First, his talent was killed by science and technology. And then, his soul was killed by society.
Quoted in:
— I'll go ahead and download it.
— Why don't you buy paper books? E-books lack character.
— Is that right?
— Books aren't just something you read. They're like a form of meditation.
— Meditation?
— Sometimes, when I'm not feeling well, I read books but I don't really absorb them. When that happens, it makes me think about what could be getting in the way. There are also books that I can absorb even when I'm feeling down. Sometimes I wonder why. It could be like mental conditioning. I think it's all about the stimulation your brain receives when you turn the pages. The feeling of flipping them over, one by one.
Everyone is alone. Everyone is empty. People no longer have any need of others. You can always find a substitute for any talent. Any relationship can be replaced. That's the world I grew tired of. And yet, for some reason... I can't even imagine someone else besides you killing me. Say, what do you think, Kougami? After all this is done, will you be able to find a replacement for me?
— Why? I thought you'd be able to understand... the joy of omnipotence and the pleasure of governing the world...
— Like God, you mean? That might be pleasurable in its own way, but unfortunately I'm not into being an umpire or a referee. I can't genuinely enjoy the game unless I'm part of it. And I love this game that people call "life" from the bottom of my heart. That's why I'd like to continue to participate in it as a player, forever and ever.
