The world of the Voice was connected in rippling waves, its mysteries even unknown to one of its developers, Yoo Ah-Ra. However, one thing was certain—its concentric layers were deeply tied to the concept of memory.0

“… So, what I’m saying is, in this world, it’s possible for even the dead to exist,” Ria said to Leo and Carlos.0

The three, cloaked in robes, settled at a table in the corner of the tavern.0

“How?” Leo asked, tilting his head with curious eyes.0

“Are you actually dumb? This world can store the memories of people who’ve died. That means someone who’s already gone could come back, remembering everything from when they were alive,” Carlos explained.0

“Yeah, that’s close to what Carlos said. But…”0

Ria stopped mid-sentence, her eyes widening as they landed on a nearby table in the room. There, bathed in the warm glow of the light, sat two people—Sylvia and Yulie—casually sharing a plate of roasted chicken. The sight, so unexpected, sent a ripple of surprise through her; yet they were not the only ones present.0

Creeeeak—0

The wooden tavern door creaked open, and the air shifted with a sudden chill, like the shock of an ice cube slipping into a glass of lukewarm cola. A wave of cold rippled through the room, drawing Ria and the children’s eyes instinctively toward the entrance—no, everyone in the tavern turned to look.0

“… It’s Professor Deculein.”0

A noble who commanded the attention of everyone in the room, an irresistibly magnetic villain whose very presence made one feel impossible to look away, as if caught off guard; an irregular beyond Ria’s status to describe; the living embodiment of independence and dominance; and a named character who alone held weight—Deculein.8

Thud, thud— Thud, thud—0

Deculein’s measured footsteps carried an unshakable elegance, while a frosty aura of authority flowed from him, cutting through the air like a winter gale—a reflection of his meticulous and...0