[ Heroic. Terminology coined by hopeful humans playing four-dimensional chess with pieces that never belonged to them. Douman has already had this revelation many, many times, even before he died and became what he is now, but it comes back to him in a rush of distant cold: in the grand scheme of things, he's never had a say in anything pertaining to himself.

(A simplistic, childlike perspective. But he believes it, and hurts himself with it constantly.) ]

Indeed! An ignoble hero, a character both revered and hated in the same breath.

[ Douman observes Gray's caution, and feels the flutter of pleasure-disdain at the way she holds her ground; dipping his head, he hides the way his smile splits. Canines bared, too self-loathing. ]

They call me Ashiya Douman. ...And you, young miss, must be a magus. Celebrated, idolized.

[ Guesswork, based on her memories. ]