“Setsuna Sugimoto is summoned to another world as the 68th hero only to be abandoned because of his weak and sickly constitution. But everything changes when he's given a third chance at life by his dear friend Kyle, the former hero, thereby inheriting his vast knowledge, power, and lifeforce. Freed from the tethers of his past, Setsuna begins a journey as an adventurer where he'll encounter all walks of life, each experience bound to leave their mark on both him and his world.” (Yen Press)
A certain freedom is afforded in the light novel format that does not apply to other literary forms. Light novels can get away with simplistic storytelling and loose writing as long as the project is entertaining. This is true of the Isekai genre and is even more exponentially prevalent when dealing with ‘OP' protagonists–with comedy often a suitable replacement for strong prose and character development beyond surface-level observations to push the humor forward. This is not inherently a fault of the genre but rather a welcome norm that allows authors to play with all sorts of scenarios and emphasize the fantastical elements to a hungry readership that craves easily accessible escapism.
There are standouts within the genre that only adhere to the light novel name in structure alone, a continuous story spanning over several volumes garnered with familiar themes. However, there are a few titles that manage to embody a more classical storytelling structure with an emphasis on character development over fantastical sensationalism. Rokushou Usuasagi's “The Ephemeral Scenes of Setsuna's Journey” is one such title that stands out in such a manner.
The story is told through protagonist Setsuna Sugimoto, who is given a chance at a ‘third life,' having been sick in his first and a useless hero in the next world until a previously iseakied man from Japan gifts the sheltered persona his powers and knowledge. This contract is built on the premise of Setsune promising to experience a ‘normal' life that he was previously denied due to poor health. Consequently, the young adventurer is given infinite power but chooses to practice a purposeful passivity to garner life experiences without the allure of absolute power.
Check also this video
While this helps pace the action in an enjoyable reserved manner, this narrative device gives Setsuna humbleness and innocence in his interactions that act as the most notable draw to the story. The young hopeful is very introspective, and his conversations with fellow travelers reflect this reserved personality and an openness to learn from others despite the power disparity. In addition, this pacing allows the reader to digest the dynamics of the other world in bits that make it feel more comprehensive than those that throw out a slew of concepts and quickly explain them away with quick exposition. Indeed, plenty of familiar tropes and ideas (infinite storage, a level-up system, drama between guild members) are present in the book. Yet, how Rokushou Usuasagi approaches these elements has an appreciated depth not often found in the genre.
The art from Sime practices the same degree of reserve, and the work avoids common mistakes like focusing on fan service or conveying scenes with little in common with the story. It is not stunning, but it is the perfect complement and adds little reflections of the adventures of Setsuna. The physical release is well presented, and the book is neatly compact. The trade-off is that the text feels slightly condensed, but those struggling with this can check out the e-book version.
For readers who actively crave those over-the-top isekai stories, the considered pace of “The Ephemeral Scenes of Setsuna's Journey” may not offer the instant gratification of more boisterous titles. But for those who like variety in tone, and particularly those that seek light novels whose prose matches closer to what one would consider ‘traditional' means of fantasy storytelling, the book should be a treat.
