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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3yjsTm3Xl
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDgy68tGkb
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlQCHjvGH6
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt553oh8jE
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEzEluFAvD
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WQayvTr5z
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0dhfgsaRn
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloeoadK1pO
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfgIYIWCPV
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFSPDe3rqf
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAD1AwkcOj
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9jDLYPwnn
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVOYg7v17k
But Rylee shook her head.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuUpsYCkbn
“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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZRXP9s0eF
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKzwkucNW9
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdmaYhmOdB
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPJt46WJ7h
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDToxo72dPw
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOhuVWHGQ5
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxMxgwPVEm
That struck a chord in Leeway.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLU95aLObog
“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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDmu5RxxDs
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2uLsXoA3g
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpFpbCaKPR
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9TbDhHg2h
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvYrtyIem5
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjtkBsL5ZV
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNyxKSspXP
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxw9srIWgc
“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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM2hDTl8vW
Leeway blinked.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucbBHVZuoE
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZa9Nh1LKz
“Yes.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNquTkilsjv
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5CqRrTq72
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbcy2bmty3
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1B0EknwPIw
“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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoR5RjHD23
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zsAbVWVSN
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELNwZWpXmp
But Leeway softened.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OGDuFE8Fb
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsHUISdsbF
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2vuW5naPb
“I will do it.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjIXVt8Pma
Her whole expression lifted.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6O5tgXN7tm
“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…”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDjX6K3IMs
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMuEqsMnur
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa05g7o4bgV
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaxCSAV9YD
I wish I could answer her.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKdWA9KYRA
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXpJH4rjOw
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtANzWQALIs
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1shOmYRCV
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSqvxmM4QK
Then Leeway walked in.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOMlbvXyBf
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCJjztRkwO
Renji didn’t waste time.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLX0KrAyXZ
“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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZCtcgSmM1
“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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjon1WV3VV
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrHT5g2N8O
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqvlwoFpSQ
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFk2WGSgP4
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeyztp8Zok
Seriya lowered her eyes.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ290Ym5WqWi
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSi9PwJBuAg
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYRIEPYt6e
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfdLHg77aC
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCJuLzKyEr
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9umfM0zbfK
But not forgotten.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw2bA4uSSw
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7UfAS2D1P
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqks3zhLPd
“Umm no, nothing.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR3BBVXaze
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyu5MZ1WtaO
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUgBkvSJiO
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9uwum16Nq
“Oh hey, Daichi.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0jXXCIWCS
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFQqYSRlGt
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxAg4sxPuK
Seriya chuckled.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JUoxe08cF
“Always so formal as ever.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuABUKA58Jw
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkt0KARb7XS
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU95NyZbrAZ
Seriya offered him a calm look.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7S0GV3xnVw
“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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41xoPCg7BL
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFMC49AAyd
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWayqfLygw
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZeWdkmVOj
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4f5SuB1Or
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmjaL6zhqc
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgx6UJSDdlW
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5N1ciYiid
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUUQQriLVQ
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwVz8pDyZx
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGelnDJZBa
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT91lNB6Ym0
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HBlebnkcx
Seriya perked up.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fbHki4U70
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRK4wt0zNdz
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTgmXG8LIM
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ufLjNNoTs
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2VgI2pEV2
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6CqDU5QDN
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfC8wpHAED
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJOQ71R8Oe
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMveCgouaA
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrCvhFmUTj
“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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupPOmzTLFy
“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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjn8Zd7e53U
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZPUBJQ1b4
“We classify them into generations.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQIp2OW9nj
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzvL3ZFQnb
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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMxKJVQZzh
“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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuWhhnEFXT
“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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyutABnAMfc
“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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6SL0MzsfE
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVfjY9aYKV
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbOBihFw6H
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC15ykzmWbd
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpL1znTIN4
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRl5ASTSckL
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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmTFpwwk2A
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WELjkmJef
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQu35E5sRXu
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!”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9e5olbqCB
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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdiNQd3KnJ
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4YDo4bOA4
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdz8yJ387A
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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4Vb5GyAmJ
“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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFp2wyjYuTl
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh495X3064V
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9qXU9L1o8
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMd9CDMnAI
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSp9O5cbMV
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BanZXU8QS
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1UMv4R48j
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPpCZpfUrS
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr98OZ5UDHt
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLa76RB2ZmW
And just like that, I could feel the shift.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyETAaQSy6O
They were on the edge of something real.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOTyjXPZ9Y
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw74URsi7kS
They were stepping into my shadow.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg9wZBPQTk
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzn6sKTVuX
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRpkNLalbg
“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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmeQFyQ0Ge
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3PnuHzVhq
“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?”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33IVnsSnFI
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqGlyu0R2i
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHinDc2rDz
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOHfmpYShA
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L2q9zcuKG
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIklRAvS4j
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTxfgVdbZ1
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9emfjI3tw
The Quantum Cruiser.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8jjXzNHpe
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!”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6n9ndfmqD
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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHY81tiWPR4
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweJetLWaJC
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hEzOluHiC
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 City212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk56z0m9CzN
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwb3nLbVesq
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlIwbN9xQb
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJliNRDAPb
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm2TsRtKT7
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9MYJZz4wr
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UbDYvhbBn
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PFcMZkkEg
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNairB9Q5S
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH7cnDvVzm
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvQyS8f0zj
A long pause, and then:212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jKx6gZFOw
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwiV2g6fce
She brushed her hair behind her ear.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI89mGo3LD0
“Stubborn as always.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2vo5FAgpf
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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSIACXmCYi
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdAoRCuscE
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgsbgPoP2R
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCYUSA3Fib
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiL53hULF3u
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wsnYwFVyD
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNYA3T6noy
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRJLk7WQOy
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHv4LynhwK2
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdE6Fpu3o94
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.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcDmWTCFHK
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYqFGZ5MbL
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOQTtUTwFT
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIiqIstpAV
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQIIGARyuY
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DcDcM0ZCQ
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CHjebuSsF
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZujMXIG6v
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYuFUFu8dw
“We’re about to find out.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf0feJd9x3
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LbwWHMDLc
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDnO4EyWAC
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rl717aguj
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPLgUk01Aq
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7w5Bk4ylC
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64aPhPxDQs
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8vk3bjdRm
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqRXxftqpp
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1LTgUufSP
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu35A8Lx8Zu
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQz7HjT4b8
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRkOBMLdtj
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8JvC86ZgZ
“Just follow my lead.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8efLIlpnx
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIB6J1Gomp
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAbCZ2quxM
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeC6ERDuWE
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgW9HeQ18s
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFFhtuYGWQ
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNpxipf2ya
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIKUBbuF15
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wzzbja4bX
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZVtj74If5
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnq7HtzYJw
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpg4xN9oKn
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVQAITEcEG
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYx7HalL6eU
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWU2ZAqG7DQ
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsR89pYyaX
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LWB2eDvqj
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dvwQQ8QAV
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSWnH9Moor
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYMxRdv9ru
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplZ2AwbFQS
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVIyQODIFz
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm7nDretVZ
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFErCWNfDnX
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1SKCF45c4
The door hissed open.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHroFcte0Y3
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4v26puZze
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloowQgq909
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGwXDVRDh9
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23H7j9e4FP
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRCgC98gJo
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GCgcQ03S0
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pJbTjqBHI
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrn4dbAC3wJ
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecwqldVMPB
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgvrwavTaX
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikrmXmfZDX
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWonPk9wNb
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBudiAYlq8
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVvfAZtKAA
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyO5MxrW6m
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNF0JF5TnM
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSIpJ3EB9x
Renji smiled, low and eager.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXLkQpQFFw
“Finally.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYR97ncHi9
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYlXCkVmeB
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcQgCBFrlO
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wEkQm9iMB
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLxmX4MVdO
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6yesOZDl6
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6AzREcfAu
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fmauBsDJs
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMxXcONjrO
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlPBuGCLny
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLqoP9RUcv
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN51CxvOujP
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbxX7wr9Tz
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqOUAPWk6q
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0lfku6szS
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0MkVNuipM
Maximus.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETCYaEV3pe
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoHotADiWQ
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRymeJmPl2
“You’re in bad luck.”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkc6Wx5otw7
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdWYURZ5F3
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDS4ouds6b
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcU2hu7trlQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdYthnZCcv
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