[He can't hide the downward tug of his frown, growing even deeper at the wording he's chosen. Purpose. Ringing poignant in his own head, a term that he's turned over and over again, both to himself and declared to others.]

That's something a machine should say -- not a human. [He's quick to correct, if only because there's something off-putting about how easily Nier can admit to that.] What purpose was it that you think defines you so prevalently?