(The fact that Akechi completely went over what Ren had just said didn't go unnoticed, but it was worth not pushing for an answer when what Akechi had just given him was much more of a richer insight.

Much more interesting than whether he's ok with Ren disagreeing with him, or just more of the same confirmation that Akechi believes Ren is wrong in several aspects of his morals and values. Ren never had the opportunity to hear about any of this, since the reveal of Akechi's true nature was followed by what Ren believed to be his death.

If it wasn't for this place, would Akechi have told him eventually back home, had things turned out less hectic?

Doesn't do him any good to think about what-ifs, so his mind drops the thought to focus on what Akechi had just said. Delusions of heroism, huh? Ren raised his hand to his chin, in thought.)

You had been in the Metaverse years before me and Ryuji found it, correct?

(A few seconds of silence from Ren's part before he spoke again.)

I admire that you managed to navigate it on your own.

(Nothing shy from genuine, Ren nods. Akechi certainly didn't have The Hope Of Humanity to break it down to him.)