After the technique began, Taylor lost sight of the world around him and all of his choices in his life began to flash before him, and his current identity reacted to each one; at every step, he was being asked, “How will it burn?”

Sylvie flashes before his eyes. That was the best decision I ever made in my life. I would kill again for that choice. If it burns, the decision won't be with me.

Daryl flashes before his eyes. I do what I can for Daryl. I stand by the decisions I made for him. When we stray too far apart, ask me again.

Maggie flashes before his eyes. That was a mistake. But I’m a man. That mistake is necessary if I’m going to continue progressing as a human. Let me bear the weight of that sin.

Jessie flashes before his eyes. I… don’t know… Jesse is a mystery to me… but I’d like to continue my journey with her… Ask me again in a few years…

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Johan flashes before Taylor’s eyes and he immediately becomes angry. I have no right to make decisions regarding Johan. Don’t ask me again.

The random lady that Taylor spent the night with flashes before Taylor’s eyes. Oh, sweet Katie. I very much want this to burn, but to reach for it would be intrusive. I could have been nobody to you; just a passing thought. But that event is going to change the way I move forward. As for whether I’ll be diminished by the flame I’m setting or the flame will let me pass, only time will tell.

All the people that Taylor killed flashes before his eyes and Taylor laughs out loud. I have no say in something as wild as that. In regards to how that will burn, that’s for the world to decide. Will vengeance find me or will I live a long and peaceful life? I don’t care. The deed is done and I refuse to look back on it.

The blood thralls that Taylor has been tempting flashes before his eyes and Taylor cringes. Your only mistake is that you were dumb in a world full of predators. I can only blame the heavens. But if this is going to burn, I want it to hurt. Since I was the gatekeeper for your hell, I’ll give you a pathway to revenge…

...

…

Taylor opens his eyes, his mind at peace. There were many aspects of his life that he never bothered to take a second look at and if certain questions were going to come up regarding these things, Taylor would have no idea how to react. But he finally took the time to look and find his answers to these things; the foundation for his soul has been set.

Taylor exhales and smiles. The dao of fire isn’t bad… I think I'm going to settle on it as the base for the sixth stage… He thinks, planning to continue his study of this path.