Reenacting the Unsolved Case: And Thus, Death Smirks

"I see... so that's the mystery Kaito carries. A murder that likely occurred in the magician's mansion. As a mystery... it seems simple, but just right for a small appetizer."

"An appetizer... what exactly do you—"

The shinigami moved away from Kaito's side and began pulling several books from the numerous bookshelves.

"I enjoy solving mysteries, you see. That's what satisfies my appetite. I'm offering you a chance to solve the mystery you carry."

"R-Really!? But how... You're not just going to... tell me the truth, are you?"

Kaito's face lit up at the shinigami's words, but only for a moment. Remembering the word "chance," his expression changed to one of caution.

"Using the memories—the books—of those who died in this incident, I'll create a simulated world. In that world, the incident should be recreated. I'll let you intervene, allowing you to solve the case."

The shinigami held four books. She must have obtained information about the participating magicians from Kaito's memories. Moreover, the existence of these books meant they were already dead.

"Are my master's memories in there too!?"

"I cannot let you examine the contents of these books. Additionally, what I create is a simulated world—you cannot truly return to the past. Your intervention will change how events unfold. Even if you manage to protect Mary Alzas, it will only be within this simulated world. Her death in reality is already determined. It will end as mere self-satisfaction—knowing the truth and nothing more."

Even if Kaito discovered the culprit and the truth, reality wouldn't change. It would only satisfy his personal desire. The shinigami's appetite would be satisfied as well.

"And one more thing. While I'm offering you a chance, the truth isn't guaranteed. You might be killed by the culprit in this simulated world."

"Killed... but I'm already dead, so—"

He had been welcomed to the Shinigami Detective Agency because he had died. Surely, dying once more in this form wouldn't change anything.

"If your soul itself ceases to exist, reincarnation becomes impossible. You won't be able to be reborn. Your existence will vanish. Even I will forget you, and you won't be recorded in any book. Even the possibility of meeting your master's reincarnation in your next life—that too will disappear."

The shinigami suggested the possibility that Kaito and his master could meet in a different world, in different forms.

"But... that wouldn't be the current me and my master. Even if another version of me meets her again, it would be meaningless. Even if I fail and my soul vanishes, I want to take this challenge. As for the price..."

"You've proven yourself by making it here. No price is necessary. This mystery is payment enough. Let me prepare the simulated world—the stage where your master died."

The shinigami, gathering the books of the dead, created a new book. It was titled "Murder in the Magic World."

She opened the book to show Kaito, but its pages were blank.

"This book is a story where you are the protagonist. The ending will be either your death or finding the culprit and obtaining their confession. Evidence alone is insufficient—you must make the culprit admit to their crime."

Kaito's soul began to be drawn into the book.

"I'll observe from the same perspective as you, reading the book and enjoying the deduction process. You'll be able to hear my voice, and when you do, please respond. No need to speak aloud—just think your response in your mind. My words might provide hints to identify the culprit. Conversely, when you question me, understand that my answers will be limited."

Once Kaito was completely absorbed into the book, the shinigami closed it momentarily. Then she turned to the first page.

Words began appearing one after another. The scene showed Kaito and Mary in a carriage, heading toward the magician's mansion.