　In the vast expanse of the unseen universe, the "Soul Engine" is moving at an unbelievable speed. Over 400 Soul Operators control its movement, and I am one of them...

　"Hello, this is Soul Operator 272. What's the matter?"

"There's a minor malfunction in the energy system of Economy Facility A. Please identify the cause and restore it promptly."

　"Understood. I will investigate the cause of the malfunction in Economy Facility A."

　I maintain contact mode and search for the Soul Operator responsible for Economy Facility A on the display in front of me. Soul Operator 45. That's the one overseeing Economy Facility A.

　"Identified the overseer of Economy Facility A. Initiating a bioscan."

　I manipulate the controls and scan the bio-reaction of Soul Operator 45. The result shows a weak reaction, evidence that their life force is fading.

　"Cause identified. Temporarily transferring control to Soul Operator 272."

　"Thank you. Visual confirmation of full recovery is complete."

　"Soul Operator 272 has handled the situation."

　I end contact mode and return to regular operator duties. I am responsible for Middle Facility N and, newly assigned, the energy supply to Economy Facility A, where the source of energy is created by burning souls.

　"Soul Operator 272. Recommend transferring jurisdiction of Economy Facility A."

　Following the machine-guided instructions, I search for Soul Operators eligible to take over. There are a dozen or so candidates. Whether I continue to oversee it or delegate to another Soul Operator, it doesn't seem to matter. However, if I handle it, the speed of soul combustion will become abnormal.

　After some hesitation, I narrow down the candidates to one Soul Operator.

　"Soul Operator 169 will take over. What's the matter?"

　"This is Soul Operator 272. Requesting permission to transfer jurisdiction of Economy Facility A to Soul Operator 169."

　"Permission granted. Please wait for the connection to be changed."

　The response from Soul Operator 169 reassures me. If Soul Operators exceed their capacity to oversee without issues, the rate of soul consumption accelerates.

　"Jurisdiction transferred. Soul Operator 169 is connected."

　"Connection confirmed. Thank you for your cooperation."

　"Soul Operator 169's handling is now complete."

　As soon as these words are spoken, Soul Operator 169 cuts off communication with me. It's not surprising; using controls shortens our lifespan. We Soul Operators dislike unnecessary conversations.

　I don't want to die. I want to live a little longer. That desire sharpens my mind abnormally. Is there anything unusual? I focus on every control—display, lever, button—to be ready to react to anything.

　No significant changes. However, I knew that peace wouldn't last forever. Something is coming. My intuition tells me so.

　"Soul Operator count temporarily decreased. Soul Operator 272, assigned as the temporary connection to Economy Facility S."

　As Economy Facility S connects automatically, I feel a sudden increase in an unexpected burden—a sensation of heaviness in my body. The power load is clearly different from previous facilities. I wonder who among the Soul Operators was supplying the power. I don't need to know now.

　Instead, I examine my remaining soul. Last time it was at 79%. What about now? The display shows a lower number, so low that I want to look away.

　"Soul Operator 272. Current soul remaining: 15%."

　But the realization isn't strong. There's no physical discomfort, and my reactions are normal. Because nothing changes, the fear of death doesn't sprout. Is something wrong? Maybe it's just me. But that's okay. Each Soul Operator has diverse ways of living and values. If each Soul Operator can be proud of that...

　"That's fine..."

　I mutter to myself, focusing my attention on the controls as if waiting for something. Without thinking about anything, just directing my consciousness toward it.

　"Soul Operator increase confirmed. Soul Operator 272, strong recommendation for transferring jurisdiction of Economy Facility S."

　A strong recommendation—a warning. If I don't execute it immediately, my lifespan will rapidly approach zero.

　"Soul Operator 272. Current soul level is below 10%."

　My soul is dwindling. I want to express gratitude to the one who helped, but they are already gone. Nevertheless, I have the awareness of being a Soul Operator. I have a sense of responsibility. Until this soul burns out completely, I won't forget.

　"Soul Operator 272 here."

　"Yes, Soul Operator 108 responding."

"I request the jurisdiction transfer of Economy Facility S to Soul Operator 108."

　"What do you mean..."

　"Soul Operator 272. Soul remaining is below 4%."

　My intention not understood by Soul Operator 108, I clarify.

　"My lifespan is about to end. That's why I want to entrust the jurisdiction of Economy Facility S to Soul Operator 108."

　"Wait a moment. Even if you suddenly say that, I don't know how to change the connection..."

　"Follow the guide's instructions. That's all."

　"Soul Operator 272. Soul level has reached 0%."

　"You understand."

　"Huh?"

　Hearing Soul Operator 108's confusion through contact mode, I observe my own body disappearing. Is this what it means to die? It's surprisingly pleasant. What will happen to my soul now? Wandering, reincarnation, annihilation... None of them feel right. As expected.

　"Economy Facility S has been selected as the new connection for Soul Operator 108."

　"Soul Operator 272's invalid reaction detected."

　"Automatic termination of contact mode."

　Staying here seems to be the most like myself.