The use of both names – his original and his current – sent a chill down Damien's spine.
"You know what I am."
"Of course. You're a transmigrator. A savior – an outlier." The Archdemon's smile was knowing. "The question is whether you remember what your mission actually was."
"To change the story. To free the heroines from their narrative roles."
"Partially correct. But you've been focused on the wrong part." The Archdemon leaned forward. "You were brought here to save these women from forced roles, not to save yourself from the inevitable corruption of the power you chose to wield."
The words hit like a physical blow.
"You thought the anchor bonds were a solution," the Archdemon continued. "A way to use demonic power without consequence. But really, they're just a delay. The corruption will consume you eventually, Damien. The System never promised you could keep your humanity forever – just that you could use it to accomplish your mission first."
"That's not – "
