"Wake from this dream and go where you belong."
"Your gamble... isn't over yet."
Acheron turned to leave, but Aventurine called out behind her.
"Wait."
Aventurine's expression grew grave.
"Before we part, could you answer one more question?"
"As someone who walks that path, can you tell me..."
"Why are we born into this world only to die?"
"..." Acheron stopped and slowly turned back.
She looked at Aventurine.
"I've never believed that."
"And neither have you."
Aventurine sighed.
"But Nihility does hang over you and me... and everyone else."
Acheron pressed her lips together.
"And that is precisely why it has no meaning."
Aventurine looked toward the black hole at the far end of the dark sea and said quietly,
"But it's still there."
"If the dice of fate have always been loaded, then that's our destined end. Why should we... fight it?"
Acheron looked him straight in the eye.
"My answer may not resolve your doubts. They've been with you all this way and have long since become part of your life."
"But you once said... sleep is a rehearsal for death."
"Why does life slumber? Because we aren't yet ready to face death."
"So you must understand why we want to be ready."
"Even if the ending has already been decided, that's all right."
"There are too many things people cannot change."
Acheron's gaze was calm.
"But before the end, along the road that leads to it, there is still much we can do."
"And because of that, the ending can take on an entirely different meaning."
"Look in your pocket. He gave you the answer long ago."
"...Good luck."
Having answered Aventurine as best she could, Acheron left that space.
Aventurine watched her go, then slowly reached into his pocket.
Inside was an astronomical bill for