‘…Is that the Singularity?’
The blonde woman, her blue eyes gleaming, watched as something resembling a jelly wobbled over.
With a gentle smile despite her frosty aura, she approached, holding the woman’s hand.
As she observed this, doubts began to rise in her mind.
She intellectually understood the greatness of the Singularity. Before coming, she had meticulously read all the available information.
Plus, she had been warned repeatedly by her superiors to be especially cautious. And if possible, they had mentioned recruiting it, though she herself doubted the legitimacy of such a proposition.
Accepting this invitation in the first place practically implied she believed no such recruitment would succeed.
Though, of course, there was always the possibility that the offer was too enticing to refuse.
And perhaps ‘those above’ were counting on that.
Still, even if that were true…
‘…How exactly do they expect me to recruit a Singularity?’
It was an extraordinarily difficult order.
After all, to them, a Singularity was never something to recruit.
It was about encountering it.
Going through various processes to secure it.
Imprisoning it to prevent escape and observing it while extracting whatever useful insights it might grant—a unilateral relationship, almost embarrassing to label as such.
It wasn’t much different from the joke about some company locking an alien in its basement, torturing it for technology.
Moreover, it was unclear if communication was possible, and ultimately, much of the help provided came with hidden costs. Even the genuinely beneficial aspects were less about aiding humanity and more about coincidental alignment.
Take, for instance, the Singularity absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
This was simply part of its life processes, not an act for the benefit of humans. It just so happened that the amount of oxygen released was suitable.
‘…Maybe it’s akin to discovering something new in nature.’
The Singularity was savage and demanding, much like nature, which didn’t communicate and could never be said to be truly tamed. Despite humanity’s boasts of conquering nature, it was humankind that would inevitably fall in the end.
There were still countless secrets yet to uncover. Perhaps the Singularity was one such secret of nature.
Such uncertainties were disheartening.
The “Jin Lime” Singularity was reputed to collaborate with humans, protect them, and even govern other Singularities. But the essence of what a Singularity was didn’t change.
It was like asking a tree if it would be okay to cut it down to just the stump. How absurd.
‘…The problem is, they’re actually doing it. And not exaggerating the results either.’
The woman, seated, watched Han Seori as she ate dessert alongside Lime.
Han Seori was likely the one most involved in handling Lime.
‘So this is it.’
Recruiting the humans handling the Singularities might be faster than trying to recruit the Singularities themselves.
Though this thought occurred to her, the woman handed dessert to Han Seori and Lime.
Watching Lime closely, she noticed a peculiar charm that made it hard to look away, though she was also intent on gathering information.
‘It must be because it’s the target.’
Though she kept telling herself this, over the long flight, watching Lime extend and flop about like a video game slime made her smile uncontrollably.
‘Focusing on the handler is likely the better approach, but attempts should still be made.’
With a clearing of her throat, the woman checked that Han Seori was sound asleep. Then, balancing a tray of desserts, she took a step toward Lime.
Perhaps aware of her approach, even in its molten-like state, Lime straightened up and focused on her.
“Gulp.”
Unconsciously swallowing, tension gripped her. She hadn’t anticipated this initially malleable being could become so sharp.
Attempting a casual and friendly approach was difficult under the tension.
‘A Singularity is a Singularity after all.’
She signaled she meant no harm by holding the tray with one hand and raising the other above her head.
Upon recognizing this, Jin Lime, the Singularity, softened, no longer bristling like a hedgehog.
‘Curious.’
Relieved, she smiled and placed the tray on the nearby table, containing selections Lime had previously responded well to during their earlier encounter.
Noticing this, Lime’s expression relaxed.
It appeared the dessert was a nice diversion during what must have been a dull time.
‘…How cute.’
Huh, what was she thinking?
Snap out of it! The creature before her ate countless Singularities!
Ah.
Look at how Lime, with those soft and tiny hands, delicately ate. She had a niece just as cute.
Despite her outward impassive face, internally, her thoughts were chaotic.
Under her intense gaze, Lime, feeling it while eating, hesitated for a moment, then offered her a dessert it hadn’t finished.
“Hm? Are you giving this to me?”
Hesitating briefly,
Upon hearing the woman’s voice, Lime trembled but offered no response.
‘Hmm… Is it that it only reacts to the voice of the sleeping woman?’
It wasn’t clear.
In any case, it seemed to be sharing dessert, so the woman accepted with a faint smile and took a bite.
“Thank you, it’s delicious.”
Upon her words, Lime nodded approvingly, much like a child pleased with newly acquired knowledge.
In contrast to the now softened Lime, the woman observing it grew serious.
‘It doesn’t seem entirely unreactive.’
Why didn’t it respond earlier?
She couldn’t discern the reason.
‘In any case.’
This seemed sufficient for now. Just realizing it didn’t immediately go adversarial was a significant gain.
‘…We still have time.’
The woman decided to patiently wait.
Returning to her seat, she recorded the desserts Lime enjoyed in her notebook and resumed observing it.
“Lime… Lime!”
Huh?
Where am I?
Her vision brightened as she sensed the jelly-like vibrations. The voice calling her must have been Han Seori.
…After all, she’s the only one who speaks Korean around here.
Before falling asleep, a pretty older sister approached and… it was a bit scary.
Speaking in English, but how was she supposed to know what was being said?
It’s Han Seori’s fault for ignoring me and falling asleep.
“Lime, you’re awake?”
And yet, despite that, Han Seori looked refreshingly awake.
Phew… glad some words I know came out; otherwise, it would’ve been an international incident!
“Hmm… Is something wrong? Did you have a nightmare? Is it the first time you’re flying…?”
H-Hey! Don’t treat me like some country bumpkin! It IS the first time!
Feeling a bit sulky, she glanced at Han Seori. The thought crossed her mind to unleash some jelly but calmed when noticing the soft parts of her pretty face up close.
Cough… That blonde sister who approached earlier was quite impressive too.
She must be the epitome of ‘Great America,’ I guess.
…Unnecessarily embarrassed, she focused her view out the window.
We must be about to land, which is why she woke me, right?
Then, could I see the Statue of Liberty?
…I heard it’s in America, but where exactly?
Tsk. I’ve never been, so it’s fine to not remember, right? Though I did know it at some point, just not right now.
Still, it wasn’t visible. Either it was already passed or not visible from here.
Maybe the Singularity ran away somewhere.
Ha ha, unlikely.
…No, it wouldn’t, right?
…In that case, maybe we should congratulate the Statue of Liberty on its newfound freedom journey?
Ah, but if it did, it would have made headlines!
Still, it was a little disappointing not to see it.
Won’t there be another chance to see it later? Or if I ask, could I see it on the way back?
While nodding her head, a loud sound signaled the runway and air traffic control tower outside her window.
Observing the airport while landing made her suspect they were using some exclusive facility.
Soon enough, the plane stopped, and a figure approached, speaking in English.
Ah, I’m fine, thank you… and you…?
Han Seori chatted with the newcomer, occasionally pressing her forehead, then nodded.
What did they say that made her react that way?
It’s the same as watching others communicate with someone who doesn’t understand Jelly.
Still, it was fine.
I have Han Seori after all.
“Hmm, seems like we’ll stop here to refuel before taking off again.”
Wait… So we’re not done yet?
How big is this country, anyway?
“Since it’ll take some time, should we take a look around? I’ve got permission already. You’ll probably have to ride in the carrier though.”
Looks like this place isn’t safe enough for Singularities to stroll around freely yet.
Still, after coming this far, staying cooped up in the plane would be a waste.
Maybe when we reach the research facility or wherever, we won’t be able to go sightseeing?
Perhaps this is our last chance?
She nodded, and for the first time in a while, boarded the carrier with the open window.
It felt surprisingly cozy after a while.
Except…
…Maybe because I last rode it with other jellies?
It felt a little wider this time.
