"It did." Completely matter-of-fact. "Your desire was very strong from the beginning, right? That doesn't contradict that you were being affected by the dungeon. That strength of desire is what the demon relies on... it feeds you hope, convinces you that your wishes can be granted if you attach yourself to it."

What Laios says sounds right to him, too. With the situation already so far out of control, his squad's chances probably weren't good... and, even if Lycion retrieved their bodies, there was no guarantee that anyone was available to revive them.

"It could have been." Could have. Or there's more to this - but he's not interested in unpacking that at the moment.

How long... he considers that, briefly. "A few minutes. If you want to, you can."