Tags: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Isekai
Sub-Tags: Heartwarming, OP, Strong Lead, Weak to Strong
Synopsis:
Every Family is Unique
Setsuna continues his journey with his apprentice Alto in tow. Along the way, Alto experiences a host of new feelings toward Setsuna—from doubt to envy to love—as their teacher-pupil relationship evolves. But the pair’s bond is put to the test when Setsuna is attacked by two beastfolk who mistake him for a slave trader and attempt to separate them. Still, this is but one more trial they will have to overcome as Setsuna and Alto happen upon a mysterious woman in a cave and they begin to consider what it means to be family… (Source: Yen Press)
The Beginning of a Hero’s Journey!
A Troubling Start
Following on from Setsuna’s brief stop in Gardir, my latest review returns the blog to the Ephemeral Scenes of Setsuna’s Journey as both he and Alto finally start the trip of a lifetime.
Beginning their long journey, the latest volume of Setsuna’s Journey finds the Master and Apprentice making their way towards the nation of Kutt. Styled as a journey of self-discovery and exploration, they’ll travel to experience all the world has to offer, including its people. From beastfolk mercenaries to imprisoned dragon maidens, each will provide our titular protagonists with a new perspective on the fantasy world.
After the positive developments brought forth in the series opener, the second instalment begins by building on this momentum. This starts almost as soon as their trip begins when the author once again focuses on the series’ strong point of character-driven narratives.
Known as Rudol and Kara, these beastfolk mercenaries aren’t afraid to use force against those they believe are harming other beastfolk. To put an end to their murderous intentions, Setsuna agrees to have them follow the pair as they make their way to Kutt. To convince them that he means no harm to Alto, Setsuna intends to both tell and show them on their short trip together. With each passing step, Setsuna’s actions toward Alto, as both a parental figure and Master, manage to turn their opinion of him around. His firm but fair nature ensures that the two mercenaries are convinced that Alto is in safe hands – a considerable achievement given Rudol and Kara’s history with humans.
This part of the journey also reveals some much-needed insight into Alto’s thinking as well. In the short time that he and Setsuna have spent together, Alto has begun to see him as someone extremely important in his life. This is showcased when, in the company of the two mercenaries, Alto willingly comes to Setsuna’s defence, even against opponents beyond his level.
The Passion of Dragonfolk
Reaching Kutt by the second half of the volume, the story turns to focus on Setsuna and his impact on the world and vice-versa. For only the second time in the history of the series, something breaks Setsuna from his stoicism.
Whilst searching for medicinal herbs in Kutt, Setsuna and Alto stumble across a prison uniquely designed to hold dragonfolk. Upon seeing the woman held inside, to say that his reaction was love at first sight is a bit of an understatement. It’s out of character but fitting, given that his body and experiences have changed since being in Japan.
Overall, the latest volume of The Ephemeral Scenes of Setsuna’s Journey exceeds expectations.
As Setsuna and Alto begin their grand journey, it is one fraught and filled with adventure. From their interactions with the mercenaries and their confessions with the dragon maiden, the second volume in the series hits all the right emotional and character beats.
Setsuna’s Journey Vol. 2
My Rating: 9/10
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