Asar leads Mische deep into the decaying lower reaches of Morthryn, where the temple’s constructed halls have given way to cave-like stone and a thin creek of blood. At the creek, Asar uses shadowed magic to still the surface and tells Mische to say Eomin’s name.

Mische sees Eomin in the blood, whole and peaceful rather than trapped in the half-dead state she encountered before. Asar ends the vision quickly because lingering with the dead is dangerous, but Mische realizes Asar helped Eomin pass on. Asar admits he sometimes guides the dead through the Sanctum to their proper path, though it is difficult and does not always work.

Asar tells Mische that Eomin did not blame her and that Eomin had spoken fondly of her, his life in the Order, and even boating. This kindness forces Mische to confront her guilt over Eomin and Saescha’s deaths, her doubts about whether she is still a good person, and the pain of having led innocent people into disaster. Asar gently reminds Mische that ghosts from the past should not define the future.

Mische asks whether the woman Asar saw in Breath was one of his ghosts. Asar refuses to explain, saying not all dead can be put to rest, but Mische recognizes his grief and tells him love is not worth less because he cannot help the woman as he wishes. Overcome with gratitude, Mische hugs Asar; he stiffens at first but eventually places a hand on her back and lets her cry.

On the way back, Mische warns Asar that the relics must never be used as weapons because their power could cost thousands of innocent lives. Asar insists he is not seeking petty power and knows the danger of such destructive forces. When Mische asks whether the mission is truly about serving Nyaxia, Asar acknowledges that others doubt him but explains that the chance to right a wrong is itself a powerful gift.

Before returning to the group, Asar notes that he has not been able to travel this deep into the Descent in a long time and that the gates will need work. He awkwardly checks whether Mische feels ready to continue. Mische is unexpectedly warmed by the prospect of repairing things with him again, though she hides the feeling and simply teases him.