The video screen doesn't turn on, but you get the strong impression that you're watching something anyway. You feel... overwhelmed and claustrophobic. Full of deep anguish and betrayal. Humiliation. Self-hatred. It's hard to breathe, and your chest hurts.

"Hey, Hiwa-kun. It was fun there, wasn't it? You had a kind family and friends, and more than anything, you were free. Your body and heart weren't tied down by Sensai.

Even without you, that world will keep going. It's a world shared by countless users, after all. But unlike reality, since it's data, after all... root users can do just a little 'support.' How about it? Do you want a piece of that power?"

There's a stinging sensation around your left eye, and you miss what the voice says next. But it continues.

"I'm sure it's fun for those 'in the know' to live peacefully in that world too, right?

Even now that you know everything, you still love it more than reality, don't you?"

You finally manage to speak. "... if I do that... I can bring the dead back to life?"

The voice laughs. "You really are a pathetic person, aren't you?"

It doesn't matter, though. If you can protect the Amatsuki... if you can protect your friends and family... it doesn't matter that they're not "real." It doesn't matter.

It doesn't matter that you've only ever found happiness and love in virtual reality.

The memory switches off.