"Two days," Simon said, his white robes catching the ethereal light.

 "You're lasting longer each time." 

Tadashi remained motionless on the ground, his hand pressed against his chest where Ayano's knife had struck. The pain was gone, but the memory burned fresh in his mind. Cherry blossoms. Warm coffee. A gentle smile hiding a blade. 

 "How..." his voice cracked. 

 "How can I trust anyone when every kindness is a weapon?" 

Simon set down his chalk and approached Tadashi, his halo casting soft shadows.

 "You're asking the wrong question," he said, kneeling beside the trembling boy. 

 "The real question is: how will you survive in a world where trust is a luxury you can't afford?" 

Tadashi's fingers curled into fists.

 "Then what's the point? If every world is just another stage for betrayal, why keep trying?" 

 "Because," Simon's voice took on an unusual intensity, "this isn't just about survival. It's about understanding. Each death teaches you something new about yourself and the worlds you inhabit."

Tadashi looked up, tears streaking his face. 

 "What could I possibly learn from being stabbed by someone pretending to be my friend?"

 "Think carefully," Simon said.

 "Ayano showed you something important about these worlds. What was it?"

Tadashi closed his eyes, remembering her final words. 'We're all wearing masks. I just happen to wear mine better than most.' 

 "The masks..." he whispered. "Everyone wears them, but not everyone wears them for the same reason." 

Simon nodded, a slight smile playing at his lips. 

 "And?" 

 "In my first life, I wore a mask to keep people away. To protect myself."

Tadashi's eyes widened with realization. 

 "But Ayano... she wore hers to get closer. To hunt."

 "Now you're beginning to understand,"

Simon stood, retrieving his chalk. 

 "These worlds aren't simply hostile or kind. They're complex, filled with people wearing masks for countless reasons. Your challenge isn't just to survive, it's to learn to navigate a society of masks." 

Tadashi slowly rose to his feet, his legs steadier than before. 

 "How can I possibly do that when I can't trust anyone?" 

 "Perhaps," Simon said, beginning to draw his portal, "the answer isn't about finding people to trust, but about learning to survive despite the uncertainty. After all, even a fake friendship taught you something valuable, didn't it?" 

The portal's golden light began to expand, its edges shimmering with possibility. Tadashi stepped toward it, then paused. 

 "Simon," he said, "in all these worlds... am I the only one trying to survive?"

The angel's expression remained carefully neutral. 

 "That's another interesting question. Perhaps you'll find the answer in your next life." 

As Tadashi fell through the portal, his mind raced with new possibilities. If everyone wore masks, then perhaps the key wasn't to find genuine people...they might not exist. Perhaps the key was to learn to read the masks themselves, to understand the intentions hidden behind each false smile. The darkness enveloped him, but this time, it felt less like an abyss and more like a canvas. A space where he could reshape himself for the challenge ahead. 

 "A society of masks," he murmured as he approached the familiar planet below. 

 "Then I'll have to become better at wearing one myself."