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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjenUNOSWFU
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCmpzUyyXi
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bOqJtYOj6
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpzGBUxCvN
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEtNj6VPop
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizR9cnQO6X
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0iaYp9pjJ
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10GcyQVxJr
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7glBmm4tQ
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgoD1nAx8O
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDO8NUFjOv3
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvjPDOSjiC
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeKmFrK279
But Rylee shook her head.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUEov6LZ3t
“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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnUTc7oULT
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzWXbLaXQO
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqCivkNrDY
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rjjt0wt7m
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaa8tSkp8uG
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nKa4hhZam
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqx2bR9dxS3
That struck a chord in Leeway.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLbwPvKrOr
“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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XFiV105Au
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5fvliRSER
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iUsHFoMDK
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPZEjf3UMu
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFBCAavPpq
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XrjALOLFo
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSoCt8lNfa
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92KZ63gqgA
“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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIQW8ixjv3
Leeway blinked.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAQ5kz2h8T
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIY2wJw4V8
“Yes.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfwKwSL7OR
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGC9rFQE0V
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbyk3qpm26
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFPbaXUcFY
“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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbir53HhseB
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmnlpu0Czz
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaflQ8lPXS
But Leeway softened.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRHJUsZtOg
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8LjehfMI9
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RdndxiczD
“I will do it.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavZDGJo0SH
Her whole expression lifted.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhPLYoahmc
“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…”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaopwdblS7m
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z1Kj5R4vk
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaoT5YZihh
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGDmhyoVtc
I wish I could answer her.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ce1SyOg8e
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7juXDz2uu
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHy9kfdrpLz
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8a6SsrSTd
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGhdOS8fb3
Then Leeway walked in.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9b5ltQmYB
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByKmz9oeQl
Renji didn’t waste time.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHK602rEGi
“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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaekCmSe1X
“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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbCaxtbNv8
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtaQuXRt1g
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VmaWuUMYL
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztvNtDIbi9
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RCFMk6fsM
Seriya lowered her eyes.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmbBK9wWic
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MgWQCIbVw
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOPUfp0tSJ
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmoNrNmLI7
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3my9c5TPvb
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOfBDnj2Pk
But not forgotten.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy32sk88T9x
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmoGqwmJF1
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb99t0ZKBof
“Umm no, nothing.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK4kPatA28
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50eR6dc5vI
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39CqVIb1uA
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UuouHpHqR
“Oh hey, Daichi.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVHHUSOmto
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMltWimQA1u
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESDBJYAu1H
Seriya chuckled.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4VEzrClsD
“Always so formal as ever.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIQebCNGC5
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7BDNRxbB8
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWpdF5zQxJ
Seriya offered him a calm look.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6ctAFKO5g
“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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwLodZFmJF
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKrzUnL7IX
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p0DnLY1bc
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYskXJBfF4e
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZ8QY9my0p
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVCf6j5zb0
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXrJ8pzkae
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡni20cKqo4R
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9oQwdZkbE
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHyTEs6mzh
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINTmsGlPSx
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0MIDt3S2G
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1gyTo1m2c
Seriya perked up.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82UfLlv0dn
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYj7WjBnuz
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4oSr6gBQP
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtFueZI7jS
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7yAEBcOAV
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXLs0c0TQs
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn95gOwHzXL
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1qbXiMA5T
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRjfIGiOOK
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXzdpZk2Bv
“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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFm87RFoHlm
“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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeZ8gLynau
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoGLcqueZb
“We classify them into generations.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjyL9wpWgC
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnO2uD0sXYN
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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRQpCjbzza
“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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VJ9lch4vW
“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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVoEzKmAuP
“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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyWNhSkSvF
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuJRN9vfYI
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6c0eGsrC4
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknT4HYlutj
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPns1IPNfZn
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytsiUn7w8c
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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdczwkLMiO
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55wNI44bT9
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQkaPt1siD
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!”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBInVIH0lX5
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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznaXKMaARx
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDIEeFSnvl
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVGnzBo3nE
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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQfqnAqlqk
“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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoe9aTDAXVu
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyn4ySdy9IW
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31X1oRrFIg
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZEXru9SJD
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1R0YxMM1S
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9fh7obv5h
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnGG6CRO3Q
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WIhD9afpS
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevkVDCexlq
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMutqUVJroL
And just like that, I could feel the shift.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPBNHxsGmN
They were on the edge of something real.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBV1V60729x
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9dCKq6RIt
They were stepping into my shadow.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG54KxhWm7p
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qLyUWFnqU
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHP4H0c9rJ
“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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bgMUzlygj
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBcSKlwWtG
“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?”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xaRvkc4Zl
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUvOoEuV6K
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDqW4OouFT
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl605jL6Bmg
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjMpCI5v6h
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiofX6dw6d
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYK90cLu6X
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkRcrludVX
The Quantum Cruiser.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqTTfdeLRt
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!”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFFWdaasUN
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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUTCsYdgD6
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlFIVYD90m
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpogAPTtggu
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 City73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOLs8WkJ8J
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnZ7p4Qeju
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyr9vYswZr
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrhBd3PMGF
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXDJVBX9Qv
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9jz3tGpyP
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AXsLGYJal
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡum9tfucP2i
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbPXe7iUVD
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtgswdP7oI
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUejKRAs35I
A long pause, and then:73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLRtQkT9Ye
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLX06VoYgNF
She brushed her hair behind her ear.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBOxRRYft3
“Stubborn as always.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xaFKuODC1
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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQLWIqHz3u
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqf5085SJuS
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BRh9Rdw5X
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiIaAv7jDn
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA67R3hLG6N
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoykU7eVWMN
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9w3ErKODZx
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnYHpyWKjh
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIR5e8oBCj
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkaj3o3Btq
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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqRLCyxNPD
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkctCa86PB7
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBigDPYKdxU
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVso7Nh9Avo
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0MmlNpv7I
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqf4h4MrDJ
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg6vwkm7US
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZ0a4zFiO2
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMSS8Aedii
“We’re about to find out.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3Pes0sXg7
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY8EPZcxqh
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKZ3Kml41h
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbeC13FAtb
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWt2LAHEqYp
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu2xPL4fuQ
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqQRU7zvax
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2t4txgxTu4
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq5NHyKAJe
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LngO7wu2f
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRC8o0SQfgY
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxclS8Zwiz
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTVGn2TPuJ
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzoGi1lWmj
“Just follow my lead.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp4RAKAkYd
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFO3P9watl
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOI9A5sUu84
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVJdk9iI95
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0BEqadjwT
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8jfaZFPQa
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlRdxmqlZ4
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQevrdQP2f
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1r0djW5q3Q
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM21G9AZj0k
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16UN11SLXy
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmShVIxA4YY
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2vvAFmk5M
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFF5Ue27yR
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUDbUJ8M8r
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDv6ycauo6
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5CiGbXrUO
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EATWL5jok
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo882Tl5SBz
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4QhLy2p3E
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QMlqZzKWW
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFF2KoLZeF
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJGWDkJTr8
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtEy0mDMsF
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhcvWTHTTI
The door hissed open.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2FbFyxDW0
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUVlKpEbD2
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUG0RQWjnf
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNa5IObIoV
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡen5lXHscHG
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuc9Bm8pbzW
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQASSjipV7
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCPtGWsgjX
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6Kcg1xzcb
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe84hVK3gl7
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkzzd0KRou
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxyhD01v5v
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWwas3GEeS
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu20UKZps7D
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotopsYWQi5
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5BGhl7XAd
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHdMPiJp07
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4vUFL7zBx
Renji smiled, low and eager.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvgsq7by6P
“Finally.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSB8oZSp6D
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Gxf2fWXC3
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkITZgzVUdT
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBjQN5sF7S
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTp8KxgAN0
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8Vna5YfVD
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIKFqP98xM
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzx6iFDNewD
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxtaxgl22N
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIvHssaXLJ
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlL6ZyHISY
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQH08uStDC
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKsbSLPfB0
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQjWNZ5pDo
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVGtuaISj1
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDULAhIzT0e
Maximus.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5di8iAsbP
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvrjgTIBGC
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DixTIwzVm
“You’re in bad luck.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHUt2RtmW5
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3H43WwxTDv
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp30ovDzZRB
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACNjEPJYx4
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFnDgPEkF1
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