Immortality is no longer a simple gift or curse. It is given profound philosophical meaning: a zero-sum game in which the immortal’s “gain” must inevitably correspond to civilization’s “loss.” This premise gives the protagonist’s final choice immense weight. By protecting civilization, he is in effect repaying the debt he “stole,” making his actions a noble form of self-redemption. By exploring the price of immortality, the novel ultimately leads us to reflect on the meaning of life: should we choose an eternal existence that is detached and meaningless, or a finite life filled with commitment and bonds?
