[He's not going to deny - it was a dumb idea. Just a bit of explanation before he loses the nerve to talk about his own past.]

If the kid I've been got offed before he made pact with the World, and if he died at the hand of one that made such pact— [Archer pauses and shrugs. Planning it has saved him from going completely insane. Old bitterness seeps into his voice.] Hearing the kid spout the same nonsense has been grating. As if he's been able to save anyone!