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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlstZLtIAQ
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROUnuRKKGR
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hMDnnFZ9j
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pOVWzDrh0
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohTUwysA1k
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuJux4nscg
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcEXqVZ6KQ
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsYUD2ffBI
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQasgWgzpN
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jt6jMEl0M
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1Teoyfmoo
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwRZXstvfW
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSWviPPPOJ
But Rylee shook her head.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKI3TdZm7o
“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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcyQJI4Ojz
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjw8Ry8rsuY
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Sn4KM8gn2
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZV85Wt6K9
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTkcCZMCoT
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjTth4jDPP
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WgAgrR2dz
That struck a chord in Leeway.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1b0HSXLex
“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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ycn4ypmSD
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wAWyb1qN8
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0A5SarfTb
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7mr1dMBbf
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlsvMgq13w
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JMLUzudHJ
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIN8Eqi8u6w
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoTzsqrapE
“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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6JZ77gDGb
Leeway blinked.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZDiBdm4IQ
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nJEGHzeZX
“Yes.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacb61U9GVd
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qZcFWeeBk
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OMmhiXxdM
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDH2j1msho
“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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAfogvDUIN
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4Wb1OfDHC
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl2ncUfRPd
But Leeway softened.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTMOJfTui3
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDeTW5Pdj8
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMhl5nxlwI
“I will do it.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdpbB8OU0L
Her whole expression lifted.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQv1CAS2w8
“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…”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfprVRRjlv
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzoda5vlT2
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyF8nAgvfMl
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgcxigMFRO
I wish I could answer her.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlros0FqFWn
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2tNiK84Ma
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8AvvCIhvp
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKgArIb3gR
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3xLf4ce5W
Then Leeway walked in.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEjbjypFrZ
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXQHpM8Oz8
Renji didn’t waste time.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjgTErFJAM
“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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kIU0ed0Qk
“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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinDFRDtHcB
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5NOJ7obCI
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NodNzRyi3
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpwTBrAm6J
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcY3HtVbszj
Seriya lowered her eyes.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMVu440mgk
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKFCK63UGh
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhidaOp3yn
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGCqIQFvVI
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh38MKuwSdr
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfft9Wd3tE
But not forgotten.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WzLadD7St
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYUKZlanND
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjSXCeeWbY
“Umm no, nothing.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQynvn54bjA
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7P4nh1E3hx
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KUVor6iar
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPypaNEZLR
“Oh hey, Daichi.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoY2d8ZvPS
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUQQziscJy
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKLpR5k0G2
Seriya chuckled.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFAGJ6tEJv
“Always so formal as ever.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmviebxh9OS
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUZkWWhdRG
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhT9yv94tg
Seriya offered him a calm look.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RjQvNbHVD
“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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmM5FRrYNW5
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNHs9cvFR9
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yxSLYVblU
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCz6UK85lu
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG34vmWlf4t
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3UmV7h7Lg
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJSEvOZE8W
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aZibLHqjH
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirYhMDmqKt
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKmI5VqN8e
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pcJ1xzxXL
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MAwT0ycWs
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtQjCbsDlJ
Seriya perked up.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAexIyfDe1
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5bwEYC8O9
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnvfWvIcKW
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4x9sIfDdU
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Jfs4XPsRk
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aEmCH5aS5
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmbffcU2Wy
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5kEfj2Kah
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0ZFyyC7NX
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1nH962eYy
“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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SoUKZDwRr
“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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBQPYcmPWC
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4ETgvArUW
“We classify them into generations.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkia5gSeSK8
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0ncHHvRi0
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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzoXM4wxqR
“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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5s5jTBQXR
“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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpxpAY4l2t
“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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDQYaimex5
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPynKPaXun
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4CAFIcpnJ
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AqfJgiri1
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6cOUOS1gr
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoguR8bkgk
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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzZzmdNE1f
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvY4iu6fVug
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxc9altkpR6
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!”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZknrAYqTQk
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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMduFkMlrZ
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvAM5LILA9
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqy9VBAAUO
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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbbuI7eTGh
“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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYQu3Tnxt1
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcZgjWZjxk
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOK2feFi4hv
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhChyGsUrbk
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyC3ZyF7Kjg
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Tws91CMP7
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5r7UmUK6X
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADMnO7AVTr
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6Gg3PhnVl
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9srfUZtwNO
And just like that, I could feel the shift.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbE8faIJXL
They were on the edge of something real.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1mJFkBAKe
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIN4wkAM6y
They were stepping into my shadow.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRZkyJhfD7
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MRaVCjCOX
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceN88jDUQX
“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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOvPUSl6M5
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyfBbovOqO
“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?”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp5iRfeEkY
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZOU1Vwkpz
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tJpIwsI4T
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡek1FN1jQdz
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQac5mnAOUL
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHcBpHJLbY
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjzNQvZZee
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLN90kaCeu
The Quantum Cruiser.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLirnfLx0m
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!”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFU3KI5ufG
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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33Zfhls2sj
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqZHw9SeXP
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrVJ9Hiy7p
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 City67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruaYQPyzyt
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbMR8TemzN
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqEuTOGN87
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5MU8ocEyA
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNlTbd0ly3
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8RdaDa2pg
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXel8uiytMq
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BevfIFMwC
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2ndY9q4w7
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOB18g6U85
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulr40kbz2r
A long pause, and then:67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJfRklsfXf
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7IIiYmbtA
She brushed her hair behind her ear.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70ulxwVOeG
“Stubborn as always.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6GURXIbj9
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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAFQpeiDWF
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1J846WZiZ
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lHtoEz64Z
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhi9pusMh3
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bcQjTbBDN
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQgXd2w91o
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjH8umZBFsX
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Xe777cdi9
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw4EUPGIV4
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpP9Jva30Ho
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.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabJqFWfaw5
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FFCHiBgh4
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkekXhRy1g
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWShhDnHFEj
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCuXjaiT4k
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4PUcH0FlG
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHUFD3tpTh
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0I34BnrG8
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnibMPfGF9O
“We’re about to find out.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYcobwAG8v
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6bsvWClrS
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbDZRrIo9h
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyepphZZ4m4
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22ks1T3VCh
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dVfVZ99LP
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLMmfuoZJV
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhParpalqys
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHX6OnCUef
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NWGw0Z1LX
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJVgVJRanS
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyPr4y2UgG
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGNsZmFt9a
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8ecu0GTsb
“Just follow my lead.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalJgdlNqHe
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCd7mBNIeY
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LuEfX9pI7
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUBphQw42O
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaTB7ehlPJ
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQjTFbZD1f
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUa0sqkbIL
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLQZFVCnKe
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ321jtsQRQP
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziQ3XOXeRH
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNKoZ9pYbz
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OmaDpSqwa
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJ4PsW0X5W
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zFjPfmX7b
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Fo9kNOYUF
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqSOKXdzTv
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzklQ40bopb
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2bv1emWyp
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YO2rjhPwX
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3aVZpXZO1
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjUSUVjNMG
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtKdJpr8cn
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZ7gXPODWb
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcApMrHFKg
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp5qV7LDOy
The door hissed open.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQlElgMhSf
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTYbcDyIcT
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AAdrd62Gy
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfI711nm8V
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkQChYQm3b
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6vkIPsRr5
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVhk0W4zzU
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmGw2GTvXV
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRdn5ciO3F
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSwiWIyHnh
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1ZkzSSYMk
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0HQivwdxo
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrs2Y6xx2Oq
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlKfuNx34X
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qtQWKs2NL
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡak2sCWeLzQ
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYx9NuVYH0Y
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEYpWCRRoO
Renji smiled, low and eager.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9FkSwxpS7
“Finally.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWZrSw8Ygz
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5tlRo0fsp
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZ23deLkRZ
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9KMKyueZg
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTtJUY5Ape
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVh8w06rtV
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmxN0bPR0B
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOx7E1vWgG
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25XSRX6JVy
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMMj80nYjB
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDyYvB6mQA
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzctl4grvR
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WzC6cf4nW
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNETcUdlqot
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsKzvSCVJu
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cyUvLvhtJ
Maximus.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1tVBkKQwV
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5lBWEAFMB
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaLkSq8S73
“You’re in bad luck.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TNKvDAUno
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNK9fhGvHP
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdXbj1rWPM
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3Zgy0sb5r
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcM7a6EXDIf
