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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FpofTp5nZ
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzluTWNOqp
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJ1BJcwDeT
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDq5pAaVPsu
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyUWRsIvw0
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaelZfGUH5T
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpf8oJMtWq
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhd542RWDbc
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1Z1QL6lpU
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTTxnnd3Ga
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwoGc64aAT
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWvaZta5XC
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvFdOvwesi
But Rylee shook her head.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XkzCYDuNf
“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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnbZ4zfdeF
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3ixxzgNwh
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95gUSEz2hB
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9E7p3eZ4f
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKsR1K5nsW
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavcjMHnTys
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xaSXq2pj6
That struck a chord in Leeway.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJA0vunHjCR
“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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhjTd1bOx9
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkFnGJRL9q
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFUSGVpIfq
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBKcCZWPBI
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgL6VpzOwrD
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzWFakIns8
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHShBNooAC
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXFVK6PsRa
“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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvnXKsvey4
Leeway blinked.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgZjrenY9V
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJhmp8RWXQ
“Yes.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTySZE3twep
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrK9QkY1PEB
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8268Wl6c4
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfwPLC03Wr
“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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknfJApEK2r
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuG1j1QVBxn
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJYa1esA1n
But Leeway softened.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Jwx4lg3nM
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkTOMpxIQO
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcGLNnopgR
“I will do it.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrY65KKPtT
Her whole expression lifted.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvouKY96hkz
“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…”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93LP6kNMye
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pz8aq6gsi
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0w9SqT37NG
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmjzLxQa6X
I wish I could answer her.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY3driOnoD
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocOmRHunr0
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJRxKWax4g
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1izMDmkUWZ
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvYdpSIJHc
Then Leeway walked in.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiR1EHs50F
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTgjDmj3w7
Renji didn’t waste time.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlKhJWWnLg
“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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqmOmzOQRf
“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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87ehwBNCWO
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyi99w1epAT
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwmLDp3tpd
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡss32ZnAads
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPWe66ztfH
Seriya lowered her eyes.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqQnZwDSeR
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAT9uP8g3cT
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFp8ts4vFa
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Qmw3ScjMp
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZwyAy02B3
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujX60XnU6c
But not forgotten.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiispZ3dhOi
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiSnK4Fzwy
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhuaZbQiFm
“Umm no, nothing.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4XTPfNEYl
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsTkzzCmfO
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRu1GF0Tmt
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcO5azDfP9z
“Oh hey, Daichi.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeZVY999Qo
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaivQsV7u1
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWhRuoFqxd
Seriya chuckled.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhOZPBSlgj
“Always so formal as ever.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaZTLIkdUv
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOIRJWZ1Be
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt6zrXKkEy
Seriya offered him a calm look.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAXX28cvTv
“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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfjV2bBW5L
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8S2ex0gi7t
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4QgjY7fkr
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtjZ8lCUxC
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlu8CpIXpk
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mg9Lb1ObG
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqHlOyMW3V
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWp6aNIpL0s
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Uj5SOiqkn
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUXQ8imVjv
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lwVN9LZoe
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXK46FIoklE
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGBmis7Q5n
Seriya perked up.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡun7kC2t6qV
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd0bzAs2LA
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9aTgjJetm
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tlQKnV6Ms
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWdMgoiVrC
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PBHbkD6po
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETxTyGTpvM
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfptetbchA
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeGmwkFdrE
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlkG75xyf4
“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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTJCSOM7rO
“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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFFNobhzar
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWID55mTLdU
“We classify them into generations.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAwnz8BDiW
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDySEpmd61
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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xEJOJ1rAa
“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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NlvgpvZ5C
“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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSQiTEGaNc
“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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzogUE5H2y4
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB59hDNVRFh
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YQq6y68f9
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgD26M8GZF
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6ggSsHD4v
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVvCQLJgAp
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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMw6jS2Kv0
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaIwfWgTIV
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66AcjLQ5aG
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!”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsPWSQGlvh
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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzcPm0ldwV
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYGE0jsgFr
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxlMAAOQqx
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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPG1TyWrGr
“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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTC4OkyNQAr
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0B8l0D4tt
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFqG4nlKoQ
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbELYOnbj3g
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡok9aLOJlnw
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxACxNspof5
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJKcowj5B6
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVXTrKMzTp
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7D1O4Bs7S
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmiGJPUVju
And just like that, I could feel the shift.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiRwWdwe3H
They were on the edge of something real.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEwMTtgwzB
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhWsCksOLh
They were stepping into my shadow.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgql68wWO7
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeWMvZDO3z
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp9dsxiay5
“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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oy6n7gYxn
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HFYri8Yyz
“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?”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVuYTvswQJ
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40kcm0UD7q
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2vE2aP3qi
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMXmXNOXp2
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQv7EniQg4q
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxabZbsfmE
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYt74VwRT7y
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywrjnRYnns
The Quantum Cruiser.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAemen7pt5B
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!”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDSFnQBjjW
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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1MMkP05gO
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkahrjjD0Gd
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsTQWBw5JC
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 City10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnVuqbjWAL
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFv6yxjJUYK
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1RbJLiud2
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJy0F9b8xx
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cf3dfBFbt
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjn5JgeN02
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYVPaNstYO
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItEZNQtl5k
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHNfWz7MhR
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMRxFW0xxQ
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9DwO67qFk
A long pause, and then:10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngrs18z7we
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiMu3O3KQa
She brushed her hair behind her ear.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEFNKgoXWd
“Stubborn as always.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebXt7o9fTR
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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnGEhkTQ8V
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCFqwS2MmZ
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7TwmrSK4z
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFXO2tv5q2
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5RH6SsIx2
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveLVKMcmtC
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiciCz7jLGA
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7F93tLTx4
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAeu0ORdWF
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RZ1Mlbxp9
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.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFggzIHjhzx
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNbIPRE6s7
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwzkf9Yyp9
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWPg3YfEkl
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnlpLEbTO6
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQez8EU69H
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscaGvkdE8z
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyGhwVxksd
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vB1YP93UX
“We’re about to find out.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7zrNeCYtK
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUvRfw40pS
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueDQ5rCdS3
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjndevfmiM
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgBDJLZOqz
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESHLVDQjAN
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRqO2kqq8k
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLAgSPjAKA
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwbgGO5zjH
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51JW5JwpML
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8fcZcczLl
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeUe9d0ySI
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKNUpq96Jh
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0O6HY1rfG
“Just follow my lead.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNftvQVnoEF
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIjHm5qOLe
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoUkt9iGNn
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQeWaR74RM
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWitQ3j0GO
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyVMfXtIDp
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡun3QBEliee
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6mexylsGV
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxM7dLjwZG
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPxt8KNBcV
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXolA3nl34
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEM2S2ivLNc
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5DR9ZSND8
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6hq8pyXMp
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TLKizdZuS
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzmXtOEYwr
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ypc9QEmb6
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekdP0LaxAL
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxC0k9tfYH
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwpdVKIxhS
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2KWr63svA
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmac0xjMPMP
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKnCV7M25i
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdJ19utyTi
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnt4ZDm0oH
The door hissed open.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuP7kWYOIx
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iTkZfE8KY
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAevmyONQkT
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYu89N7qr1F
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevycEkE8mF
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppn8GjiC2h
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8R18DtQ4m
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtt1gBjJ5L
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HrXVxlvLh
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEywYNvHq9
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tk31b5E7S
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoqRlS2BnL
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoNWsf2gvO
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZQ9zpTtzu
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz1ncXPsnW
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEbBut1ILP
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSCK8Z5gC8
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx0xwRp80J
Renji smiled, low and eager.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iXo6bh0xG
“Finally.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMhmYWVnLK
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnakDI61mr
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOJU5rJzYr
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.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIneImHMn3M
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu8LYck0jl
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKbfz7bZS7
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvT3eNkOHO
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjEqi6ysom
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEI6tem5uKa
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U2uT9vSR1
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjnmO6ZM9e
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4jhbk1Zm9
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfFgLOrOX6
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjuNKlXvBV
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9n4lMb3KdK
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNaHQvwyrt
Maximus.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3OowEX1Tr
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXFldoCUmg
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQLzvQ2of6
“You’re in bad luck.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwT5GaG97Qu
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf66ueczkRU
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyW4qeiMOHO
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWegiEol7U
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkI2w7A2Dr
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