Having been pierced multiple times, Lithos' body all but completely shatters on the ground.
How many deaths is this now? It doesn't matter. No one cares.
At best, this tedious life of his causes the best of heroes nothing but disgust.
Whether this battle happened or not, dying at the predetermined time as he has promised is a mission he must complete.
Next, his consciousness will merge with Cthylla's cradle—after which he will replace the "traitor" who died as the new "joystick."
His consciousness is not like the traitor's, so he can't last long in the cradle.
Which is why he has to time it perfectly—so that he can trap the Gray Raven Commandant without any hiccup when the final moment comes.
"Which is good enough. Mission is complete, and everything went according to plan," he says to himself.
If there's liable to change in this plan, it's that Lamia and the "traitor" who led Cthylla away haven't been dealt with.
But he can't wait any longer. If the cradle continues to collapse, everything will be buried at the bottom of this deep sea.
But he doesn't have a choice but to leave the two variables in the hands of his "other self"—who's merged with Cthylla.
What if things don't go smoothly?
Then consider it the revenge of a "replica" on him...
After all... he only values the real Lithos as "he is now."
...
Step by step, Lamia walks up to Lithos as she keeps her eyes on him. Lithos, on the other hand, keeps a satisfied smile on his face—even when his head is penetrated.
"This is good enough. Mission is complete, and everything went according to plan," he lies to himself.