[That tempers Ven's smile as he nods, the gesture somber.]

Yeah, I heard about that. I don't really get how a cycle like that can just keep going, but-- [He frowns.] If that's this world's "balance," somehow, then... we'll just have to figure out another way. Break the cycle and create a new balance.

[Which is... pretty unheard of, actually, but if it means saving lives, then it's the only way he can think of.]

We learned a lot in the past, and everyone's doing everything they can. We've beaten the odds more than once, too.