Perhaps...
'Was it because, in that chaotic passage in the refugee camp, he was moved by the pity in her eyes for that despairing woman?'
'Was it because at Silent Pass, though terrified, she didn't break down, and even gripped that useless dagger at the very end?'
'Or perhaps, was it simply because, in this land soaked in blood and despair, seeing a young soul whose edges had not yet been completely worn away made him subconsciously... not want her to adapt too quickly?'
He harbored no grand resolution to change the world.
That was too heavy a burden, too distant a goal, and far too unrealistic.
Since transmigrating, his core objective had always been clear and firm: survive, and help himself and those he cared about live better lives.
To that end, he would use any means necessary to acquire power, cautiously navigate between the various factions, and even make ruthless sacrifices when required.
