SSR did a pretty good job trying to wrap up its final ep & make it as thematically satisfying as possible, staying true to the the manga while adding some original content here & there like that whole montage showing how their world was brought to ruin. I prefer the somber tone of the chaps adapted in this ep in the original manga better, but it wouldn't have made for a conclusive ending. It'll probably never gonna happen, but I do hope for a sequel OVA series adapting the rest of the manga so I can experience the depression in full.
Anyway, this is, undoubtedly, my AOTY. Great subtle world-building, beautifully directed, 10/10 sound design, Enya-tier music, amazing atmosphere, charming & wholesome character interactions, contemplative & poignant philosophical musings that never came off as preachy, nostalgic & bleak, but strangely comfy as a whole. Just a really special lil' show.