The narrative falls short because the main character (MC) never directly confronts the female main character (FMC) or even his own sister about his pain, abandonment, and betrayal. The story barely touches on the climactic battle with the main antagonist. The MC endures immense torture and betrayal, including his sister stabbing him in the back and the girl he loves choosing her own rapist. Yet, there is no profound confrontation between them. The FMC doesn't even understand why the MC is angry; she merely cries, claiming she did everything to make the world safer for him. The MC never expresses his anger or frustration, nor does he call her a liar or betrayer. It was deeply unsatisfying. Even if the MC kills them all, they never realize that they played a part in creating the monster he has become. The essence of revenge lies in the realization that the victims helped shape the avenger. That's why many revenge stories often include a pivotal moment where the avenger and the one who caused their pain meet and talk, whether it's just before the revenge is complete, during torture, or after everything is said and done. The realization of who and why something happened is the sweetest taste of revenge.
Furthermore, the statement that they "no longer desire 'victory'/'conquest' over one another" because "love and romance isn't about victory and conquest" is flawed. If that were the case, humanity wouldn't be on the brink of extinction, as people would still be having children out of romantic attachment to each other. But they are not. All humans have lost the desire for sexual interactions, yet they still have the urge to embark on adventures, as shown by the two men who turned down the prostitutes' advances.
