289: Cosmic Egg

'Well, in the end, what exactly is that thing supposed to be?'

Johalis, who seemed to have picked up on various nuances from my voice and Vilijaniela's, voiced his doubt.

I could answer, but...

'Sata'

'Got it.'

Well, first things first—safety procedures.

With that in mind, I close the gate I'd opened for Vilijaniela.

Then, around the object before me—shaped like an egg or a bud—I scatter a modified version of the ink used to disable mods, as a temporary precaution.

"Vee-sama. In the end, what exactly is this bud-like or egg-shaped object?"

"Well... From what I know, the concept of a 'cosmic egg' comes closest. For now, let's refer to it as such."

"A cosmic egg, huh?"

What was a cosmic egg, again...?

Well, it's something related to creation myths, I think.

A egg-shaped object containing enough energy to initiate the universe, something like that.

Yeah, that term might actually be fitting for the entity right in front of us.

So from here on, let's refer to it as the cosmic egg, following Vilijanira's terminology.

Regarding this cosmic egg... From what I've seen with my own eyes, it seems to harbor an unimaginable amount of energy while also gathering various information from its surroundings. It appears to carry both the potential to become a threat and the potential not to—perhaps it could even be one of the sources behind the emergence of cosmic monsters.

'!?'

"Yeah, huh. That possibility definitely exists. If that's the case, it makes sense why Funaka was able to multiply the cosmic monsters known as Shuu by using the cosmic eggs."

Now, regarding these cosmic eggs... It's uncertain when, but someday, cosmic monsters might emerge from here.

And what kind of cosmic monsters will be born depends on whatever is gathered from the surrounding environment.

In other words, if humanity gathers only hostile information, hostile cosmic monsters will emerge—and the reverse is true as well.

"Can't we just destroy it?"

"Satá."

"My tech can't safely dismantle it. Even firing an event horizon collapse cannon into it... might not even leave a scratch."

"Eh... what do you mean...?"

So you're saying that gathering information about the universe egg under Vee-sama's guidance includes absorbing the shock and energy from attacks, turning it all into your own power?

That's exactly it. That's why I can't even move it from this spot.

It can't be destroyed.

Not because of ethics, but because it's simply impossible.

Whether I knock, blast, or cut it—everything would just be absorbed and become a component of whatever is growing inside the cosmic egg.

To be honest, the cosmic egg physically exists right in front of me… but if you asked me whether it truly exists in a physical sense, I'd have to admit it feels a bit questionable.

"Then how exactly did Funaka bring it all the way here...?"

"Who knows? To be honest, I have no idea."

Considering that Funaka brought it all the way here, there must be some method... but I can't think of one right away.

『But we can't ignore the logistics of transporting it or disposing of it. If we just leave it here, who knows what kind of information it might reveal, or what kind of alien monster could emerge. And after we're gone, Funaka might show up again and decide to reuse it.』

"Yeah, that's true... Still, only someone like a creator god could handle something like this... "

I gently direct my awareness toward the greenhouse.

Under these circumstances, the only one I could rely on would be Chirarizumu = Konpuraekusu.

And if there's anyone who might be able to contact that creator being, it would be the Emperor himself.

In that case, I'd discuss it with Vilijianira and try to make contact...

What? The cosmic egg disappeared!

"What?!"

What!?

What on earth is this...

The moment I briefly diverted my consciousness from the cosmic egg.

In that instant, the surrounding ink and the form of the cosmic egg vanished, replaced by a single sheet of notepaper left in its place.

From the reactions of Joharis and the others, it's clear that no one saw the moment the cosmic egg disappeared.

There's probably only one being in the world who can do something like that...

As I thought of that someone, I picked up the memo paper and brought its contents into view, visible even to Viridiana.

The note read:

"Rest assured, the Cosmic Egg will be recovered, processed, and utilized for the empire's benefit here. You've done well today. Chirarizumu = Conpléx"

It seems the Creator in question deliberately waited for the moment when we could barely perceive it, then retrieved it for us.

There's only one being capable of such a thing, and they never lie, so I suppose I can feel reassured... but...

『Even just listening to the story about the Cosmic Egg, it's clear this is something incredibly dangerous. What on earth are they going to use such a thing for?』

『Well, I don't think it'll be used for anything harmful... I hope.』

『Let's return now. Memo.』

『Yes, Lord Vee. The incident that occurred on Imperial Star Vanilla Sid has been largely resolved. Once the rear-echelon personnel arrive, we can leave this place to them.』

For now, we waited a while at the scene, awaiting the arrival of the Imperial forces, then returned to Imperial Star Vanilla Sid via transfer.