I quickly checked the time.
Eight minutes.
Only eight minutes remained until detonation.
My heartbeat thudded violently in my ears as the reality settled in. There was no time left to think of clever solutions or safer alternatives.
Then… there was only one option left.
I knew it was reckless. Insane, even.
But there was no other choice.
If I hesitated—even for a moment—everyone here would die.
"Anna!! Throw me the bomb!"
"What? B–but—!"
"Hurry!!"
My voice came out sharper than I intended, but there was no room for gentleness now. I could see the fear in her eyes, see her instinct screaming that this was wrong.
I understood that fear.
But understanding it wouldn't save lives.
If we stayed here, none of us would survive.
"…Alright."
Clenching her teeth, Anna nodded firmly. In the next instant, the heavy metal sphere was flying toward me. I caught it against my chest, the cold surface sending a chill straight through my arms.
No turning back now.
