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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg7pks2j4S
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsvrgFsqB9
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0qOGMokow
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxtozUdt3d
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKYiKnUKNM
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEialQiVzy
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Arc0yeSIV
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZtPVAo3ii
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHgp1Df2Il
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXXpZd5kv8
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDuUmZbiOK
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMpM4SCWHs
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqQC4vbKiX
But Rylee shook her head.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlbyGnQsGa
“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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJpaif37r1
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ144enCpvJS
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnylyWDhzhy
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tIvpub7NL
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUp1pdfJLl
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAViRBLV1c
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkdt7rwkWP
That struck a chord in Leeway.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJz1l1qvPU
“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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEMrABbCgM
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnAyrAYsg2
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyU11VakcvY
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUn2bJksmE
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAsfA2seil
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluFs431Te0
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrjjKm7Rxk
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kpaImbWdv
“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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5tteOOU4L
Leeway blinked.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJH8Gw9L7i
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84RrSpd0Bb
“Yes.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2AfrD76U5
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgnheDkfkz
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSqxQbNECW
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2Nb0GOmlV
“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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqscX3LTY3E
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzq6WuAiBt
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9fL7lqdby
But Leeway softened.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeLdWZsejx
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQY4J0AZouY
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlSvs77RfT
“I will do it.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdLhq8RgYt
Her whole expression lifted.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OFSiRr3Gz
“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…”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl0fX3ReRn
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0RfxiHE16
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26Fn3tnkiB
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7GTKe1be4
I wish I could answer her.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVf9SLYAFe4
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzK1hEAumiZ
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyIeX2hXKV
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7Dr4ZkiJZ
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcu9lLlfPqU
Then Leeway walked in.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lukc7xdns
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkXf1NQd93
Renji didn’t waste time.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnm0Ei6T1j
“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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDxySeEh4d
“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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzBaCx3m8r
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBeXqKhx1p
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYewJGYeV7
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ965Esyiu6p
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdvQJGF6QY
Seriya lowered her eyes.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE9CNP6K6v
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fxb6wpRKu
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5BuZN5xTI
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidNJXPfbH6
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIbsv2b9cN
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdS2etjcon
But not forgotten.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGR0hMLGdA
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBKPUM05Ny
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeSWuBLz68
“Umm no, nothing.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2GbeAUqW0
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfO790uzkK
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsO9bzvmyM
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MtbLpQT2C
“Oh hey, Daichi.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmsKL7kRD6
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHwtvK2ndF
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUY5Fv0uPk8
Seriya chuckled.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFaNGZLq9U
“Always so formal as ever.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZp0DG8X45j
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWA2ndLFiSP
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMjvpHXohN
Seriya offered him a calm look.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrI61mOO97
“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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkdMhQY6Uk
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnNgXutfaZ
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLBQYbJnoK
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdodlEJWOX
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfE0LgXsXR
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW36P3gFzWu
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KWHOx2m5f
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6p7pGVTly
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9lxpGBRU5
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIwWNe5Ls5
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1gE3P07Fi
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCYNpRLmGM
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86mU66e0io
Seriya perked up.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCS1mtaoGqv
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqh0IlEG1Ac
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VJa6WeylV
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcxnEJpu5m
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAoDVQ1pAh
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKb0ERrNwl
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PYdKfLR1X
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBVPtMrIWh
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6snn1nzb4P
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtHcj0tWWK
“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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7ctzfJZCD
“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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaPdoCAGtq
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GkFcapY5c
“We classify them into generations.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIlRaILU05
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfFdsResuK
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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHeR0XZ2CL
“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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx38nvqJnDA
“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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwwDFi8CnF
“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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCi1JGq9QR1
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcfgtDbLUF
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRUQHMYAv5
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwys4xbmvF
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIpwhnXh8G
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH0aHYqvRH
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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DVtRkkHSp
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhWU5bMbxk
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqJUdZjUNC
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!”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVuZArWbGR
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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJLODCQuil
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrk37JuUZw
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUibfY8b68C
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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGeGbfMQ9Z
“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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfoYk6YAF4
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwDakOC1hW
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNaC2rUQqe
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3pN8fkSoP
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojHWtIFmQC
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHti9cuJl9
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8TlOlwzTv
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKiVUjnqCb
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpA9ZYJWYbl
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuXW1PyljX
And just like that, I could feel the shift.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtk7F7nIHDr
They were on the edge of something real.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmywlKKTkUI
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYy08XjxsD
They were stepping into my shadow.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLHO4rNPQp
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sCeqFhEwv
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7u7GLgJsk
“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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0j2DVeJZm
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRf3wWTFWrq
“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?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhTX4eJnrE
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNktIHpGgB
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysEWtRpxSV
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDlm9s6xMw
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZguigQiHlJ
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6xNawrb2B
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGXwgILiCQ
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtg16h4jy2d
The Quantum Cruiser.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7CJ0b40Cl
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!”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy0dR2xj9p
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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyvxdxe4FP
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjr9W1xxlkC
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71XdTwYb3M
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 City78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwubgl7yOyA
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58vM9gsYbx
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSzRhPlpiy
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUichX0x2Ss
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqm0yUTNZnR
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM4xqaO558
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMbgkQOd01
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva9VmNORaU
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGImBCYkTv
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXQKoaMCBM
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0raSfzNHj1
A long pause, and then:78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqeJGCKNXl
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UwCAoVRlm
She brushed her hair behind her ear.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qePTLdBpm
“Stubborn as always.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnuc87rFeT
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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOZRMFznVF
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9DUXG7qPF
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0c1IbuDOq
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKY8S6HNXh3
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uaMPDI3Mx
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgDLyblwC6
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnN1sNXBvR
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidcCkkbH0m
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3c7l5unRCM
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBRZkESyij
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.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtotf7S5B6g
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhOzwWlBX8
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSNURFYDo0
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdncJHl8yx
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLm6gsV5AQ
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nUyv3hrmM
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPVRjU4FxM
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9RwBzN1bS
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcrviFLPOi
“We’re about to find out.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk9bFrfmSf
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVRVHoVsHz
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYsH8xKrHc
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwY86DMRsM
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQh9HXYfJG
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcct9crgOb
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7DKQYjcIn
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFKB9hv9eR
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GgvBr0SP6
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMAI58bTLH
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAPtpcXfip
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwBabVh9i8
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKEfxb35CY
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIylu9CjvZ1
“Just follow my lead.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmePKJlQDO
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbXcSQYu2j
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnz1tHU6TC
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2xvC2lZbl
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvr7uDYLQ5w
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKook6qDkrw
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjHfGXrZ1F
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Pu63WUNB8
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl2VUslAvx
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtafUjCIrf
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pHsznd8t3
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIouTF1RFcl
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkP0ivTPvWr
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODRmMQ5m2l
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhnCpgt76j
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYattgSbPTV
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEPeRoeEhV
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVtraVUPAG
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvVQ3OYbwb
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiqAeyuzoz
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0ssLJygwx
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBU566tYFj
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurSMulJblW
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OiieXgKAa
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeksTeLoYe
The door hissed open.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAcfKbuCew
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Kjz91Iz4n
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92waNAOEuY
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z6gTrr6Tu
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlzJdB9LZK
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWErdULnT2
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuaOkbDD3V
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzpNprikDP
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3cLAPMhTQ
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kI5ndJRuR
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gHsmnEYKK
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZo7vgxZcn
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77ykUoGgKt
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMLm5j26IG
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1lPfPLWfe
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaldoo8rstE
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOL7zEYI0Y
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hLDMKrsah
Renji smiled, low and eager.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4MhCcg3cz
“Finally.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefxMQy48yV
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEJOWzEyHS
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70qvtNRF7s
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIUgml8jjD
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeU0ATzUV46
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡST53hKwNdy
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZJtN3sVsX
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3Fr93n9KR
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyFAyDzA8o
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsRVLQkz6h
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDB8hz1OH4
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdliifBJLn
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJYeycQsXw
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6qlvEgSut
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVt94R3O5K
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡea4U96Nz7M
Maximus.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedmRUl0Vf9
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHZExJkjrh
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHpywfLjQK
“You’re in bad luck.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQamNeJSSC
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOxfCQUu3N
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJmTinogHy
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdadUMUX3K8
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebrTziH9fd
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