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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqqXFNbEQL
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QtrE1WO6T
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYRRAYlhpv
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDO52Sa1JA
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESO9iH4f4h
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiyPjNHR4w
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvME3OFjNu7
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2f2bIvH888
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDm0v7SGHBm
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh12IzZ716
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamu0GLKHqA
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXMymtHDGI
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ilBQM2Nln
But Rylee shook her head.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5iyTPbbmF
“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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7TixqLefp
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcmWXzRUpG
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0BWWse4i1
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8zYwyOiQM
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IXbc4aD8C
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKifnvkBrl
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsD7WjLZtP
That struck a chord in Leeway.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FSJLTy9IN
“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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC40eaTMEto
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TTePS55Tz
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85AnotVNQu
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRlIKw0Zh6
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8HaDEMim3
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqIPSPQ1E7
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOiJ0ONEm1
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIy1NzmGsx0
“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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjMFYTJxbc
Leeway blinked.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimhiih2K1F
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXApLzmWPM
“Yes.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIF7abyLbA8
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAuclWNwlC
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJep4beU260
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2beXgYPYdH
“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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydTFvLPoSq
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSepDy6uRcI
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXYAUkou4L
But Leeway softened.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqMBYuH7I7
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXw9bbfHOX6
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5FZ9C3vFj
“I will do it.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNuuW2pmJT
Her whole expression lifted.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BwYJ0SNa5
“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…”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15S8jjGnQc
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVRd16Nj1m
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjpAIDPel8
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN34CwnjzLr
I wish I could answer her.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBiG5cKyhN
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIauztPDNH
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92Gjl5JQzE
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpp9gOEipZB
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAIc4PxNG2
Then Leeway walked in.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzD6Mlp4omC
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99q3OyC7ZT
Renji didn’t waste time.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2tSUyeBxi
“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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd1QW5x2R5
“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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaA4hSu3bI
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgcRbvcgSU
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNgrtGDTeu
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RXHtqJ9WK
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLplNFQRBl
Seriya lowered her eyes.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoxdUYVyC8
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBesqPxk1E
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIPRqpoRH0
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90j7yefDih
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwPMdRkoZz
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfzYji5MCs
But not forgotten.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLCXSN0TQc
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJDGQRiohJ
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6lxCHvk8y
“Umm no, nothing.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzQvmsjAFN
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbo8PgQNnR
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHJPbsomXa
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcitDYAXn8H
“Oh hey, Daichi.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoHtrcGFCW
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyzFnTaUL0
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltkEzgvijZ
Seriya chuckled.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZVvMPQWlR
“Always so formal as ever.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcv4Ks6f2Tc
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwH4OPJwRy
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNR7tUht1m7
Seriya offered him a calm look.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGt04AFLsz
“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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFFju42rbW
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5mSeEqjHq
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgRS0p9jmX
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtW0WvgVsV
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fRZgwTH9N
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7MX9TKE80
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcbAaMdGng
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsH2QlbMen
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hgNskiibF
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllo20r0z4K
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldTqjNVm9F
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvpSCj6W92
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPzymkpqqy
Seriya perked up.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnF0InZzKZ
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkCulneTno
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALoWq5Tk03
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnsrkrctB5
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJvGrX5Sd1
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxxNnLf8k6
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KFBibwsQ4
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡculS9grLmG
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox3WCH02IR
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQr8WO3UWa
“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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJLU6eRbvo
“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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVRciffixy
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtFc877hEW
“We classify them into generations.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5JFlsmwL9
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQe6zgQqQ7
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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5COneidHe
“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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrbZBWWFG4
“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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90Ed4MZhxd
“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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1CwpCU2Lt
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOsMqq2ggA
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqA0ifm2LXz
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHA9mRdkuP
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWe8pzU10xZ
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9MmxaRC2j
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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGSnQSdXjD
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRA4SpfPjQ
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK65yFtMNM
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!”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWbZXQxbKV
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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIOR0MP6CC
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXiENuOeSh
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZ0j4wVqCa
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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsz9DIOYHT
“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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwP0iVTiHE9
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh77mncvkLl
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuRDCz3Gnc
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mu4qZblmT
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMKRZmlRET
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVxHMWzJEH
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AUHrK641B
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pOgwEKctn
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sW2DVkpNQ
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOnT3eDv4y
And just like that, I could feel the shift.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupKLArXDZ8
They were on the edge of something real.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjjnfhl6AA
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXkNLbbXXY
They were stepping into my shadow.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOqqYraqea
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinfvpfFiXb
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eewvzGOgV
“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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlseBpn5gRo
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFT3IJDGIm
“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?”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfMBEuIgoF
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNjq95WkQb
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFLP9yI87g
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLpGADCaBy
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWyMtz1635
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qd4q39nMG
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJs2clku405
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXY4J8p9IWj
The Quantum Cruiser.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqIK7AyUMc
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!”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IjGw51CM8
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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqm0LGWudX
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqOCpIqWce
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUuRd33LJH
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 City83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8l5m0MWdcC
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqzR89MxYr
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMZB1sUdFK
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLffatXwROy
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcNNft75TH
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRwnxExgCy
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaET0oYegx
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHV6pxagbtV
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5kCNez199
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybu1pJOa8M
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJHHsXL3PE
A long pause, and then:83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ay44SF0hw
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcD1vFzQB2b
She brushed her hair behind her ear.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTdNbWyvoe
“Stubborn as always.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsaEKtvIE4
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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPYhuErTWN
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZxmVu0W7i
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AHP5XFpWX
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpam7Ocd6V
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5ZTh8AXIf
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0wvQkhhh1
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasVPRyNrxQ
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHk6tD8ijV
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORCL9xnmMm
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM7zPMV3sm
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.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23r565Yhww
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iquO2tBux
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6HIaw3UME
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yw7sDmrkT
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAK2cQhNC5q
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzJy6KUKNF
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1rbvayWmv
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCRd5ct1IN
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEG7X78FAD
“We’re about to find out.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsSgBvI37g
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaqqVdYqIh
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrgAmHDLzp
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzM0G6yydl
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkLJ1SpOLX
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOpXrPD7BS
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoci1H1RVj
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXNFdYdipJ
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRh38rYRmX
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0myL0hHjB
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QQIdr9UmA
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG0DYOex3w
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqyM2u0Jd7
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN6pAwS4mo
“Just follow my lead.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngGegz2jGh
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwsgnTOfgv
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2zmUlkmNc
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x07IMK3XA
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaJGlQINZW
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRbvNzgwHC
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7o8RuYGCJ
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjur69SDVQA
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgb84l8HEYS
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRalosOuWp
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjl4iwRRTD
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTQHlMDJlN
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtB0e0zC36z
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vMPfyc7gL
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFB1q1OwHkz
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIN9MvHhcc6
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzh6umYDzs5
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvPSeGBOMm
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRIyC4VqLt
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxOPZBIEVT
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqiHW7gh17
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPkGAR2X8y
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMAUO3wNZJ
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtElT9rnTM8
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJE2xsiYS4z
The door hissed open.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZKK5UKiOu
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOKJss4zRK
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm0BU8ui6U
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECAh5fTQSd
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvmxf75nvZ
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTKIO8gUvr
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsP8aUVXiL
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kYSZBmKsF
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb2XXcVpHt
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrie1Qbjezc
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLcLJeF5eL
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYSco3GItk
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGyXK3pyNY
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GoaQ0Whi2
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4zSst0HQo
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPS11rJ3aOm
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjjv5XZnOL
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJJGfxJH6v
Renji smiled, low and eager.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6ywEoZrzg
“Finally.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPEOyjSdwU
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0BbepOrOE
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGm24bEniZ
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPU3m6SPoJ
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCM7kcG45w
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIkNn1H9wv
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGfi3sreW1
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeNn8eTtVD
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnSHiol5oy
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwPM1GSeJK
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU04TSFXOUW
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6SMGtvlVk
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgU5wTGP9VI
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3kBm2Pm3r
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3ctmjyC30
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwxebGFhWc
Maximus.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lD0mUDJwH
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6O3xlSeFze
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTwpd6ZZfu
“You’re in bad luck.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DWrITDjdt
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzH59xvOSbw
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuISfxTtlZs
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69ECR0Jdkj
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonzKw3oZip
