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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVstlxCcI7
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFwm7S9M4w
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIbJ1nXxXa
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrq9z3tOJC
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9DsyEg89c
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDcacPCirE
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEg3D6NGNE
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGyfKAoNmY
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBaYcF7TP9
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOFgTZwMAT
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZVo2mw5WQ
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPX6q5A9kJV
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIdhb3czEn
But Rylee shook her head.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CB9usuxDk
“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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc0bLuSjfL
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZswg3ARrFm
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoQNHMYwht
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yhdqqf81g
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1623B6qR2
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzKXopXnU0
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5QCpoMSkT
That struck a chord in Leeway.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHS4uMip8el
“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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsCU9wAB5l
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfEUcuXOOM
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf0iFPy546
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHMKgbIF3w
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HwlRffbyV
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2V2d4XVV6a
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4u7jcF7fI
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBX3FirSJU
“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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoO4kh8tB2u
Leeway blinked.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDC1bv5EuJ
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurRjxu4InE
“Yes.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVu1qnney6
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWMUO2tOEc
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoD756IC1mo
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoBIPGOgmV
“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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ekHjiUMTC
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mB1ym8CHu
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3G8QHMbuF
But Leeway softened.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6z7YZcM9T
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEPA91xqJb
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K2UKMhYdR
“I will do it.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbK576A7Io
Her whole expression lifted.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VRzN4aOhg
“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…”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWgtUELzNI
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsRYh91YAy
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VQDeGJjtl
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxpUAEttn4
I wish I could answer her.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUo2VkrkJIN
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSg4FZCqrnx
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKI1Fo9Dj0
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrQBVmQwdk
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWujdqC1AxC
Then Leeway walked in.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVevA6OKd4T
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GDegsx2GR
Renji didn’t waste time.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmsdTuA4ux
“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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6qLGE7g9X
“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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F8cQk2dUK
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWfMHJsdIz
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmBWvoLgsC
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyW5wW3CKx
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfclrhajgcC
Seriya lowered her eyes.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUzILgh43r
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5eUBUwPFa
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFXu6QczIa
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxWYFWxuZy
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXxMRo4C4m
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZnapqTHOS
But not forgotten.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡics79JfjB1
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwi6LT3WjkP
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nTLFWp8ZJ
“Umm no, nothing.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRec7hDRKU8
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOnuLymC8S
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgQfreFFIP
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BOa4faca0
“Oh hey, Daichi.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcnQQsjoCp
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5i8Hpb1Pm
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEOqhilZTZ
Seriya chuckled.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgY28rNF0pZ
“Always so formal as ever.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8iWIb49vq
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38tolld2sW
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5n7Hb7HBt
Seriya offered him a calm look.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5U5WaOSQyh
“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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVc0HQiw2hb
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rGgSF470t
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkb8wXOx02C
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7YbjsWqac
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEJvRZMgfk
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3Ga7bmiWi
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmSATzMAB0
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVfIvIwLKG
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3HZLju0gM
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAncZKjKcT
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeP9bjYAvPw
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYUgH23M8H
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bflgKLTL7
Seriya perked up.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82zcnTmUOB
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecaM3moFPd
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSlhWyVrus
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdc53P24D5
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAM5eASaFAG
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHM9UqKQtm1
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5LauuoWNl
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7xkKdXY9i
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzK6imZUwZ
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfvciG4ihy
“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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTY9finCob
“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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqqGkM5SQ9
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RmMZl7YiX
“We classify them into generations.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3Sv4rbeu8
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXgJFY491M
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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYs5vR73Grs
“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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaO08X2bLG
“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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOXDOoIAI6
“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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvzFIM3D7y
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2pZhMZ1lW
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozpuocicCa
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSa6pccwFR
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBYDa8reAv
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1WuuglcDt
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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtlEZhBr4r
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQSjKg8UDr
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1aUT0PHWu
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!”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LcB0bOezy
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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatc9SahA8R
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mZNTdCrAR
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcTnsbgVlx
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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHlLBPndPx
“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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx19MJukyR
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4nkSi4lFA
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TFSSeGjN7
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihVSXCwfYJ
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMDG988b0I
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ0V0jtvPE
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡainksVKrWn
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUH9j7K4gA
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNkdSeBqUh
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmQLuayo1a
And just like that, I could feel the shift.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWdmio43Ux
They were on the edge of something real.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRh6WBDACh
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5h6LHraRYG
They were stepping into my shadow.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYe1gH6Ud4
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkmSRWIoLY
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnb5jt2fNP
“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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpdKB0hAb1
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvvtOCMOoD
“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?”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfIOJPy8Jb
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vNm5an91N
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmg5hKAQVi
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhIC54ixFJ
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzAL2nRp0t
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSlhUxEjYp
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKhheR7mTM
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIfemt23DE
The Quantum Cruiser.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSMCRpQo0i
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!”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLBwbNF57d
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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YE67UaY2o
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrl8ZNSJ22
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcGBp4grj8
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 City508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomQDkadrbI
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkf0EQxNHNM
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoeS7mFMtF
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1lf9O5tls
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqa1XotlYsh
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCPitDV0El
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm7ijni7WA
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNAVpnLUna
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZxoeGIcgG
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uVfpvQjiq
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEx7GEgoyPb
A long pause, and then:508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJrBRaMp21
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRX6foB16o
She brushed her hair behind her ear.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitMOhRYtqb
“Stubborn as always.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEWPFsulzW
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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI6dUkPz1E
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1HEZ711y4
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ927LzdrPSF
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYDl3h0V1B
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciLjIc4D3q
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71ivIy3TfA
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8c5LqL2jRF
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DgGoXl2J4
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lD5tbEFwT
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgM3pvuK09
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.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8JLfTd5SH
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWPc6JLltD
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsCG6V2brk
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQmDlKNLl2
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIJpXXKrb7
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEBxEGVKZt
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0KZesBhWc
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIqtmNcKR8
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMT4OAvq8U
“We’re about to find out.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10jYoHV6fS
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaxsEA763f
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10pkKhRv2C
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX61LIGIqI
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAO9TCRXhk1
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbND2YMMsEo
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCfGBwGCF0
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7xz5vBQ9h
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtceaXf9g1d
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDTqkaco2a
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xbGiEV4PP
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3P3J93Aulb
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO6MBNHsY2
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzitnCoGeZ
“Just follow my lead.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbEztVwc9a
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXftInw0HT7
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIYQJhzqi2
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFzjYU58yD
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XCGXdIX9U
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U0MdP5Ly8
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoQZej3NHg
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1HvzwGpki
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VkSJ4kb9H
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxE353nkLh
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFRJhWOvDO
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHfOI3jQSf
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ51gBmX6z3
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUAwYvPJ2M
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfougaeaNf3
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGq32vDT7n
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgYM8WALyE
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhQhuWCzdE
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtDrmSy7kc
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAin76z7Mcp
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1P5qcM1b3i
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTJC9zhD34
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWnlxyAqQj
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0qvVenw5A
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW738xCeN0
The door hissed open.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx23v1y3vDN
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaGjUcTuBP
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSY7tnips7v
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDgQzx0vJF
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWEwgFVAB6
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyi1jn4G5q
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4kiJr6wki
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XZl4DuTXO
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkivnmcrdze
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqif2Tz4yPK
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrSbzBuoXN
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKfpMxl1Pg
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmzNRfcflP
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBF02SUA1C
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDmwGSfTKf
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDPlEBvbUQ
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpgRveg7Za
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJ6OcMjiHO
Renji smiled, low and eager.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizqua9D5DP
“Finally.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLyRlS9c6H
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIekPfHBKIA
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdR8FEd7Fl
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.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡov8ZAuaNuy
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHLZqLjy1G
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlHGIjGtbo
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7JeBktFMm
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrW0lMfCJN
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ842uwVDpkw
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ730GXZAWd8
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKtLQHGu5k
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14AnqwpiG7
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTqRow74EI
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Mjxk2HAuZ
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuXnZbbBWt
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiCgYFn4dF
Maximus.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBNgdGMuRn
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbGtskiD59
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡak2EpSSjB0
“You’re in bad luck.”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERuoRA4xH5
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwixpXxiG8w
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJA8OsMQKQM
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe6pp83qig
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIRvQSXOyP
and then Add to home screen.