I can't disagree with technology that means less people die of sickness or injuries or hunger, or in fires because of knocked over lamps. If lights and laundry machines mean more time for people to educate themselves, then more's the better. But it doesn't surprise me that with those developments came more ways to kill. More likely more ways to oppress. That is who humanity is. One can only help the improvements make killing more merciful.

[That's what Armin tells himself when he handles a gun, anyway. That it's better to die quickly. And he tries to scrub the memory of the woman he murdered from his mind. No, most people wouldn't call it murder. It was defense of his friend, of their horses, of their plans. He never wanted to be a killer, but after he takes a breath, he still doesn't hesitate to pull the trigger.

Armin's stance is solid. He has good aim - he has been practicing, after all, though it still might be clear to a pro he's used to compensating for something a lot bigger and louder. He's a little tense. But mostly, he's good at it, and his shots land toward the head and heart of the target.]