[but then. . . why is their future here, and not back home? or does that mean, even after how hard he fought, even after his victory over Yaldabaoth, even after breaking the chains that bound him. . . that Akira's future was still forfeit? that even though his heart was free, every single pathway ahead of him in the real world led to bars and prison jumpsuits?]

[his shoulders slump]

. . .

I think I could get used to that level of freedom.

[he says deceptively lightly]

And to the complete absence of Igor's nightmare-inducing nose.