Miss Chloe stared dazedly at the steps extending upwards from her feet, as if she had understood.
Shard then said:
"Mrs. Marques represents your fear of loneliness and your worries about experiences you can't forget from the past. You see her as the most important part of yourself, which is why you gave her your middle name and surname."
After hesitating, he added:
"So, the thirteen people in your memory are actually all parts of you. Splitting yourself, then actively accepting and becoming whole—you chose this path... It's actually you who's good at making vegetable soup, and it tastes really nice."
Chloe couldn't help but smile. The Twelfth Level Golden Steps seemed much more solid now, and at the end of the steps was a dark sky.
"Sir."
Shard waved at the cowering man, and the [Genesis: Darkness] card from his pocket flew automatically to Shard. The man, trembling, stood up and also came before Shard.
Holding the card, Shard said:
