"Less apocalyptic, specifically. I am sure the Trials will be plenty nightmarish, especially if things like this do not even count as a trial, but if it is certain the world is not actually going to end, that changes things."

Yelena nods. "That is an entirely valid perspective to take on it. It does itch, the system that is set up here. But... Control is not just someone making you do things you don't want to do, you know? It is also them stopping you from doing things you would, or at least might, do. If I decide not to bring my dog here because that might be what this entity wants me to do, I am still making my decision based on its wants instead of mine. That does not feel any better. If you stay lonely because this force likes making people talk to each other... I don't know. It does not sound like any degree of freedom."

"Firstly, I did not say you were boring. I said that one specific thing does not make you interesting to me. Those are different statements. I have already told you that I do find you interesting. Secondly, now you do want me to be impressed by it? That was a quick change."