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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFTHTcm9Fy
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbOlhXMxB1
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6H5OS72Tk
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DmcsxffI2
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWMFjMVGya
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoRLGNNTIX
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2BbyLl2So
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YZoJBotW2
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi57zQUlAwd
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsslsoDomO
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMkS4Qg6Md
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgcZ5u3eRv
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJyL87FgsB
But Rylee shook her head.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMknUzZqfM
“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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Pf9YhO2hC
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuWpNZlMWu
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8Phv1sqly
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCqPNbyOcL
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2m3f4ATcMB
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2YPFJZ1Z2
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPawR0j5h7Z
That struck a chord in Leeway.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu6GuhGxG2
“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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrL0m7Knz8
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaTYeYGspY
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡove7T6ZI6A
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc95OqA2QzK
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dG5SHgEVx
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfow3IzlfHu
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DIhUrcseV
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5PeNEMORL
“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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5PxrdRYZl
Leeway blinked.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBlY5wri5t
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81LtpVqvDQ
“Yes.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPKOa4w4ix
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUgXd5mpIp
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFdViNTtTi
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oCuSLPw2D
“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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcLS00OsH0
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInxXnGJRXu
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgArLotWi3
But Leeway softened.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRbMY5QdM8
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡornUhbYbxF
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUmSZi6dYK
“I will do it.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfReDiEWkmo
Her whole expression lifted.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqju80rvTh
“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…”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0mkTsSyMK
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7K6cyXXpd
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmbnCSb7y1
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIPXfPHNdM
I wish I could answer her.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6th9mgnBzK
46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacLTHf57U1
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw54jJWVVdY
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC36c56izQC
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqwL4Dn6VX
Then Leeway walked in.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvp7E0kv39I
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5PlQpWLit
Renji didn’t waste time.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0sGDOhxds
“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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5Q1dIuReh
“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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzadItWoXl4
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEyJGKm28X
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuogNGh4RC
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPehBpMdzt
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjk2uGLf34
Seriya lowered her eyes.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPNNVU6TTl
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSKNsymib6
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqNk7QkZnV
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnMzhYwXaH
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFakhZln0BY
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4IBAUtCw1
But not forgotten.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUqgYAoI14
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMQuFJkZtQ
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO84b6ntIoE
“Umm no, nothing.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuMFONY3cp
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2ePyG10Rq
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrewPJxvUF
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDv8eIpbKp
“Oh hey, Daichi.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wcF1UvQyv
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IJ4CAsn7C
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhC1XRWOkq
Seriya chuckled.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wRvqe9Y4d
“Always so formal as ever.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfZx3wQ5sw
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCTUMlnsbZ
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFCuplCSsG
Seriya offered him a calm look.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXQLZwWC1t
“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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjptPzQpb6S
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1V3dUN5Cq
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCorNar3EHN
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBUTlB1B1z
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVLz93xEQY
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AQODhEFPm
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mMezQdxs9
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mgbobD0bp
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWMPu2P4GS
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUP2waeubs
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOu4Y3rduJ
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyqFOBsMol
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2f2135LCa
Seriya perked up.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOA0DWrUK7
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrivI3tLxCc
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡav8whbDbdz
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ojxuu00lj
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmagWhOWUoM
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZamc3gZgEu
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdMOqF7kbV
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMzuuledLi
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0frMHCSu3
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRZzep4Eaz
“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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0WsDxW6jB
“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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdozjDVmry8
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bUxPrzEPo
“We classify them into generations.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUWKLmPAmw
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kXItTzr2B
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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX9rrgzZVG
“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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZnMsN1f4Y
“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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXurSTv8TCs
“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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGXWvSieYN
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qrtKsWkwx
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZP2KDTBoY
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIwMTR30ZW
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeYp8Jj97p
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs58lZ82P19
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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbxYRQWUad
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8z3Z0FUdts
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8ShaVhbBs
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!”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotG0CTUMDa
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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaE6lmPKbq
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgbmRnHDn9
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyisjYaJft
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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQ5G4LL4fA
“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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGV242n8w2
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FtEQXETdo
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0fYUo3R2z
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKFCbVOo58
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZIAkPAYPa
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWmBJTi4zl
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhbCsgUj29
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhowLSvlCH
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAmtiZUgLW
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnphCgyH7ID
And just like that, I could feel the shift.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1BdVHWsmE
They were on the edge of something real.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsdbi34qtr
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0el8YZgdVL
They were stepping into my shadow.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMQo8dEQSD
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsgJVNDv0p
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWyp12cUVS
“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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqqdlSwjlF
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAHkgHmQrs
“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?”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTubvrFhwb
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr9ZFHfTJf
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiIrQfx6ju
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5aLNdkhT4
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDNcUizOZS
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ONAWQoNYH
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRLMsftu2o
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI6w4kGN8Q
The Quantum Cruiser.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCUtQ4X1gA
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!”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Vis7UrJP2
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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimWeIlQydz
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYd2p6IOtVR
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1gfxDo2Sz
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 City46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhpOmh5HGH
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQ6ZaOxhGC
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPbGFFHVKm
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvWpxzhZcy
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8n27d5N46
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp4o7AxYkI
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnVqBVkRxC
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1TvgtUTKC
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5luoSDQTW
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVoSZCsgGk
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5kefiqxz8
A long pause, and then:46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqBwe7Bh99
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bypuPlJp6
She brushed her hair behind her ear.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQh3Jio3yM
“Stubborn as always.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9Iqem1onW
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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6K8FaZXFk
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGus4O2Smb
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmES3RRwyq
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQHIlqmFrv
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKvVCKRLON
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5RE1QxpBp
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb0Jsz9Hkz
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvkXMMUxit
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLYGhadqD1
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRF4inyCXJ
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.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxj3bwDFN8
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCBHbcJfvy
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96GOnem9l4
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVH9Vc97li
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfmBzC2sMr
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZgvaRBYrV
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkHi0CMhWs
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlg9DjXMnW
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjdpQzZU9L
“We’re about to find out.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWaQATbMGt
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RrT1dgTEm
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDOs1mW0Fy
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoQM9hOYlH
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDQiDtYaZS
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JaPzwy6Xs
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6RELMtV7L
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZw5EC75dmJ
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTbTOddYDV
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4YYoQc0WA
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZeUGulUPE
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ij40NtFHR
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfVieYV9ex
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9TGgFQxXz
“Just follow my lead.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVMYpo40Bt
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9leAqx4OKz
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWPhJVxsie
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIYPCcAgaP
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJeEHJw0JV
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy7slYdWmL
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vwXdQCXiE
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeHiDIrde8
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLySyqJrsB
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcekdqytqv
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRHdiBI9SD
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGlxjfOxiF
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ433thyDKTE
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxDSUwAQQe
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuweP5oG2xk
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vPglCs4gB
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45kscjO9Cr
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBZbQQPz9j
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2oCsygtFb
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuzV9A4Mz0
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SwNmcRuY7
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfolUNIRAmd
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHCbQNWx22
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QdCtPaAAB
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7jQszBH9q
The door hissed open.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnt09p66zny
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCn84lpLSz
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3cjpWzy91
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFMdntKXTx
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUAdtUUF1x
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLhN0FVoLw
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKhu3PRQln
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W0HlDDS2Z
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZy6gxdIu9
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGogsbvamT
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2f02maXuW5
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCT6OCzCFXE
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4x8FvOnVYa
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYlLSqDxMK
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nTRrskKRY
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RCg9yhIte
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnJSw53o5D
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOyHjxW26G
Renji smiled, low and eager.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEua2iF4qVU
“Finally.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lIXNDT3iO
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBds0FN3Sc
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJm1RuSAAV
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.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK03zWYvWvm
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmSbYtKmHB
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZybgfEdz1
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPCFsFVAVa
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaa3JRhjUx
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKP8gNlewV
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJXz82praP
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsaEgc6JF8
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIo57hhsDr
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKev45w4zo
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mQblb7EEb
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7aiGe5LSj
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVx8SITJTL
Maximus.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vm2VHkCri
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGnj9h4ESi
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K9HVjfAcs
“You’re in bad luck.”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFv59Parr59
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ290Ml3mJEf
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrvLFCP7ML
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMJ9sekPBZ
46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy77bF2MHE
