i’m definitely pivoting here but i’ve always wanted to touch on khaslana’s response to mydei here: in this moment it was that very fondness that kept khaslana grounded. it was a brief reminder that a fragment of his humanity resided in him still, and it was in the form of mydei
acknowledging that cycle 0 Khaslana is hesitating and has a fondness for him. It's also that he can sense his regret and hesitance to carry out his duty. Like yes it's a taunt, but it could also doubly count as encouragement since Mydei seems happy to be battling at full strength