[SPOILER] Plot Discussion Thread *Spoiler Alert*

[Nobello]

Did it hurt to carve out the fevered flesh? Did it hurt to cut free the gangrenous foot?

I feel like that's more of an analogy to something that he left behind that was 'infecting' him, or keeping him from making progress.

I like to think of it as being this as well.

Or alternatively, since the full quote was:

Mandus: "Will it hurt them?
The Machine: "A cleansing fire always burns little Mandus, but it purifies and it makes anew. Did it hurt to carve out the fevered flesh? Did it hurt to cut free the gangrenous foot? Ask instead this: Can we save them?"

I think it might also just be the Machine convincing Mandus that pain is sometimes necessary in order to save something and proceed, and not necessarily referring to Mandus himself doing one or any of those things? Or maybe referring to the pain and suffering in the coming wars, and how it will be better to just ''save'' mankind than have them cut off their flesh and feet in desperation.

Or something, maybe.