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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhUxsAjrGd
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5dC4jWvGt
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0w2jKaWlZl
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3bNDy3RYd
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZ5foCOhyo
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhCffV3Rpq
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk3QL8jsKW
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBmzoERc6I
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2bhhzNZtU
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctpiEWv7x8
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsUtFUf1mF
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgYgeNidWg
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPbYqM7597
But Rylee shook her head.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3vx8uKWV4
“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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9N6cbPRwn
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZYyWtNNgq
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzqvwn6RE5
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqZNRCnpuZ
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS5mjOzqeI
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdSkzkhHYi
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8T8a8EhwV
That struck a chord in Leeway.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGqUpUJdjW
“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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRCVSSJgG3
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7dKQbdTWA
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGIjlgQgdI
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqLVBdhTSb
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWS2rKN1x1z
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5TRur9Rji
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCxdEvTJj6
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbN9IdWc6T2
“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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NBIHlViFZ
Leeway blinked.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvo2C6FqI7
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzVmtNmKL2
“Yes.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYaSRe2NRe
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4udwuW6Rjr
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTbAWJyYaa
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1wK7fAkku
“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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuDWSJY7pW
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpnwOHCSSa
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTbhAocCsD
But Leeway softened.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCaQYJ15Nd
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dp8ad78lt
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfWJ85sC8d
“I will do it.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DBJPzmxzo
Her whole expression lifted.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDGuGeK49S
“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…”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTU1roCOpfl
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2GLfyk91A
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2y94FXuL1
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaErtfOfcxp
I wish I could answer her.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ddhcFrJsN
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7StgQ9q29
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8vQu5GTmd
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDuPodix0t
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbH0DY94p3A
Then Leeway walked in.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWNVP2aQCR
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYCLy3CveA
Renji didn’t waste time.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjI4j58hRXF
“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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEChZZc6FX4
“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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4j9v9Ykcu
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkju4l3KVQ
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59WvgnnkYV
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbWKK6Xu1i
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTlLPoyhIH
Seriya lowered her eyes.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAJfbFEslj
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsxbvrOIHQ
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcctul70HeX
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV32WI1VKM
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvrVvUiCbD
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcKTkNTlc5
But not forgotten.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsEQWrrMbu
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJBEVT8U3J
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQ50Qx52qm
“Umm no, nothing.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CNqTfKN6j
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W2Adud33B
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP44ud2f7w3
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI64oj0RmE5
“Oh hey, Daichi.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtqA1oDAXX
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeyX9s1TY8
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRaQG9DZXF
Seriya chuckled.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1847SlgM8
“Always so formal as ever.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJeqf7k37c
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT940upIzj
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouNfnuobmA
Seriya offered him a calm look.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUJO4iEKbK
“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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCULVO5nlR5
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8L04g7ZZwD
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqECvFEo9Iw
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbdLS717xF
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXS9tQnKiJb
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqsR0IYl4T
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzy73puYMPe
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40S2QUBYdD
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNPNpjWOhD
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkad6rnfES
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZiLK8kXER
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTZ7slg1aZ
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHN6XyYiq4f
Seriya perked up.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXH9nT7kQYl
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUjgrPRUsc
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKCOkyP98c
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmhY2UK9hk
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYUnB2N8XO
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbV1HyyUb6
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JlXLDxXwu
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULJ0g50R59
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRGD7y0wN3
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGE6GWCKSzM
“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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzBpMDkeKf
“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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeWQfONP0R
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR96BicMSAG
“We classify them into generations.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx8lZoOApM
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0KJE6PMJN
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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeaC7WzWlA
“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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWT45SrSbF
“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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJCKoW8rGc
“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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPddgRfZXv
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCtU88lW5X
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHT8rIp7TN
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFKpqgg46b
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdnmLIwZoU
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPgdkFh76q
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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtAowV95De
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzl9iKx8hO
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVY2XdcHol
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!”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bmsoRCYO5
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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHp3xfoQWpx
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuOJvLraSt
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVaRqel8MH
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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uOKkKG3fs
“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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXDSSKo8ts
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvXFqswZcp
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4304HyueS3
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTArSfk7rjA
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqN4ZZhyT6
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE3uFEp2Tj
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhuMyLmo9w
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFpsmvdiy3
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGS8K1XV6vl
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMetFNzPUb
And just like that, I could feel the shift.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyW1qbKXEMd
They were on the edge of something real.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrj9XP1lua
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcLnH2FMqa
They were stepping into my shadow.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39UBxBPmYR
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BR16o57kG
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVguUzpsgD
“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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJPydpbfLs
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaswBozrUvT
“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?”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VoikWxRDK
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHlTApoBw7
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBZIQLFWGC
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuiTO9FqV5
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalemA1vycM
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rvy9YAlQ8
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4Qr0tllfp
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wMNNi25ES
The Quantum Cruiser.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRP8JYzy1y6
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!”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyS3T7TBpD
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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM3lJsE3IE
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfk3OCkelvR
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAjZaC42dy
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 City203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIn6gUo9i46
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1mvsVXTEz
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWK0r5N7KYo
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm600SnNu8k
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLFSjIZnDX
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B1I9EOLn9
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5W35gNI7p
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0hkVGqnrm
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEay26HLrA2
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pSdz8Nh3i
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7E4BgiEwtG
A long pause, and then:203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAB2MfISis
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6YGeqDblk
She brushed her hair behind her ear.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm11as06ekM
“Stubborn as always.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEKmK4xWwh
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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3eXIcuFuN
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQ6BmdDYQx
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U8hF578T8
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgT1T2Mwhq
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpttk63kSNp
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiYU3l8Le4
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IKLL44XTO
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSDDf624mP
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENLVHptB3q
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1LMmvdhCD
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.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WpjzTVZIR
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcJLogsgeJ
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBUjofcv73
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOAx1t7dG0
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkDgCagQkk
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogXY5jm9jl
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFysCqHhFOV
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyxngqJvjg
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNS8PPCXFGY
“We’re about to find out.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedaDgPJluD
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsWN2rIzAJ
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMsfwm4v9N
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8t2ALPzw7
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyNPoEZjz7
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnk4M5lOTA
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFhPJrW0jG
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOmHsqDTli
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJltU9oTOi
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBEo4UP6wr
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjma0GA5HB
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi2K1DbdHF
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRr44PK786
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEbmAcQ6jW
“Just follow my lead.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aY27hzUeX
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZKz59GIF4
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBabpxejU8
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gqqdFAXP6
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lXj7oWgHE
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyji7WKYGb
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcWXnwSFDT
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JBMhCHkSy
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw94zp0kBVf
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QAvX2mmWj
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JpjTe3xCB
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq02PXgR9jJ
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzApefi1zj3
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlk4ydAC8Y
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8TLTe3nwy
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KWSPcIteq
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoG0VuqR0M
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pz6Qv6qLa
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5rbjxJbYe
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozDJAGkNkf
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKNU54oait
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94wLHQY79a
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1zjnsRy6i
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzheKo8zXED
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AslskgqyA
The door hissed open.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡown9ymDyTx
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaSOgoxc6B
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4a9wqS0cqu
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi22w3WMK02
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawakvK857d
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzejwo0tsmR
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1PG1BaV7b
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNjBsnk1bZ
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3Qv7qewT3
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrAY2XY9yi
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcRrfJwjCw
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYZ4tEw3LV
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrpeJ8Snki
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUst1fygQh
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO27XrtGaYZ
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCmsZcEQxf
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnshbIZZXL
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPX3fijmmb
Renji smiled, low and eager.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8psuDyoL3
“Finally.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkqc61NyM7
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VuQ2iO5rx
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIyleYAtTi
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ChdMdj2nf
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16SScgU8Nn
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrIB5WGXjr
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdo2NE8C2I
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxZZ43lY2W
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07JBUqgs7W
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfKxJmqYpK
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAfKGv1YHD
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdqYugbEdy
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7NlQ9Wkt0
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeAi8xZmRq
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfwzqGIIUa
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFe5cm9Xkal
Maximus.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnBpniqhHA
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43g0tLHynP
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsEKTAwzFr
“You’re in bad luck.”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF68kLMU7Ue
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQ7rOFfBTW
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnMDI6HdDj
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjHMkTv2XD
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡValvS2Akko
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