831 You have died long ago

The world after death was completely white, just as if it was filled with snow.

There was nothing here. One wouldn't need to think about anything. There was only quiet; there was only silence; there was only the void.

Death… if that was how it was, then it was alright.

Koutarou kept feeling this as he continuously sunk lower…

But just as he thought he would eternally remain in this white location, he heard a voice.

"Kou…

"Koutarou… is that you…

"Wake up… you can do it…"

The voice calling out to him seemed unknown yet also familiar. He felt like people addressed him by that name in a certain incredibly long dream he had.

'I am… Koutarou?

'That's right, I'm…

'Who's calling me?'

"It's me… Harano…"

Harano… Koutarou remembered some things once he heard this name. Chaotic scenes, voices, and feelings came back into him as if they were falling snowflakes, making him simultaneously feel chilled yet warm.