　Birth, life, and duty within the Souls Engine. I've experienced it all, an entirely ordinary existence. And yet, how does it feel? Here I am, seated at the control panel, carrying out mundane tasks for a long time. Where is the glimmer of hope? Where are the stars of life? Without an end in sight, motivation fades away, and even my voice tone remains unchanged.

　"Soul Operator 337 here. Requesting assistance."

　"We've got multiple cracks in Middle Facility U. Immediate response required."

　"Understood. Initiating inspection of Middle Facility U."

　I said, opening the control panel. As the other party mentioned, there are indeed cracks in Middle Facility U. According to the investigation, there are three on the side. No others are found. If that's the case, this request seems like it'll be over soon.

　"Inspection complete. Found a total of three cracks. Shall we proceed with repairs?"

　"If possible."

　With the other party's request acknowledged, I quickly switched to control operations. Though the numbers are many, learning each role isn't as difficult as it seems. What matters most is the order. Get that wrong, and the results could always flip.

　"The repairs for Middle Facility U are complete."

　"Understood. Confirming the affected areas of Middle Facility U. Reconfirming... No issues found."

　"Reporting response and resolution from Soul Operator 337."

　"Thank you. Until next time."

　"...Until then."

　And so, we, the Soul Operators, steadily resolve the issues. It's an uninteresting, dull job. I wish I could hear an interesting story at least, but as a Soul Operator, I can only provide minimal responses. Do they think I dislike normal conversations? If so, it's quite disappointing.

　"Soul Operator 337 here. Requesting assistance."

　"A request...? No, I'm more interested in making a trade."

　"You're an odd one. Are you really a Soul Operator?"

　Upon hearing this, the other party couldn't contain their laughter. What's so funny? But unexpectedly, what escaped wasn't anger but laughter.

　"That's right. I'm Soul Operator 4."

　"I thought so."

　"Yeah. So, I'd like to transfer the jurisdiction of Outer Wall Area C to 337, but is that okay? Depending on the terms of the trade."

　"I'm fine with anything."

　"Really? Then how about spending some time chatting with me?"

　"Is that okay?"

　Soul Operator 4 checks with me. Perhaps it's to emphasize something. But my determination remains unchanged.

　"Yeah, I don't mind."

　"I see. 337, you're as different as I am."

　Soul Operator 4's words caught me off guard. The job of a Soul Operator, in essence, is to oversee the Souls Engine and carry out repairs. There's no consideration for anything else from the start. That's why I'm here. Why 4 is here. Though different, in terms of being irregular, we're essentially the same.

　"Maybe it was fate for us to meet each other."

　"Fate, huh? I like that term. I really do, that expression."

　"If you like it, then I'm glad. Well then."

　I need to proceed with changing the connection destination of Outer Wall Area C. I sit back in my chair, overseeing the entire control system. It's not a particularly laborious operation. After consenting to the agreement regarding the jurisdiction transfer on the display, I select the target and press the final decision button.

　"The transfer of jurisdiction is complete. Please inform me of the status of Outer Wall Area C."

　"Outer Wall Area C is under 337's jurisdiction, and the condition is generally good."

　"Thank you. It was unexpected."

　"What was unexpected?"

　"I guess the jurisdiction of Soul Operators isn't necessarily limited to facilities."

　"Of course not. It's just that no one else knows."

　Indeed. The Souls Engine itself isn't composed solely of facilities. Besides that, there must be countless other things combined. But as an entity, I only understand matters related to the facilities. So, tell me, 4.

　"What else is there besides facilities and Outer Wall Areas?"

　"All I know are devices and rooms. But I think there must be more."

　"Devices I can understand, but what are 'rooms'?"

　"I don't know either. I'd like to know, to be honest."

　"I see. If there's a chance to oversee them, then maybe those questions will be answered."

　Like how I'm overseeing Outer Wall Area for the first time now. If 4 also inherits rooms in some form, the unknown will surely become known.

　"So, maybe it's okay to wait and see?"

　"That's a good idea. I'll try that."

　"Yeah, please do. It's a wish I can't fulfill."

　"The soul is about to burn out a little more..."

　I didn't say anything. I just didn't want to end the conversation on a sad note. Is there anything I can do?

　"Soul Operator 337. Current soul level is below 10%."

　Every time I try to think, that annoying automated voice interrupts my thoughts. What should I do? What should I say? I'm desperately trying to think, but the answer doesn't come to mind.

　"Ah... Then the body will disappear."

　"I'll see it through to the end. Until the moment your soul level reaches 0."

　"I'm counting on you."

　As I replied so, 4 nodded.

　"Sure."

　"I truly appreciate it. It was a short time, but it was enjoyable."

　"I'm the one who should be thanking you."

　"Well then, it's goodbye. Farewell, Soul Operator 4."

　"Goodbye, 337."

　And so, with those final words left for 4, I found myself gradually lowering my gaze downward. The strength drained from my body. I had no will to do anything. I closed my eyes, as death began to consume my body. The only thing I thought at that moment was this: the journey of burning the soul is finally coming to an end. A definite boundary within the ever-continuing Souls Engine.

　"Soul Operator 337. Soul level has reached 0%."

　That might be what it means to be a Soul Operator.