[Van Zieks faces that defiance with an equal amount of contention in his own posture. He's not backing down out of courtesy this time.]

I would not expect them to. I merely intend for you to face the truth of the matter.

[Whether it brings Kazuma comfort... well, as long as it curbs some of that misery his subconscious has inflicted upon him, that will be enough.]

We all have demons within us, Mr. Asogi. Whether they lead to violence or harm... in the mundane world, our will is enough to prevent such actions. In ours, your will has been enough, however you may have questioned or faltered.

[His eyes narrow, though out of sympathetic frustration.]

Magical compulsions require more than our own efforts to deny. [Lower, and with some regret, he adds:] ... far more.