I downloaded this and I regret it now

Didn't realize that it had to run a full BTC node in order to be online. So does the wallet actually have a BTC core running in the background. I DID NOT download separately, but the way the dashboard represents itself makes it seem like it is syncing up. It says offline but there is a notice saying "preparing database". In the settings the directory for BTC is blank but again the program is vague in saying that Armory is 'managing' it if blank. There is no indication that Armory cannot find the database.
Can someone tell me whether or not i have to separately download BTC? thx
poorly designed UX imho