Chapter 10: Infiltration Mission

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxcCxr80r4

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjJbHQt3Dc

Even in her solitude, she voiced her guilt aloud. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuZfdDNScf

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnHNfdpEH7

Then came Leeway steadfast as ever. I could hear his boots lightly crunching over the gravel paths of the garden as he approached her. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29EJGVb8VG

“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he said casually. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIO6jPhAL5

She turned to him, startled but clearly not annoyed by the intrusion. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRdQXjKsTF

“Captain…” she acknowledged quietly. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFVoYUDO2p

“Doctor? Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, the concern in his voice real and unmistakable. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwi7QneKxO

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64efr5IyYV

“Well… remember the interstellar system I mentioned to you before?” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVVT9RmVsY

“Wait, don’t tell me it’s not done yet?” Leeway asked, already piecing it together. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLyvh5BxH7

“And you asked me to do a recon mission too. Just give me the necessary orders, and I’ll deploy my troops immediately.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RJeYzYjOa

But Rylee shook her head. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafpkUsH4x4

“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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ihUflzoX7

“Should we go inside to have a more detailed discussion about it?” he offered. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugcFr6Ushy

“I’m too stressed out to go inside,” she replied with a faint smile. “I prefer discussing it here.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeKsU01cyU

Leeway chuckled, trying to lighten the mood like he always did. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpba5D13Eqc

“Doc, relax. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Even without Kyrie around.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcrgNp1dcK

But Rylee's tone hardened at the mention of my name. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqnD9eA6qJ

“Kyrie should be a top priority. You know what kind of power that kid possesses. Now that he’s not here, anything can happen.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1yXaHY8RN

That struck a chord in Leeway. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjbyzmStqk

“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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZbDRQRxqF

“That’s the problem,” Rylee said quietly. “Which makes it even more scary.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwLqmbkRoV

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFovieZ62i

“I’m ready to take orders anytime, Doctor,” he said. “Just give me the signal.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdf4fWjh8rk

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1aGz0BdXX

Even when I can’t say it, I’m grateful. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2LTGq6X6T

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrGQ3I0MVm

Back at the Clematis garden, Rylee pulled herself together as best she could and finally spoke the words weighing her down. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxu8h69dM6T

“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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTj64FFel4j

Leeway blinked. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4JCkY7nLP

“Wait hold up,” he replied, raising a brow. “Are you asking me to redo one of Kyrie’s abandoned missions?” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRk0AYzox6I

“Yes.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF23tCICJnU

“Okay, that sounds… sudden.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioSMGKUmfN

“So you’re not up to the task?” Rylee asked, challenging him with her eyes. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YLzsZcKPq

Leeway folded his arms, the gears in his mind already turning. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mDtFiHRtE

“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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg9GLx9qLj

Her silence lingered a second too long, and she looked away, defeated. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mULOCV8jP

“Does that mean we’re stuck like this forever?” she asked. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejvYXNwwJc

But Leeway softened. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTOe7IgfjZ

“Relax, Doctor. I never said I won’t do it.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbODhYHJfr

He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefXOK9UxJZ

“I will do it.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0IYDYcnnW

Her whole expression lifted. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyhg1EGxp0

“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…” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkPG0F31E9

“Don’t sweat it, Doctor,” he said, already moving toward the exit. “We’ll make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMv75DyBHqJ

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RWENmHj0h

“Can I still do all of this…?” she whispered, mostly to herself. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6tsSeegRx

I wish I could answer her. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwlsE0AKpg

725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97P9FubaET

At Grandeur City -W.E.S Quarters 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHxCUzhDeC

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRm9ldCaX2

Daichiryo approached the headquarters from the outside while Renji nervous as always kept glancing left and right. The prep room buzzed with movement. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkmVD7AkTU

Then Leeway walked in. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxFatd3CLN

“Okay, crew,” he called out. “Get ready we’ll be leaving in one hour. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iahml0ALZ

Renji didn’t waste time. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMhCxrLtQF

“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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjN25fCYNA

“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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpPJwMPT7V

Before anyone could reply, Seriya walked in, her presence as direct as always. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU6fVMYypn

“Captain? Are we going to bring Kyrie back this time?” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYFk1o8mtK

Leeway’s answer was almost immediate but heavier than she’d hoped. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEXJ61NopR

“No, Seriya. It’s a different mission. I’m sorry. Looks like we’re not gonna see Kyrie anytime soon either.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mKXMCMWyD

Seriya lowered her eyes. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTmoAbNZMZ

“Bummer,” she said, the disappointment in her voice unmistakable. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTFoYcHPjW

Renji teased gently, hoping to lift her mood. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7A1xNLDFO

“You really have a thing for Kyrie.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztPkIZXohw

They smiled at each other tired, worn, still holding onto threads of hope. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lCAQ6TNyk

And all the while, I remained unseen. Unreachable. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vAX97jZdB

But not forgotten. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAMWBdKytM

“Yes,” Seriya said without hesitation. “I always had a thing for him. Is there something wrong with that?” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqYTSF27pR

Renji raised both hands, caught off guard. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1bKZrg61K

“Umm no, nothing.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb8zpgnlDO

Just then, the doors slid open with a hiss and Daichiryo stepped into the room, his expression composed and boots clicking across the floor. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsORIV1I03

“Don’t worry, Seriya,” he said casually. “I’m pretty sure Kyrie’s fine… wherever he is.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuXzYm6vQF

Renji turned and offered a half-smile. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHmmAHchXk

“Oh hey, Daichi.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCqKO7sqsD

Daichiryo narrowed his eyes. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy69ILR0MQm

“It’s Dachiryo to you.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdf4p2mpIux

Seriya chuckled. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbqJFHF1BA

“Always so formal as ever.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBcHCOREth

Renji let out a small laugh but the tension in his voice returned soon after. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCE5dtQ5GMK

“I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit nervous…” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOZdhuvlZI

Seriya offered him a calm look. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2V0p6g1Wv

“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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfYgzioh6X

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO7MbHUhTw

Renji leaned in with a curious tone. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoK6FfrlE7

“Speaking of Hybrids, Captain… Where is that old friend of yours? The one you used to recon with all the time?” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlGMpWO92t

Leeway paused, his gaze briefly lost in the shimmer of steel. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m6FhALG62

“I’m not sure where he is right now, to be honest.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV9s5DxUXj

He set down the weapon with a heavy clink. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRbpOatyOK

“But I’m pretty sure he’s alive. He’s not the kind of guy you can just take down easily.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0qHnUvtsK

Leeway’s voice took on a tone of subtle reverence. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFcxqiyLHL

“He was also the former captain of W.E.S. After Lian... until he-” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNcVwqaqEB

The moment was interrupted by a distant memory. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzh1v08OD7

A flashback of Seigennhart’s back turned, cloak fluttering as he walked away. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzMNJN4CQT

“Do you think we could ask him for help if we ever get in serious danger?” Renji asked. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlMrLEoAyn

Seriya perked up. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJExsi1Ak8

“Oh! I know who you’re talking about Seigennhart, right? The Grandeur Hero?” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaHdTlZrPb

Leeway gave a faint, tired smile. It didn't reach his eyes. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbH82AGweJ6

“Sigh… I doubt he’ll help us now.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1uN4w2zj5

He looked up, as if trying to find something in the ceiling or in the sky beyond it. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUegTN5bPn5

(“Seigennhart… where could you be? Where could you be hiding?”) 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXto3O0gQS4

(“I just hope you’re in good condition. We were close friends, after all.”) 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDyaeIq22O

Seriya clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHxf7PMQRW

“Oh come on, guys! We’re Exist! We were trained to beat Lost Morphs that stand in our way!” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBIWgYkOcJ

The team nodded, rallying behind her energy, but they all knew this mission would test them more than any before.

Rylee’s Log: 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5PUk9g3rw

“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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ub1xH38Nm

“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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uheyaGFSx

“These weapons were not mass-produced. They were engineered by the original Prodigies of Alien Technology. That’s what makes them unique and deadly.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsocVAvSVB

“We classify them into generations.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09zNoztBlY

“The First Generation: comprised of enhanced knives and swords. Elegant, simple… but deadly.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Mg0vV5wjq

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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbirZG2nDu1

“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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35xYo3xSYO

“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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlOHltR9En

“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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlv3QfYUFoY

“We may not be Hybrids… but with these tools, we are still warriors.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbkheDPRQ7

Silence. A beat of uncertainty. The pause before the storm.

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I wasn’t there with them… but I could still feel them. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppxYehd35B

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Kq30an38x

Renji was the first to speak. “You’re right, let’s go get umm, wait.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4TYgx38qd

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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwlIYwbKtI

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr9pZoJqf3

“Okay everyone, here are your weapons,” Junichi announced with a smile. “All polished and ready.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82thlXM6Hv

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!” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEy8J37Ikd

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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MgmQPyPvI

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayvSkUAkOE

Leeway took a moment before asking, “Professor, I hope everything is still in good condition at Zemstan…” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzHMbQXs9o

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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBHsFlTeW9

“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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kLF3lsAtz

Junichi looked around the room one last time. “Wish you all good luck. And be safe.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi4IZPZuJc

He turned and walked out, leaving the team in a moment of silence. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IYKkbn2mt

Renji exhaled. “I always get nervous when a member of Zemstan comes to our quarters… They can be very scary.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnqwBxJEaJ

Dachiryo, leaning casually against a table, added, “Being a scientist was my first dream, but I guess I’m better at handling weapons.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDlfigo8Ls

Seriya smirked, her tone light. “Oh Dachiryo, always confident with himself.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyXnbgZZqK

Leeway didn’t smile. He stood up straight and began to speak with more gravity. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofphsoeNZm

“Alright guys, we’re about to leave the campus. Our mode of transportation is ready.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHRoG25zcc

He glanced at them one by one his teammates, his responsibility. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyi2XypHW90

“But before we depart, I must inform you all of what we are about to undertake.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHh20qKZsg

And just like that, I could feel the shift. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSu0vT8CIij

They were on the edge of something real. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRR3X3eyQ6

Even from afar, even from wherever I was now… I could sense it. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pnCGgPaFg

They were stepping into my shadow. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsdYdgmP1Z

And I could only hope it wouldn’t consume them. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1n1iXGubK

Leeway’s voice rang with resolve, cutting through the heavy air. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGT4tHOuykz

“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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsK59KAY5rK

There was a pause, the kind that made your lungs feel heavier, your thoughts sharper. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqEe0QUSkD

“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?” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXxVZTKDLP

The others straightened and saluted him with purpose. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM2Rg4n8MH

“Yes sir! Captain sir!” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHf5e5grjz

Seriya squinted, tilting her head slightly. “But wait only four of us?” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgdEb4qX9Y

Renji nodded. “Yeah. The rest of the crew needs to stay behind and stay on lookout duty, just in case a mutant comes in.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rRaoPsOSd

“Right,” Seriya muttered. “But… it’s been quiet ever since.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZK9T8ajUFI

Leeway didn’t flinch. “Okay. Let’s go.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLs6w4CTPjf

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNh5Mryryi

The Quantum Cruiser. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVk8H67PTzB

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!” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRrtKNCcw3

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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFD6Gi0VwTp

“Worried again?” Dachiryo said, confident as ever. “I’m a hundred percent sure he’s fine. Wherever he is.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCZjnXXeDj

Leeway climbed aboard first. “Let’s not waste any time. We’re moving out.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdxYVvYwld

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 City 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHGnArc9lw

Snow gently tapped against the tall glass window. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fb1oaruMg

She sat in silence, a girl with quiet eyes, watching the world outside blur into white. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqliqxXxq6

Her fingers were still, resting on a patch of fabric folded in her lap. A familiar scent lingered in the fibers. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsnulDlfSo

“The smell of his clothes,” she whispered. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdjo7KtJNJ

She pressed the fabric gently to her lips. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPp6DMie0T

“Whenever I sew it back together… and whenever I wash it… it always smells like him.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRTFSqHLl6

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jgr75WLGO

A knock echoed from the other side of the door. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJotS67jLy

“Ms. Rina?” It was Junichi’s voice. “May I come in?” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0aUc5nPsd

She looked toward the door, her expression unreadable, eyes dim but not empty. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwU1fOe5SsV

A long pause, and then: 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM3hQIvsZ6

“I see… so he went on a risky mission with Renji and the rest of the crew.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqbhx41pWZ

She brushed her hair behind her ear. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxmXknR0pL

“Stubborn as always.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvnggVSsuz

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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJPDfqbv9y

Junichi’s tone dipped a little lower as he lingered by the door. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdOgTbYzhQ

“…And Kyrie has been declared missing ever since.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LjW1lzOhH

Rina’s reply came calm, almost too calm. “Ah, yes. I heard about his disappearance.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyxwSFwImb

She turned back to the window, the light casting gentle streaks across her cheek. Her fingers pressed against the fabric in her lap. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdS6DcAaFh

“But you know what?” she said. “I believe in my brother’s will to accomplish such a mission.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPrYXiqGtc

The room fell quiet again. Outside, the sky looked heavy gray and slow, like the breath before a storm. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwyUXTy0oa

“In case he doesn’t make it…” she said softly. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7hgdmAI4p

Junichi blinked. “Huh?” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OjRgL1q5W

She didn’t flinch. “Someone might come to his rescue. Worst-case scenario.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamoOj4Vz7o

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.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJux41Yl6Ds

They both turned to the window again, wordless. The world outside remained still.

Greed Haven Quarters - South Continent 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAzxW6S7xK

The wind cut deeper than expected as we stood before the entrance. My coat helped, but barely. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VGTPej0oT

Renji grumbled beside me. “Geez… it’s freezing here, even with our coats on.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoYZM53bYD

Seriya sighed sharply. “Hush. Now’s not the time to keep whining. We need to concentrate.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR673uFZFi5

Dachiryo crossed his arms. “Renji’s right, though. It’s colder than Grandeur.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVMegmNl6m

Leeway remained focused, eyes scanning the entrance. “Greed Haven is near the Ice Continent. The cold's expected.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OH3jk62LC

Renji glanced sideways at him. “You think Kiyon’s here? I mean… he was the cause of all these problems in the first place.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKhPlleWKS

Leeway didn’t answer right away. His expression didn’t change. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EhFWYBZa1

“We’re about to find out.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUccZJTcL6M

We moved quietly into the quarters, boots pressing into frost-hardened floors. The place felt abandoned, too still. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbBDkswAsb

“No one’s around,” Renji muttered. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR63J7q6vXe

Leeway nodded. “They don’t have tight security, but we may face something dangerous ahead. Keep your guard up.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0NIpX0iQf

“Yes, Captain,” Seriya answered quickly. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRROoR3JBtV

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlqWq36ff0

We moved like ghosts in the dark silent, alert, hands ready. We could see the shadows of scientists wandering nearby, unaware. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeiYmfq9oR

Leeway’s voice crackled through the miniature comm clipped to my collar. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqDZyFb5EH

“Looks like they’re busy with something. Over.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7DSSIktSC

Seriya’s voice followed. “Looks like it, Captain. Over.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGvg6526OV

Renji snorted softly through the line. “They don’t even know we’ve invaded their quarters. Over. Heh…” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0O1XQxXvbO

Dachiryo’s voice cut through last, his tone colder. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWJ4BvBV2m

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Copy.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTx4MJfp2h

Leeway’s voice buzzed through my earpiece, steady and low. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOx45Vf51Q

“Just follow my lead.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCvoCJUUCZ

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1DpN2MBr8

A lone scientist walked toward a side room, unaware. Leeway slipped behind her like a passing shadow. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HoNGRA0Ru

“Huh?” she muttered, sensing something. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxYHwQQcQV

Before she could turn fully, Leeway’s hand was already at her neck. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6ei0LQtP4

“Give me your identification card,” he said coldly, “and maybe I’ll spare your life.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aStd0Q0Lk

The scientist trembled. “Please here! Just don’t kill me… I have a family.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreaavsIEGD

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HMPd2KTm5

Renji whispered, “Why kill her? She said she had a family…” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPX2iYTUxHr

Leeway didn’t flinch. “I didn’t kill her. She’s unconscious. Now come on.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7WUOJTJOC

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPP65WQKhic

Renji muttered, “Okay, great. Now what?” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUYVEpcx9O

Seriya looked upward, thoughtful. “Hmm…” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThpr7LmfWh

“Any ideas?” Renji added, glancing between them. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZOEQ5EFbg

Dachiryo stepped forward. “From what I understand… the best secrets are always kept underground.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2b61PhCKN

Leeway nodded. “Then we take the downstairs route.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcv70I8EBvd

Seriya hesitated. “Captain? Just to be sure are we not going to split up?” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wFrGufPSM

Renji shot her a look. “Seriya, that’s a terrible idea!” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0sN8tiCrc

Leeway raised a hand. “I don’t want to risk the team. We stay together.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7oZ6cgEtC

Renji exhaled loudly. “Whew.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVgC3JuDo4

Seriya shrugged. “Right back at you, Captain.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGNIsZs6MH

Renji muttered under his breath, “Told you it was a terrible idea…” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeqANwfOWB

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJWy8TTilZ

“Looks like you guessed right, Dachiryo,” Renji said. “Research room.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWESj8XaWr9

Leeway pulled out the scientist’s ID and swiped it through the panel. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYZaExsUQ4

The door hissed open. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXExGtDRRda

Seriya hesitated. “Whoa… I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbqghLcvkh

Renji peered inside. “Are we sure this is even a research room? It’s way too spacious…” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZvvbIIf9g

Dachiryo narrowed his eyes. “Watch out. They let us in too easily. No backup. No resistance. It might be a trap.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShBRiGiEWC

Leeway’s voice turned sharp. “Daichi’s right. This setup is way too convenient.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoP9X0clQr

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjIiJHyIDN

As we fanned out, Seriya’s voice piped up from behind. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45Zf6YqSUG

“Oh hey candy! Looks yummy.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtNePE3KJz

Renji hissed, “Come on! Now’s not the time to be eating that!” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLurNr3pVU

Dachiryo shushed him. “Hush! Just keep looking.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3ArGqctBA

Leeway’s voice cut through the silence as he approached a flickering terminal. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SlbhhITpg

“There must be a clue here somewhere...” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7S2CfkGUmA

He squinted at a small, thin object resting beside the keyboard. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfY56lQisLU

“A thin-looking chip... something like a USB drive in our world.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAV3I3qJ2L

Leeway paused. “Rylee mentioned one with a black coat, stamped ‘Zemstan.’” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdCx5dnG05

Dachiryo rifled through the desks, eyes scanning every surface top, bottom, sides. Then he froze. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORTfpb9GQg

“Hey guys, looks like I found something.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPdhEV2sS3

Before he could even think twice, Dachiryo moved toward a transparent case holding two tiny chips. His caution faltered. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aIBuWeVQi

Renji smiled, low and eager. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuwjYVtc5C

“Finally.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoNqhGlNW2

Suddenly a bullet ripped through the air, fast and deadly. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkuzEL7HEX

“Daichi! Look out!” Seriya shouted. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymoSYeYSca

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. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD01CvY5AWc

Seriya dropped beside him, breathless. “Daichi! You okay?” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3aLsUMzU9

He winced but nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a scratch. Don’t worry.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGq8l5h8Hl

Leeway looked up, annoyed but calm. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGk4GZzN3z

“Tsk… I knew this would happen. Always does.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugTepOiijH

His voice hardened. “Whoever you are, show yourselves!” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLZESb3bTV

Suddenly, the ceiling cracked and a massive figure crashed down through the smoke with a thunderous impact. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWnw9uBc81

Thick smoke billowed as the shadowy figure’s voice echoed, amused. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqQ6buHv9x

“Well, well, well... finally some humans I can actually play with!” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOZAyh1v52

Renji and Seriya both stiffened, eyes locked on the figure emerging from the haze. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SAQ3zR8OA

“I’ve been waiting days,” the voice continued, “and I’m starting to get bored of this lookout job!” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNx7F1wsmW

Leeway’s expression hardened, deadly serious. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wA0zu7B74

The smoke began to clear, revealing a towering, muscular form. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7LmnT2QWI

Maximus. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDprxypBuuQ

His grin was cold, his presence overwhelming. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UNrB3Yr8Q

Leeway’s voice was steady but filled with steel: 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzKdlNe7t1

“You’re in bad luck.” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw06XFF1ZLF

Renji whispered, awestruck, “Damn, he’s huge…” 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHhKPM8C8K

Seriya cringed, bracing herself. 725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDsZgJ49E7

The room seemed to shrink around us as the final confrontation loomed.

725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Z1pKzJBIv

725Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzlzLm66UL

88.181.249.5

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