As the more ideal voice walked away from the group, Takatora paid attention to Sorin waxing philosophy. He hoped that he'd learn from each of them. Ba'al seemed faithful that humanity would triumph. That's when an adventurer came to him and gave a more direct answer to his question. He seemed to be from another world, as he spoke of wizards and priests, something his world never had the luxury of... Except that one time, but that was as much as he'll humor out of that.

The adventurer spoke of someone who struck a resemblance to Santa Claus. His anecdote ended with him suggesting to find the best solution out, and try to look hard enough. He was offered a piece of meat. At first, he seemed hesitant, but a few seconds later, he grabbed the meat, inspected it, and nibbled on it. The salt was almost unbearable. Perhaps he was too adjusted to using the Himawari Lockseeds as nourishment. 

"Gah..." Takatora said. He still held the seal meat. "I appreciate the offer, I doubt I'm used to foods with high salt levels." That's when a hand grabbed the meat from Takatora's hand.

"Don't mind if I do!" Nobuo bit into the meat like it was a hamburger and ripped a huge chunk out. He chewed the meat and swallowed it. Takatora almost jumped back. Nobuo nodded. "Mmmmm~!" Takatora then heard the King's advice. It, along with Evahld's advice, sounded roughly the same: save as many as he can. But that's where Saber's advice takes a new turn. '[i]I would remain behind with those who were unable to board it, and do whatever I am able to save them as well.[/i]' The way she said it sounded confident. Not like a kid's declarations of what is right. '[i]To abandon them to death is not the action of a knight.[/i]' Takatora was silent. Not just because of how it impacted him, but because to some extent, it was that very doubt that rung in his head. 

'Save as many as I could' was what he answered to Ryoma's litmus test. He never thought of the people who he couldn't save when asked. If he could, he would try his best to save the people he couldn't save... But the plan he and Ryoma came up with wouldn't allow for that. In fact, it'd do worse than just abandon people to their death.

Before he could dwell further on it, a little girl came up... and cussed. Takatora was taken aback by that comment that he forgot about the ethics of his project. Nobuo patted Takatora on the back. 

"Relax," he said. "I say the more team mates, the merrier!" He said. The hobo seemed to speak up and ask for directions out of this place.

"... Yes, I think I'm done with this dream too." Takatora said. He pinched himself... and felt pain. "... Where the hell am I?"