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

Chapter 205

Chapter 205

Regarding the repair of the giant beast, personnel would later be dispatched from the Federation. No one knew how it had been constructed, but with Federation technology, a full restoration should be easy.

In any case, it was true that they had destroyed the giant beast operated by the underground Smallfolk. From their perspective, it was tantamount to a declaration of war. Whether to invite them into the Federation or keep a distance, it was necessary to meet with them as soon as possible.

"So that's why you brought the two of them?"

'Exactly. Rutimi De, Fourth-Rank Citizen (Darda Elra), is the representative of the Smallfolk, and Adie Ze, Fifth-Rank Citizen (Alto Romia), is said to be the initiator of this matter. I believe they are the perfect choices to bring along.'

"I see."

Rutimi De and Adie Ze were currently in conversation with the local Smallfolk. The local representative was Borno-kki. His younger brother, Parna-kki, was apparently one of the Smallfolk Kait had rescued.

They could hear the conversation, meaning the translation function had finally been fully upgraded. Kait decided to take the plunge and speak to them.

"When did you all come to the surface?"

"We don't know. We've heard our ancestors committed some crime and were cast out, but we've never met them."

"I see. Do you know where the other Smallfolk are...?"

"We were born and raised in this settlement. We don't know of any other places."

So their culture had been completely severed. The settlement was beneath a rock. They had dug some soil and lived underneath it. Using the rock like an umbrella, they hid from predators.

They had chosen a different way of life from Rutimi De and the others. Even after coming to the surface, the stories of living underground and being exiled had been passed down. But that was it. They had no thoughts of returning underground or seeking revenge. Rather—

"The people of this settlement wish to migrate to the Federation. Though we differ in living on trees or the surface, they are our kin. Please, show them compassion."

Rutimi De bowed her head to Terapolapaneshio first. Adie Ze hurriedly followed. Terapolapaneshio showed no particular reaction. The silent floating of the Space jellyfish made one wonder if it was even listening.

Watching from the side, Kait had already sensed that such a choice couldn't be made at this point. That was because Borno-kki and the others were a faction exiled from underground. If the underground Smallfolk sought friendly relations with the Federation, accepting Borno-kki and the others could potentially cause problems.

"Either way, we can't make progress without first making contact with the underground, right?"

'Indeed. You're right, Kait, Third-Rank Citizen (Enec Lagif). The dominant intelligent species on this planet appears to be the underground Smallfolk. The issue is how they view their kin living on the surface.'

"So it comes to that, huh."

Rutimi De had likely anticipated that Terapolapaneshio would make such a decision. She showed no sign of disappointment. After all, she had returned to this planet to negotiate with the underground Smallfolk, so the order of events probably didn't matter to her.

"It can't be helped. We're heading underground as well, so the decision can come afterward. But in the meantime, I'd like to ask that you guarantee their physical safety."

'Hmm... That's—'

"I ask for a humanitarian judgment. They may not be our kin, but it is a fact that they are 'Smallfolk of Ramadite.' Until their status is determined, the Federation should be responsible for ensuring their safety."

'You're right, that is correct.'

As expected of the Smallfolk representative. She didn't back down even against Terapolapaneshio. Kait saw for the first time Terapolapaneshio being out-argued in a place unrelated to the Earth jellyfish.

With this, Rutimi De could ensure the safety of Borno-kki and the others while focusing on negotiations with the underground.

Just as the conversation reached that point, Kait realized something fundamental.

"So, how exactly do we get to the underground?"

"...Huh?"

'Hm?'

"Ah..."

That question left everyone speechless. Had no one thought about it?

Borno-kki and the others had been born and raised in this settlement. They didn't even know how they had come to the surface. Kait tried asking just in case, but as expected, they didn't know.

They had no idea how deep it was, how wide it was—nothing.

"...Dig?"

"I see."

By the time they finished digging, a new generation would probably have taken over.

Seeing how utterly unprepared they were, Kait let out a small sigh.

***

Parna-kki had spoken of the fact that they'd been exiled from underground. That likely became the basis for Rutimi De and the others to successfully sway the Federation Congress. In fact, when Rutimi De and the others were protected by the Federation, all the Smallfolk living on the surface of Ramadite were taken in. Even those from different groups.

In other words, the current state of Smallfolk living on the surface was extremely unnatural from the Federation's perspective. Either another species had evolved into Smallfolk, or those who had been living elsewhere had emerged onto the surface. Realistically, the latter was far more likely. Borno-kki and the others resembled Rutimi De and her group enough to warrant that conclusion.

Even from Kait's perspective, the two groups looked very much alike. He thought it wouldn't be strange if their biology had changed to better suit the underground, but preconceived notions lead to misjudgment, so he kept it as speculation. Perhaps even the underground Smallfolk emerged from other places to reach the surface.

"A means to reach the underground, huh."

Faced with this unexpected challenge, Kait looked up to the sky and scratched his head.

He didn't want to take the easiest route. If they asked Terapolapaneshio to use Di-Kigaia Zarmos, they could probably dig down instantly. But that would likely cause massive destruction to the underground Smallfolk's habitat. They might even mistake it as an act of total war.

They had already destroyed the giant beast. They shouldn't provoke the underground Smallfolk any further. Thinking that, Kait looked at the remains of the giant beast he had destroyed.

"...Ah."

Then he realized. There was one place that connected to the underground.

'What's the matter, Kait, Third-Rank Citizen?'

Without answering Terapolapaneshio's question, Kait walked over to the remains of the giant beast.

Pulling at the still-elastic skin, he searched for that spot.

"Found it."

"Captain, what did you find...?"

"This. The path that leads to the underground."

What Kait pointed to was the tail of the giant beast. Still buried in the ground, and considering its function, it was only natural to assume it connected to the underground.

"A tree transport route?"

"Correct, Emotion. The trees the giant beast swallowed probably passed through here and were sent underground. I don't know how far it goes, but there's no doubt it connects to the underground Smallfolk's habitat."

"That makes sense!"

In fact, despite its gluttony, not a single tree trunk had come out of the beast's stomach. No digestive fluids had leaked from the hole-ridden carcass either, so it likely hadn't digested anything on the surface.

If they went through this tail, they could enter the underground Smallfolk's territory. Or rather, this tail was the only clue that led to the underground. Terapolapaneshio was the last resort, so it shouldn't be used from the start.

"The underground, huh. I wonder what it's like down there."

"Will you accompany us as well, Kait, Third-Rank Citizen!?"

"Well, I'm already on board, so to speak. Rutimi De, I'll be counting on you."

Rutimi De seemed deeply moved.

With a wry smile, Kait cut open the flesh near the giant beast's tail. As expected, the tail wasn't bone but a hollow passage.

Just as he was about to step into the narrower-than-expected hole, someone gently grabbed his shoulder. He turned to find it was Emotion.

"Please wait, Captain."

"What is it?"

"I believe it's best if you don't proceed beyond this point, Captain."

"Why not?"

What was she saying all of a sudden?

To the puzzled Kait, Emotion calmly delivered an irrefutable point.

"It's the underground Smallfolk's territory, right? No matter how tall the buildings are, I doubt their entrances are taller than you, Captain."

"!?"

The Smallfolk were about the same height as the spherical Emotion—around thirty centimeters.

He might be able to stand in the underground residential area, but entering buildings would likely be impossible.

Kait had no words to counter Emotion's suggestion to give up.