Chapter 72

### Planet Tosre

When viewed from space, this planet is a beautiful world colored by the blue of the sea, the green of the trees, and the white of the clouds. The atmosphere is composed of elements suitable for human habitation, with abundant water and lush greenery. However, 100% of the ground is solid rock, and flat areas account for only about 1%. Apart from these flat areas, it is necessary to construct bases either on the sea or in the air to secure sufficient living space.

The plants on this planet, which take root in the solid rock, are truly powerful. During the development of these limited flat areas, ancient ruins were discovered, and the development was halted. However, a plan to turn the planet into a tourist destination centered around the ruins has been proposed. Currently, excavation and research are underway.

There are various speculations about why the flat areas on this planet are so scarce, such as whether it has always been this way, or if it is the result of a disaster or war. If it turns out that the flat areas were all converted into mountainous regions by a privileged class in ancient times to protect the aesthetic landscape, leaving only the land for their villas and defense bases, I wonder what the researchers here would think.

### Gateway to Planet Tosre

The gateway to Planet Tosre is located on the ocean, on a continental shelf 160 meters deep. Seven pillars, each 100 meters in diameter and 20,000 meters long, are driven into the seabed in a hexagonal pattern with one at the center, leaving 150 meters above water and 160 meters below, totaling 310 meters. The parts above water, 30 meters from the sea surface, are fixed by penetrating seven points of a 50-kilometer circular plate. This plate forms the first layer, and three layers are set at 50-meter intervals, completing the ultra-large artificial marine city, "Ocean Palace."

At the center is a spaceport-bound orbital elevator. Initially, it was built as a base for departure to the few flat areas with resorts, but with the discovery of ancient ruins in various places, it quickly became a base and temporary research institute for excavation teams. Therefore, the city is well-equipped with stores for excavation tools, parts, various terminal batteries, food, clothing, daily necessities, and medical supplies, as well as dining facilities, bathing facilities, accommodation facilities, cleaning services, and laundromats. However, there are no other entertainment facilities, such as bookstores, game centers, sports gyms, movie theaters, or gambling venues. The stadium exists but is not in use. There is a temporary library, but it mainly contains historical materials. Some people play impromptu baseball in the stadium, which feels somewhat luxurious. For researchers, all the ruins are activities, but for the workers, it must be incredibly boring.

### Ultra-Large Artificial Marine City

Teams of university professors and individual researchers are given certain areas on the third and top layer to use as research bases. Each team investigates one site and brings the excavated items back to the city for various measurements and analysis. I was hired by one of these teams, led by Professor Florina Tez, an archaeology professor at Imperial University.

"Well, I'm glad you came. We can operate cargo ships, but landing can be quite dangerous."

Professor Tez, a beautiful woman in her mid-30s, is tall and well-built, and even in her excavation and exploration work clothes and boots, she doesn't look like a university professor.

"So, I'll be responsible for transporting everyone to and from the site. After dropping everyone off, I can stay at the site or return to the city, whichever is fine."

The cargo ship I was asked to operate is a reliable model from the previous generation, the Sunfield Corporation's "Carry Ace III," still in active service. I should be able to handle it reasonably well.

"In return, please be ready to come immediately if we contact you. The map and excavation site are input into the ship. I look forward to working with you starting tomorrow."

"Understood. I look forward to working with you."

My first task will be to inspect the cargo ship.

### The Next Day

The work was peaceful. I woke up at 6 a.m. and immediately inspected the cargo ship. After that, I had breakfast. Then, I transported the professors and the excavation team to the site. My job was basically just the transportation; I didn't assist with the excavation. Those who didn't go to the site were working on restoring and analyzing the excavated items. After dropping off the team, I returned to the marine city. I was free until it was time to pick them up, but sometimes I was asked to deliver necessary machinery or batteries, and I was also allowed to observe the excavation site. Back in the city, I would walk around, read the light novels I brought, or download new light novels, manga, and anime via communication, making my days quite relaxed. I would go to pick up the excavation team by 5 p.m., and upon returning, I would immediately inspect and refuel the aircraft. After that, I had free time. I was once invited to join the researchers for drinks, but the conversation was full of technical terms I didn't understand, so I declined, citing the need to drive the next day. I was given a room in a hotel in the city. Although it was boring, I was grateful for days without the threat to my life.

### Three Weeks Later

The weather was ominous from the morning, but it wasn't about human relationships; it was the weather. It was the first cloudy day since arriving on the planet, and it looked like it might rain at any moment. I delivered the professors to the site as usual and returned to the marine city just as the rain started. The wind was also quite strong. Just before lunch, I received a call that it might be dangerous and that they wanted to return early. When I arrived, the excavation site was experiencing heavy rain. I parked the ship near a rest hut, and the professors hurriedly boarded.

"Wow, no matter how many times I experience it, the rain here is intense."

"Is that so?"

The professors, who had been on the planet for a long time, had experienced this rain many times.

"It doesn't rain for a month, but when it starts, it's a torrential downpour with strong winds. Fortunately, this rain usually lasts only about three days."

The professor gave a lecture about the planet's climate while the excavated items were being loaded.

"Loading complete!"

"Great. Well done."

With the loading complete, I closed the doors and started the ship. The wind was strong, and there was thunder, so I decided to fly as low as possible after leaving the excavation site to avoid lightning strikes.

"Still, professional pilots are amazing. To fly so steadily in this rain, wind, and thunder is incredible. We amateurs can't do that. Is there a trick to it?"

The professor, probably genuinely curious, leaned in to look at the instruments, which was very distracting while I was trying to concentrate on the flight.

"Professor, please don't talk to me. I need to focus to fly this steadily in this weather."

"Oh, I see. Sorry."

At that moment, a student assistant reprimanded the professor, and he moved away. Suddenly, the ship was enveloped in a bright light.

"It seems we were struck by lightning."

"Since we're on the sea, it's better than being in the air, but it's still not good."

The ship was struck by lightning, but with the precautions in place, it was safe. However, it's better to avoid it, so I decided to return to the marine city as quickly as possible.

### Explanation of Terms

**Ultra-Large Artificial Marine City "Ocean Palace"**

- Located on the ocean of Planet Tosre, on a continental shelf 160 meters deep.

- Seven pillars, each 100 meters in diameter and 20,000 meters long, are driven into the seabed in a hexagonal pattern with one at the center, leaving 150 meters above water and 160 meters below, totaling 310 meters.

- The parts above water, 30 meters from the sea surface, are fixed by penetrating seven points of a 50-kilometer circular plate.

- The plate forms the first layer, and three layers are set at 50-meter intervals.

- At the center is a spaceport-bound orbital elevator.

- Originally, it was built as a base for departure to the few flat areas with resorts, but with the discovery of ancient ruins, it quickly became a base and temporary research institute for excavation teams.

**Current Layout of "Ocean Palace"**

- **1st Layer:** Nuclear fusion power plant, water and sewage management, emergency lifeboat storage, waste management, urban function management center, various warehouses, factories, residential areas, schools, hospitals.

- **2nd Layer:** Shopping district, shopping mall, dining facilities, bathing facilities, accommodation facilities, library, sports facilities, movie theater, stadium, gambling venues, adult entertainment, general hospital, police station, fire station.

- **3rd Layer:** Orbital elevator terminal, planetary airport, spacecraft terminal, large park, farm, planetary government building, high-end villa area.

Initially, it was built as a base for departure to the few flat areas with resorts, but with the discovery of ancient ruins, it quickly became a base and temporary research institute for excavation teams. Currently, the 3rd layer is almost entirely a research area except for the elevator terminal. The 2nd layer is mostly frozen except for stores related to excavation, dining facilities, bathing facilities, accommodation facilities, and the general hospital. The 1st layer is fully operational except for various factories, residential areas, schools, and hospitals. Food is currently being transported from other planets.

Thank you for your comments, feedback, and any corrections.