Inside Ridan's mind, the winds of memory stirred gently.
He watched Hazuki's back as the human walked toward the stall, steady and purposeful despite the weight he carried.
He looks like a clown half the time, acts like a fool the rest... but when he sees someone starving or left behind—he just can't turn away.
A soft smile formed across Ridan's cloudy features.
So different from that one...
His thoughts drifted to the past.
The previous hero.
The one who only saw people as numbers. Power. Tools.
The one who said "the strong survive" while stepping over the broken.
That man never hesitated to leave the weak behind.
But Hazuki...
Even while grumbling and complaining—he stayed.
He helped.
And never asked for thanks.
No wonder those two chose him.
Ridan's cloudy form shimmered faintly.
This guy might just be the person this world actually needs.
And no wonder...
This man... Hazuki...
Was chosen by the Absolute Eye.
Chosen by her.
