　Sometimes, I feel like it's all a lie. That my ancestors ruined their homeland, and that we’re migrating, searching for a new place to live. But I don't think everything is a lie. My existence is real here, and the "Souls Engine" is indeed heading somewhere right now.

　Moreover, I can't live without the "Souls Engine." And the "Souls Engine" can't function without Soul Operators like me. You could say it’s a co-dependent relationship.

　But the truth is, I don’t want this relationship. If I were to admit it, it would mean I'm living for the "Souls Engine." I don't want that. I want to live for myself, not for anyone else, and certainly not for the "Souls Engine." I’ve decided to live my life as myself until the very end. No more running away.

　"Soul Operator 421, And you are?"

　"Soul Operator 75 here. You could call me the overseer of the apparatus."

　"The apparatus, huh? So, what’s the matter?"

　I asked, and there was a brief pause from the other side.

　"I’d like to transfer control of Apparatus A to you, 421."

　"Sure. Sending a request for Apparatus A’s information. Beginning the transfer preparations."

　"Thanks. I’ve sent the basic info on Apparatus A for now."

　"Next is the transfer stage, right? Check the display."

　I selected Apparatus A. As soon as I accepted the final agreement, a new burden weighed on my body. No doubt, the result of the accelerated burning of my soul. My body isn't literally burning, but the way it's reacting to the heat makes me feel like I'm glowing brighter than ever.

　"The transfer is complete. Thanks for your hard work."

　"Same to you. You really helped me out."

　"Glad to hear it. See you around, Soul Operator 75."

　"Yeah. See you. I’m really sorry."

　Those were the last words from Soul Operator 75. He had burned out his soul completely, erasing his existence.

　"Soul Operator 75's invalid reaction detected."

　"Automatic termination of contact mode."

　As proof, the communication channel with 75 was now unusable. Of course, soon enough, a new soul would take up the role of Soul Operator 75. But as just another number, I can’t help but feel a bit of emptiness.

　Just a number, nothing more. Even that number isn’t unique, it's shared. Is this really okay? Is this all there is?

　"If only I had a name, things might have been different."

　Soul Operators are called by numbers, without any unique names. In other words, we’re just pawns. That’s why no one expects us to pursue our individuality. But even so, I want to find a reason to keep burning my soul.

　"The remaining soul level is… 31%."

　Can I find that reason before I burn out? Honestly, I'm starting to feel anxious. But if I don't face it now, reaching the answer will be nothing more than a distant dream.

　"Soul Operator 421, And you are?"

　"I’m Soul Operator 260. I don’t know what to do."

　"A problem? Or something else?"

　"Probably a problem. I need you to tell me the basics of the controls."

　The basics of the controls, huh? I remember feeling completely lost in the beginning too, asking other Soul Operators to teach me from scratch.

　"Alright. I won’t say this twice, so listen closely."

　"Of course. I’m all ears."

　Despite the situation, 260’s voice sounded calm. Maybe he had already accepted the fact that he’d be burning his soul. I glanced at the controls around my cockpit and decided to explain them, starting with the different types.

　"Okay, let’s start with the controls. The Soul Operator’s cockpit has hundreds of controls. The main types are displays, levers, and buttons."

　Of course, there are other controls like switches, but I’ve never used them, so unfortunately, I can't explain those.

　"And using those, the Soul Operator responds to requests from either the residents of the Souls Engine or other Soul Operators. Most of the time, it’s about troubleshooting or transferring control, but if you’re ever unsure, activate the guide mode. To do that, press the angular, colorless icon on the display three times or more."

　Then, 260’s voice came back with a hint of surprise.

　"Three times?"

　"Yes. Apparently, the guide mode speeds up soul combustion, so they’ve made it harder to activate by mistake."

　"But in the end, we just burn out, right?"

　It felt like 260 was implying, “Then it’s pointless.” At first, you might think it’s a useless feature. But as your soul continues to burn, every Soul Operator comes to deeply appreciate it.

　"Yes. Eventually, it all ends."

　"Then why did the Souls Engine even add something like that?"

　I had no answer for 260’s question. But…

　"Maybe you’d get your answer if you asked the ones who built this spaceship."

　"Yeah… I guess so."

　I feel like I’m on the verge of finding my reason for burning my soul.

　"So, do your best to live. To feel alive. To not regret living."

　"Not bad. Burning your soul for life, huh?"

　"Right? Memorizing the controls is just a way to do that."

　I hope he memorizes them quickly, and as much as he can. The more he remembers, the more efficiently he can burn his soul and prolong his life.

　"Memorize the roles of the controls. Buttons are used for communication, transferring control, and handling various issues. Especially for starting, ending, and confirming things. To prevent miss operation, you always need to hold the button down or press several in a sequence."

　"Can you give me an example? I can’t picture it without one."

　260 was right; there’s no way he’d understand without concrete examples.

　"Let's say you want to prolong some equipment’s lifespan. In that case, you press a button that’s surrounded by a very dark border and has a faint, translucent color to make it glow. Then…"

　"Soul Operator 421. Current soul level is below 10%."

　"The soul combustion rate speeds up drastically, and the lifespan of the equipment is extended ever so slightly."

　"And after that? What happens after that?"

　"That’s the end." "What?"

　"Soul Operator 421. Soul level has reached 0%."

　"The burned-out soul quietly disappears. Just like that, with someone watching over you."

　"I see. I think I kind of understand now." "Is that so…"

　I didn’t need to ask what he had understood. Judging by 260’s reaction, it wasn’t necessary. In the end, we will all be acknowledged by someone when we face our end.

　"I’ll take it from here, 421."

　After that, I could no longer hear 260’s voice. Had my ability to recognize sound already vanished? But that didn’t matter. It was okay.

"Soul Operator 421's invalid reaction detected."

　Because I lived as myself, for someone else.