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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSrUBrIAcR
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhKMXxJFTK
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNhcQxrUr7
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUelO0G3dBk
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE60XMkIleC
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzm5U5ExE2
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLtGXDMqCt
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXHI0hG9m0
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREyu1DylHZ
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKrvEmaH2I
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5praFZxym6
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw4sJIhNlc
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1zQdJkW44
But Rylee shook her head.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHym59XtJr
“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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwIxbSiaEm
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6vshRmTq2
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOUIZPMlQk
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHarTSoZ2fD
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pnnf9lduC
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeIeIq0vaS
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zArUpIfXK
That struck a chord in Leeway.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhRgVdWzfu
“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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFK5I5aELg
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw36zx1fJnn
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvZix7ZziY
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARnI9C9iBn
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZC6w1YC50C
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9G5D9uDyu3
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUA5iSHTcmz
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeHmmpVlAQ
“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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtTDk3LCMy
Leeway blinked.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3je8vyDksS
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMrKuIMmIy
“Yes.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzUUZ1t1EF
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97HPgU6q4G
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYnUgYTKwM
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ849u3ScYUo
“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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmKmAeIDWA
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcWT0TLni8
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwmw2bEe2F
But Leeway softened.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpjW1HxzFI
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUxZiGgqaV
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qEmMqgl3J
“I will do it.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrotAxAVXXP
Her whole expression lifted.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNTFvzP6zA
“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…”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Hq1hKBH8k
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpK8QXJxYTs
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWBZk5qg41
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJXmCxGf4K
I wish I could answer her.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY3OQ7HQWt
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVfUihcTAT
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrp9Io1AAL
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNuLWoboK3
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSsVuhNk6e
Then Leeway walked in.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Il1sKssvO
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxpBHJEXHc
Renji didn’t waste time.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaypzf5H6yW
“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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDyJTqI7JK
“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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sqJfnzwuF
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkkhzsIYCY
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPcJQ5w0xr
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMHjql9K6z
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YQHTF9rBz
Seriya lowered her eyes.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkmQD3XeDi
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJG1uIqQaZE
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW01EBLRQOL
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivJjOA9iGm
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXvEIDeFNR
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAYJXK8MoX
But not forgotten.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT84pASUwc3
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwtvYXlVPy
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeSpynrdap
“Umm no, nothing.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDjEWz005r
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pgyVhVoty
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPGfIsjyys
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJMC5zAQ2G
“Oh hey, Daichi.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto6dbSoMV9
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvTqQsgnL5
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVMcfXP5Ag
Seriya chuckled.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTebiqDbS3E
“Always so formal as ever.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtJad2xYig
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkh0h8Az6B
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkpmfc1TIx
Seriya offered him a calm look.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ618zrbpojJ
“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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkXXo9XHYO
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjDAwxXNlu
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL34WtFkYks
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4PDdt73Yq
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jWuLNo6n9
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNoFqHfHcf
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPrMrm3Bez
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg99RuJNQk
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlvFUtDuVt
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpN9U38HKOF
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wBr523P50
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJMJm9PMF6
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyzomUXF8p
Seriya perked up.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9XgkAgh0l
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DKMEcjTgN
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g5dBkxjjS
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWgXvbIuWR
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmd1fCCOXuY
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdsKEzzONI
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMQkprpovh
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwttrIMnqVm
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfTEwlygap
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPB4YVuB3g
“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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuULffZ9ekU
“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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yjDXzEaTN
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4lcIoaKir
“We classify them into generations.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHECqXL7fWm
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZN4jDZyiqu
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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzJFVsbNPB
“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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYcNOCtdc8
“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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPqvG9MBrt
“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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfG3Xtqtbk
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZae7otE6Y
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZzRSU4lGu
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJv5M07mfdY
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOlQzrPbiG
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuBtw3X2EJ
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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4LskwWjeP
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5FbcYjkI9
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVXrm9RHBy
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!”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8tg7LP4MM
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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65zJ6apu1G
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5CXV2ommI
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnihbLdpn3v
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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRPgkffH4p
“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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyafTTfY9O
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6zKtSip38
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWTJ1i9Z3k
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlejrFpGc1
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVstzqMRqCn
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDfru0BEmY
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGbTrvPyut
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOPugwLiPQ
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6jAG1JsfX
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBerIoCZD6
And just like that, I could feel the shift.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1zFfHIsY9
They were on the edge of something real.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhroBOfysb2
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJitI4O9ftf
They were stepping into my shadow.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEAQC9n3hy
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAYGk0SHpw
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4Kr1w9JZQ
“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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPCtOKDk1b
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGs2Xi3t1y
“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?”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXf9oDzP3xu
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrPTW1oHoJ
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UKZcnmcuq
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2lzAQkQeG
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m14UnoOcv
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScxGXE6YkO
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmmxlat1hE
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNXJjMoe5k
The Quantum Cruiser.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9XRGTXRMN
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!”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSB9HqewgIQ
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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKb6HLEPsRB
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM0DeuI001
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0TdIlWlHe
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 City502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1TKymxaY4
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9kODCqKe4
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ngud8a3uO
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEwQGou95I
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLcDJOXt1I
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrRD6Xo38Q
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMzCc1jsEp
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd33dqu2kkH
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPRTo6nbEw
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7j43sxGDC
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPgcUzraXX
A long pause, and then:502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGsnbW6eZF
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFDY5U3dIn
She brushed her hair behind her ear.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uSP5Sh9it
“Stubborn as always.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWBdhQv4T4
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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RHQpX2W6p
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJ3eN8KKGe
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo71q53FpQ
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44GbFnxDhC
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qnbAVPxhL
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqEIy74Ji3
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqu4WgopDw
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkyvRxtubx
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0zAcdm9AO
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiY5GsgKnx
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.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9orw4RSi9x
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuYyUeFlCH
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazxd2ofBe7
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpHmc7Eo1z
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNnbdqxKdl
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIdb5CcoC1
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvaww0fbCw
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0VzJtzr1h
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL6BfTtz0i
“We’re about to find out.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmuuAIqDy4
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdjJqqyfw1
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTUpPQ5dJ9
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHJbPF0HHJ
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXiIxVMajV
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIZbcqKp3C
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwLTJLImgM
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpBB79XWUP
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jJVCcLs4Q
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvSQAU3clz
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVsL2W4RNP
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dYBRsZoaH
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghleGyXNux
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMxQAYa2kL
“Just follow my lead.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBQ6Uqvh0n
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFS5kV53BZA
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gkqsy22GN
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT8nCCs02l
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uKxC1JNuM
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqb3bTukct
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTN7kKxaML
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjCmsZ5DOf
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFYWWthTQ2
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpukMqNcM3
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxE6RAhgI9h
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17xDpAi5eJ
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZ1j2TGuRx
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQw00pbmwL
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6XSu0uHxb
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgzGoe2rxx
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGytmUuAuO
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJdN9cbIo0
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYGUSexmRb
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScYsMdYBEF
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOh306vbkD2
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7BtT3D5h6
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QmpNOxzHV
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceePbdgnr1
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMolhPkFHt
The door hissed open.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKyiTmZf6Q
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyEjvfh61i
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXaeF2Gesb
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwiNHIPd9G
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDTuSqMync
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Kzh0QT3EI
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2YhNfdJCZ
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ko2wM7Ilv
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0o8qHVj49
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkj179OTGrH
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4dPucWZjI
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4UEhLwuPW
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOI8pN9BwZT
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLb3cREZRBz
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KvHDC5i44
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjudPt31Ayq
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2ssGGlSbI
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheIznTS7gU
Renji smiled, low and eager.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjGy9d2CUJ
“Finally.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpaJ794sIA
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCLkGXQhdR
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTS5aydj9z
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.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hmIX52l21
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeePKI9TF9
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtm1cD4dK5P
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFi4bHnpBB1
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6ygC6C0GK
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5zqKMt0Mc
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvi0VlbvUz
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzcpDGTHjb
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2S627MrPF
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXS4paV3yk
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7VLTfKFHn
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS2Up1khTR
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcv1LZOCwD
Maximus.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxiK0AS8aP
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiC05F5a7c
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdPxUZ3iDa
“You’re in bad luck.”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00ofitlZdT
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWXMKkaH1y
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpZqHuR6MY
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7R08qK2bTh
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgr1RLKonN
and then Add to home screen.