Thank you very much for answering!
You are absolutely right, in fact, the supreme leader is very powerful, and although he is strong in the sense that he also uses a type of "magic" and has an army, what he uses the most is his intelligent mind to deceive.
He would deceive the protagonist by telling him that he cannot be redeemed from his sins because he has failed the one who can redeem him and free him from his curse, and this is the protagonist's internal conflict. Yet throughout his journey he will realize that it is not about being perfect or sinless, but rather about his desire to change and live for the good, that would somehow be his true liberation.
The powers of the supreme leader and his army are their last option, that is to say, that when one of those who lived under their dominions refuse to return to their city and obey after everything they are told they are ruthlessly destroyed either by them or by ordinary citizens.