[ The conviction in Yato's words makes Ryoji flinch, but he barely gives his surroundings a glance; the proof mars his periphery as he refuses it, choosing instead of stare Yato in the eyes as if it would give his words the confidence he does not feel. Because it's the destruction that he sees, entire sections of the forest splintered and burned, not this tiny, insignificant bit of earth he had only barely managed to protect. ]

There's no faith to begin with, so there's nothing to refuse. If I fail even once, people are going to die- if you kill me here, you'll save hundreds of lives.

[ There's no room for faith. Just objectivity. ]