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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFp3BAOuiO
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX1kGHBApl
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmlAGWy3D0
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpIVSqq6QZ
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlIYiuJMlw
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwgWMMiYiv
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQEJDmoU5K
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicmCo6CXc0
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYx5yxIf7Dx
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y4IRyxP9Q
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDXL39GHVL
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUCBwkQb1w
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiV5utFQvh
But Rylee shook her head.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsLdS36Vrc
“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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc62Y4yrJ83
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJ7R0ACbd5
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Bx4UuhhM3
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFE7ViVfykP
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcapltDGVa
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ddLEQXCs5
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfdtucn9sq
That struck a chord in Leeway.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvaXlDFjQf
“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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGE7QjcD5s6
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9ZF2rkFa8
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepKqZ9VgDk
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7avCNgbeS2
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitZkZwyIOQ
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkd8i14hhRC
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWrQpiDhct
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KMFcYs4O3
“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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIBsRU1wcI
Leeway blinked.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDH6qdH4ab
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5xyUCX9Cb
“Yes.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIk7PFORgc
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWrUY5TRdM
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdpbHnBXDQ
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEZ8Ah4udV
“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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMvuHCU5NI
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBN8PJddBJ
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhy43eLON9
But Leeway softened.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOx0a8yVSH
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxPpfnbFwl
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0gGkWAnEN
“I will do it.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4QBicy4dM
Her whole expression lifted.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJ2t39OeGZ
“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…”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCadqV3A8px
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYus1Qddyf
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFoLtV0pMu
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHtaevlXsT
I wish I could answer her.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKG147BGa3V
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAY4Efg327
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD9g1WD7Er
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcB8zFGheT
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlnovT9A47
Then Leeway walked in.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5reLE2Vku8
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPZoiSXG9x
Renji didn’t waste time.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZqkpYve1j
“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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5GBl2zYOy
“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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cl4YtOgyx
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjpHdnxSKx
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScfyh4NkRi
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjSdQgqF33
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOlonOZqyp
Seriya lowered her eyes.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIahQdjwsXf
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP26zuCHIFt
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk86ZPXAh7D
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJxWVIwYEf
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqT5tg6Fwky
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZROpAG96M
But not forgotten.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq06Vqc3wqa
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDOgZYdOFS
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uLa87vPwC
“Umm no, nothing.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJubonkdQh
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP0zkfF4DX
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYfBql7l8z
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoK9MUQB4d
“Oh hey, Daichi.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4yxbO6SAh
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYptZWoE9v
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhe9C3UvG0
Seriya chuckled.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz8hbrjSj0
“Always so formal as ever.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rgQmA4UvY
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn3eZuOkXg
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEAOqtWQpP
Seriya offered him a calm look.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWIqCuy6eu
“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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMN7l6ZURP9
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4PpMIGdbt
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl79EBQp044
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5r8ald6rvY
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBbeVWx6gS
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLz0eESaKxt
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7q7QxKWqI
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiC2EOZmNm
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uXiXeFzCz
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznpQCSxrRP
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDwivLE920
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGMNHs8qBY
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhioGeSl7H
Seriya perked up.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAxto6VwKF
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqkVcZoe9U
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvQV1cgw39
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ357SUIHxkf
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSFeWK0TT1
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlffe6DXfc
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8jSZ6GSHM
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZ3kZfa22k
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMKrfSflDm
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIag7CNJEr
“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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqgzSrQSBz
“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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6XQYoysCB
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHZa8nEFt6
“We classify them into generations.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF7ZWhAE18
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqgJVODkFY
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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyIUvLf4Qq
“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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQXtVW0H3U
“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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmgKhzuKzh
“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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CbPg8gYbG
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdAkrNjNkJ
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop50VaO07h
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYULq2QOch
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR1dc6V2H8
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7USjUWOb7G
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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWZcIZFJxa
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5X4mG3qHZ
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8hlr0d0UN
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!”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpLqHAcp5S
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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURTFNgLaZV
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1bBx1l2YM
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKrPhcNczt
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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutRvOSo9il
“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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWxCCk6hUX
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCvH2ZVa9f
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhqDlWcAMt
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjq2UNcjNH
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSZOs3Y0Ao
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡga0boTGr2Y
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKP8QalpqpI
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhSXYVjoXu
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdpG12g2xY
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfngQWOk8P
And just like that, I could feel the shift.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSpo4RGptc
They were on the edge of something real.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Nk1p8s69m
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mYvPHptba
They were stepping into my shadow.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOC5zFOViW
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHecOda0vG
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRJTYBFV9g
“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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxiUlKHfEK
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2SVbDjyjj
“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?”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iPYi79Z2Z
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBehhLkgHZ
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPTHJpZQzD
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0utg1E1Kf
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsinv4cJOlL
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIu1bgUlsps
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezIL4bLFvL
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFilRF5XhO
The Quantum Cruiser.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UXzxBWMZ5
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!”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3cgBcdHf0
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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5c77BW6yNu
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNeUlPvpoD
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwx6PUYXA6e
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 City587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZztn8zlKDN
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YoXM61p87
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XtI78NAsZ
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9CbbmVsQt
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEt890ib7o9
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Adjs42dhs
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeFVvhLMwE
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVyyeIr1jE
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORuCl8nzX7
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHNm99TMmQ
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xamRfmxAC
A long pause, and then:587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTd7jxcXZr
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzdCWhrRgL
She brushed her hair behind her ear.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq1N9zVnhA
“Stubborn as always.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMSnU53yU4
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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYebV24otJ
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsYpIgNMAk
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQGcytcQEz
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuCra5aiog
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9ut2AE3XJ
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5dxa3Ih5l
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc161Q9KHyd
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ16pMeQ3K
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB026PqVkx
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjVfQhtLjJ
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.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJL6u1trsR
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7I13wU3TfO
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvfpxNcbe5
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ117EYgUVR6
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdMqPFIMlM
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt6aEHPLaX
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMHLBGXh1e
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeMgDtD5nr
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLrqGi5cSr
“We’re about to find out.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUQdMsU7HR
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUfqLFNVxp
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobL1R8OUjP
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98s4TJtvi4
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzrlZuSBRk
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiFKroTaVx
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58DcKgZr6f
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0hKncZH1Q
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjV4jHNTnC
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhVrazASOE
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgJhluKfa6
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUiEJUQsBf
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWjouV0qQn
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFqKtWe0Eg
“Just follow my lead.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOptwzeDYJ
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9jzLseMg1
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSEkwQqnwv
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsPYmbd5fQ
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiLoQzY65p
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Lr5cYxQAf
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DxhnpI0El
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhLlIeZaHu
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQckqVqcfY
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9QL9iGGjS
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgtY6KsQsh
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ400e9M9u7h
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRMWSUJScU
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLFnlNq3ew
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaU8rZK8qF
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJppvuhkBW
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6Q5lCoOaY
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUxkZhgpx8
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvYwqQOhd8
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tcHpSRuY4
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugvUTQfeqn
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhEiElX2Du
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKDHo8CC0P
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaS6sRbCoa
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oRgrQDcyV
The door hissed open.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sXubJXqXm
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWyo05PnQG
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVkFNoIFwk
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8nAwG984R
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhylEAbTfU
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfTBSAUqmD
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5HNxezEGD
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlhnVMP5L1
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENYpOCWQUx
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeB9MJp3M0e
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9PTdKJUdX
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoTelGRSx3
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYfYTKesjB
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwc9UOTQWPb
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN804CTGywW
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeWJwg6vjK
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwpXUQlSdu
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Csecwma14
Renji smiled, low and eager.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknfysP4l5R
“Finally.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmE7sDFZVQ
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysusKFGtDL
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMR9HzX6nwF
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOKCduqBWR
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJd2PvyPXx
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XSKqAS8Rk
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9c9hHtJoJ
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRoW22P3l3
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiGrva7ZLZ
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhINKm1wkr
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBj1DGdenY
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LvrLCPHJC
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlml6Yj2o5S
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfI7LROTvK
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhjzoQaI8X
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iIHbODkir
Maximus.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfs7Zgyhap
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4wFANgSri
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokihMySjbc
“You’re in bad luck.”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtkttpX8O7
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xwMdrHX0Q
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLswBtPE7v4
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmXBz5h2xJ
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfXjFndIOE
and then Add to home screen.