---Malina-san, Shilage-san.

Both of them are hurt.

Could I have prevented it if I remained closer rather than disengaging to reposition myself?

There's no point in thinking about that now. From here, it would take just as long to return to their side. The best thing I can do to protect them and further our goal is the same objective as I began with.

I don't understand why Shilage-san extended me those kindnesses when I did not treat him that way in return. I don't know why Malina-san doesn't understand my obligation to ensure her safety. But that doesn't change the fact that it is my duty to complete this mission, and that I must ensure that they survive.

I won't allow this Valheim dog to to sew any more pain. I won't allow them to complete their objective.

I won't allow anyone to die here.

The clunky shape is a hindrance, so I normally avoid keeping it directly on my person. It's nearly the size of my torso, so it might not be appropriate to refer to it as something meant to be wielded by hand.

But I haven't shown it to them yet, have I?

The bulky, cylindrical shape is a far cry from some of the other weaponry using this same construction. It's not suitable for anything at close range, nor is it capable of being fired quickly. I had no choice but to make distance between myself and my target.

If I'd seen what had happened to the others first---

No. There's no point in considering that.

This is the best way to help them, now.

I have to brace it against the ground, and my body. Even then, the recoil is sure to knock me flat.

But he won't see it coming, will he?

The ammunition is rough, and heavy. It's completely unrefined, but that's not what matters.

I will only have one shot with which to keep them alive, and to hurt the Valheim dog as much as I can.

---But that's fine.

I align the barrel with the center of his body. I press my finger to the trigger.

The crack of thunder that rings out is louder than the most powerful of the bombs I use, ringing through my ears and leaving the world around me dulled. The flash of fire as the match is struck is easy to forget compared to the explosion from the barrel, stars stabbing through my eyes.

I can feel the air leaving my lungs, my world blurring as the recoil knocks me backwards. I can't even see the aftermath of my shot, but there's no time to stop and breathe.

I have to make it back down to them as soon as possible. Malina-san is bleeding considerably, and Shilage-san isn't much better. I do not have time to simply catch my breath, my fingertips wrapping around my sword as I force my legs to move.