I see what you mean about Cyrus’ empathy toward Lance being complicated, especially given the betrayal and lingering pain. But even in that context, Cyrus does demonstrate empathy, and it shows in subtle, consistent ways. He observes Lance without immediate judgment, considers his perspective, and tempers his reactions-he doesn’t lash out or act purely on hurt. After regaining his memories, his comment to Aaron about Current/Resoom shows he’s processing the past thoughtfully, not simply reacting emotionally.
Empathy isn’t always about instant forgiveness; it can also mean restraint, understanding, and emotional awareness. Even toward Lance, the seeds of empathy are there, tempered by the lingering pain of betrayal. So yes, it may take time for full reconciliation, but the VN clearly portrays Cyrus as empathetic by nature, capable of understanding, patience, and care-even when it’s difficult.
I think Lance can and deserves forgiveness, but that doesn’t mean he should be allowed back into the circle of those he has hurt. His betrayal wasn’t limited to Cyrus,he sold Xavier to Resoom too and in doing so, he shattered the trust of all his friends. Trust isn’t something that can simply be patched over with words, and the fact that he repeated similar actions after being discovered only proves that his reliability is questionable. Forgiveness here is about recognizing human flaws and mistakes, not about excusing behavior or inviting someone back into intimate bonds. Cyrus and anyone else affected can forgive him morally, acknowledge that he is capable of regret, but still keep a boundary in place. Forgiveness does not erase consequences, and in Lance’s case, the consequences of his actions are too serious to allow a resumption of friendship or close communication.