Exploration, route a
<Had a feeling this would happen... and sure enough, we're back here.>
<Wait, this makes me wonder... Why do the rest of us get dragged back to the restroom when Meursault is the only one who dies?>
Because I am the subject to which the symbol is bound. Therefore, when I die, it would appear that both you and the other Sinners are returned to this restroom as well, Manager.
So what, that makes us some kinda ghosts now?
... That would be an inaccurate classification. However, if it aids your understanding, there is no practical issue with regarding it as such.
If that is indeed how this mechanism operates... then it may have tactical value, depending on the circumstances.
Tactical value...?
Indeed. What bears note is that, regardless of circumstance, our course appears certain to return us unto this privy.
Precisely. If we are cornered beyond reasonable escape, or our route becomes irretrievably lost... this could serve as a means of withdrawal.
I'd really prefer if we... didn't start treating this like an escape route.
<Yeah... let's not make a habit of it. But if things get bad enough, we should at least remember it's an option.>
<.......>
<It just appeared out of nowhere and killed Meursault. It even blocked off the way out so we couldn't escape...>
<Why would something like that even be wandering around a department store...?>
... Sorry, what are we talking about?
<You know, that entity we just encountered, it was...>
... was neither a Distortion nor an Abnormality.
And yet... I couldn't say with any confidence whether I should really call it...
Oh, come on. You can't get us all curious and then just trail off like that, Manager Bud.
<... human.>
<I'm talking about that monster with all those nails driven into its back.>
Such a being... had never once entered my sight prior to our arrival at the restroom.
<Huh...?>
...Dante, why don'tcha rest a little longer if you're outta juice? We found Meur already, so...
<.......>
The Sinners kept casting worried glances at the hands of my clock. Once they finally moved away, I went straight to Meursault and asked him what was going on.
<What the hell happened just now, Meursault? Do you - >
... I do remember, Manager.
To answer your question, the reason the other Sinners have no memory of what occurred is because we were "returned."
<"Returned"...?>
It means that the Grand Magasin was reset to a point before a particular choice was made.
This appears to be a phenomenon that most are incapable of perceiving. You and I, however, appear to be exceptions.
<Okay, fine, putting that aside... what caused the reset in the first place...?>
It likely wanted you to make a different choice.
... Because the choice you made before was not bound in chains.
<.......>
I should probably take a moment to collect my thoughts before we head out.
Why did that entity appear...
... and why were we sent back...?