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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBF96a59K3
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAg8lZHJHP
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpe4A1C87EA
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Mut2jFWGz
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xuxD3smgI
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FTNU0Uwao
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfunNWAezfS
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TyTfs9T5b
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZKUhC77y1
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5yKJzz14O
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJHquFvX4q
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyubVD4nCF
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI90IsxT2a
But Rylee shook her head.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fpapyJvKg
“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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIXzJ7qGvd
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOcPY85YIC
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JhxPJ3XpY
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3ZgUMXRVC
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwr0cqaVSL7
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbbDdq6BOV
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbua0UNMWk
That struck a chord in Leeway.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZs6XS27p2E
“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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZ8K3v74hd
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5vSKXdrWm
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9TdR5Oc9N
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcug2pDOhJi
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRnp29Av3b
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBTFtgf11k
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyqUwmeEKk
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaCORqC4Bx
“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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOG47MOKeC2
Leeway blinked.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuTMJbgVFP
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzELJYkxHN
“Yes.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEunQnJoeXd
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRhFAiFjD4
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Bn1uC7GnA
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GyDHu3TmF
“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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n9HPXyeMR
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1i0HQfDQv
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sTcyEuCr8
But Leeway softened.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMBeQRjTyA
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuPHPRvJZk
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwPMIA0fu8
“I will do it.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTfBOkPMVo
Her whole expression lifted.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdChCbrcqmd
“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…”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjiUHecvOf
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOegvD6JwK9
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfSwiNdrUf
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaP7XaDZAG
I wish I could answer her.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiuyqloakk
48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR2mHIRvrN
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfKWXoAE8p
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYj6jJp9fYi
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi8N5GfVqB
Then Leeway walked in.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWso0XdAQx
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkQ4sIhfIM
Renji didn’t waste time.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw08W6ddpld
“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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59VGJErCBs
“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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz26NXa1WB3
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfMEWXs8GX
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1emeTIDsI
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6anhef0VZQ
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoDvP08EPP
Seriya lowered her eyes.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iV2atRzRa
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdjQ2wzoAI
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZ748Drnxt
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWWmgDpIx8
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuptKH4foQO
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fSAsiwGUO
But not forgotten.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZprm5Mw9A
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDv4b6gf8qx
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseGZNIBVxn
“Umm no, nothing.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7XiVtnhQV
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiTU6WZD1i
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBMRik5tec
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6M1ejZf0t9
“Oh hey, Daichi.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMeWkrxOSh
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ntIAS98G9
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhi0XBidrk
Seriya chuckled.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQ395RLJ2i
“Always so formal as ever.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlleOeNokNK
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNncuH6cl6
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1hSYaVflU
Seriya offered him a calm look.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFY6tUSxbxK
“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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUTrOsWFBo
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5CmLn1WBM
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYbowzfyXS
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlI5WyHMPIw
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdEgrO8of3
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnqelN8zWr
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4tZN1zQAT
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfn8pNzwSKT
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIekvKmlJS
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5aGPDhsTV
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Vc0K6iZuu
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbC8A4buQe
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwpYnoBJkn
Seriya perked up.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinc64IIv6q
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIVCYvTznj
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0I9xxmrYyh
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEKahuBC7l
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdEtKQyVvl
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIH1r3oUJmE
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGWXOpt7Dl
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6sKOz32yD
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGBAAg6iHD
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQV8LfDgCav
“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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0gcJVmFz6
“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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uylYOdShc
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaiNsPHO5m
“We classify them into generations.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqI4VTnlGTr
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJrWbZwLSL
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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9f06uOdKAc
“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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3S5uxnYKl
“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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSZ1KD4YFE
“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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNemwOF5yO
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9Led5ACZO
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5y92vMvxg4
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbj84tnifdI
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNaNO1xRVB
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEGn1y9HEx
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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxD8NDPA7S
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFDzUAx0yE
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ8wZ0IrX7
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!”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8oXVtmPv4
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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcpW8SttY4
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARubA0sH3M
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQEIdVKhZT
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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAouAOeLGk
“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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5CqneZlsj
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeStVph5lQ0
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PcCWxQSOt
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvi9OfKdSK
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjj5qrPttLh
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLFy1bxwlf
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK681wPkFLt
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrArfOZj1s
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZ9hyTjYCf
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgrW4Kijgn
And just like that, I could feel the shift.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCBFakgP2d
They were on the edge of something real.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdBO8ABKSE
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNU8aLrHWE
They were stepping into my shadow.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQOt2RmWMN
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQDQYikQQ4
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPLGsuszxp
“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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVJ0buw1C9
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTTt33Zg6p
“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?”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawBcvV9lrm
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwmbgl60aM
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DrlvT2xmR
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1HybDa3d6
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGOdGUXoui
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvKLR92LUt
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKqnCDVUmd
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfusgOfoMjc
The Quantum Cruiser.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlW5Ob3IEhM
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!”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEz1zZofA13
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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsyPuShhdD
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94YfC1vGPF
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszRfER5Qmg
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 City48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eIK33XJ33
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09qC73Sz9L
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs7RQuo27F
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEzePRpDSA
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MmsbdIzNk
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmQAGe77wt
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1l52MzJK9
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuobZRvlPz
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7qxQ0HPWh
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5HILYRBIq
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24if82ZmcE
A long pause, and then:48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveM9jZE35H
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiCHV9giOZ
She brushed her hair behind her ear.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8FdXKi1im
“Stubborn as always.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFARVI5W1b
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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8oyVMsxHC
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPu8r4USUw
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtV0e7UvfNq
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzel0hVNQYv
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8MJ2UhfTW
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRLaB3T4iA
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWRlIQ4BVP
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYvgg8zrXL
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSj5L8CQ6XS
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5RvC8NI0d
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.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SoJbtnDev
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnn0Bfsahq
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSbQ8PVEsR
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgc5nJb1XNC
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRTwsiNMXe
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nnAWfUfk3
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWt1BCAQf8
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrNvh3pXtM
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBerglpd2T
“We’re about to find out.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5IU8jAydk
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUI40ulsXG
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDI5naA54V
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLUeu6YaEQ
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hyGnj1vR9
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULyR1ETOZ9
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgya268ogZQ
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq1cTUcTGS
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6w5nJvaLa
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0ljYztbul
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXrTWDAsTA
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhajzGdbAT
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEI9Ql2MTI
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LwGh8hFQX
“Just follow my lead.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEDKgdwqMf
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55vDazUQ2l
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlW0zVYAknR
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUi2nGcABC
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNkhEviXpd
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡam7AJWa7t2
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwEIEca2Ms
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3Bsll357Z
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxALde5QIcW
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfE79JIRnX
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKttzetMpv
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDo8z1pCSC
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IdEqXGlSL
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGnhaqgJRl
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgRQN4u27C
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlt7ScISRlk
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH2nmikHC4
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUePncnDwXT
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60zvJ1RBHZ
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63fngXWtQ7
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYosq3QcUNP
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yco5GVe1T
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfP4AJTxRp
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUkhJdK9lN
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSW5AYnFf53
The door hissed open.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWU67KnXccc
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz2UCqYR5P
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp9Qgts0NC
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHQwAP5w8A
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3XguIQZOv
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGQPCZqFCo
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZEPZEZaGR
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡungumeAyX9
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeEOE4nx4t
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNAioip7CP
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9FYFelEfQ
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrIcZa4evk
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxxXz4l8jG
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOWTUCKrCt
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPrunveUdD
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3TJAN0u8I
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡty1daaQxSt
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaozVyZjwT8
Renji smiled, low and eager.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1x8LvzZuEC
“Finally.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhYq6fOMBG
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QlxJFLEUL
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvVNnJmE7v
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.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9pLFnY1mI
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwasWbB6MGg
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYA6Yywo3b
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xtGzmxlja
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqIqm11MYx
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHcNQV6Lab
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjq4Du4MAo
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡednjNmS1vr
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiUW9G2yYL
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6Bu4LzB0j
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHGqzSPaHf
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZuwhSNA1k
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLT2zfoCKw
Maximus.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6a2CaDiYm
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWghmXLBlCG
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dxwlSAj6r
“You’re in bad luck.”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi6lf1GXGw
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcu4DS3TGf
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbfkWGSOUe
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmAALofWiE
48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3DmIIOlvX
