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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJE4zWNS51
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9uWPFS6kh
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw57HLS9v3n
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4AcxfWBB8
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ebaV1vdIL
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNSlZxVYy9
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbABzog7gTo
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKh9sXaXwpM
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMeKuJC9cs
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKnp3dM0QJ
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6pC4u8vzp
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bizsEOa3U
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHnAiuNKXl
But Rylee shook her head.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4S68oupA8a
“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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ViXOSgxJ7
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9DhfxBSmq
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CBgqo97lQ
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJiB87wq2D
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3fuoS955y
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71y3ImoLIT
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBcGrC3fOm
That struck a chord in Leeway.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOojL2o4Bl
“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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSKvIx4tvq
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTwy5HVe2S
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIaCrOh8Ji
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55bVVxJtLN
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPJ3CxAHW0
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPwKWOqKYO
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmlwCXv19M
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekpp1YT6PX
“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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mdiVtT7jU
Leeway blinked.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx85zti0zd6
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeYDheu1PV
“Yes.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgU6Hlof7x
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EpoHucIit
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgV3j3c0QR
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kUzJBMTaD
“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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfXEDtmsDk
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHa6pP5TD88
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMSCklnOzj
But Leeway softened.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqssWIyPCN8
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnl8e2VurvL
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotHlbDJl2N
“I will do it.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhkht0sQBV
Her whole expression lifted.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcO4ahhbyG
“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…”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA80lPsNUX2
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXARQhj9pw
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJc6rxdSxH
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6f36ArYnLL
I wish I could answer her.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGu0YsY9N9
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpEY87toMy
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRl8OM90oqa
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gX3qMtvy0
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUKg4VAx68
Then Leeway walked in.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2xfMDJ1sB
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIqnN7W6AD
Renji didn’t waste time.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GBYqMabKJ
“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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3YXGb6tGU
“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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptodIcyp1X
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQs9jPSmxA
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCh94f0HBy
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pA7EyKB4R
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbQ98gxP7J
Seriya lowered her eyes.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m0OjlndiV
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKwsSfhfhx
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwUoMUUP8R
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIbKojJKYm
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKLYIzdtTb
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGi37HEs3h
But not forgotten.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RLs0VvsZR
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTT09hVcnQ
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTvAFudHCs
“Umm no, nothing.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJBLxo756b
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0BhwE8YOZ
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsc0GSMKh0n
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8S71jHW1qs
“Oh hey, Daichi.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnbYviYbzI
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3ITHPMovD
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5J3nwYTXAS
Seriya chuckled.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFBEhKXQMD
“Always so formal as ever.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TTW2U9P6L
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrowxd0OeW
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFlYYNQJDS
Seriya offered him a calm look.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7GNiTjaxZ
“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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWgQyEkwuA
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnlnK5tnTX
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgQgjuIknY
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jwLZIKNL0
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlyJb6jBeb
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgnrKGfEkd
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4m58WKN35
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5IrCDfqkI
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9943MOjPgj
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiK4bhOjkpb
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c8XoorsYk
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIBO7KHO3U
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaC7mgJ8Fa
Seriya perked up.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHugitllM4u
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKx08kEz9HP
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rEWv8fxjm
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8yI2c8eZr
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmofZxDr9p
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQM2kblH01
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaefcGUYNR4
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LlSHyr7tC
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3DtqRDIg0
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02B2aI0kJ5
“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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXe1mQpetH
“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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUdBI3FPUk
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtN0h84RZAc
“We classify them into generations.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRMKQnJ0dU
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdBDJoyboo
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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8oHPka3jB
“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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo00NXE1C1F
“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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAHDEJPcR7
“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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuPPeCKQC6
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInmctrz6wr
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjA4qhzQGf
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy12Ppw0PQ
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThtvpL9Z2H
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHnd4aodhf
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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ9GaBwZDW
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBDkpl5nI9
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpidxTjEdw4
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!”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTP3io1zsxk
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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmu3ww83blT
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwEwDDKkFe
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFJ7y2SKJ2
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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmzA0afZRN
“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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxcu5zHw5P
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgpzAYz5PD
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SazPgjt9B
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObKnqDdDu7
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3rGIs5Cnz
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcDqgeg774
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWqJ6tLxKY
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuOJtM7V8L
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzZdakGU4i
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzjLN4JzZh
And just like that, I could feel the shift.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzoaXB9PYl
They were on the edge of something real.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXssoERlYt
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmsnCoze75
They were stepping into my shadow.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLaoinqpLz
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn8Le4gaDo
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujZWZ6GLaJ
“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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguVZuMeiIs
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzmP0DzEDk
“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?”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr31kq0ETVa
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pxoGMlIq5
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5Q2OeMbcQ
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfYqD1bL9K
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVsQmS0aMD
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1A0Af0a18
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFhMUT42EI
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlMImxPdn2
The Quantum Cruiser.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf1BV0p6kK
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!”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJonxOBty5
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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXHbgV7h1e
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJC5yyxw7G
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTZ0JI9RIr
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 City131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuh5LqULHe
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIFMdQEgzp
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0r9P5UII2
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsMega9imD
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGj7ft2oXV
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzRMIISt7p
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvmy5zJOzw
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSdkR2Wky7
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhwB8uoIy7
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJljsK7n1lY
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDVk0f14tU
A long pause, and then:131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfqlsukl3n
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaQgaoRkq5
She brushed her hair behind her ear.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhsPceGiUt
“Stubborn as always.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYZplYwfhQ
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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRVJdPv7e3
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW28KWwtya8
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoFGn8ctUt
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBPMyF7oyz
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kyuZCHnQE
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnGzYTFE7t
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMFq1KYLmi
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlzaqEDCzE
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG2qRapHjT
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxAJFOiQet
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.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXwlpQERpm
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVLTdz5vjx
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXggaK2hlP
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEX5cQUqEDE
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFO7egBebz
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwf8ThZx9V
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRBpLuvl0B
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVns7IjqBV
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreq1ng4R4x
“We’re about to find out.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcsulbJ2Q9
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkTEm7Szpb
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAus3elcQB
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ebARzHAi8
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3gBwCUuzd
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7yNaw6FS3
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmEvvvXJCR
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFgoprnpy2
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSiIPsExl5
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xqqvyHyt6
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwbaP9PZql
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaedeUv88LQ
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhF2WHV893s
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgiDxG2OSA
“Just follow my lead.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY81johRv9P
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOV9A8PuOsr
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA49E3aMAar
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g3GhSqIca
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQlLsDjfPR
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuxOR3hond
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKNEICtTrI
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKadKRKL8dY
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBihnEy17x
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNRbnPCtwn
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnUzmdgQLs
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbGM7QAmFo
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Je4GuVbQ6
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TO8ZK9K4v
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGHDimJlNW
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ3Xoj9u0S
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dqC7Xilkh
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42EdfcmU4V
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MhzvRx7WF
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SCJIOoqKa
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGSOp54mhm
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05522jv9BY
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaOhFd6GxE
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiroSK3D0R
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKJLxUUKdu
The door hissed open.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDAIw462Ko
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo8gx7CMxm
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunHh28WNgM
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhuG3eqm90
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3e9xh6U4F
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBIOLaYVey
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaVPHEHBYx
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxKJxoimLd
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lOeBBRLMp
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoR7jumUME
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3teMMxwUv
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeL6HqsI02p
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3WQGwod42
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpSMTD3QUg
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRjjK5MLNx
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJeQFqzVnX
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvGyVfv669
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLGmDtJlfr
Renji smiled, low and eager.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgvwJTj6Hh
“Finally.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFbaAeX668
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHFEdDSz2e
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgHf9a09k9
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0OiLOmFuv
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jaOfIsv0j
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVfswXQDnh
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJhUR6DECN
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95xAft2gIc
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnpb9u2vec
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdMYsAPvZP
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCV0QEDQK6W
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQxvMEHDEP
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwbpsLQtNM
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46ywBmozVj
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoUjAqNYhV
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyicEj790W3
Maximus.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e4ANeVqNk
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPgfOS0S88
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmArcDECJDS
“You’re in bad luck.”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaXlKtWyp3
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VUJ0givbN
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvl9yUcmxh
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WdqxEfQ3C
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAgpj6hfPh
