Escape from the asteroid belt

Yatagarasu and Fubuki began slowly retreating, careful not to provoke the strange jellyfish.

As the two ships retreated, the strange jellyfish crept forward step by step.

"Shin nosuke, isn't this getting dangerous?"

"Regardless, don't provoke it. Either way, hitting such a tiny target with gunfire is extremely difficult. We can barely manage to lay down a barrage, and even that won't be effective. Just keep retreating slowly."

Avoiding the asteroid, they retreated, while the alien jellyfish followed at a steady distance.

Tension upon tension stretched on endlessly.

"Andy, increase your retreat speed slightly and pull ahead to disengage. Can you do that?"

"Of course I can, but are you sure? Leaving behind Shinnosuke and the others?"

"That's not a concern. What worries me more is your fatigue."

Currently, the Yatagarasu carries Shinnosuke, Marks, Millena, Madelia, and Ira.

In contrast, the Fubuki has only Andy, Elen, and Seira aboard.

Moreover, right now Andy is the only one on the Fubuki capable of piloting the ship.

If this tense situation continues, Andy will collapse from exhaustion.

We should detach the Fubuki sooner rather than later, and with Andy's precise piloting skills and the Fubuki's maneuverability, that's entirely possible.

"Understood. I'll pull away first."

The Fubuki increased its retreat speed, while the Yatagarasu slowed down.

As the Yatagarasu slowed down, the strange jellyfish also reduced their speed, maintaining a constant distance.

Some of the strange jellyfish, which had been mimicking rocks, extended their tentacles and observed the Yatagarasu with red eyes.

The strange jellyfish attacked by rolling into a rock-like shape and ramming with full force—so powerful that it could pierce through spacecraft.

One of the strange jellyfish was now breaking its camouflage.

"Are they observing us? They don't seem to be about to attack anytime soon..."

What are you talking about? How can I understand what you're thinking about something so incomprehensible?

It's true that, up to now, the strange jellyfish have not launched any attacks.

"There's no real basis for this, but still, we should make a run for it. There's no other choice. We can only hope for the peaceful conscience of those jellyfish."

"I don't believe they possess thoughts on such a level of peace or morality."

Fubuki has already successfully detached.

All that remains is for Shinnosuke and the Yatagarasu to escape in time.

Shinnosuke gradually increases his retreat speed.

He had considered the possibility of making a sudden reversal and quickly breaking away from the asteroid belt if needed, but that would likely be a poor move.

If he provoked the strange jellyfish-like creature unnecessarily, it might launch a suicide attack, and even the Yatagarasu's top speed might not be enough to escape. Besides, it was impossible to reach maximum speed within the asteroid belt itself.

At that moment, Marks noticed something unusual about the alien jellyfish.

"Master, we observe no increase in the target's speed despite our vessel's retreat. The relative distance is gradually increasing."

As Marks reported, the alien jellyfish were beginning to move away from the Yatagarasu.

Some even turned around and retreated.

"Moving away... Did they let us go?"

"We speculate they perceive us as having left their territory."

Eventually, all the strange jellyfish vanished from before the Yatagarasu.

With the strange jellyfish gone, only asteroids of various sizes remained around the Yatagarasu.

"Are these really asteroids...? I mean, really?"

For once, Milina voiced her unease.

"We should be fine. The signals we'd been observing—believed to be communications—have ceased to be received."

Everyone on the bridge let out a sigh of relief upon hearing Marks's report.

"What on Earth was that? I've never heard of a creature like that existing in space. And though we managed to survive somehow, my ship was destroyed without warning—what a disaster."

"We don't know why Ira's ship was attacked. But in any case, we should definitely submit the data we collected from that jellyfish to the Cosmic Environment Bureau."

Yatagarasu safely passed through the asteroid belt and managed to escape the crisis.

"Shin nosuke, and everyone—you came to help even though no distress call was sent, didn't you? Thank you so much."

It's no problem at all. Besides, it was Milena and Seira who suggested going to search for Aila, and Andy, Ellen, and Madelia were the ones who helped them. Since neither Mark and I planned to join the search, there's no need to thank Mark and me.

"Even so, it's true they saved us, and I will definitely repay them....That said, I've lost my ship, so I'll need to get a new one. Please wait a little while."

Indeed, Ira had lost the A884 during this incident.

As a top-ranking escort vessel pilot, Ira probably has savings to acquire a new ship, but even so, she wouldn't have much left over.

"Ira-san, would you consider working with my company for a while? We currently have a ship but no crew, so your help would be greatly appreciated."

Milena also nods in agreement with Shinnosuke's offer.

After a moment of thought, Ira shakes her head.

I appreciate the offer, but I'll pass. I prefer working alone and keeping things simple. I plan to get a new ship and get back on my feet right away. But since you went out of your way to invite me, and I do owe you a favor... how about this—when I'm short-handed from time to time, I'll lend a hand with Shinnosuke's work. Something like a partnership or subcontractor arrangement? I'll help out at a bargain rate.

Shin nosuke nodded.

Understood. That’s perfectly fine, and please feel free to handle the thanks however you like. After all, we were the ones who decided to search on our own.

I’ll take you up on that. But I’m no heartless sailor who forgets kindness. I’ll make sure to repay this debt someday.

Understood. Then let’s head back.

Yatagarasu and Fubuki turned their ship’s prow toward the Salius Stellar Province.

"Oh, by the way, Shinnosuke, I have a small favor to ask you."

"What is it?"

"You're on good terms with Psychoj Industries, aren't you? Could you do me a favor and pull some strings to help me get a new ship?"

Shinnosuke couldn't help but smile at Ira's boldness.