"In an age when life had no end, no one invented the word 'cherish'—because every beautiful thing in the world could be seen again and again, and no one had to fear that the bonds they formed would break."
"The so-called Golden Age was an age without virtue or sin."
Amunet spoke frankly:
"People weren't living... They merely existed, walking and waiting in weary indifference."
"Perhaps the people of Styxia chose to embrace death not because they were drawn to its grim, terrifying side..."
"But because the impulses and desires that came with finite lives intoxicated them beyond all restraint."
Castorice's eyes lit up. "So... death isn't something cold and hopeless. It's..."
"That's right, Castorice," Amunet said earnestly.
"It's why we shed tears when we part... and the kindling that first ignited mortal passion."
"If you intend to take death from this world... be prepared to watch it sink back into stagnation and apathy."
A realization dawned on Castorice as she listened.
"I understand, Lady Amunet."
"Finite lives... shaped everything we know and love."
"Even the Titan of death has no right to strip that away from humanity again."
Hope filled her eyes.
"Moneta's Love... People probably didn't understand the Golden Cocoon's first blessing."
"Only after Senatos descended did they learn to recognize that beautiful gift."
"The Queen of Styxia delivered me into this world... You took me into Aedilia... Aglaea invited me on the Journey of the Spark..."
"If death didn't exist, none of those stories would have happened."
"And I... would never have lived, let alone known happiness."
At last, Castorice stepped forward and embraced the woman who had accompanied her through her long life.
"Thank you, Mother."
"...With all the love I've known in this long life, I'll bring about one final miracle."
Energy surged through the