I had to play it again, 24 deaths until victory, I got unlucky and ended up with 1 HP and 7 decay. That did not go well for a couple turns.
So you did the speedrunning setup, fast deaths for fast upgrades. I hid a special message for the one that beats the game with only one death, i should do the same for those who beat it under a minute or two. Regardless glad you are enjoying it!