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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOff2hijJ7
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUv91BLqyhs
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIJd1Dhjf5
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgoIjQLRm8
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5GxFY16uU
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAqZWnl3kp
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcYlH6Pd8k
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0l0RkSUkz
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3rL1Q4H4l
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXvzoe5nHd
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJ4f5pku1S
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qggQIgyxw
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsD1g2nwu4
But Rylee shook her head.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iQjkEZkxu
“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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngLa0suINM
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapdp7gddm0
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoG9LP0m8m9
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoxTRdstCr
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljRHmxhY08
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzRXTZAbNI
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcamzm0aM8
That struck a chord in Leeway.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLU9Q37UAyx
“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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkp3icN8w9
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUa15OMiDk
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmUEXEcOe3
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYOq2MhfaZ
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJyKWtph45
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5enrgtTKz
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmrmdb3cXY
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXCvpg47li
“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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBO2HIBjT3r
Leeway blinked.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTa8ZZNh5k
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdmkzZ6n25
“Yes.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xReMCr8T5
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0psIOsAWu
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ADxm6Pf6a
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtZl43nQAe
“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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNTgpY6R3T
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fhL2W3Mcs
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCa2HcfLzr
But Leeway softened.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eLKd01JWr
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMzIL3Ld6J
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrcRMXybft
“I will do it.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOCjfvIgGY
Her whole expression lifted.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6Y7CPioWs
“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…”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIgrvnVfE1
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTOG1oI5BJ
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uduei9vkF
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoBBDWAf9P
I wish I could answer her.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLAAMPulh3
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwOCCa8nFx
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBMW7Z4l2x
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcP72AsjeI
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBb6Ln9W1Jp
Then Leeway walked in.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjakuHGlyx
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmD4hKVwAP4
Renji didn’t waste time.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfybqgVeYku
“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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3C6mUvxco
“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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluukFW8gd1
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28giGTotjF
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qdWT6YSUg
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gV74kSdWS
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiOArq3YLT
Seriya lowered her eyes.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2spCouMrG
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJtD6L8Vpo
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDr2HcUVhN7
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3HBJVVfUa
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoycytAYql
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kng7XevbD
But not forgotten.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42SXylOaYF
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMFdEer46w
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeEBvprZyq
“Umm no, nothing.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmyfUMDYrt
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0owy6jNEu
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ijEWuI8FR
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNfsQiulhX
“Oh hey, Daichi.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTKq7AK4N4
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBuNKb8LZg
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqh6jSUpJth
Seriya chuckled.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxghWNcshd
“Always so formal as ever.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7UHDT1Pmf
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYFObZEgWX
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27XXyTOtGo
Seriya offered him a calm look.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMj0HXUPBir
“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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1jRCH9CVu
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzpCGpUEyR
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yt85jswcB
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw5Et21O6J
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7wLGrn0Iv
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytvD3SqAbA
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4iyxnKUVX
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg0pkjYqg7
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopPpPlYGFB
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirINkUSHGK
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyGr6TdevI
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Yb1FEBYFY
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMfbTickQR
Seriya perked up.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJolL1o3AQ
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaivdt4ibg
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGO1DymoLqh
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UbS5BFiZ2
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ogkg13xqE
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yI91Uijr5
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zDGcgaTk5
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT02IJcJfef
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fFHjGKt5a
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKl8jNAjwkr
“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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTBSExEkHc
“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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYXk7rFlRr
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33gbZw8e4h
“We classify them into generations.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41bx5YnyjA
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsDKRLN27P
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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87qTOip4un
“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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunFVlpgV1Z
“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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNz94mP7ic
“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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOePo0uHkvM
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7ILaR1ZOn
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84n2dUSEaT
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cWuG9eknd
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0puOGEniiS
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡan2autYjNw
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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8usA3VOTLE
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaagYFvOt4W
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCu266Ih7ar
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!”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsBbvqgAvC
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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepTN30ay5c
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gTiqq6sYp
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfqhqwfKxK
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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WsZslWEEA
“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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡympEt6FYDP
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbj4owNoXD
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqXoFra4qu
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCcQcEjbWb
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xKpmETY46
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmqVG8Zfcr
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmycPfsgOyP
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGVInRIewq
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIN5iO4eBcH
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwATqpoIDU
And just like that, I could feel the shift.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxDPrJQsJl
They were on the edge of something real.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNxH6PBbne
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhKEcGHjbi
They were stepping into my shadow.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIguuduiJP
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbKjxFom7C
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtL5CzXXbB
“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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGLw61B1SK
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8VTWs7CJM
“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?”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzV4SvGLEW8
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcrrEUHPCY
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31D4Fjw4Cy
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8vAOM6Fgl
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VmlykdkJe
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAOeCMqY0T
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtj90c8ESC
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENNnrOkF9l
The Quantum Cruiser.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwKpfSB77U
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!”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyC7DA5FC2
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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDo3q9ojVp
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltyG7iBvT0
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yKW8CL49m
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 City141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH135JctFFB
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90eQetpVd3
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLPNiy3V6c
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSezzhiD99
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdfqke64cs
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoko5fAOA9r
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYEhQ8iL6V
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYiQ0iWVKz
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagMVtP09v0
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4IYdFquGl
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjWt1EXhgS
A long pause, and then:141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIXW8hYD8M
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kRKWbkdKo
She brushed her hair behind her ear.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk7OBmss2e
“Stubborn as always.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwim9RurKH
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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡku0eNfQcsl
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNldFvPRmq
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0KIrPWDOl
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2E2UJZaV6w
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvx7sbpFtE8
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XMXkRJSPl
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeByytKCkkD
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZdsoeVfBc
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Nt8nmM3t2
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhG82EnqTwm
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.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MEQhkTr4P
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSQkjsgaip
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcIcDrQ9Gh
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdTUp8oVOt
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtM9RkY3FGj
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPUEf7XIS9
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdizA3zbNx
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRICUzsaLtQ
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBVTHKRoZX
“We’re about to find out.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmP68gKFgeY
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJloPn6ki8
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vHcr5L8MY
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQByTtDu5fc
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qq0BRf7ix
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJNKVE0iqL
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5QVxiHBrb
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiUlMLfNN0
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwlWjKYCHf
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaopHZqTuc
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRnzdQLuOr
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjKfp3xjsO
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcaEdn4Iy3
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkxz6B8CMA
“Just follow my lead.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Svj3n2YX7
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGQs3pyKue
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVZ3xwNeyM
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4dRzSxSg9
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv84qAtvVz
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWDBgJOq8T
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa33uSvIIoX
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRyEXGGsQm
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLks4PXUau
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBP0PXS1lBl
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVDR2xULqr
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjrw2bK1O2
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxoaRtgGMU
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA8YYnmm9J
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxaz2VCUf7
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79dRWDmKaV
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RufArGx3B
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuPC2yxSAv
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sAzNhrUA4
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohNOxp8nTY
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBYCwBzvJi
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXm4QFqp4a
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmz68K3FwcP
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Vh5jFSyV1
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzEGyyhcoe
The door hissed open.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwXeATLRzc
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCq9xEK95c
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NawvtFlFg
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDC7Sgbwl3
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLuzlvRWEO
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBb3BoRzZz
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqcE4hUTmc
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpRfCoupe8
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUZE8y7MOD
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5eNQqyylE
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUjfro9Iv7
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEW7BgJwRh
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMCGAaGh6k
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7JTtGMdBY
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMPaPd782u
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6veptaVJuw
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDTG9fTE7L
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnc4jJ1Vrx
Renji smiled, low and eager.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YcDfupZTP
“Finally.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlQWUyqGhb
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoglun1FdXw
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZponMmbqUz
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WW0qiFFgf
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQuux4DnP8
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMmpxaHD6q
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg9xe05EuI
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9MzlnxuwW
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpZTXqhzor
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCalreZnS9
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBgqp4Anmk
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OfZU9gwU7
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCH92Tt1x2
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwxqSmTdY0
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGefXu5QFVF
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq14qAFiF6q
Maximus.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmy7CkBYAj
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgCw4uRTYv
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxNuvR0gz4
“You’re in bad luck.”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkO6FqxD82
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlvguupRpr
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQs3ptjlCI
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YDFfFk1gT
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokiUMgVqcO
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