　I don't know when the "Souls Engine" began wandering through space. Born inside this spacecraft, raised within it, it's beyond my knowledge. But now, I sit in the pilot seat, continuously manipulating numerous controls as a gesture of gratitude.

　Understanding and mastering all these controls is truly difficult. Yet, there's no instructor-like figure here. So, if I were to become a Soul Operator, I'd have to learn from other Soul Operators while verifying things myself. Even then, amidst it all, the soul keeps burning incessantly. It's cruel and sad, but that's the merciless reality imposed on us, the Soul Operators.

　"Soul Operator 31 here. What's the issue?"

　No response from the other end. I listen attentively and try again.

　"Soul Operator 31, standing by. Is there something you need?"

　"Please help, the energy system's wiring is exposed!"

　I grasp the situation. It's not frequent but not uncommon either. After all, it's a massive spaceship piloted by countless generations. With prolonged use, issues inevitably arise.

　"First, please calm down."

　"I will... Yes, I'm okay now."

　"Alright, please tell me the name of the system. Once confirmed, I'll proceed."

　"It's Economy Facility P."

　Economy Facility P. I knew a lot about this facility. It's very close to the core of the "Souls Engine," with a vast network of wires, much more than other facilities, supplying immense energy, like veins.

　"The mentioned trouble has been confirmed."

　"What should I do?"

　"I'll handle the troubleshooting, please wait until the response is complete."

　"Understood. I'll wait calmly."

　"Thank you for your cooperation."

　While I responded, I eyed the surrounding controls. Honestly, I have no idea which control handles the repair of exposed wires. Oh well. At an impasse, I decided to resort to the last resort - the guidance.

　"Maintain contact mode. Initiating guide mode."

　Guide mode provides appropriate instructions. The voice is clear, but during guide mode, the soul burns faster than in contact mode, so I hesitate to use it unless necessary. It's almost a final resort.

　"Guide mode initialization complete. Beginning optimal guidance based on linked soul information."

　The clear, mechanical voice fulfills its role as a guide. I follow its instructions, operating several controls sequentially.

　"Guide guidance has concluded. Automatic termination of guide mode initiated."

　Guide mode ends, leaving only contact mode. I'm not sure if the other party could hear the guide's voice through contact mode. But through clear communication, I convey that the issue has been resolved.

　"The troubleshooting is done, please confirm."

　"It's repaired. Everything's fine now."

　"Troubleshooting resolved. Ending communication."

　"Soul Operator 31 has addressed the issue." I never say such phrases. It's like a predetermined expression. Without my own touch, there's no point in facing the end in the pilot seat. If I'm destined to burn out, then it's not a bad thing to verbalize my presence and tell someone.

　"Soul Operator 31. Current soul level is 38%."

　Looking at the display, it's evident the soul is depleting. The earlier 60% seems like a lie, as the data informs me of the truth.

　"To die soon. Yet I'm not bewildered by the impending reality.

　"Soul Operator 31. Trouble? Jurisdiction transfer?"

　"Trouble. Premium Facility K is partially damaged. Requesting repair."

　"Repair of Premium Facility K. Currently addressing."

　I respond and handle the control for repairing the damaged facility, channeling all required energy from the burning soul to Premium Facility K.

　"Partial damage has been resolved."

　"Indeed. Your swift response was appreciated."

　"Thank you. If there's anything else, contact a Soul Operator."

　"Yes. Thank you for your future assistance."

　Without further inquiry, I quietly disconnect the communication. As a Soul Operator, life is precious. Time is precious. But if there's nothing to cherish. Or if not an existence as a Soul Operator, then perhaps indulging in idle talk is fine.

　"Soul Operator 31. Current soul level is below 10%."

　A warning sound, a rough signal. Even without being informed, I understand myself the best. There's no need to fear or wait for death.

　"Soul Operator 31. What about you?"

　"Soul Operator 406 here. Can I request jurisdiction transfer?"

　"Not possible. Soul level is currently below 10%."

　Suddenly, Soul Operator 406 communicates via contact mode. Their voice seems startled.

　"What facilities does Soul Operator 31 control?"

　"Only Energy Core Facility X, no other regular facilities."

　"Understood. Please reassign temporary connection for Energy Core Facility X to me."

　"Will change the connection. A moment's waiting."

　"Of course, I'm prepared for that."

　I swiftly make the change and inform 406 of it in a monotone voice.

　"Temporary connection is now assigned to Soul Operator 406."

　"Confirmation received. Ending the temporary connection reassignment process."

　"Thank you. Farewell."

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

　"Thank you indeed. I won't forget you."

　"Nor will I forget you. Goodbye, Soul Operator 31."

　Disappearing as if melting away, under the watch of Soul Operator 406. This way, death isn't frightening. As a Soul Operator, as me before that. Looking back, there were many events. Ah, until we meet again.

　"Soul Operator 31's invalid reaction detected."

　"Automatic termination of contact mode."

　Maybe one day I'll become a Soul Operator again.