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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QoAvN2Z9o
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvkcrs2MQ3
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0GoCNOLc8
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrHiGMlbPB
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡge0Egyfm2b
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdBG6nXQBb
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7TfCe0CVW
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWtbwZiWth
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡER6EVebNkY
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3OgNlgDcv
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt9vgdPnAN
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao1x0Y1KWR
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWRsDgZUnl
But Rylee shook her head.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dn35HKbCb
“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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAB2TvZdt2P
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bYDjL0TXo
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ4iVOA6Ga
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53Or6sODS9
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJrGo6yyc2
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k7bQK2hmR
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iQxXPzpQL
That struck a chord in Leeway.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tsNuk9ohZ
“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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrctLp8Jvru
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoedzmi6xU
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpw7kdk4EFb
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCvedPC6gX
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4apDIo2umY
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1IPWmjvKa
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ372mEeQXTL
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsdos7nusN
“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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtMB2f3jgN
Leeway blinked.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGTfm3GuIQ
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImG5j8qzMh
“Yes.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwM0GPrrblt
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnNIncKjDU
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorzS0PgyNv
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChADxGMg0v
“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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lT1HuJIbb
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1u7V0Yrey7
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggFVaK03tl
But Leeway softened.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavK1l43hmG
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoLWUzF6Wm
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAQ0g7sE6X
“I will do it.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlTOBJdSbv
Her whole expression lifted.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMoW3QaNc1
“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…”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrXbvF79u4
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOdpjmq7Lg
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBRORniMG4
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wVEwmHDBR
I wish I could answer her.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGxJtHcIFe
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3z3oxtFCM
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lHW9zYfrD
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKXy3FBTO3
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsLuxQeoOG
Then Leeway walked in.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FI2NodmQS
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6tZVYb3fz
Renji didn’t waste time.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxT1yC1xx7e
“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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcO9viAl6H
“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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q2roomrue
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6VHPLcmyz
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPIriy6n5J
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70qNAsio35
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytdZijinCd
Seriya lowered her eyes.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sUCU3M1M3
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3LaWwNOqB
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2iXPIHUQ1
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgDPpvFkLO
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YL9HzMDMD
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUwnrqU66X
But not forgotten.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ci6pJz54n
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPXQz6v1Ip
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjduGfwBkWx
“Umm no, nothing.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqv4PKQQdj6
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UJnvhgvWl
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVigP4nRbJ
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxMNNnXgu7
“Oh hey, Daichi.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1bkHjd7fp
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg5UW3KtV0
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNgvmDmJQl
Seriya chuckled.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACayG2r00v
“Always so formal as ever.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTeywInsWZ
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC8YV97gdk
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtaCgk18pV
Seriya offered him a calm look.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73mXj5sJsq
“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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmG6VXhCKMK
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeDea4sZ8H
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0D33KUiQQk
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyn4ROSTS1
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ea1dGaCTN
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7COStyTs5O
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jmZkpXHjL
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaAoR32OmL
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNK0RFxVEP
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJNobzoWAs
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zzxD4mCn0
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHtlZBGLoI
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlU9ZNOQ112
Seriya perked up.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hnVuKM2uo
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZrSNXpDsk
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjx8vfhg5R
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5vHEUVmO1
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeMZXuwqvQ
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvtUHyt5fi
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFG29j3YsN
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GHIOBEpom
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhd7GrLsx4M
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUk04kx5lG
“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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq691KxAbO
“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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTQYCHqyIe
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5lAVn5b0B
“We classify them into generations.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGfMnDjqEi
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJQikIPSEQ
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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBKEubTxw6
“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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTpG0Yqdpz
“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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8Eunpzk3d
“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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPYfUxcc2U
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdY8cqFyIm
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifruuv6LYB
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUclzB2poN8
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sexOF06lY
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEg0aewIqd
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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHq9nVCwJm
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeId77WeLl
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaB0EZaIy7v
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!”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNkCjS4uDB
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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54XwYQjw34
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIQvUSKxHE
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPiiEpwRJn
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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YEqN6RSDy
“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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtiSoKz4IP
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHwOZSlLGl
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0UBD2cFHu
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSGcpFgrMi
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsewNTyKxN
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJ657SMOKL
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFPIMEbVaE
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhpa9Rq0j7
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oA9OIXx8E
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAKMAQkzHt
And just like that, I could feel the shift.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9WXBdRzhJ
They were on the edge of something real.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2w3wvGGfq3
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqj1yFov1B
They were stepping into my shadow.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNztSGONowb
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Po7eYMj0x
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOiLgu5vLD
“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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡak1TWVAEIG
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqjixZln6b
“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?”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tW8JLDThd
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdOIUQCEo2
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4y12689l6f
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iokHiuAL6
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICZp2PeU6N
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xi6ORdcUR
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBvEhPj9IB
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLsBJ9nKLB
The Quantum Cruiser.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjki8G0WmRm
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!”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq76TqMXIN
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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOMdapptvl
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUpfjm34Lg
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwDv0sU4GW
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 City191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOn6wPHbf7
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yTs6kVsam
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpU9sYoV0i
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3CGTrKpSF
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTkEt8AMAv
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjoOPYAg4j
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1B3oZyMLs
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJzQcaqrDk
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BW3KK6Lja
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHqJCldRdb
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZmwg2TN0E
A long pause, and then:191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdEdzgaPJa
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMemkyTNeR
She brushed her hair behind her ear.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4Vhibu0YD
“Stubborn as always.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRpKPBY5Zo
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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdTY6LXkwA
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlCLcxLDBp
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4y9YPH46E6
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4UGqEO0cT
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDebA5BdgpY
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zFXP8EY6s
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTd5QXOHqo3
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKLLYIslN5
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkaIOeDIaj
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNXhopjLAx
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.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30xVy2jDxv
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVQzx9ObRm
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGFG5xI1xN
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMig6EXFWL
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaOpGBIkeJ
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3HapHgTIw
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OPcoLlCtc
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FFX1ANhTj
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGurkTPVgaW
“We’re about to find out.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzshUujSPxc
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurkoeCnq2O
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsOUxCJCX8
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRpof33juP
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9DigqRfIU
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJfNiy4nn7
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3Z4DaG5rD
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNJiYvM8m5
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDuYlSSWgJ
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryh3GrASq4
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVngbzA3q8
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejxzDclySX
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡds2RJtRrTg
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡss0McjUYxz
“Just follow my lead.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgreLvAHu1m
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fmrSzojyn
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwETL0jfDDE
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswukQ3eIBo
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRMeMmWxwL
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0FVezkXyr
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiURWVOhuK
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp0peNW7oY
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKWoNTcWVR
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiztBl9xBNU
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6puZSiKNch
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3ckwSxTiY
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbBVlb9Zsd
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzUDhxB0W5
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwdlvFdFve
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5UG1gFM8e
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOvaQlDEH9
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkolYy0Mdb
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDd5JZDQ90
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvgyvLfkOS
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoKk2Z1jY9
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTDJGMyKuh
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeglq3QNbOa
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxLA7Twgiu
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxEzRulJQw
The door hissed open.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNtbtKXmPk
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswlFkVsCLt
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnu1IB1W2K
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzG8kGiGHhE
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcxfpubmjx
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKCovjUQmf
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1VTZQD11k
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLwHfmqX9v
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddcDgniPC7
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSidk1XU96
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEjed609Wi
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2oFg2mmdu
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y2UmgGwkD
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0XTIeFxjq
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fSgw5fUev
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZ1Bc2Sve5
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnRDCGet8W
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXP9irMNXc1
Renji smiled, low and eager.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9QWfVG4AC
“Finally.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK778EZQoDt
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLK8tsSarPu
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdaTEsSzce
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jezvbl6DW
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhLDCi0322
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVhGYVmUfF
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjn45Kdtk03
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyb5UD2oy4
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqThVhleS0
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgavx6GzcFv
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvJOuVaCCz
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20AEQkRUaW
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03f6YHQyhT
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEIUsCnlsR
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh5PzPrc7K
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuHF43Xry5
Maximus.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtBLWw4SAi
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJugriWBVr
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Wwf0b46Nd
“You’re in bad luck.”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEpuxUVqi0
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uwTwy8P09
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfvbRD45Gb
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDUVa0vLAS
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJARqNN2n4P
and then Add to home screen.