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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwjt9bpZDF
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD731syidp3
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjj2V3DyRQv
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3OyoJ5RpR
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ54gQH2tuS
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyugBPNVlP
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjNj62iedn
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gniqnGntG
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZqhp55YB6
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzDZTtj7Xb
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvH7vlDWZTH
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhmVaQP6wT
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg26Fp79YaO
But Rylee shook her head.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZjIiUs6KV
“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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIs2tPFJZv
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3USMEPpBJe
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCgTbQXFaj
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXKWj7c1B4
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNcougZTBw
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1xwFsZvpq
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qWHey0zn1
That struck a chord in Leeway.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kAZ9pSFJw
“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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vsLKR2ALc
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiERwHSokLU
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3CbuMQqph
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtk618jOiF
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lGpasIGtQ
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7UNPHKdBs
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LFDd1HObY
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWKgqJ2Nln
“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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqHWpBGCnB
Leeway blinked.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ydAkRqu7v
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUNJFki9W7
“Yes.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTh0TTREMQ
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrtVk2nY2i
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcSygvRwEd
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JJPMSnmuZ
“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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGitjjGyX0
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuIfn5xxSV
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrW8OfLQdua
But Leeway softened.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3Hnmvrtck
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohj3bZixnv
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYan4n1IU1P
“I will do it.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAvENLSbr3
Her whole expression lifted.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKwPnX5GkL
“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…”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fAA5igsen
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlzHpbLuyb
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSwg07A3me
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMw7xy3jXW
I wish I could answer her.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehgRBOr8VR
503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7yFuWQ2gM
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBi35ixEsH
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIX0maveE5
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjDeXEhZAm
Then Leeway walked in.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHmBDIzgME
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vdY9sITRC
Renji didn’t waste time.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp5UXIoPma
“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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw72EgAofS
“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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSH8QLHpFnR
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPhPw6wI72
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpucJWEDIC4
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0grFVHVtA
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGBsz9vEPf
Seriya lowered her eyes.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbEf0jy9Un
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLoLP6SIpJ
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfqhJGyEmr
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT1I7mVrZs
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n7vPpC9K4
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwAai1iVUU
But not forgotten.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvOEwmnBVx
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5opmd1kDKu
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMC39xDcWGB
“Umm no, nothing.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmqYEZBomY
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwolY2mj0kG
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFd8FyAY7h
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPZH69Ojxc
“Oh hey, Daichi.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm0UNjzben
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oTPI2GfXc
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpw1lXbt7A
Seriya chuckled.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBNwouZB08
“Always so formal as ever.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7y55H35mr
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPOqgbpDP3
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKswPpnefoM
Seriya offered him a calm look.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL5stxf67m
“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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqE22CJemUB
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6bIorTamc
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdNqaBym4U
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57PF650eRP
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDd8wFFZG4T
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJ6bCqu0WT
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59ZrlK6lcu
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7YA3jQVGw
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctRcZdJh87
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7I3yfope3z
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLX1bjfldLr
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9djQX6WWL
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMRmVJYgUr
Seriya perked up.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6vP3kMeI9
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCtoLf7ot4
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWZrlufvQG
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZM4gbM4g3E
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFhB95XcLt
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WfrZaJKs6
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJakJBUuzHA
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkbhPWzXA3
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc0ksvFYpN
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa95rtOCL3W
“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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkV0ejRldp
“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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeoWrpOOj1
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcTdRTtxoY
“We classify them into generations.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GGMjQYtZb
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5rkicKOvU
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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKjxjsmdfc
“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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBKEtdxqLb
“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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpORrPBbF8
“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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0i4shxUXDD
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADVqJAo3mI
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlJbEINF7j
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbfQCQW2uG
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOVfek3ChQ
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWqCZbUUty
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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2E7czjtUgH
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNsyqjXdvq
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRvCR8RQri
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!”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtvAuEgTwT
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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzvWqLnuN5
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EGALUSeAK
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3Stt6ws4g
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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaN7V7s5q7
“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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPohDNCl5iM
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ043cmJUUdK
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XvXw4PNKY
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5pxIwENGL
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgExZc2qtpJ
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3VBBuD9Nh
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOcVF0UEuZ
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAbYpHoVSY
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy91jH7l27z
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ37YLcsEY4
And just like that, I could feel the shift.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglL4IZydfq
They were on the edge of something real.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAldjL1dv2x
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PoxOBpxsq
They were stepping into my shadow.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUYch4j8yi
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE8hzL6GcB
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmqDeNFlUi
“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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYBzmCAgE6
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ka0k20D4h
“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?”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDI5NWpk72
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBKgsX4h91
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUO9NUBEVUg
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnh5odYalHU
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSF5NI7eqg
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSkMhoub1A
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXw7Iq80AvP
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13NghlmDhl
The Quantum Cruiser.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAPPPyZMIX
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!”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScv2gLyftN
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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZtJEs74MC
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDAeQMQmM3
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ibaXFiO1A
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 City503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLF9rhgQWp
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUPGK6sHDl
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UMgn8Fbyf
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNUbwZrPM5
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWmCPNBxZ6
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJiwKXONTn
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAIJup9nhn
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuSPzV90Or
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUNuFj43iz
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnesHxbgOaS
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksMlgruPyT
A long pause, and then:503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXxHKO3BhE
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJ7bD6HstQ
She brushed her hair behind her ear.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmF67gqpZy
“Stubborn as always.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7ZOHJiGHG
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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3HoPfkg6o
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4rO9A7xTo
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSj4UJl8vTZ
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8V7ijXbfC
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaGCn8CK4F
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaninGzsIx
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqVWlFGdnm
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirTesyTvE5
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfV7YeAKQ4
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATAYXh498u
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.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPgambUtqt
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDrBA8NsU2
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmWY9ZzBCR
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9rT6qZ8gD
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNkNckGdyj
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjN4bxYL8kw
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhh2tKnx7qC
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLmU7VLI1g
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XYOEURL6q
“We’re about to find out.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnwroYt0pl
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqDWnLKEqu
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20FmmRiVT2
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xAP2DskRt
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2Hc8giubA
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZA1hKUu0QN
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm71UWNQFvD
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyWGDYVwSJ
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9kCz9IGH2
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPAPfOIEIe
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0CWkxmgq2
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGpdAZlctL
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsnMONPQ8E
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTGs7lueDX
“Just follow my lead.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKeO4vKNfo
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpboUVUzkz
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReAtEt5ySO
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgy0OFRfb5
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfnn7xRlmh
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhk7AQ2XvTH
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegDQ3FgKlC
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvn0NKp9bsZ
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lhVKOqJs4
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrUehY9TRl
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcj8Js34XvR
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAlKstTaHF
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69EPpSLH54
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLPcIQNKCW
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsn5WujQl4a
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqklBbdYex
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITwvDk1dGF
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDSIsEzTfM
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIIYniKIpV
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu97RbL2wl
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tUbIv67Ta
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dNeDUJeCR
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5pM9ny9qt
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqZcixYlA3
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiC9vyZshH
The door hissed open.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvfVXEm0SB
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz3d2lSzQV
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqxoGWy8bS
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCa9AB6h93E
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOKGBDYJLw
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4D5AUsYxl
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdS2hteyxr
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5PE2x5gA6
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHMtrFpD6w
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZUTnjJNA9
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwjbnYIHSx
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnJyOFAtMR
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdsHmLp4KK
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0THPTwbFj
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgc6oTwktL9
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhknTINqcqi
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTjOic9Uq3
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbegYaEXIJo
Renji smiled, low and eager.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVXH1j86ky
“Finally.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNEroStujJ
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TKwlQ5Tax
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVv0sUGqrD
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.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0ROz7d3is
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnhJE184E6
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAbc2tsaff
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcCqMXcchl
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSYiD0vxMT
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEjwbEFTdE
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwTlJ7v3Qo
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIp7vBq4NS
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCASZWEip7
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCc2WhIad3
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzxTI5B172
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvuK6GbSQ9
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKXHdspivV
Maximus.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhacF8KtVyY
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTq1FS6snoq
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KGh3MUuIe
“You’re in bad luck.”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwByTuucR4
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0rEfZVrke
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jEBuZG8dU
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbA1CGGleqx
503Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSx3ZODmaf
and then Add to home screen.