Two-Person Galactic Journey: Earth Was Destroyed While Imprisoned in Space Prison

Chapter 124

The space tuna meteor swarm, also known as Aguares, was fully protected—at least within the Federation's sphere of influence. This occurred some time after the contaminated core was eliminated.

Since the Federation had admitted its own fault, it launched a large-scale rescue operation for Aguares to preserve its prestige. As a result, a rescue that was expected to take decades was completed in less than a year. Kait had heard that Terapolapaneshio played a major role in this.

Unfortunately, the Federation couldn't manage areas outside its sphere of influence. It transferred part of the responsibility to the Corporation, which had relatively free access to other organizations' territories. Upon detecting a response from Aguares, the Corporation would notify the Federation, which would then dispatch rescue fleets accordingly.

With the approval of Corporation President Palnesbrogia, the rescue of Aguares became part of the Corporation's operations. In times like this, having strong connections really helps.

"The message has certainly been received. I'll make sure to deliver it to Lauperia, Sixth-Rank Citizen (Ab Rag)."

'Sorry. You've taken care of me until the very end, Captain.'

As originally planned, the Fulgadonga copy was to be imprisoned within the Corporation's Aguares protection facility. There had been talk of a reduced sentence due to their achievements in the early detection and elimination of the contaminated core, but the individual in question reportedly declined.

Once Aguares evolves as a species and regains a body capable of surviving independently, that imprisonment will be lifted.

"Whether it's the end or not, I don't know. As long as Emotion and I don't give in to boredom and choose eternal rest, there's still a chance we'll meet again."

'That doesn't sound like very favorable odds.'

"Who knows? I have a feeling the Captain might live as long as a star, simply driven by curiosity or interest."

As he let Emotion's statement—whether biting or trusting—pass by, Kait watched Fulgadonga being transferred into a spherical body.

What was permitted to them was only to observe Aguares. They could not take action, nor speak a word. Merely watching Aguares being born and dying—this was the punishment imposed upon them.

"Well then, see you, Doctor."

The sphere containing Fulgadonga's consciousness was embedded into the pillar at the center of the room.

A long, long sentence was about to begin. Swallowing both hope and despair, time would pass meaninglessly and torment them.

Reunion. While it would be a major challenge for Kait and Emotion to stave off boredom until then, the greater concern was what would become of Fulgadonga, who would surely wear down in the near-eternal void. By the time the sentence ended, their very sense of self might have vanished.

"......Shall we go to Lauperia, the Sixth-Rank Citizen? A promise is a promise."

"Yes."

Kait said nothing about what lay ahead for Fulgadonga. Emotion likely felt the same. With a short reply, she quietly headed toward the room's exit.

Before leaving the room, Kait glanced back once. At the pool holding countless Aguares, and the massive pillar in the center.

A promise must be fulfilled. Though he thought it was a terribly difficult one, there wasn't a trace of regret in Kait's heart.

***

A hiss echoed.

The surrounding machinery stirred. Though he knew the long-awaited day had arrived, he felt little emotion.

He hadn't met many intelligent beings. During his time here, most had departed for eternal rest. Those who visited now were descendants of acquaintances from long ago. They likely didn't know who he was. It was always one-sided recognition on his part.

"Congratulations, Dr. Fulgadonga. Aguares has officially qualified as a Federation citizen. Accordingly, your imprisonment has ended."

The pool once teeming with Aguares was now empty. Having evolved, they had left the pool and gained the strength to call themselves Federation citizens.

Then came the sensation of being extracted from the sphere that had long housed his consciousness.

In the next moment, he found himself in a body shaped like one of those forelimb-developed beings—like that 'Captain' he had met long ago.

"Th-this is...?"

"We were asked to prepare a body you'd likely wish for. The message was to enjoy the current universe with it."

"I... see. And who left that message?"

"Well. I'm afraid I don't know."

His eyes began to function, capturing the staff's form. Who did this form resemble from his past? His long-unused memory centers began to stir.

"Also, you have a visitor over there."

"A visitor?"

"Yes. They say there's an old promise."

Turning in the indicated direction, a mechanical intelligence stood waiting.

No way. Fulgadonga instinctively reached out.

"Nice to meet you, me."

"......Ah. So you are me as well, Lauperia."

Lauperia. The only one of their kind who had accomplished what Fulgadonga could not.

One who had lost their memories, lost their role, and simply followed their own heart to guide the people of Itae. To Fulgadonga, Lauperia shone dazzlingly bright.

"Thank you for staying safe. And thank you for guiding Itae."

"Yes, and thank you—for not breaking."

The outstretched hand was gently grasped.

In that moment, all of Fulgadonga was finally rewarded.