Allumin can see it now - should he try to run away in a sticky situation leaving others behind, Gabranth will suddenly appear and smite him right then and there.

Even if it's just his imagination getting away from him, it's enough. Enough for him to reconsider his complacency in actually joining Riftwatch and its divisions, enough for him to apply himself and actually help with the war here. Prior to this, he'd convinced himself that since he'd been told it wasn't required that he simply just... wouldn't. Find some sort of peace in existing in relative safety until the end.

Now... that is not really an option anymore, is it? He really doesn't want Gabranth to wreck him with that big fucking sword.

The weight of the question is clear on Allumin's face as he considers what to say. Saying yes feels disingenuous, saying he'd try feels like a flimsy promise without enough commitment, saying he would feels like a lie even if he does try.

"I will make my best efforts to do so. If they turn out to not be enough..." His eyes cast down to the sword. "I suppose you'll have to judge me again for it."