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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKkwNbvaCU
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ELpoKkoCx
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnrTbkn1No
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwY456LoIR
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRKYi5e7Gb
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0yYaYQ1AF
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTeP0kU3ZC
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4LZuAvcLn
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5yuD0WRAN
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg2f5EqRFa
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7p69y1e5X
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1Rg97Gftj
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMUeWyfxzh
But Rylee shook her head.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡma9XrxeMwE
“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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8t3GjwmEDs
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNcRorA2LZ
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBEKbi7P98
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5ickaMlQn
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRI2NgQ3nu
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oPucddheh
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6HQAtXMth
That struck a chord in Leeway.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiolgjgcO5k
“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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpFoLUu1Ev
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0XDLa5PzR
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEU8MpfMGN
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2a4QCne607
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyV2MdLF0i
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh35xUEYebU
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wqHvkxqu5
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2BN8AQ6yA
“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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO0SmwbiMI
Leeway blinked.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYmhi5Wxob
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m1AtBe9xB
“Yes.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUn65G0IoIt
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCfFbS85Il
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkqR5yXirV
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX46S9eCMRv
“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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngHIF3cPDq
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv33Mk39y0N
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxPtw2BmoE
But Leeway softened.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqE37vh3JP
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rQIdykRG0
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uycHlvPFo
“I will do it.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmcgekmc78
Her whole expression lifted.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewuwnjyIVr
“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…”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieUEegTFv5
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyDaxfpNRr
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDhzKeHaWQ
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHksPCzn7N
I wish I could answer her.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRdeg68AxQ
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzSf05mQlt
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRu3mcSeXk
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2wtb8XFht
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkOUZzm4Lt
Then Leeway walked in.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK3Hm8yrNM
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESCLAk7Jlu
Renji didn’t waste time.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxsDg62gqj
“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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbmbh0cwj6
“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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXxA4QLu6o
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YSClyuq6m
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONXnAFzCNU
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r17GYnu6v
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp226sLrp5S
Seriya lowered her eyes.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ug3nHdIVz
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVeZ0o0jXw
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ5BNIQLHm
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk8d9zvEZK
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5U6LX55TO
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RAjnpURzo
But not forgotten.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qDmj0s6mK
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoZVvQeDQV
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNzz44CItO
“Umm no, nothing.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CJpR0vAsA
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAtCNSKjYh
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOWhno7wcy
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3kSJPXkFH
“Oh hey, Daichi.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTqimL51Yn
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGb52vFfEW
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Qo7bWMOAs
Seriya chuckled.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcySUdBK1J6
“Always so formal as ever.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0c6lp37xz
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyzMz12aLn
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Z76rVnP3t
Seriya offered him a calm look.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6V2TR9j0D5
“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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QzDOUmuA5
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsa0zeO3dm
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OhzgHtCxF
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPOQG7x7K9
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrcg8EVZhe
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQdg2Oisje
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJk4mtSmziL
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbThitjS3X
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gIej14STC
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ5GCogQqU
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24qRjWzaGm
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuStSjNZYe
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fCkr5OFQ0
Seriya perked up.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nzP7QK2J2
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7fmWTB9aN
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUcqJHsqfu
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9h4GA5G71
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMwjgMEWqo
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUj2fQcf5q
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa2CXnxbtu
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPJ5FmkHeh
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vXIWKExBS
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMyOJBRqhL
“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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvAotdgmPa
“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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwj2or9qGw
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9R4PIprvG7
“We classify them into generations.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3IXfg5Ta2
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp45nwAAgTn
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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMBpUFJveW
“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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7jyVuJuii
“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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcxpLSErIk
“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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZivycUfqMJ
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKT8Ho3rV4
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqLUdZKoen
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgD48IYOeq
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2A9aOiVon
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBez9UjJRS
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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUVSCoxXqn
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEbimTwDeU
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5fLXDavth
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!”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN3pnlLd6u
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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNncZmop25I
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaVzrw1u0U
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHicu7z8OT
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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt69eFDzzuj
“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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZwuwPrHTH
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGGHcfnLuP
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJKAs94Kju
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwYIE3hYmr
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDyIbR4n5y
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2BohlEtlc
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAX5eCaGmW
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbV6i4Pnu47
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWPc36VYVK
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ddOdKNxjk
And just like that, I could feel the shift.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡju3SIXUBNz
They were on the edge of something real.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApIMg80t7F
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryTqvvQZeP
They were stepping into my shadow.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKgz1nbAYH
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzuQJHRnWu
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp4FPU6prJ
“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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryO5HBhshK
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBP8YtRrFx
“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?”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZT4WBWuSl
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpU07OCGYFg
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluRRW95ZFw
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcOJQL6sbR
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdZe1fCgyH
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDQairF6A9
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLBMZW8oCp
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfXOQpJDid
The Quantum Cruiser.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ILa2i694U
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!”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq2E5o2k1I
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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBKgKJRff4
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikej6JByM5
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXO1BvO8BQO
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 City80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlSJKuIcKI
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfXtqO80W8
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡev7HNO16p6
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBqFAF1EcD
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pYqtyjQ5S
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlKc3GEvxp
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs87k71lnlJ
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaizEzbVW14
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkhiG8g73e
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgxdXlnYyH
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2vphbV0t2
A long pause, and then:80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfnX8mkBRe
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswok3gafkT
She brushed her hair behind her ear.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qH4AwX1dx
“Stubborn as always.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXn2C6kbd0
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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa84nR1jyc9
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAu1Fmxwk1
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNr7TCyu9i2
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCor8mrMNGJ
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7oGI9Zmjp
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZG0fB3UbS
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80bwdQlrQ2
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXdxMEo7LR
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCFB4Zasu2
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1scNbWBga
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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOSnhDVYBf
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EJNVYUXPT
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5ALX8LP6K
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDLtWHXa0e
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp9fT94BvG
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyiMb83CZA
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMA85WxADw3
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh77q2B7Y3b
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nHlwGXxLf
“We’re about to find out.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZZymwfvjY
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxQkmc0aDC
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3z8rJY6KY
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ085II9POfB
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0JfGYALux
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGEkygiybW
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wswkxIuXF
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBAmeOaSUf
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUrXxKvT4o
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeikSht7PTE
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94vDHUryM2
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6ZDoY8nF7
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5dcwecDKx
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk26JAxKsvK
“Just follow my lead.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uOuuvFPUo
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWNJOIpd5l
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwL9EAbmaAJ
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgB1x97IkS7
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqROIOGtbG
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPBdVcErId
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hrX0em18M
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmag1Ldgvg
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZxWktIIyC
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY3jeUvqCJ
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NEN9Amw3I
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzx9OuaHdl
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMB0GXTqjia
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPQYHiEepH
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88yjC7sZ5V
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPxp0qsuXG
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bSv8UdSk8
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjan0rYKPGx
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nxUVkOI2h
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMC0iIuU8WD
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pjltsvxcs
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfN0eNdS0x5
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFORALiD2Rw
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTdZbtrxjT
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGaBCHwke2
The door hissed open.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzCY0OXuhq
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxB75l1K1b
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtExQFwagnG
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBxhy49zQG
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9n2q9gouHc
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVKcr0UAuY
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1LfRhhw0K
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHgB5OaU3I
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTtbMjraSH
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrKc9URlHX
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIOR2UM8Ru
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhjZXJXUhb
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2kcIUwLRt
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cNa1QJ9Oj
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8poib5YmgK
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9nOe38Jcd
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI45LNk9Il3
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCn7jtEqaS
Renji smiled, low and eager.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPHR1lAXNi
“Finally.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8SqyKU6UA
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZER6wBJvcx
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAm4SAKOI2c
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcQGhYFNrD
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwyrlrSVLJ
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7t2XwUQNX
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXO4X2yYVOk
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHanhwxjkvy
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX69wWq4Eje
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyfeqwqZ88
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvPYzWOvMW
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bwdXIUWRk
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojqK1b8hFD
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDowccDKELS
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGnapfzvYm
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhswGdK48F2
Maximus.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LuYjuJ61X
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7rs85A6qt
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl86ZpmNty
“You’re in bad luck.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt40SaDyQgT
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxJRCwpQS3
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0PNn5tJhW
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmP3mzj1ua
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMNxB3IQ2S
→ Request update
and then Add to home screen.