[ so even he doesn't understand. It's much closer to actual death than Zara had been imagining, at least, if he was actually buried, but that only leaves him with more questions. Even supposing that this was all fake - "virtual" - a person's brain should no longer function after death. And if Takakage was dead and non-functioning, who was standing in front of him now?

He feels farther away from home than ever. He'd always thought himself fairly well-learned, but it's becoming more and more obvious that he doesn't know very much at all. ]

No, there's no need to apologize... I'm the one asking all these questions of you, though we've hardly just met. Forgive my rudeness. My curiosity can get the better of me at times.