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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBvCQ5Z50G
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbAUiuck8K
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5QcH5I8XB
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mkGAxMoCg
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgk8uQCJ2A
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXDpmNHFOI
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGragp0tFu
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ez6yillYP
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTKhZ8k1ns
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8Rl7K0x5e
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7gEZybGrf
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RDN0wU1dg
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQLp67cFF3
But Rylee shook her head.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkdGXHxHlB
“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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNLQI7Gt4e
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3YHMSGVZn
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTHrlmhtZb
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8p7cKFDdzF
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qYAZVrcma
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglccHIXQMU
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ00XoaARvt
That struck a chord in Leeway.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hiJY6KqLK
“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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqiCRNZGPH
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQgBNfWNmW
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcRtBbELZp
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBu1uMMYZd
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzQoVEQOcl
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOI8zGeoM0
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDkre6xByZ
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns88QEvLwJ
“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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhHvLnmdN4
Leeway blinked.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaGUS5vRi9
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiLqeCTCaj
“Yes.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSKAd8FHxk
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJV5FrpfCPv
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n0lBadT5q
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVz59neTOG
“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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZBGbIMM1L
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRgYwUiQoL
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Co36sD7Sg
But Leeway softened.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUDIakRD5W
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbqytjUKGa
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SvqeN0DrF
“I will do it.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DYF2DWj6z
Her whole expression lifted.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2eOKwx0KA
“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…”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKrNXmMQnY
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxYoS5oJ4G
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6V08yT5P4
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaw92Ffrmlw
I wish I could answer her.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUCTarcrNC
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvryQMaftkU
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiErq5KhYs
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBMIctD7zH
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDU1mXOQpKg
Then Leeway walked in.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlsLBl6fML
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFggDn6c2FW
Renji didn’t waste time.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhsiwjJ85P
“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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUrUN4y7dc
“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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhRCK6ohcf
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13Zk5pKwJw
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlz4s4b0Jcq
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaR0lT01Ig
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4iL0yK5Qt
Seriya lowered her eyes.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0zlZGvOVY
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ26l7C3MRO
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcumr4sTikI
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMZU1YVrq1
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZNPWWXoMn
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK0gIUgUuj
But not forgotten.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fL1emR5lX
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQuMLpzW1E
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQ1db5ebRi
“Umm no, nothing.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDmr0D5UQC
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUo2kTMhn4
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7v5cuUKTvP
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqEFqJrhsv
“Oh hey, Daichi.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbaF4c00FK
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGcuD0R9XY
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCbfGKAqD0
Seriya chuckled.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmWChbagk4
“Always so formal as ever.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVN7IIGPf4
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UapW6dlVv
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOGg7lCJsn
Seriya offered him a calm look.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAOVfSJGIb
“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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeI2DXBHi0O
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGPs3P0I24
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB92VfQShD2
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VDxqZqPtN
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3P78Ds0wrk
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkweSxiUYL
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iF6DYDJAF
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmBFl11dvv
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnfFG7y03I
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sftq0yyWI
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeE182lNon
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvvipU5N9V
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5RbkVjhYo
Seriya perked up.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Hai0dSdAT
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXppRs9B9M
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvr3x01mExs
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHeYPRFPN1
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUklZcx5OOL
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsN8N7eoGzo
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahm93YT9YQ
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc2rSaayTP
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo04el4pC5V
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY004acuLTz
“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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2akprEkIV
“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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwukSdqGKkV
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGic7iQZvq
“We classify them into generations.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PKhzWEKe4
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDV06UEJZm
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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBGH4rEqdA
“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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8P7k5Rqeee
“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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPj6mRI79B
“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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhIwWgVJmQ
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KjttsFuK8
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7yg3gwHC4
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQ7fju3cnf
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PVy6YBzDt
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2HfpFOAKw
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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA325ZsdroH
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZo2jVmuxF
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV1jX6XFNf
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!”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3VWlaVO5Y
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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9Dpn5rTLU
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksz05Fo1z3
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRzZcS2xw0
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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HZyK90ism
“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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVwUl0RkOy
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbD1tMIVYWv
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLkhvvD9w1
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ikAvM1DQi
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5DXYIL1o6
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxc4Q6aA66W
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQUIahOhlD
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcgb3VWyGN
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWPwiuPawA
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwayyvUj5yg
And just like that, I could feel the shift.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DELTsTrP3
They were on the edge of something real.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGysuXkwet
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdNmOIBgIn
They were stepping into my shadow.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5Wa9sy2oL
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3vpb10HH2
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nN3C9weHb
“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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3GAEbpmQy
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYaDMb69c9
“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?”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UwNfQseUV
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKbs0HW04m
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyk2GqJ3YZ8
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPTu0spib6
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AV9T6h6wo
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevwQeSOHrN
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXMyjP2k0a
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmiSuL1wDB
The Quantum Cruiser.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEqYh9r7fh
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!”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9mbcRKyJy
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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzlLQqDMto
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdB76M6mir
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeraiOxLZx7
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 City104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUODLB4bM4A
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8eXIrmRSC
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34PaocduTW
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIb4jrEznTQ
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZxDQYGAzT
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGrv8S81wn
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVx1Ktwc3BB
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZG1CdyrJA
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDvyJBe3N4
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5OJu9aRoH
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2vSJIoAlc
A long pause, and then:104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5E52S76O5
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrttxJ9wrF
She brushed her hair behind her ear.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrYUlCuVwv
“Stubborn as always.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghlpPTP1wr
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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9tysFTghn
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHc09aMJP8
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzCzTkgXDa
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhMiB2eiXE
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ew91nOpnZ
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFpuraoxgY
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNF7JOIgKs
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TZUtkMDaq
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpm6cGLClUY
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwJkHcHTSo
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.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdemIFMloHR
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WQPhCA3J9
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0KFltDESr
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoq3SGlYQd
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbHFgBR5PT
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTucO5Uxqt
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpjTsNLLCK
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidQq69xFNO
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7XVAlf9Kn
“We’re about to find out.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnfUyeYlyT
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKQQE0KmJH
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGPNG5MgQb
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnPKwbDfve
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZiF8l2cBD
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykqv2oTX8i
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lgodndzEP
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBncPoAfKo
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3IWS9n1yx
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEovD1zkAv
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rQ4RVonty
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxuozopNd3
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqoRrT0ayD
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOlX1TCTrS
“Just follow my lead.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7QWVcFMiq
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJzfzDmuu1
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz1wwFHrRH
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2zRk5Yc5T
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuK3M9QRDC
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xXEZsXaeJ
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymDgBI0vy9
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa50YitQAo
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeAZKejMVO
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0df184odA
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZXJlUkEZ6
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SA33kyFpw
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RD133OdeL
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDHdCvmPWv
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMFBLfmO3N
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxU9NjcGxQf
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30VHReP0Lu
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoNFQprPsy
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbapueMUWs5
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWNNuwB8Tl
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9f5M9mkN9
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYRRvHUFp7
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8Fkrsq2bz
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySn8cgCPr1
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs09swZYdDX
The door hissed open.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiuyvi7AjU
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6KsIfYhbB
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyUB6o4VAu
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpA3B9yIVkQ
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJv4Pke1YB
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnhHPTibF1
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ3a0tJxtn
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9YqAT4Pcj
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbsUHJnYxF
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZztPw73WJ
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj89TTmI4RU
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwcq8E2xz5
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFP0CywzUi
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycSBKTUmBu
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDG4SqZwHnX
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcS1Cy1hOWc
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYpTXYdYgU
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5r85Yoq14G
Renji smiled, low and eager.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvcD4GWTaq
“Finally.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11pNxlCVz0
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYt74FfC6is
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseabf05WTY
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.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7hTh7wE6o
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJQn9N3XgD
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSLNWMNJu7
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNP1C7pQvRv
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0Ppf12BTD
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXg7eszyuV
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsQIGTaUYm
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolDG5hLECa
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04fy6pxEZU
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAdYqGTuTU
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nDq2hlQhr
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0XNgQicm1
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktYj3spTd8
Maximus.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnqJghuT5Y
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegUc2KCFZJ
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Tfipv8wFx
“You’re in bad luck.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xsc5drrfh
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YFBz6ECuM
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanm6JIJg4T
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33Sa1KFxyH
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBRvb0ZBn7
