Ridan floated above Hazuki, silent for once, arms lazily crossed behind his head as he watched the man stare into nothingness.
He's different.
Not like that bastard from before—the last "hero" he guided.
That one only knew how to take—power, fame, titles. Conquered for glory. Crushed the weak if they didn't serve his purpose.
But this guy—Hazuki.
He complains like an old man with back pain. Pretends to hate the world. Shouts at kids and barks at women like some bitter relative.
But Ridan saw through it.
He didn't steal from the poor—he gave. Without asking for anything in return. Without even realizing how much it cost him.
He even pretended to complain all the way, but his hands never stopped moving.
Ridan exhaled slowly and quietly. Tch. He didn't even check this guy's memories when he fainted that first time. Maybe I should have.
But maybe… he didn't need to.
This was enough.
