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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaHT51iKTC
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFToWwuURN
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAuL2Mhzc6
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeasoRBfrc7
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuZgMEp6nw
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5GuGeeUgc
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrF88TIhdwo
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcweWLEVeSH
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUU1GfJDc0x
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJjmMOOBjy
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMza97R7ulf
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSGPnOZNDk
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vZ4dQy04D
But Rylee shook her head.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaVd9nrx8w
“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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHkJ4LONWw
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1K0Uj3UaID
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVRJaTGa4c
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6ocX5KvU7
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxhvMnTl43
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcJWuE4npK
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUbvLQV7uB
That struck a chord in Leeway.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xWJ5y1bcb
“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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexUigxkYtM
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFcfbv6lJD
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjpGwRTawK
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9ixaTAryA
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5QylsL2I5
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aUrZRTvKy
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ2gcNmsYx
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJ1dQa9z0o
“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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7SqSQLxq7
Leeway blinked.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4u7d0dWvT
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6RRgU4Osi
“Yes.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkZ747iy7d
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y7RILQY3S
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0HeRbA3Ml
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuHBaY5Tl3
“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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaJ1tAtBb5
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVU2IDmltkl
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcFCcFJsmb
But Leeway softened.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c9BukGZlw
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCSIi48ZXj
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK6zOfQpkU
“I will do it.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUw8lnwYUGd
Her whole expression lifted.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzdBSBDIRF
“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…”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAeOfiqqL7
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDQrHMXSay
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcGG8VgypE
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZiAbfWyDC
I wish I could answer her.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ekTNoqbvq
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPBoaaMUhM
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMzQJLVvSp
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDkoN3vWly
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZzAlI7WBb
Then Leeway walked in.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡve6I3PhnoT
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK5onpnxJZ
Renji didn’t waste time.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntaJeNzWhW
“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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJl6HZ5R9bF
“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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2dROhVHU3
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYtDq0XdyQ
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdAzjNhZd3
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjg1NhuTmeD
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP8clk5opO
Seriya lowered her eyes.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlZahk5Uhw
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNgqFVlG2S
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK1jHHujEZ
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmJgWnTHyt
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpM5aYyFAR
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJVZhk1RGi
But not forgotten.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTAbhDlKq7
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdC0zRSun7
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIWgzKLrOT
“Umm no, nothing.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkf1sDQMUid
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiX7ooZJJ3
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb6xeNNhpw
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa818mnZaUY
“Oh hey, Daichi.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWC71mzLEv
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3n2NDh2FuL
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanvSq16Vcc
Seriya chuckled.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU07Z4uQWdN
“Always so formal as ever.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TUMg0zEII
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ352zuR2rBK
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3TSWoSD2g
Seriya offered him a calm look.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfVi9HuDmb
“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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANIz7tryPr
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXwCHEomdx
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks9onEzJQ2
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD9gIfneb5
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dSTykidDG
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxKtlmHsY5
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA20wkKWuux
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n4rS5rBWH
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9v2Jxz92G
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcM7pPfGAEk
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlp01pEjObf
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXjocgFUcF
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1j0GEId6VV
Seriya perked up.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCq3UUVQxl
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlNF5kE5oP
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIeDY94fqC
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDD7CXKtit
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLGc5Gtxp1
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBhLxK3yPD
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtc0Y31K9Z
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUB9Nrx0P7
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOAx9kVRhx
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQSZgYcXZy
“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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBJKBO4pOw
“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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzs0hUyptzG
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwoj6pYBkN
“We classify them into generations.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8qNG0nEmt
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQu7aaLzrr
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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjz0A3Kc5u
“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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSjcjxbYxp
“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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7kVGMbFBp
“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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDGbPj5xeZ
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrZdaTkT6z
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJhSQWootI
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJnTnkj9GI
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5U7rXwoYRx
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6T6Yg955Ir
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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngQEUON2gs
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilMmjNN7fo
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4wLWTm33t
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!”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6oS87fy1d
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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdZwo3yJfS
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJW6mgk80T
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRZgqYuhnI
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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoRKPwXDOm
“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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBoTDrIcX7
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eJImANXTB
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVNHQ3bZxs
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliqVB2bFVs
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEP9egmC3U
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaP9mzFgm2
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OMdORE1ib
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMT2pUI2fvD
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHOkb7lEG6
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ843sXi1dUw
And just like that, I could feel the shift.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5MDWM2pH2
They were on the edge of something real.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrsA7LDcjg
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuXyfs3LJp
They were stepping into my shadow.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXURpKwVwo
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rBZEmZ13t
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WHn5N6lgu
“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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMxGwRqCLN
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQIXdES0XR
“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?”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PvGO3zGTL
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAP3AQSBeT
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctIOK8CQP9
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jmUrfWliW
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8qfyWhOJt
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FFZRfrUD5
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UrwSIePvD
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjwlLBCYiy
The Quantum Cruiser.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uRz927WzS
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!”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWC4ELViuio
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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WW48ib7XG
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18QW2dPkDm
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWl2Zlln7eK
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 City21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ySd2WnT6p
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9eQLMJY07
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPLpqRPCoN
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRcOPOmZgj
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSx8UyxIow
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNztTjftaWA
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7HuenDCBV
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkOvHswyqB
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXU4zXMM4HH
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwapQQntLmK
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioV4KBvoYj
A long pause, and then:21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93xoqx7qM6
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg6XI0lSo8
She brushed her hair behind her ear.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRRTXJIFOW
“Stubborn as always.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPPu4J1a74
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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHkdfLIOWm
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAVgVlCAJV
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsX1ryulMk1
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4l4WmWyeqQ
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0ZJWjaRfk
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4B0J5CtG6
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAZGXQCSFn
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0ESzqYXXZ
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJ2IOkox7p
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2rtnys1J2
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.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiGxwCuv00
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdB7yOcwKV
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHW4sXmXMZe
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSEa63bbD0
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmwWQs5KiI
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QY3jpq784
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxhXspmgkO
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFTs6VxSzD
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qNUoKRs3A
“We’re about to find out.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTLEoSSJFu
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjQw7uzZxe
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmTte4XYJa
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfT1xIdTUpJ
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0mCdHqImJ
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqSthTQeyE
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3JNSVdnMa
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeS9v7tjqwk
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsqXFj49lj
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchvBGOIgfP
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkvkQS4L6R
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfL79CmTyE
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNU3h3b0Tu
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUZMLG5UZd
“Just follow my lead.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoanNZGeyfc
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6CQ5F2SqA
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KrMrtIugi
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQOmSRfQUe
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaf8gSmQqo
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEkt7RJhzO
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBZ4RF2HPh
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxZZNqvmMi
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJYgOwtXoR
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYszLZ5VTl
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfSWpmvdMV
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCUo8AQJLH
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPm8cpJ7Fm
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdBZd51anR
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKl4yGQ4jEX
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68EKo4hULf
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos2wTClWNh
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKIXPdRHr3
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMLnomM5MT
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy7swk4XGy
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QrbuqRWmU
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNGQ3m3xM6
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhRM85CnFV
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ttoEPjZq0
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoZyN01UaI
The door hissed open.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaZLvrTUVc
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJc6A6V3QEX
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yPkk6x2PL
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JWJMo8zef
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsoFUKBYvV
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAzECv32o0
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6XE819Rkc
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmDr7c4vGU
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIw1SkHkq8
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ivrtB7BmL
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCc2NzWear
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOR6px2X7Lh
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU82gqC0zJ
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUN29ZDvHQv
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggvjvxInS0
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWi8aq2NVD
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhWAT17tVB
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyy6O1HMr3
Renji smiled, low and eager.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtcT5uYxpq
“Finally.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJnM3ZFWR4
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxWWfIRyaE
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVt37d7b5E
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsYlJfPQxK
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCCwCDoJ1V
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabpkfADHpU
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrAcACUWwx
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmfa3iw4Ic
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNV6A3NoNM
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzMMWeOW18
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4dnAIt2wZ
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVSBxiUJTg
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy14jojC07K
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYUBBO27kC
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2xLsqp0o8
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1RVGOUqTi
Maximus.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvKMp6bjT0
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX8gKCqLdV
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z5nzZe7gS
“You’re in bad luck.”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJlOBHcdKI
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GPhuGkOiE
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaH11qkZ8Iz
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgH2xdV5bAi
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xa5IHN29C
