ISEKAI? More like I See Crap!-Chapter 178: Shadows of the Past, Light of the Present ( )

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.

Ridan’s gaze softened as he floated just above him.

That sacred pinky promise oath...

It wasn’t just a childish vow.

It was an ancient binding, tied by fate itself—something only those worthy could share.

Not through power.

Not through status.

But by the weight of their heart.

Hazuki had power, yet he never noticed.

He had a spirit guide, yet treated him like a partner.

He fought, but not for glory.

And when he grew greedy... it was always for things that didn’t truly matter.

Loot, food, meat—things he’d laugh about.

But when someone needed help, truly needed it—he gave. Freely. Without asking for a name or reward.

Ridan let out a breathless chuckle.

This man from another world, this Hazuki, doesn’t even realize that what he’s doing right now will make the kid remember it for the rest of their life.

The thing he does is going to change the world itself.

He glanced at Hazuki again—complaining, muttering, likely about prices.

"1 gold for all of that!!?" Hazuki barked.

"No can do, customer," the shopkeeper replied firmly, arms crossed. "Two gold and fifty silver is the best price I can offer for seven beds, each with a mattress and pillow. That also includes the carriage to deliver them."

"It’s not even that far!"

"Still can’t change the price. That’s the best I can do."

Hazuki groaned and reached into his pouch. "Ugh... fine. Here." He slapped the coins on the counter. "Make sure you deliver it today, right after this. You know the place, right?"

"Yes, I do," the shopkeeper nodded with a calm smile. "Don’t worry, Mister Customer. I’ll have it delivered shortly."

Hazuki glanced toward the basic wooden wardrobes in the corner. "And those... how much for seven of those simple ones?"

"If you’re taking seven, I can give you the whole lot for one gold even—since you already bought the beds."

Hazuki sighed again and handed over more coin. "Fine... here."

The shopkeeper’s smile widened. "Good doing business with you, Mister Customer."

Ridan floated silently above Hazuki, watching him mutter under his breath about the ridiculous amount of gold he just spent.

And yet... he didn’t hesitate. Not even once.

That was what made Ridan pause. He knew—better than most—that just one gold coin could support an average family for months.It wasn’t pocket change. It was survival. And this idiot? He was throwing it around for people he didn’t even know.

Hazuki stood at another stall now, pointing to sacks of flour, crates of vegetables, and bundles of dried meat.

"That flour, that meat—pack it and send it with the carriage from the shop next door," he said firmly.

"Yes, thank you, Mister Human!" the shopkeeper beamed.

Ridan hovered beside him, watching the whole thing unfold. Hazuki had on his usual grumpy, scowling face... but there it was. A tiny flicker. A blink-and-miss-it smile when he looked at the elf girl twirling in her new dress. The human girl holding her shoes like they were treasures.

Ridan smirked. "Pedozuki~"

"Oi! I’m not!!" Hazuki barked.

"Oi! I’m not!!" Hazuki barked.

Ridan floated down, grin stretching ear to ear. "Heh~ but why do your eyes look at them like you look at Ellyn?"

Hazuki sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don’t know. One thing I’m sure of, though—I’m not into kids. But when they smile... it makes me feel calm. Like... I did something right, I guess."

"Police! Police!" Ridan shouted, suddenly poofing into a mini spirit officer, complete with black glasses, a fake mustache, and a tiny baton. "We’ve got a suspect! Loli-staring, big-spending criminal right here!"

"You are under arrest, Mister Pedozuki!"

Hazuki facepalmed. "Ugh! You’re really annoying, Ridan."

Ridan floated in a slow circle, hands behind his back, smug as ever. "That’s what makes our life interesting, right?"

Hazuki chuckled despite himself. "You say that like I had a choice."

Ridan hovered silently now, his usual playful smirk faded into a quiet curve.

Heh~ at least my life isn’t boring right now.

His eyes lingered on Hazuki, who was casually walking ahead, half-grumbling and half-smiling.

This guy... really interesting.

I wonder how far he can go. Can he stop that?

Can he kill that thing?

The spirit’s cloudy form flickered slightly as thoughts ran deeper.

Can he really change the world? And when that happens...

Ridan’s gaze darkened.

Will he be able to stop... him?

[Flashback – Thousand Years Ago]

"Ridan! What are you spacing off for!? Launch the magic and kill that monster!!"

The young wizard flinched. Ridan’s hand trembled, the incantation at his lips hesitating.

"But Kenjirou! If I launch the spell, what about the villagers behind it?! They’re still alive—"

"Useless wizard!" the armored hero snapped, eyes gleaming with battle-thirst.

"Koria! Buff spell!"

"Yes, Hero-sama!"

The high priest girl raised her staff without hesitation, golden light pouring over Kenjirou.

"Elvia! Assist me with your magic bow!"

"Yes, Hero-sama!"

The elven archer pulled a radiant arrow, the tip already laced with wind enchantment.

Ridan clenched his teeth. "They’re not monsters... they’re not NPCs..."

Kenjirou glanced back with a sneer. "They’re just background extras. Expendable. You think they matter in the long run?"

"They’re alive!" Ridan roared, voice cracking with fury.

But his words were drowned in the thunderous clash that followed—the hero’s sword cleaving through both the beast... freewebnoveℓ.com

...and the screams of those behind it.

Back to Present

"Ridan?"

No answer.

Hazuki frowned and glanced up at the floating spirit who had gone oddly quiet.

"Oi, Ridan!!"

The spirit blinked rapidly, his cloudy form twitching slightly as if rebooting.

"What?"

"You were spacing out. What happened? It’s unusual for you to be this silent."

Ridan gave a weak shrug, his usual smugness absent for a heartbeat.

"Ah... nothing."

Hazuki squinted. "Really?"

"Yes."

He leaned in suspiciously. "Really really?"

"YES!!" Ridan snapped, louder than needed.

Hazuki backed off and crossed his arms. "Well, whatever."

Then, with his usual snap back to loud energy, he turned around and barked:

"Girls!! Go order the food you want to eat! Or do you want me to WHIP your butt!?"

The kids squealed and scattered, dragging Kisha in every direction toward the stalls.

Ridan floated beside Hazuki again, quieter now.

( End Of Chapter )