as ever.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxsv2ollak
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZceDugMTQ
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2KHbkiyOP
Seriya offered him a calm look.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR6w1qu5mu
“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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2gjoXBJZx
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCk5p4MiGW
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPujzqcH8i
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGkpIlW6DX
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURPMYXnAoL
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GBlpmmFwv
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDBHdBKj0J
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRIVzQ6FuA
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTu86Js7SIG
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLShVF0z3k
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNedFVWWgOa
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUaCUSnMqg
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIf6ANhHWDV
Seriya perked up.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX1bX6hswS
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35zYvbDHgf
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQOs0CNEYN
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dlXpGlqjm
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrccg3vaks
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQueXQdEvdE
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeod0lpEe1O
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoToZQGpDl
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79qGchwqhs
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNkNhGtRII
“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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqhVFFGD2W
“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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI8jJZlzYu
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bhmViUTbP
“We classify them into generations.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVX3iAt48R
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeBuvusIYS
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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfboPrzEcnO
“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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2Zd2kriOh
“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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sGevBSZNK
“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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHTO83HiW5
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDw5q2REU2
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7j5l8Q4ZZ
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi95I7PM5V3
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsixn2EIqeh
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwaAh6isd9
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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpE5EeYTwpD
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtA0408Ech1
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fJroARgSb
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!”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYD5BPh7X3x
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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6T48l4RZlC
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRLiW7h8CA
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgzRQDpLJ6
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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb1AmRohgu
“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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMn8A1bwPdi
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC8n7l3jZr
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7YtDIJ5O4
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua4aglmi0c
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR17ckoRuR4
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRW4lVkbts
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3snSQjW8u
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33mNI3Hxlo
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlGjpKoU8D
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXn99TPinmT
And just like that, I could feel the shift.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsC56uG1TY
They were on the edge of something real.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyo9COCAhOL
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9t51huIQc
They were stepping into my shadow.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5Wagvky4e
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbPtkTKrpS
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24zSXJkz7R
“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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSHOHi1yVY
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bzkmEQP2x
“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?”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnfB9MArYB
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tRtrnx6Ew
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXVERNwtqG
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLTnZOX48b
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hZrX7YBD4
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuMsYlG4iH
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmogjfquDN7
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTpNXMYnPO
The Quantum Cruiser.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLLDrTvvJV
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!”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvvIo2oQf7
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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAr3gzd4gG
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLaCHmgchM
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95PEGDMMrO
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 City174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JDfXSlTXx
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9G9tZzgVnh
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNdB2Bshvp
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQJPj6qZCE
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkA6T5itWR
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzv6pAiWZRf
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcrrX6c2h4
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBq3GbB545U
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQ1YmAtZ75
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡum9bwfW17h
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA43ABwoGZc
A long pause, and then:174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6jBrQo47o
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0wT6K2ysY
She brushed her hair behind her ear.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFgsuDx4Ea
“Stubborn as always.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJOsHTlfVX
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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cMLMnKYRd
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEp5XDbtvup
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKUDRtUgjk
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAymcrdF3Hp
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS6BDXuuT2
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmX1CMc8hOv
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhH5Fxa8tg
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlCj0O0DNK
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDS10qqObH
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRM8TIXFPU
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.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5glsAbMb0t
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJBFSJGX8T
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEBnrDznYE
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0RWEQfWq3
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyeIj3uAMm
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5SFmyDKs6
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahQXIoSUKf
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcDQZewY9W
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGxSMD5ZBT
“We’re about to find out.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYKZez1FtL
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxW1SOEPfD
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUnhilZkqt
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciyFOvu7E7
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidHaLGv5d8
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfScJHMAod
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxedHKt5SF
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeS5mbxohX
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaDe7GURt2
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnF6RF9JpX
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6z4tFZHoWK
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEqB4hFHSC
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FjRkKs0j3
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82YsF7ABVW
“Just follow my lead.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6ijgxFdJb
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VyUThsdQP
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKsvJVQkJu
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaDLsKnmDB
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmvwhNMJcM
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPwH4lm0E4
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO676zYqyR7
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnANttjBR61
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3xY5jjHG0
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcpQQd9nNV
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3X20zk7Iv
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvtaj25EUx
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4EJognr9r
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbV26tyqsQ1
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJbky1Os6a
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5H0htKviMu
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3vCZdBFJN
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEjYkTQWUb
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kEIvIWYe6
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzfpzKqwbG
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjyMSdZnzc
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVphosma8I3
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3QaOoRmzb
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS2zTqSmp0
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWDsRkLZrE
The door hissed open.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXc6lL7VGJ
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0xtObFdDu
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBnPUDqvpV
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIog3OWLP7n
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpE8rptQfZ
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRMgQpQWvt
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2QGExPYnF
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWc5Ra1GCZ
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj4qEM1pMA
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLsDITNyGJ
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zSPrbVv1m
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqWUabWVEa
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObTFqV761J
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UpNsFqHqV
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qktTmGfQS
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtanp484l17
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYl82xZ0Pzk
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9ilyfdyvs
Renji smiled, low and eager.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozI5yEeyIC
“Finally.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWlts1dqVn
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQ6zNTkH8s
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUSac9n5gH
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6bWl90ewZ
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEX1LHiPiy
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMfmqFlY9x
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloEp3PUsFy
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWaAm7IQi9
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oGSYnvZmH
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoTnmCgDoa
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaX9J6UkgA
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPnmPhoscj
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1au3YDx375
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBd25ZBHlPP
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWtr8RScyo
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz81WkMANyH
Maximus.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfqhKc3evw
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVN3E29H9VI
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhpBPpAFrC
“You’re in bad luck.”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqaZauGTjq
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKfBwzYNro
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBn4wN19HP
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKRdrRzP4D
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocJvmXVqI7
