[He meets Akechi's eyes as well, if only briefly, but that's normal for him.]

I heard the screams, but I can't hear anything more, to know why. It could be because of pain you caused, or an echo of pain already passed, or maybe it wasn't the world. Something we can't see or feel.

[His initial theories were never really proven or disproven, but he's still inclined to believe something is behind the way this world works, whether or not it's entirely sentient. Like a spirit that has never seen what it's like outside the Fade.]

I could be hurting the world if I help you. But the world, or something hidden inside it, has hurt you and everyone else. Finding a way to leave would help everyone. And if the screams are from more than just hurt, hoping for help, I want to find that, too.

[He tilts his head toward Akechi.]

What about you? You're alive here when you weren't before. Do you think it will stay that way if you leave?