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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDMWWrAeKa
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPq4lCE8Nv
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCgL37fPiw
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhRjs7ebHv
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyW24UkSvKp
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q2dkZLZlD
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZORx6cqky
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHQsv8x17g
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUKihDHT7z
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzOt4J1wz2
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyh9dmcFJQ
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5jYsk1Upu
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIfC9K1Pcm
But Rylee shook her head.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCu8zjWKWr
“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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYn6JgHSex
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCIUIEvKa6
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuYivVQZ7a
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa9X48faAS
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CwrUlwTme
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU47jjkiRhO
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKbk8OUHfP
That struck a chord in Leeway.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn15XUBefK4
“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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaHOBeZ03C
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LaZyC2w23
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44ziDKG3uF
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwRY8RaVRb
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKXD4AW0Tt
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhHECp9VM2
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYob7z4Edh
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAmnwhHCKW
“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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpSDy3nQqv
Leeway blinked.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡge1zNek8y6
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5gFAvOpVd
“Yes.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RVF8flgi1
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOROqRUD1K
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhfifAhTcA
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gtpaFFGli
“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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDo4ikwF8N9
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1qheZvhka
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdeuxpbRq7
But Leeway softened.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GT7wuOlCo
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGqdMyvkZr
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXtknIRAhM
“I will do it.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d3TjudMoz
Her whole expression lifted.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Qsy1dQp0g
“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…”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoV3m5hKQVd
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeleI0TAhZB
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JE8B0KwZW
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWUpiJkdeY
I wish I could answer her.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCumeu4RA4
555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVX9DcEHi6L
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UBDv3zOfz
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvej68QAX6M
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqrXAaWmKg
Then Leeway walked in.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4rBTeqdAS
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqB5iI3dhW
Renji didn’t waste time.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhHBdRyrBN
“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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPfS9ZL6vf
“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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3U3fet9sG
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzV1grKYYk
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tQpOB3DMA
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFghWCsVccO
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1NQya1DjI
Seriya lowered her eyes.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IKDCui1Fw
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQofeMO1dyP
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hzrJiOTdf
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGR7SG8Yi8F
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN2DpcSHwr
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28aOtK2FS2
But not forgotten.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9AHxxKgmx
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlx4U1SMwK
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQe0TONV72x
“Umm no, nothing.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nITgp2rXF
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrEkltVzpe
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqE0XcmMcCm
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvSpNS6yfA
“Oh hey, Daichi.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Nm7xQy7MO
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RyhqoJ9Uk
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkP2pJl7OF
Seriya chuckled.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cbU9lit5b
“Always so formal as ever.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjpkPhHyiN
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBc7IvwTK7
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpG9u1TLl0p
Seriya offered him a calm look.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst5ERVMeZ6
“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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJs2xs3e5IX
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDjUPepV0T
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6sleiRl9G
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA47bWoZ79Q
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtnQ98J9Cz
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMg5vNz9yT
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NU0Dey2Mm
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDiKUZfrv7
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBznrw6rCZ4
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRhgslWsAa
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PL6Ct1UdV
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot6OmtuAAS
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgZ7Il954B
Seriya perked up.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA98b3PEfT
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUn0OiSOsp
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVHNmfwBtd
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec9WJ93e9e
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyDdJPqupo
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzC26Ckkce
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0YdBC6ppP
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYlhywT3Ut
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVaiGDEvmL
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIZ9X3ccNm
“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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtSNmMTdEQ
“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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1ohepwXZL
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEVGXX11hO
“We classify them into generations.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yCThfXAeL
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlCWxfWJt0
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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfrROyA7bs
“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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rvhWX6PuC
“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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhXT1p91sA
“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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26AQyifBoH
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s1NdWTXmS
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnniWOPSvC
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycQzFVznmf
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYozRiNUbU
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRczNFeiYEm
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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GZRsbwSck
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXVO3t8UaV
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvw2IQAkeA
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!”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTT7tuhCKce
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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXY2Z7FFVS0
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRoOrvTrzQ
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXZG9G1iTl
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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGi6umNwK3
“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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyJXZTXK2I
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iJaarkajn
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9D1MNAdpi
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWDJMHWpxS
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeI8EVoXGHk
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNvI2p8A8O
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqqP1jB53T
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLFJL94ToW
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLiBubYNCX
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHXPD3HqM1
And just like that, I could feel the shift.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mfCFR2J5Y
They were on the edge of something real.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDKrJecVM5
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtj1bnnkZy
They were stepping into my shadow.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2rgRzIhkw
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8S4hDdlVoe
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLawFiqjp9s
“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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDk53NWvm6
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQthjqlFDK
“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?”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAENf9cAawz
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOULaaf2KH
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Aesw8kItN
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOCCosLSIt
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AZj4XFmKu
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQstK6lkWB
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQkqQpCA5A
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfV1PBl2N4
The Quantum Cruiser.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlJoWYq1qe
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!”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPzYODRNyn
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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHq7iBs9BS
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVvSHahk1Y
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ndu6Vfzbz
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 City555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVHWH0jwva
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEoC0acK2u
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLG0l38pVTN
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCShPvz0Nd
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jJjJphUMo
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEQy31z2t3
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡru4Xj8AdhC
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzX5Uen0SX
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggl6QzJF3g
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHt1jrds3jc
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVM0AJ16ln8
A long pause, and then:555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8eAayys5f
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzh5jzCgjD
She brushed her hair behind her ear.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuxIyEQk1T
“Stubborn as always.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Bk2dlXXra
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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlyEtv5R4y
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmPHrDNeI0
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5a3r3HuzL
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYNDaxAEjz
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmN9UQIfXVl
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKR7LCmL9W
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMU1aVt0A6D
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Qo9eaLSk2
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR1kWhnHhg
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI05lHhTXR
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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CtUck318V
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPD3N8tFx7
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSkoZduoLn
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYHBqZ0CDg
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjDMlOBSi7
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPeWgClDNu
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZP2hbg8gmF
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqr1vfrUwI
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUnCmRwSpu
“We’re about to find out.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJND0rHnC4K
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYeBHwmk0H
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qaedqjmpZ
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzJjUyuH6b
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8lCuuTISn
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uiu4BFJLQ
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lrCH7ZjyZ
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EaKw3s82a
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2hdru2Ing
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTJ2nR81fo
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBymZTPyz6
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfSKHuObYg
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusXfxTvshj
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FWSiN2D7J
“Just follow my lead.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOQbTWUPJR
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFwqHUoVRo
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJojj2U34R
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefrrY1ulhD
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj52doiFa6
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqCRi90ouQ
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzN2Aj0dsjA
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZqRK7lL8D
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0WyqxYEhb
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMAzshbyJC
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycTmwwfVL5
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ALxwO2Fw2
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa9BiBOpfz
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oqGj76poI
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugXtbb0pM0
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrk36xaWMXA
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiZNp1oFvn
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMSDM2nBDs
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72PW0BRr4e
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGzL8rzuC0
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnOn6IFO1S
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVH2A5gvxW
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEn5v3HNxCW
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbOiAseThq
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOs4NdJuQUG
The door hissed open.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7H6bxDzO7
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIatyE1a0T
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8rE7gdppN
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrq044vFsB
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaouuZdZRu
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPBGjBdarv
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKHTskduic
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFontmjUJFn
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9esmR9JL4A
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeh36IvAge
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjBmgLdOPI
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBfdKPTsJX
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkUlSbaLe9
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDKXaYWG6d
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqvejIgZkZ
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp0E1I1dA1
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQcDHg2pme
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG1F5nUMhG
Renji smiled, low and eager.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWMhBzRYi5
“Finally.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKLyX5zs08
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tZfXCMoT9
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcmrHdod7J
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaInVnxNR06
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy3cN8fOQq
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrReDNsYZg
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqBI8CFLtd
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjWc3BG7Es
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdk71zmZFWo
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaEjCIHasH
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1AkDDi49G
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJp4dAwXplg
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAcMF6EX4D
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiGFxiKgYr
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Rf4HMqtY7
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi2xoWGRfb
Maximus.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4QrygAcZZ
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEL6nk7oSUe
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHwP1kX5YB
“You’re in bad luck.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaj8Z1YPgSV
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFilUodikc
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0XRMfexWu
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNMEcKt1Gy
555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvop4FMAgxY
and then Add to home screen.