[He knows damn well how mismatched he is here, too. Ryunosuke has seen Kaeya's ice powers in action before, and he doesn't have a single thing that even remotely approaches that level of offensive power.

It really would be much, much smarter for him to just run away. Indeed, it were just his own skin on the line? There would be no debate at all. Problem is, for every bit as outclassed as he is, Ryunosuke knows that there are people inside this building who are completely unequipped to defend themselves against a powerful Aion.

At least he has his shield, and his Insight. In some ways, this is painfully similar to how he got his start as a lawyer: he may not be the best guy for this job, but... He's the only one willing to do it. If he doesn't stick up for them, they'll be utterly alone, at the mercy of a tyrant.

He made a promise. He is not going to abandon them.

He ignores Kaeya's question, shooting back with one of his own:]

This is it then? You're just... Listening to what the Regent tells you to do? Even if it means condemning innocent people to death?

[He's trembling slightly, and it's hard to tell if it's out of pain, fear, or anger.]