He knew that too

"You okay?" Zhang Wang's voice was calm but Sikong Ren didn't miss the subtle but telling sigh of relief. Behind him, the sky was dark with ash, still clouding any sign of light. It was impossible to tell the time of day.

Sikong Ren reached for and clasped the outstretched hand, allowing himself to be hauled to his feet. He cleared his throat, rubbing his palm over it.

Though his body was sore he uttered a simple, "I'm fine."

Though it was questionable if he was truly fine, for Sikong Ren was struggling to regain his bearings. He looked around, surveying the destruction that had rained down upon the land. The ground was still scorching, flames licking ruined earth. What was once greenery was ravaged, turned to soot.

Sikong Ren remembered the second explosion.

But he didn't remember what had happened after it.