Together, Sylvia and I walked through the island, and she guided me from place to place.0

“That’s the curry place. Always busy,” Sylvia said.0

The island looked almost Mediterranean, like something from the modern world—so much so that it felt like someone had modeled it after a postcard, with the same brilliant blue waters and the same sunlit rooftops of a peaceful town.0

“Professor! Sylvia said she killed you!”0

Then, Epherene's words from earlier came to my mind once more.0

Because of my attribute—Villain's Fate—my death had become something of a tradition. It happened so often in different timelines that I've lost track of how many times I've died and survived again.0

"That one's a gallery. An art hall," Sylvia added, her finger pointing to the small wooden building.0

Sylvia said nothing more as her steps slowed, then stopped, and for a long moment, she silently looked up at me.0

"... Is there something you wish to say?" I inquired.0

"My paintings are in there."0

“And?”0

"Do you not want to see it," Sylvia asked, puffing out her cheeks like a child denied a treat.0

I took in the gallery with my Sharp Eyesight, and there were no traps, no threats.0

"Let’s go inside.”0

“Okay,” Sylvia replied with a small nod.0

We made our way to the gallery, and Sylvia reached for the door—a small one—and stepped through first.0

Thud—0

I stepped into the gallery and looked around at what the...0