Chapter 27
"Hmm... This is certainly impressive."
Somewhere within the Federation's central star cluster.
Everyone gathered in the hall-like space was watching the footage projected on the large screen with eyes filled with admiration and envy.
The group consisted of a wide variety of species and ages. At a glance, no common traits could be identified.
"To think he could operate Di-Kigaia Zarmos with output comparable to that of the Terapolapaneshio. And he hasn't even undergone training, has he?"
"Indeed. I heard his body modification was completed only recently."
A light stir spread through the crowd. The footage on the screen showed the recent battle on Earth between Queen Bee and Divin's fleet.
They—members of the 'Research Society for Physical Interference through Will Projection into External Space'—all admired the power wielded by the Terapolapaneshio and chose to model their own body modifications after that ability.
Though their output didn't come close to the original Terapolapaneshio, through diverse training, they had achieved some degree of power growth. Even the Terapolapaneshio themselves highly valued the research society's efforts and were said to be supporting their research.
"Apparently, on that planet... Earth, the power used by the Terapolapaneshio was originally defined and referred to as 'psychic power.'"
"Really. So they already had the concept. Perhaps their species is inherently gifted."
"I've also heard there was something on that planet that caught the attention of the Terapolapaneshio. That legendary scene where all individuals gathered—I wish I could have seen it up close."
"Me too."
"Same here."
Perhaps because not a single Earthling belonged to the research society, their speculation kept drifting in strange directions. For them, who revered the Space jellyfish, even the mass arrival of Space jellyfish—which had driven many Earthlings insane—was seen as nothing more than an enviable event.
With no one to correct their misunderstanding, the theory that Earthlings were born with psychic talent gradually took hold in their conversations as if it were fact.
"If Earthlings are indeed a species with such talent, I wouldn't hesitate to have my body re-modified to match their composition..."
"Indeed. I've always wished to obtain a body like the Terapolapaneshio, but was told it was difficult due to species traits. If Earthlings have the talent, I wouldn't mind abandoning this body either."
"True. However, it might just be that Kait, Third-Class Citizen (Enec Lagif), is uniquely talented. We must judge carefully."
"Then what should we do? Should someone try re-modifying to an Earthling composition?"
"...If it fails, we'll have to revert it, right?"
"Hmm..."
The biggest reason psychic power wasn't popular for body modification among Federation citizens was its instability. The second reason was its clearly lower output compared to the original Space jellyfish.
In reality, a psychic who couldn't even control Di-Kigaia Zarmos was less capable than an ordinary citizen modified with micro-machines.
In short, the members of the research society were always broke because their talents weren't in demand within the Federation labor market.
Though the Federation had completely solved resource issues, hobbies like this tended to be expensive.
Amidst all this, one individual who had been quietly listening raised their front leg.
"Now, hold on. I have a brilliant idea."
"A brilliant idea?"
"Yes. A good method to confirm Earthlings' talent without using our own assets."
"...Let's hear the details."
***
Artificial satellite Abakia.
Over 600,000 Earthlings were undergoing body modification in sequence.
The most popular option was enhancement through micro-machine implantation. Second was full-body mechanization. Rarely, some requested special modifications such as genetic-level conversion to another species' body composition.
Naturally, there were also eccentrics who requested the same modification Kait had undergone.
"Now, wait, Earthling. This modification is heavily influenced by the individual's mental state. To put it simply, it's dangerous."
"The first modification is free, but from the second onward, you'll be charged. We recommend trying something else first, saving up for two procedures, and then giving it a shot."
"It'll be too late once you regret it. I won't say anything bad—just choose a different modification."
Perhaps to avoid repeating what happened with Kait, there were no Terapolapaneshio among the staff at Abakia. Their iron will to prevent dangerous interception was evident.
Thanks to that, nearly all Earthlings were choosing modification plans other than acquiring psychic power. Ritimiele and the others' plan was coming to fruition.
Except in one place.
***
"Tch."
George Hexa walked down the corridor with a pout.
He was one of those who had been taken aboard Divin's ship during the battle with Queen Bee.
Cramped into a spot near the window at the edge of the ship, he had clearly witnessed the fighter crafts destroying one Divin ship after another.
Kait, Third-Class Citizen. An Earthling who had obtained high-ranking Federation citizenship and used psychic power to crush an alien super-civilization.
It was like something out of an old comic. Young George desperately wanted to choose the same modification plan as Kait. But unfamiliar aliens kept pressuring him under the guise of persuasion. George was deeply frustrated that he couldn't push through his desired plan.
Just then, a dog came walking from the other end of the corridor. It looked like a dog, but of a breed he'd never seen before. As George stared, the dog opened its mouth.
"You must be George Hexa."
"A-A talking dog!?"
"I'm not a dog. I'm Dungima. I came to fulfill your wish."
"Wish? You mean..."
"Psychic power... You want to try it, don't you?"
Words that pierced through the confusion in his mind upon meeting a talking dog. George forgot his surprise and looked back at Dungima.
"H-How do you..."
"I, too, can use minor psychic power. With the same wish... I can at least read such a heart."
"I-I can use psychic power too?"
"Yes. If you don't like it, I'll cover the cost of your re-modification. There's no risk to you... So, what do you say?"
"W-Why go that far?"
Joy, and at the same time, anxiety.
In response to George's question, Dungima nodded as if to say he understood.
"You know of Kait, Third-Class Citizen, right?"
"O-Of course. He's the pride of us Earthlings."
"Indeed. His psychic power is tremendous. It rivals even that of the original wielder, the Terapolapaneshio. We want to determine whether that talent is common among Earthlings, or unique to Kait, Third-Class Citizen."
"So, you want me to...?"
"Exactly. If you have the talent, great. If not, we'll re-modify you. Our interests align."
"I-I understand... I'll accept your proposal."
George gently grasped Dungima's extended right front leg, as if shaking hands.
***
Some time later.
"No good. Even as an Earthling, the talent seems completely different."
"I see. So it really is Kait, Third-Class Citizen's unique talent."
Voices mingled with disappointment and joy.
Dungima stretched out on a chair, dejectedly operating a terminal.
Displayed on the screen was George's post-modification data.
Unfortunately, the results showed he could only produce output comparable to the research society members.
"George was happy to use it at first, but eventually realized the truth. He underwent re-modification using micro-machines."
"...Still, I'm surprised you had a connection at Abakia."
"I reached out to Ritimiele, Fourth-Class Citizen (Darda Elra). I thought it would be wise to confirm."
Though of different species, Dungima and Ritimiele were friends from the same homeland. Knowing that Ritimiele had doubts about Earthlings' compatibility with psychic power, Dungima took this opportunity to argue the need for confirmation. The discussion went smoother than expected, and Dungima, who could read minds a little, took the lead in persuasion.
"Ritimiele, Fourth-Class Citizen, is relieved, and we got the answers we wanted. It's a win-win."
"It's disappointing, but yes. We must not take the easy path."
Someone exhaled with a soft sigh.
The footage still showed the battle scene between Queen Bee and Divin's fleet.
The topic of the day was whether to rename the research society to 'Psychic Power Research Society.'
So far, the majority were in favor.