Does the protagonist actually die? Is the petrification reversible? Chapter 461 answers this.

Note: If you are looking for the specific text of Chapter 461, it is recommended to search the Japanese title on the Syosetu website, as direct linking to raw aggregator sites can be volatile due to URL changes.

“Come sit,” said a voice.

Based on the raw ending, the next few chapters will focus on:

Kousuke forgets the name of his childhood friend—one of the petrified allies. This emotional gut-punch redefines his motivation. He is now fighting not just for revenge but to recover a piece of his soul.