Here’s a blog-style post based on your prompt. When “The Reward” Is Worse Than The Fight – Denji’s Tragic Cycle

Denji’s tragedy is that his rewards are real enough . The warmth of a hug is real, even if the person hugging him plans to break him later. The taste of jam on toast is real, even if the kitchen belongs to his enemy. So what’s the takeaway? That Denji should stop wanting things? That he should become cold, calculated, and safe?

And for a boy who started as less than nothing? That might be the most devastating reward of all.