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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KIXOINDPB
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EwNI87g7O
Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMlWq4AjXu
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXznNfiBkDs
Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImk2GZbZwJ
“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDAS3UPms4
She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hwPSBtkv5
“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciUv2vnA2V
“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6jmzB4XmV
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKY9plA84YH
“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GlK85j8pl
“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQE8lgb4y6
“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrxtRi6fV4
But Rylee shook her head.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvicJsfct6
“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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IMROD9bVJ
“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklv0BAHM8o
“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHM86k5bg9
Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcHKIun30Y
“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNkud47WTL
But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUSdAEXDFZ
“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4mCWXXWE2
That struck a chord in Leeway.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9Xp3jkVhj
“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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVBcXDUDtb
“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdbpRGjmF2
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pI2nH7BJf
“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmodwOmIkb
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpilerUEfv
Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBEzwYt6Hr
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxEzOOgM9l
Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7S2IfcLcC
“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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQJHM01fFg
Leeway blinked.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQwerUf4qK
“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkmH4N7kMx
“Yes.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AHau132MP
“Okay, that sounds… sudden.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgcVjDJBO8
“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF40ZiKYqAP
Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJkH8XuCPP
“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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvJZm7FUq7
Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6VTE3VlJ2
“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhuiM1YVRz
But Leeway softened.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM5L0OFk3f
“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX1zaUrHKT
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmzabtWOww
“I will do it.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hzn4h3FAR
Her whole expression lifted.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQo1nbU3B3
“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…”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAGUgTISzo
“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53IQsq2Mjw
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AYKHzMNZX
“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpPPl8WrMV
I wish I could answer her.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OOy2B2aGT
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jFmok1pze
At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJThad1bMg
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveT0H2FMO1
Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxatuFfnMAI
Then Leeway walked in.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDVYyBX1fM
“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7CGj1aXZ5
Renji didn’t waste time.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQjrA1pp0c
“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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMVR8JK1wt
“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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwO1f5CLst
Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicoi8npeDF
“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjWVJvQ2dM
Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl73fWK520s
“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡattKQJtsQ9
Seriya lowered her eyes.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAc0DcMiYkq
“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6KKeUiPW2
Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9e00uXX3rD
“You really have a thing for Kyrie.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5IZGsaK78
They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0AUB1EDSX
And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfN56gks63
But not forgotten.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLboFHRNbd
“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn8CHGCd5X
Renji raised both hands, caught off guard.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCpb3N99fS
“Umm no, nothing.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9z3GmM69QZ
Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFJ1KU5Bz4
“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2pf2z8Ttn
Renji turned and offered a half-smile.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHY7hx2L4Y
“Oh hey, Daichi.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuMxOZFbeI
Daichiryo narrowed his eyes.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPoTmU0Bwv
“It’s Dachiryo to you.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBEIzafvj1
Seriya chuckled.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrJMxqu5bR
“Always so formal as ever.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUw8snHHseB
Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2QB7x9vbR
“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQNryYF7HZ
Seriya offered him a calm look.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmhRncXp5J
“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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLkNVMN8ec
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5curvAPV0
Renji leaned in with a curious tone.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevUfVTh1ws
“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rerl5FKNk
Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60EldcQbrL
“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMc1teQETmQ
He set down the weapon with a heavy clink.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZi6kyY5USr
“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KmeejE6R1
Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09qCBlQbc7
“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vIqkoLe3d
The moment was interrupted by a distant memory.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUwc9NEBeS
A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNzXdnsCUJ
“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrljfsSIfa
Seriya perked up.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPR8ANzUJF
“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMP6LDkIai3
Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAV8fYSOVS
“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbTS5HudCj
He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0kLXC6jw9
(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”)136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkD0ayk5XX
(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”)136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBBbacF5eZ
Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFzgsErNxZ
“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSNIFTxWQw
The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.
Rylee’s Log:136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxNhvTsmUk
“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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHr15kUtbn
“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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdZpMaUwW8
“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMVgqrtCQo
“We classify them into generations.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuz8itZeci
“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQhWY2Eenq
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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVNy3CbB2l
“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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgmWcYytY2
“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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpFRPfArVZ
“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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYj3mEuFAiL
“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9q1aHSWsu
Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBS9jD7if5
I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkspOCpycD
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKWHpZSTLP
Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRzruLBPP9
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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4w5iZSobkJ
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SCjJlbiUk
“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EitpPFZGU
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!”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Wjl0vPxnr
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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWHYuh43yX
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1iGfSMi80
Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxQ9p1M5Px
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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8XIz70mIR
“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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPCNoiHqS1
Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGI0mBAIWi
He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJs4lyw3UZ
Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCVMDdqG0a
Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWdxVCuYw0
Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRdgTPfKLs
Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnYXRgLEoo
“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdy7S0kcOD
He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmfpJKi84E
“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4k8wPiLy9
And just like that, I could feel the shift.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW750JZyUy
They were on the edge of something real.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwP1cmDHmG
Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KU0pv2u2R
They were stepping into my shadow.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFny5tRgpg6
And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFB03BZVDu
Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwz0IECG5Z
“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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYSqBnGQWC
There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHeBRoNxvE
“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?”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4dxfQRmXM
The others straightened and saluted him with purpose.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodwEn143ha
“Yes sir! Captain sir!”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx16xYIXWy
Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvRyGCMfCa
Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBV7mxdF8J
“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgdnfQZSh1
Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWv54FrwPY
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPyjaOnsRS
The Quantum Cruiser.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVpq7ggtsp
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!”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE24dGs1wtl
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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoI9wJjIQTP
“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhcz41mNAo
Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBgfMUQLHu
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 City136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9DqLmw3cT
Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCb90tPqUp7
She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzQ4BrN7pX
Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryD7MpKR6C
“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MbmiPQ0Bo
She pressed the fabric gently to her lips.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiZmavDRLn
“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vS98HyD6U
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIagFPb0fdW
A knock echoed from the other side of the door.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQaVBO10cT
“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mB8fNKIE7
She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKQ0bSrfGc
A long pause, and then:136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHQxCaUqa7
“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0FrbpK3it
She brushed her hair behind her ear.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4qxpmvZpK
“Stubborn as always.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFP0iP28Zt
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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4TRWaDShL
Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5ybtnxD3R
“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlioTVERT9
Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCjSjIoyKZ
She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CDzJpAHjA
“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKlseYb7YN
The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSUA1KRgDU
“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48h35AfvCv
Junichi blinked. “Huh?”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FxqZtjiYy
She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQysOZkHuKT
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.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3DSptIsME
They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.
Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazOpekL2kk
The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi04E5XHixH
Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5G5uK5i7HR
Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LtSI3NdBk
Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQTemxYMHp
Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVjs48BsBr
Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYz28JNgBw
Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9kXWiYQkB
“We’re about to find out.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rY0byHTOz
We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXdh6dOIOp
“No one’s around,” Renji muttered.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JPJF0cLd7
Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhS05gLMGF
“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfiRhusaQ0
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgQWAOeT0a
We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitkjEByfKo
Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvup6HCzsPK
“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWAUh1LJLD
Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgKmqHNZub
Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2VpaVpobf
Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxJsQE8nCJ
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTtQuT4sUK
Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LZ4tIl3nr
“Just follow my lead.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvZNeGZlz2
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66VKLQ9WMI
A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYW3NWeWnZ
“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7z8x0I6jR1
Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3M3xLcdF8
“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWA5X3Kjsk
The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWF8Obpvy0
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGxFlxpJ6f
Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhWhGqVl1F
Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XPMDOvG3x
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1b5neBrP28
Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaHA55g1QX
Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EsDeplRDc
“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HwUGqj5Ka
Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpv6RDvmT1
Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXO0wXn1yU
Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYXfMNYGcz
Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnY5btlKLW
Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAclE6fRWa
Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJm6h4rSRCQ
Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRmWZYyU7U
Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8Bnxnerb5
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEeeFpFNCk
“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzD5dlqQ16
Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuu87Yk3s78
The door hissed open.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXLhbJdwoS
Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13KJLyEf7a
Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSDwvJdfrI
Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4h3Ttg2r8
Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPNNoKbTeq
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMvivfiDbS
As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSnKF5Ym34
“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZk8Qy8BHm5
Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlqB41R5Om
Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8vJpEWYcn
Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI00haabUi8
“There must be a clue here somewhere...”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UVQ3vtcbO
He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTRyZ0P8bd
“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWFWsc3mnY
Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Zs5jZUdYg
Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3NLHBsNLZ
“Hey guys, looks like I found something.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKeWV1oXNj
Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1CUPp5GLY
Renji smiled, low and eager.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCrmk9hkud
“Finally.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPXK7JYGqJ
Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOkHOEQ0wL
“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhriHdeEFRK
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVurZNbIz9d
Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAZzzoSYJO
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd280SyL5yV
Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4U2BEm4sA0
“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhzEfoAkH2
His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDftlfq5Av
Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeilUQFG7BM
Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDbGUqoUwl
“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cR1lC3waE
Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVszid1K7y
“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHoPi8N58a
Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9DHKSlayN
The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4TbqbP4ub
Maximus.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Z603ueyR3
His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT578xKHgJj
Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel:136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOR7k3Az4V
“You’re in bad luck.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8hB6A35Jg
Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR9R5CgQiB
Seriya cringed, bracing herself.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZp8KjkzSu
The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCH5XpMEey
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHxTMERn0z
and then Add to home screen.