[ And that actually gives Akechi pause, though not so much for Link's sake. ]

Full dedication to one's goals often comes at a steep price. I've known no success without sacrifice.

[ Despite his usual cold, his tone is an octave softer, not quite empathetic yet still relatable. Like he's been there before. Like he knows what it feels like to waver, to betray the closest thing to a friend he's ever had-- and worse, to have that man's forgiveness despite Akechi's open willingness to kill him for the sake of his revenge.

Maybe that's why his follow-up is about as gentle as he can be in earnest. ]

In any case, I'm not asking anything of you. Just remember that letting go of the past is one the main tenets of Zenith, and I'm willing to follow through to the end no matter the cost. Should your lingering attachment to your friends stop you from committing to the cause, then you're free to keep to yourself.

[ Just don't get in his way, either. He's a man with nothing to lose. ]