The Sacrifice

Alone, understanding that his death is the only way to definitively destroy the Lost Canvas and free Hades from his mortal body, chooses his sacrifice. His decision is not imposed — it is chosen with the same serenity with which he used to paint. His death will be his final masterpiece.

Tenma refuses to accept. The confrontation between Alone's serene resignation and Tenma's desperate refusal is the manga's most wrenching scene. Sisyphus, who crossed hell to arrive at this moment, bears witness. The canvas burns. The souls are freed. And in the fire of the cosmos, Alone smiles for the last time.