[Asch's gaze drifts to Van's shoulder, taking once again a note of his condition. It's a small but necessary reminder of just how fragile they all are, even in this place. Death isn't permanent, but that doesn't mean worse can't be done to them. He's all too aware of that already.

It's... tempting. It's so tempting to just nod and go along with Van's idea. Isn't it what he's wanted for a long time now? A way to destroy the Score, to free the people of Auldrant, without the need for replicas or killing everyone? It's like a dream.

But he knows that it's too late. Far, far too late for him. He can't ever go back.]

You should know that you can't rely on my support in Auldrant. If you go back and remember this, you'll be on your own. I'm never going back there as long as I have a choice.