A comrade he had faced life and death with, and the woman he loved.
Moreover, the comrade had borne humiliation and heavy burdens, changed his name and lived undercover for many years. This time, he played an indispensable role in successfully infiltrating the village and breaking into the mansion. Although the heroine was the woman he cherished, she had deceived him. She was the second most wanted criminal on his capture list, and even if she were saved or helped them out this time in an act of redemption, she still wouldn't escape the law's punishment in the end.
Of course, he must still save her, even if she was a criminal; he couldn't lightly decide her fate. Life and punishment should be judged by law, and it's not his place to make those choices.
But at this very moment, without needing to think, whoever he chooses to save first will survive. The one left behind would likely be engulfed by the collapsing house and the subsequent explosion.
