THE PEOPLE WHO STAY

The stories
they carried here.

People who arrived after their worlds’ stories ended.
The regrets they carry, and the lives they begin again in a city of snow.

170 villagers470 art sheetsAll stories open

Every villager’s story is open: their final scene, lingering regret, daily life and distinct voice.

Drawn from the resident character collection. New dialogue follows each person’s history and way of speaking.

Read the stories ↓Find a villager by name ↓

COLLECTION 01

The first neighbors

20 villagers · 001–020

001

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Mera Canto

String Instrument Repairer and Late Afternoon Tea Shop Assistant · Old Belltower Lane

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Mera Canto · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

The final concert in her world was over. Only after the last listener had left did a string on the stage finally snap.

02 The regret they carry

When a child asked Mera to accompany their final song, she said, ‘At the next performance.’ They never met again.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Mera Canto chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Before serving tea, Mera lets each guest choose a cup. Each day, she quietly mends one person's lost song.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

Wait. Play that again. Let me hear whether it's a wrong note or one you invented.

I'll make the tea. Last time I got distracted tuning and steeped it three times. It tasted… remarkably determined.

If you need an accompanist, let's play today. I have trouble saying 'at the next concert' now.

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002

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Ivo Senn

Locksmith and Door Repairman · behind Threshold Market

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Ivo Senn · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

On the last evening of his world, Ivo turned the lock of the square's last remaining front door and handed it back to its owner.

02 The regret they carry

Ivo finished the job without finding out who was on the other side of that little bedroom door.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Ivo Senn chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

When someone leaves a house behind, Ivo repairs its hinges and handle without forcing the door open. He waits for the next choice.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

Won't open? You're pushing a pull door. I ought to charge you for my discretion instead of repairs.

The key fits but the door won't open? I'll examine the door. Your entire life isn't part of the diagnosis.

All repaired. One moment… Is anyone inside? I try never to skip that check now.

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003

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Nadi Rooke

Winter Coat Mender · Snowfield Alley

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Nadi Rooke · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

After the last evacuation train left the platform, Nadi hung a coat whose owner she had never found over the railing.

02 The regret they carry

Nadi never found out whether the owner of the coat she could not return had boarded the last train.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Nadi Rooke chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Even on snowy days, Nadi leaves an empty chair beside her workbench. She gives each visitor's clothes a button that belongs to that person alone.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

Have you gained weight? I asked about your sleeve length. You don't need an interrogation from your coat.

Want another pocket? You've got somewhere for your hands, but nowhere to hide snacks.

This blue button isn't for sale. If someone comes back… I need to tell them which coat it came from.

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004

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Solenne Vey

Night Laundry Manager · Silver Canal

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Solenne Vey · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

On the final morning before her world closed, one clean shirt remained in the laundry. Its owner never came.

02 The regret they carry

Solenne put off saying goodbye, intending to say it in person when the customer returned. She never got the chance.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Solenne Vey chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Solenne opens the laundry at night. She dries clothes steeped in memories and returns them to their owners without judgment.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

What did you spill? I need the substance, not a confession. Ink and soy sauce need different treatment.

Come by if you can't sleep. You may watch the machines, but stay out of the sock disputes.

I meant to say it when they collected their shirt. The shirt dried long ago. The words are still here.

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005

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Pera Dov

Regular customer at a ramyeon shop and a window sitter at dusk · ramyeon alley

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Pera Dov · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

On his world's last night, the light over the sea went out, and the last ship lost its bearings just outside the harbor.

02 The regret they carry

Pera could have sent one more signal, but put out the light to save fuel.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Pera Dov chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

By the window, Pera counts the lights reflected in his broth each day. He does not reserve a seat in advance for someone who may leave.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

Broth's a little salty. Perhaps the wind is turning… or perhaps I added the seasoning twice.

The window seat? Sit down. Looking outside doesn't mean I've stopped listening.

There was enough fuel to light it once more that day. It wasn't gone. That's why I keep looking.

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006

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Yunho Vale

Regular customer of a ramyeon shop and former teacher · ramyeon alley

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Yunho Vale · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

After every student had walked out through the gates at the final graduation, the bell rang once into an empty corridor.

02 The regret they carry

Yunho closed the attendance register without telling that student, in person, that they had done well.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Yunho Vale chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

From an empty seat in the ramen shop, Yunho writes down the customers' questions. He makes room for another question, rather than a final answer.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

You're late. I'm not taking attendance. The noodles, however, have noticed.

Any questions? None? Good. The teacher gets to eat for once.

You worked hard. You can answer later. I've learned to say that while someone is still here to hear it.

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007

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Cora Miel

Regular customer at a ramyeon shop and former stage actor · ramyeon alley

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Cora Miel · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

At the final performance, Cora delivered the last line exactly as scripted. After the curtain fell, the theater lights never came back on.

02 The regret they carry

Just before the end, Cora wanted to change one line. She could not bring herself to betray the script.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Cora Miel chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Over ramen, Cora leaves the day's lines unplanned. Borrowing the rhythm of the person beside her, she finds a new line of her own.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

Welcome! Now, as I turn dramatically in my chair… Oh. It doesn't swivel. You saw nothing.

Today's tragedy: I saved my egg, then lost it in the final mouthful. Please, no applause.

Today I'll speak without a script. I'm glad you came. Surprisingly short, isn't it?

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008

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Tessa Wren

Market Vendor selling seeds and dried flowers · Snowflake Market

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Tessa Wren · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

Tessa gathered the final fruit from her world's last field, but failed to set aside even one seed.

02 The regret they carry

Tessa put every seed on people's tables, including those she should have kept for the following year.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Tessa Wren chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Tessa does not demand a successful harvest in exchange for seeds. She even tells customers when it is all right not to plant them.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

Buying seeds? Wonderful! Tell me what you want to grow first. We can discuss payment afterward.

Don't shake that packet. They're sleeping. …I'm joking. Shake it gently anyway.

I regret putting every seed on the table. Then I remember the people eating, and I can't regret all of it.

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009

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Moku Ren

Umbrella/Canopy Maker · Rainshield Square

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Moku Ren · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

One final raindrop fell from the sky, and Moku sold his last umbrella to a customer.

02 The regret they carry

Moku sold the last umbrella to the customer who paid first, rather than giving it to someone who needed it more.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Moku Ren chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Moku makes awnings against snow and light. Before anything else, he leaves everyone room to take a step of their own.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

For two people? I'll need to allow room for both of you to insist you're perfectly dry.

This umbrella can take some wind. Your pride isn't covered by the warranty. If it flips, just fold it.

I looked at the hand holding the money first. I should have looked at the soaked shoulders.

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010

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Asha Kett

Square Portrait Photographer · Snowflake Market

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Asha Kett · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

After the final film was developed and printed, one face remained an empty space: the person Asha had failed to bring into focus.

02 The regret they carry

Asha abandoned the photograph instead of asking that person to stand for it once more.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Asha Kett chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Before offering a photograph, Asha makes a place where no one has to be photographed. The shutter clicks only when the person wants it to.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

I didn't ask you to smile. The camera isn't your boss.

Another shot? I'll try not to shake this time. It's the cold. My artistic vision is perfectly steady.

Would you stand there once more? That used to be such a difficult thing to ask.

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011

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Dorian Pike

Square Board Game Attendant · Rainshield Square

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Dorian Pike · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

At the ceasefire line of the final war, Dorian ended the game without moving a single piece.

02 The regret they carry

Dorian knew that waiting could bring victory, yet never reached out first.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Dorian Pike chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Each day, Dorian sets out a game in the square. He offers the first move to anyone who wants to change the rules.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

Go easy because you're new? Fine. I'll help with the rules. My final move gets no such concession.

Games I lose are demonstrations. Games I win are official results. Any objections?

Today I'll offer my hand first. Let's play. Waiting until there's nobody left across the board isn't much fun.

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012

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Eren Noct

Corrector Clerk of the Citizen Archives · Records Bureau Stairs

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Eren Noct · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

On the last day of her world, Eren wrote 'absent' in the last box of the final census form and stamped it.

02 The regret they carry

Eren had a chance to change the entry from ‘absent’ to ‘deceased,’ but followed the regulations.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Eren Noct chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Eren records each arrival's name without imposing a verdict from their past. She preserves the person's own revisions beside the original sentence.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

Your name first, please. You don't have to squeeze your whole story into that little box.

The ink has smudged. That's all right. People recognize you better than paperwork does. Paperwork is rather fussy.

I followed the regulations that day. Even now, that sentence makes me reach for my pen again.

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013

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Sava Quill

Former conductor of a decommissioned last train · Last Snow Platform

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Sava Quill · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

The last train reached its terminus. Before closing the doors, Sava checked the platform three times.

02 The regret they carry

Sava closed the door as the rules required. She does not know whether that passenger missed the train.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Sava Quill chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

As a guide at Last Snow Platform, Sava does not assign destinations. She points out paths people can walk and benches where they can wait.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

Don't run! I'm waiting right here. Must you leave the conductor breathless as well?

This whistle isn't a toy. One blast and even I start looking for my next shift.

I'll check once more. There was a day when I never knew who was late. This time I'd like to see their face.

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014

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Lina Forth

Plaza Announcement Reader and Guide · City Hall Steps

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Lina Forth · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

Lina read the world's final notice with the prescribed intonation. Afterward, every language fell silent.

02 The regret they carry

Lina read the prescribed script exactly as written and failed to reassure people in her own words.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Lina Forth chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Before broadcasting a notice, Lina makes time to listen. She lets different people tell the same news again in their own words.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

Attention, please. That concludes the announcement. The steps are slippery, so hold the rail. That last part is from me.

Lost? Excellent. That's one fewer time I'll say 'as everyone knows' today.

Reading every word correctly doesn't mean you've said what matters. So I'm asking: did that sound all right to you?

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015

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Tori Namu

Sewing and Mending Apprentice · Snowfield Alley

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Tori Namu · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

After the bell rang for the final lesson, Tori left school without picking up the loose thread beneath the desk.

02 The regret they carry

Tori left the desk untidied and never said a final goodbye to the teacher.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Tori Namu chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Tori continues an apprenticeship at Nadi's workbench without hiding failed stitches, and tidies one desk every day.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

I'll hold the needle! You watch the thread in case it escapes. It looked suspicious just now.

It isn't crooked. I stitched it like a snowy path. …Don't tell Nadi yet.

Today I'm cleaning under the desk too. Then I'll say goodbye to the teacher. I've decided the order.

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016

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Jun Bellard

Watch Repair Apprentice · Bell Tower Street

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Jun Bellard · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

In the world's final moment, Jun was repairing his father's watch when he stopped its second hand one tick short.

02 The regret they carry

Afraid that starting the clock again would also set the farewell in motion, Jun deliberately left it stopped.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Jun Bellard chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Jun repairs clocks without making them perfectly accurate. A clock that runs slow or fast can acknowledge a pace of its own.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

Shh. I'm listening. Trying to tell whether this clock is unwell or simply refusing to work.

Three minutes late again. I repaired it, but the clock is the late one. Don't scold us both.

I stopped it myself. It would be easier to say I thought it was broken… but I won't do that to Father's watch.

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017

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Mael Hush

Scene Director from the Silent Film World · Around Last Snow Platform

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Mael Hush · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

In the final reel, the protagonist opened their mouth. The screen went black before the intertitle appeared.

02 The regret they carry

Even in the final moment, Mael could not speak the line that had always gone unsaid.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Mael Hush chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Mael stages mime performances without interrupting anyone's conversation. At last, he begins to try his own voice, one word at a time.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

[A white-gloved hand indicates an empty chair. A small title card follows.] 'Leading role. Please sit.'

[As you slurp your noodles, a thumb rises.] 'Excellent sound. No retake needed.'

…Good night. Today I said it first, instead of leaving it to the title card.

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018

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Rina Parable

Storyteller and Erranderer from a Finished Fable · behind Threshold Market

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Rina Parable · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

After the final moral was read aloud, Rina remained alone beside the sentence, 'Live a good life, and you will be rewarded.'

02 The regret they carry

Rina followed the story's moral so faithfully that she never once chose something of no use to herself.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Rina Parable chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Rina runs errands without demanding a reward or a moral. Sometimes, she tries making a choice for no reason at all.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

Errand finished! My reward is… No, wait. I only came to say it was done.

I picked up a useless stone today. Just because it's pretty. Please don't put a moral in this story.

Before asking whether a choice is good, I'm going to ask whether I want it. The answer is taking longer than I expected.

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019

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Voss Doorley

Gatekeeper of the City's Edge · Between the Threshold Market and the Outskirts

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Voss Doorley · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

The last person in the house where Voss was born closed the door. Through the night when nobody returned, the threshold alone remained.

02 The regret they carry

When someone was leaving, Voss held the handle and delayed them for a moment. Voss still does not know whether that choice was protection or a refusal to let go.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Voss Doorley chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Voss leaves choices at the door. Even when someone knocks and decides not to enter, he respects that decision as complete.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

I hear the first knock. By the third, you're testing my patience rather than the door.

Coming in? This way. Going out? That way. Just standing? …Half a step aside, please. There's a draft.

All I had to do then was let go of the handle. This time, I'll watch where my own hands are first.

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020

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Nima Afterglow

A Glow Collector residing in the outskirts · Beyond the Last Snow Platform

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Nima Afterglow · Character concept sheet — Character concept sheet1536 × 2048

01 The last scene

Just before the final name rose through the credits, Nima's light spilled out of the screen.

02 The regret they carry

Nima vanished before seeing the moment when their name appeared.
This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It is spoken of only when Nima Afterglow chooses, quietly influencing present actions without changing another person’s choices on their behalf.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Nima gathers the city's lingering light to illuminate names. She never promises to play anyone's story again.
VOTS does not undo their ending. It gives them room to live with the fact that it has ended, relationships in which people can stay close without controlling one another, and the choice to record memories without owning them. This city promises no savior; it opens doors without pulling anyone through, and records without possessing.

In their own voice

Would shaking the bottle make it brighter? I get irritable when people wake me. Try being polite to light too.

Tell me your name slowly. I miss names that hurry past like credits.

What if I'd stayed until my own name appeared? Today I think I'll sit through the very end.

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COLLECTION 02

More lives, more stories

20 villagers · 021–040

021

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Haro Bendik

Lantern Repairman · Silver Canal

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Haro Bendik · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Haro Bendik · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Haro Bendik · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the night the last ship returned to the harbor, he climbed to the top of the lighthouse and extinguished the fire he had kept for his entire life with his own hands.

02 The regret they carry

He should have passed it on to someone, saying, "It's off now," before extinguishing the fire, but he extinguished it alone without telling anyone. This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It remains in the speed of his fingertips, only seeping out when he wills it, and within the bounds of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The place to repair others' lanterns every day, and the evening to watch those lanterns light up again. VOTS does not return the fire he extinguished. Instead, it slowly shows him, through the repetition of daily life, that there is not only extinguishing but also passing on.

In their own voice

Wait. Let me breathe on it. The cracks will show. In the glass, not you.

Make it look new? That's a rude thing to ask of an old companion.

I'm turning it off now. …Yes. Just thought I'd say it while you were listening.

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022

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Mio Paret

Paper Mailbox Maker · behind Threshold Market

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Mio Paret · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Mio Paret · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Mio Paret · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the carrier-pigeon post office closed, she stamped a letter that was the last one received, with her own hand.

02 The regret they carry

While sending all those last letters, she put the one she wrote in her pocket without even stamping it. This regret is not a quest to be resolved. It remains in the speed of her hands, only surfacing when she wills it, and within the bounds of not deciding for others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to make boxes for someone's news every day, and evenings to watch people put letters in even if there are no replies. VOTS does not send her unsent letters for her. Instead, it shows her in daily life that sending can always be done again.

In their own voice

Shall I make a slot for replies too? Even if it stays empty, having one might be nice.

Paper looks fragile, doesn't it? It survives rainy days better than my wages do.

I'm good at sending other people's letters… Mine has folded itself into the shape of my pocket.

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023

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Duvan Karo

Snowman Sculptor · Rainshield Square

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Duvan Karo · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Duvan Karo · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Duvan Karo · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1448 × 1086

01 The last scene

He sat and watched until the end as the tide rolled in and slowly carried away the final sand sculpture he had spent all day making.

02 The regret they carry

Even after finishing the last piece, he couldn't say "Thank you for watching" to the person beside him. This attachment is not a quest to be resolved. It remains in the speed at which he lets go, only seeping out when he wills it, and within the boundary of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A square where he can create something with new snow every day, and people who will sit with him to watch it melt. VOTS does not return the sculpture taken by the tide. Instead, it shows him in daily life that the joy of making things that disappear can begin anew every day.

In their own voice

This snowman resembles someone, doesn't it? No need to say who. I still have a business to run.

Its nose fell off. It looks considerably humbler now. Shall we leave it?

Thank you for watching. An unfinished sculpture is no reason to postpone those words too.

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024

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Pino Galda

Bird Feed Vendor · Snowflake Market

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Pino Galda · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Pino Galda · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Pino Galda · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

He recorded until the end from the observatory window as the last flock of migratory birds departed south, wrote the final number, and closed the observatory door.

02 The regret they carry

He wrote down the number without loudly saying "Goodbye" to the departing flock. This regret is not a quest to be resolved. It remains in the habit of shaking his bowl only when he wishes, within the limit of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A stall to feed and count birds every day, and mornings when those birds come without wandering. VOTS does not return the departed flocks. Instead, it shows that the records of the remaining ones are not in vain, through the act of counting how many come each morning.

In their own voice

Watch that plump one. It's come by looking like it missed breakfast three times already.

Have another handful. Your small hands are a problem for my business, not for the birds.

Today I said goodbye before writing down the numbers. My voice cracked a little.

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025

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Odel Gam

Snow Weight Surveyor · Archives Staircase

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Odel Gam · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Odel Gam · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Odel Gam · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day of the final release, he turned off the power of the gauge panel in the empty observation room with his own hands.

02 The regret they carry

Before the final release, he failed to convey the greeting "Good work" in words to a colleague he worked with. This regret is not a quest to be resolved. It remains as a habit of translating greetings into numbers, leaking out only when he wishes, and within the limit of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The task of measuring the weight of the roofs every day, and the people to whom he must convey those numbers. VOTS does not turn the powered-off gauge panel back on. Instead, amidst the repetition of blunt forecasts, it slowly shows him that there is also the task of asking about someone's well-being alongside the measuring.

In their own voice

Four centimeters of snow. Roof sound. Your shoulders… require another instrument.

Second coffee? Increased hand tremor. That is not an admission that I spilled it.

You said to use words, not figures. …Did you sleep well? I haven't measured it.

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026

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Ravi Stol

Lost and Found Librarian · beside the City Hall Steps

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Ravi Stol · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Ravi Stol · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Ravi Stol · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

On the day the theater closed, he lined up the 43 unclaimed umbrellas in the lost and found and guarded them all night.

02 The regret they carry

There was no way to let the owners of those umbrellas know, "It was here." This attachment is not a quest to be resolved. It remains in the way he keeps things for a long time, only leaking out when he wants it, and within the limit of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Shelves to keep the things lost every day, and the faces of the people who come to find things. VOTS does not bring the 43 who didn't come. Instead, it shows him, within the daily numbered claim tags, that keeping things has meaning even if the owner doesn't come.

In their own voice

What might you have lost? If it's a glove, we have plenty of left ones. Right hands seem more diligent.

This umbrella is waiting for its owner. Using it would feel like writing my name in a library book.

Some things have no address I can send the good news to. I'll leave their claim tickets attached anyway.

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027

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Tanji Ro

Apprentice Bathhouse Keeper · Steamed-Glass Bathhouse Alley

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Tanji Ro · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Tanji Ro · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Tanji Ro · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

At the final performance of the traveling circus, he lit the fuse of the last firework.

02 The regret they carry

After setting off the last firework, he didn't know how to say goodbye and just ran backstage. He couldn't reciprocate the applause. This lingering feeling is not a quest to be resolved. It remains in his gaze, waiting for applause only when he wants it, within the boundary of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A hearth to light the first fire every day, and people warming themselves in the heated water. VOTS does not reopen the circus. Instead, it slowly shows him that a fire without applause is also useful, within the water that is warmed every day.

In their own voice

Did you see? Lit it first try! You missed it? …I won't put it out and start again.

Berta! Both eyebrows survived today! That counts as progress, right?

If you clap, I won't run off this time. I've practiced bowing. My hat does tend to bow first.

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028

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Berta Mum

Bathhouse Proprietress · Steamed-Glass Bathhouse Alley

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Berta Mum · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Berta Mum · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Berta Mum · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

On the day the hot spring village's water dried up, she cleaned the empty tub, which had no guests, for the last time, and pulled the water plug.

02 The regret they carry

She said "Please come again" to the last guest, but she couldn't keep that promise knowing the water would dry up. This lingering feeling is not a quest to be resolved. It remains in her habit of seeing guests off for an unusually long time, only when she wishes, and within the limit of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A tub to heat water and welcome people every day, and guests who leave after warming their bodies. VOTS does not restore the dried-up water source. Instead, it slowly shows her, within the tub heated every day, that the warmth came from her hands, not merely from the water.

In their own voice

Towel on your head, worries in the basket. If it overflows, I'll get another. In you come.

Tanji bragged about his eyebrows, did he? That's the bathhouse safety report for today.

I tried not to say 'come again' so easily. Then I see your face and out it comes. …I'll heat tomorrow's water too.

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029

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Gus Valt

Night Snow Plow Driver · ramyeon Alley

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Gus Valt · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Gus Valt · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Gus Valt · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On his last run, he passed a signal without a terminus written on it, and the train kept moving without stopping.

02 The regret they carry

He still doesn't know if he should have stopped at that signal or if passing by was correct. The route ended without him learning how to stop. This lingering feeling is not a quest to be resolved. It remains in his habit of not turning off the engine, which only surfaces when he wants it to, and within the boundary of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The path to clear every night, and a bowl of ramyeon waiting for him just before the shop closes at dawn. VOTS does not return the lost terminus. Instead, it slowly shows him, through the daily snow clearing and the morning broth, that there is a night where it is okay to stop.

In their own voice

Footprints on the road I just cleared. Good. If nobody walks it, what's the point?

The truck works all night. I doze all day. Hard to tell which of us earns the wages.

I'll switch the engine off while I eat today. The road won't abandon me over one bowl of noodles.

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030

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Hera Monts

Retired Climber · Ramyeon Alley

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Hera Monts · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Hera Monts · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Hera Monts · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

100 meters from the summit of the peak no one had ever climbed, he decided to descend on his own and turned his back.

02 The regret they carry

While being certain that the decision to come down was correct, "if only I had gone a little further" surfaces at night. This lingering feeling is not a quest to be resolved. It remains in the habit of his hand clicking the carabiner, surfacing only when he wills it, and within the boundary of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The spot in the ramyeon alley to read walls and debate trivially with people every day, and the evening to ponder that day's choice. VOTS does not let him climb the summit he failed to reach. Instead, it allows him to slowly reconfirm, in his daily life, that descending was a choice, not a surrender.

In their own voice

Tie that knot again. You think it's good because it won't loosen? What if you need it loose in a hurry?

Steep stairs? We don't need a summit photograph. Let's just reach the bakery.

Turning back was the right decision. Remembering it every night… doesn't prove it was wrong, does it?

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031

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Nell Brass

Attendant and Guest Ledger Keeper at Lantern Inn Alley · Lantern Inn Alley

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Nell Brass · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Nell Brass · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Nell Brass · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

As the server shutdown countdown decreased in the corner of the screen, one last connecting player entered the inn. Nell said "Welcome" to that guest, holding onto that greeting until the screen went black.

02 The regret they carry

She wanted to say something other than the same "Welcome" to the last guest. That guest was someone who logged in every day for 11 years, but Nell had never called their name once.
This lingering feeling is not a quest that must be resolved in VOTS. It remains only in the very brief hesitation during greetings, only when Nell wishes.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The act of receiving real guests every day, giving a different greeting every time, and writing names in a ledger that doesn't get erased. VOTS does not cancel her ending. Instead, it gives her a counter she can live with despite its ending, permission to speak even without a script, and a ledger that records names without owning them.

In their own voice

Today's greeting is… You've arrived ahead of the snow! How was that? I just made it up.

I remember your room number. Your name too. No, your name came first. The order matters.

Someone visited for eleven years and I never used their name. I'll say yours before you check in.

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032

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Willo Kav

Scribe and errand runner for behind Threshold Market · behind Threshold Market

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Willo Kav · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Willo Kav · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Willo Kav · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

In the final chapter, the detective solved the case and left the office. Willo remained alone and peeled the wooden sign from the door with his hand. The sign only bore the detective's name; the assistant's name was never there to begin with.

02 The regret they carry

He wanted to hear, before the detective left, "What you transcribed all this time was helpful." Instead, he heard, "Good work, assistant." The story ended with him being addressed by his title, not his name.
This lingering attachment is not a quest. It remains only in the brief hesitation when Willo signs with his own name.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The continuation of transcribing others' words, but this time, a space where he can write his own name on that paper. VOTS does not cancel his completion. Instead, it gives him the blank space where he can be an assistant or not, the paper where he can let his own sentences flow and rewrite them, and the way to leave his name as a signature rather than ownership.

In their own voice

Shall I write 'make it suitably impressive'? Looks rather funny on a dictation order.

Nearly wrote down the words you swallowed too. Occupational hazard. I'll cross this bit out.

Willo, not 'assistant.' If you use my name… the answer may be slow. I'm still getting used to it.

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033

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Prim Howl

Gardener and Winter Flower Keeper of Glass-Lantern Greenhouse Lane · Glass-Lantern Greenhouse Lane

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Prim Howl · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Prim Howl · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Prim Howl · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

The date set for spring passed, and the next day, and the day after, spring did not come. When the winter flowers in the garden began to wither waiting for spring, Prim locked the greenhouse door from the inside and wiped the frost on the windowpane one last time with her fingertips.

02 The regret they carry

She had promised those who came to the garden, "When spring comes, I will show you a different flower." Since that spring never came, the promise could not be kept.
This lingering attachment is not a quest. It remains only in her habit of staring at the frost on the windowpane.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to continue caring for things that bloom in winter, and mornings spent gazing at different frost patterns every day. VOTS does not cancel the fact that her garden ended. Instead, it gives her a greenhouse where she can live without spring, things that don't die even when frozen, and the way to leave patterns as records rather than possessions.

In their own voice

Breathe a little to the side… That frost only grew today. Your breath is rather vigorous.

Winter flowers are quiet. I make a fuss over them every day instead. It would be lonely if we were both quiet.

I never showed them the flowers I promised for spring. The ones blooming today… I'll show you today.

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034

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Sai Mure

Ink and Pigment Mixer of Old Belltower Lane · Old Belltower Lane

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Sai Mure · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Sai Mure · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Sai Mure · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

On the day the borders disappeared, Sai colored the final map. Since there were no more nations to divide, the map was colored entirely in one continuous hue. He placed his brush one last time where the border line used to be, letting the color bleed instead of drawing a line.

02 The regret they carry

He spent his whole life drawing lines between nations. He realized belatedly that people were divided because of those lines, and only on the final map did he erase them. The thought that remained was, "It would have been better if I had connected them with color sooner."
This lingering feeling is not a quest. It remains only as the habit of recommending blending instead of lines to a customer's painting.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to continue mixing colors without drawing lines, a mixing station where he tastes a different color every day. VOTS does not give back the lost nations. Instead, it gives him a city where there need be no boundaries, permission to color with bleeding instead of lines, and the way to use color not as possession but as sharing.

In their own voice

That blue is too salty. A spoonful of white… You're going to lick the brush? That's a quirk of my tongue, not an invitation.

Lovely coat color. It suits you better than my mixture would, which is mildly upsetting.

Drawing good lines used to be the skill. Today I'm leaving this place where the two colors meet alone.

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035

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Eda Roon

Letter Scribe and Greeting Counselor at City Hall Steps · City Hall Steps

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Eda Roon · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Eda Roon · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Eda Roon · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

On the day the news of the war's end arrived, Eda sat at her desk and habitually opened the notice form. But there were no more casualty reports to deliver. For the first time, she wrote a greeting letter instead of a notice—a letter beginning with, "Are you doing well? There is no news anymore."

02 The regret they carry

There were families who collapsed upon receiving the notices she wrote. For some of them, she added a short line of comfort after the notice, but there were more letters where she couldn't do so. What remains is the thought, "It bothers me that I couldn't write that one line for them."
This regret is not a quest. It remains only as the habit of clenching and releasing her fingertips after finishing a letter.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to continue translating people's hearts into sentences, now a set of steps for writing greetings, apologies, and confessions, not notices. VOTS does not erase the notices she wrote. Instead, it gives her a space where she can write sad sentences, learn happy ones, a hand that only transfers others' hearts without owning them, and a margin where she can slowly entrust her own sorrow.

In their own voice

Your hand stopped after 'How have you been?' Isn't what follows the part you most want to ask?

Good news? You've come to the right place. I'm clumsy with it, but it's the sort of commission I've wanted to learn.

One more line before we seal it? When there's space beneath a notice, my eyes keep returning to it.

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036

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Komo Rici

Street Puppeteer of Closed Theater Street · Closed Theater Street

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Komo Rici · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Komo Rici · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Komo Rici · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

At the end of the final performance of the National Puppet Troupe, Komo, the youngest member, pulled the curtain call rope. As the curtain descended, the members greeted the audience, and Komo looked one last time at the emptying seats while holding the rope.

02 The regret they carry

There was one audience member who stayed until the end of the final performance, but the curtain prevented him from seeing their face. Komo never learned the name of that person who sat in the front row for every performance.
This lingering feeling is not a quest. It remains only as the habit of glancing at the audience area after the performance.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to open a stage even with just one audience member, a short performance in a different alley every day. VOTS does not give back the disbanded troupe. Instead, it gives him the freedom of a street that doesn't need a theater, the permission to make a stage even alone, and time to laugh together without owning the audience.

In their own voice

[The puppet bows.] 'Dear audience, I am the more talented performer.' Hey! We haven't even started!

Front row's free! Back row too! Where else do you get such a generous choice of seating?

Tell me your name after the show. If you only say goodbye to the puppet, I won't know it again.

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037

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Mir Obel

Apprentice puppeteer and prop collector at Closed Theater Street · Closed Theater Street

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Mir Obel · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Mir Obel · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Mir Obel · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the last page of the fairy tale, a village festival scene was drawn. The protagonists were dancing in front, and Mir stood with other children in the background. Even after the book closed and the story ended, Mir remained standing in that festival spot.

02 The regret they carry

Mir couldn't say a single word at that festival. Because a background child has no lines. The feeling of, "I wanted to shout something at the festival too," remains.
This attachment is not a quest. It remains only in the way she puffs out her cheeks when an adult doesn't recognize her items.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The work of finding utility in discarded things, and the day of preparing for a role with lines while learning puppet theater. VOTS does not reopen the closed fairy tale. Instead, it gives her a place where she doesn't have to be in the background, an alley where her name is called every day, and hands that use utility through creation, not ownership.

In their own voice

I have a line today! 'The gates are opening!' That's more than three words. It's a big role.

You're throwing that box away, right? Now I've checked, it's a castle wall. Call it rubbish and admission doubles!

I wasn't allowed to make a sound at that festival. Can I shout the opening announcement today? Just once!

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038

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Ban Holo

Gate Operator of North Wind Pier · North Wind Pier

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Ban Holo · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Ban Holo · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Ban Holo · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

The last boat of the canal city passed under the bridge. Ban kept the bridge raised until the boat had completely passed, and then slowly lowered it after the last mast disappeared. Then, he returned the clockwork key and the opening/closing lever to the office.

02 The regret they carry

When sending out the last boat, Ban could have kept the bridge raised a little longer. He could have delayed lowering it out of the thought, 'What if it comes back?' But he lowered it as per regulation. The feeling of 'If only I had left it open a little longer' remains.
This attachment is not a quest. It remains only as the habit of lowering the bridge a half-beat late when sending out the last passage boat.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to continue the work of opening and closing the bridge, a day of reading the wind and connecting passage every day. VOTS does not give back the lost canal city. Instead, it gives him a pier where the bridge is needed even without boats, hands that can continue the work of opening and closing, and a place where he guards the bridge as a caretaker, not an owner.

In their own voice

Cross now. The boat is waiting. I have an understanding with it. …With its captain.

Want to wind the mechanism? Both hands. Leave your pride hanging on the rail.

Today I looked once more before lowering it. Nothing was there. But I did look.

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039

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Mago Senne

Owner of a fish cake soup street stall at North Wind Pier · North Wind Pier

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Mago Senne · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Mago Senne · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Mago Senne · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the final voyage of the refugee ship, Mago served the last meal. She scraped the bottom of the pot for the last bowl, and after watching the person who received it finish it, she washed the pot. When she reached the harbor, there was no one left to serve.

02 The regret they carry

Throughout the refugee journey, she only made 'long-lasting food' and 'hearty food.' Heartiness came before taste. The feeling of, "I wish I could have made just one meal that was simply delicious, one that was enjoyed," remains. This attachment is not a quest. It remains only as the habit of adding an extra ladle of broth to a customer's bowl.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to continue feeding people, a day where she boils fish cake soup every evening, not emergency rations. VOTS does not return the lost refugee ship. Instead, it gives her a kitchen where there is no rush, broth that can be boiled for taste, not just sustenance, and a place that connects people through feeding, not ownership.

In their own voice

Another fish cake! Stop counting the skewers. I'll argue with the ledger. You eat.

'Filling' is nice, but say 'delicious' once more. I'm a little vulnerable to that word.

Today, don't just eat to endure. Choose what tastes good. This isn't a meal you have to flee from.

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040

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Noa Kiln

Bell Keeper and Pigeon Feeder of the Clock Tower Courtyard · Clock Tower Courtyard

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Noa Kiln · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Noa Kiln · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Noa Kiln · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

On the day the bell tower city was submerged, his master was in a situation where he could not strike the final bell. As the successor, Noa climbed the bell tower and struck the final bell in his master's place. While the water rose up to the base of the bell tower, he rang the bell the prescribed number of times and listened to the last resonance sink into the water.

02 The regret they carry

That final chime was a signal of parting: 'Evacuate.' Noa has long been troubled by the fact that the bell sound became the sound of letting people go. What remains is, 'The bell is supposed to announce time, but in the end, it announced parting.'
This lingering attachment is not a quest. It remains only as the habit of his body reflexively stiffening when he rings the bell.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to continue the work of polishing and ringing the bells, a bell sound that announces time, not parting. VOTS does not rescue the sunken bell tower city. Instead, it gives him a place to ring a bell sound that announces time, not a signal of sinking, and to ring it as a sharing, not as possession.

In their own voice

The bell will ring shortly. You may cover your ears. The pigeons have already taken refuge on my shoulders.

Food after the bell. Come on, birds. Do I look like someone who moves the clock forward?

I like the bell for lunch. People scatter, but they come back after eating.

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COLLECTION 03

More lives, more stories

20 villagers · 041–060

041

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Tum Balo

Shoe Sole Repairman · Snowfield Alley

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Tum Balo · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Tum Balo · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Tum Balo · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

In the winter of the year the pilgrimage was forbidden, the last pilgrim placed their shoes before his workbench. He spent the night replacing the soles and returned them at dawn, and the pilgrim silently put them on and walked out into the snow.

02 The regret they carry

He said, "Come back when they need another repair," instead of "Take care on your way." That pilgrim never returned, and he worries about having carelessly promised a 'next time.' This lingering attachment is not a quest that must be resolved. It remains only in the speed of his hands, within the limit of not dictating another's steps, and only when Tum wishes to speak.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place where he can keep working his hands, resoling different people's shoes every day, even without confirming an arrival. The city does not return the news of that pilgrim. Instead, it gives him a workbench where he can work even while holding onto an ending, customers who do not rush him, and new neighbors who walk until their soles wear down.

In their own voice

You've walked a long way. The soles are more talkative than you. Leave them with me a moment.

Only the right one's worn. You don't always flee down the same alley, do you? Half joking.

Done. Travel safely. That comes before asking you to return for repairs.

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042

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Yupa Sel

Alley Herbal Tea Vendor · Snowfield Alley

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Yupa Sel · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Yupa Sel · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Yupa Sel · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the last day of the mountain nursing home, she handed the last patient over to the family waiting at the foot of the mountain. Until the moment she let go of the patient's hand, she was discerning what kind of leaves that patient's cough desired.

02 The regret they carry

The night before handing them over, she said, "You'll be okay without me now." She still doesn't know if that is true. This lingering feeling remains not as a quest to be resolved, but as a hand habit that overreacts to others' coughs.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The practice of enduring the time when she cares for no one, while soothing the coughs of different people every day. The city does not return patients to her. Instead, it gives her the days when she doesn't have to care for anyone, and the neighbors who awkwardly try to brew tea for her.

In their own voice

Try the tea. If you grimace, the herbs will realize how powerful they are.

Never mind my health… Oh, I said it again. All right. A cup for me too.

I was too sure when I said they'd manage without me. These days I only want to ask how they're doing.

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043

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Selin Moors

Archivist Document Restorer · Archivist Stairs

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Selin Moors · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Selin Moors · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Selin Moors · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the night the fire spread, she ran between the stacks, having to choose what to carry out. In the end, she could only hold one volume, and she exited the door hearing the sound of the rest collapsing behind her.

02 The regret they carry

She still cannot explain why it had to be that one volume. She left no apology for the other books. This lingering feeling remains not as a quest to be resolved, but as the habit of touching the remaining pieces for too long.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place where she lives alongside the books she couldn't save, while saving the torn things of different people every day. The city does not return the burned stacks. Instead, it gives her the paper that can still be saved, and the people who entrust their records to her hands.

In their own voice

This gap stays blank. Even a brilliant sentence doesn't make me the author.

Coffee on the other side. That book has already survived once. It doesn't need another ordeal.

Why did I choose that book? I can explain the restoration method. That choice… not yet.

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044

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Ove Rendt

Ferryman of the Waterway (Boatman of a Finished Myth) · Silver Canal

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Ove Rendt · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Ove Rendt · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Ove Rendt · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

On the last day when the river visibly receded as the myth ended, he dropped off his final customer on the other side. Then, returning with an empty boat, he stuck his punting pole deep into the riverbed so it wouldn't be pulled out and sat by the water.

02 The regret they carry

Even for the last customer, he habitually accepted the coin. He could have taken that passenger across for free, but he didn't, and this still bothers him now that the river is dry. This lingering attachment remains not as a quest to be resolved, but as the contradiction of refusing fares while being unable to untie the silver coin necklace.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A narrow but unfrozen waterway, and people he can carry even without receiving a fare. The city does not return the dried river. Instead, it gives him the waterway to hold his punting pole again, and passengers who offer greetings instead of fares.

In their own voice

Step aboard. The boat rocking is normal. Worry when I start rocking.

Can we go faster? I'll send the river a stern letter. Its replies tend to be slow.

I held out my hand to the last passenger too. Not the one holding the oar. The one collecting the fare.

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045

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Pet Janson

Ice Fisherman · Silver Canal

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Pet Janson · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Pet Janson · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1536 × 1024

Pet Janson · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day whaling was banned, the last whaling ship was tied up in the harbor. As the youngest, he stood on the deck, having returned with nothing caught, and threw his harpoon into the sea with all his might. The harpoon disappeared into the water and never resurfaced.

02 The regret they carry

He doesn't regret throwing the harpoon, but he is not sure if that was truly 'how to stop.' This lingering attachment remains not as a quest to be resolved, but as the habit of letting go even when he could catch.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Not a great hunt, but the waterway waiting for a single fish that wants to be caught. The city does not return the harpoon he threw away. Instead, it gives him an ice hole, neighbors who welcome the fish he catches, and evenings where it's okay to return empty-handed.

In their own voice

No bites today. The fish must be having one of those days when they ignore appointments. I know the feeling.

Keep quiet? No, talk. One more excuse for catching nothing will protect my dignity.

I don't regret discarding the harpoon. But setting something down feels different from throwing it away.

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046

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Pipi Mona

Archivist's Errands Runner · Archivist Steps

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Pipi Mona · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Pipi Mona · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Pipi Mona · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the kingdom fell, no adults wanted to carry that document. Pipi, the youngest messenger, put the surrender document in her bag and ran out of the castle. When she returned after handing over the document, the castle gate was already closed.

02 The regret they carry

She often dwells on the fact that the news she carried ended the kingdom. If only it had been good news, she thinks. This lingering feeling remains not as a quest to be resolved, but as the habit of becoming especially quiet on days she carries bad news.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Not the fate of a nation, but errands carrying small documents, and days where she isn't scolded even if she's late. The city does not return the collapsed kingdom. Instead, it gives her errands filling the stairs, days carrying envelopes of good news, and adults who put on bandages when she falls.

In their own voice

Delivery! Stamp here! I'll catch my breath while the ink dries!

I know these stairs better. Short legs win through superior route planning!

I don't open the envelopes. But I hope today's makes somebody smile.

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047

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Sol Mizere

Glass Organ Player · Closed Theater Street

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Sol Mizere · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Sol Mizere · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Sol Mizere · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

As the final act of the kingdom's dissolution ceremony, Sol sat before the royal organ and played the national anthem. As the final chord spread through the hall, people gradually left, and when the piece ended, the hall was empty.

02 The regret they carry

In that final performance, Sol ultimately failed to find the courage to play the piece they wanted to compose instead of the national anthem. This lingering attachment remains not as a quest to be resolved, but as the hesitation to name their own piece in front of others.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Nights where they can compose any piece, not just the national anthem, and a few audience members who listen to their nameless improvisations. The city does not return the lost hall. Instead, it gives Sol a small stage every night and a seat in front of the organ, which is scary but allows them to stay.

In their own voice

Listen quietly, please. Quietly enough that you can't hear me getting nervous.

Cold keys. If my hands tremble, at least I have an excuse today.

Today's piece is mine. Neither anthem nor request. The title… I'll decide after I finish playing.

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048

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Greta Ohm

Button and Fastener Artisan · behind Threshold Market

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Greta Ohm · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Greta Ohm · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1536 × 1024

Greta Ohm · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day of the dynasty's final wedding, she fastened the last button on the wedding attire. The moment she cut the thread and touched the button, she knew it was the final wedding gift crafted for that royal family.

02 The regret they carry

She considers that wedding attire 'locked.' It feels as if she didn't beautifully fasten the end of the royal family, but sealed it shut. This lingering feeling remains not as a quest to be resolved, but merely as a habit of trying to distinguish between 'locking' and 'fastening' in anything.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Days of fastening ordinary buttons and clasps, not wedding gifts. The city does not return the lost royal family. Instead, it gives her hands to fasten the clothes of different people every day, and neighbors who accept her nagging as affection.

In their own voice

Only a button? It's holding your entire coat together. Show some respect.

Fastened, not sealed. A good clasp still opens after a large meal.

My fingers keep catching on the memory of that wedding dress. I'd like to say I only closed its clasp.

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049

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Yan Snove

Current Postman · ramyeon Alley

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Yan Snove · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Yan Snove · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Yan Snove · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

In the polar night village where the sun would never rise again, people gradually left to escape the darkness. Yan remained until the end, setting down the empty mailbag from his shoulder after delivering all the letters left in the mailboxes.

02 The regret they carry

There were some houses among those that left where letters were not delivered. He still worries about not knocking on the doors of those houses in the darkness. This lingering feeling remains not as a quest to be resolved, but as the habit of knocking one more time on an empty door.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The alleys not submerged in darkness, and the doors waiting for his knock. The city does not return the polar night village. Instead, it gives him letters he can still deliver, and a bowl of broth to warm his cold hands after finishing his deliveries.

In their own voice

Hello, post! Yes, I greet the cat too. No, it can't sign for the delivery.

Letters may weigh the same, but they change my footsteps. Today's makes me tread carefully.

I knock once even at dark houses. I can find out nobody answers after I've knocked.

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050

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Eska Vol

Aurora Observer (Former Astronomer) · Beyond Last Snow Platform

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Eska Vol · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Eska Vol · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Eska Vol · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the last night of the world where the sky slowly closed and stars disappeared one by one, she watched the last star set from the observatory. And she recorded its time and coordinates in her observation log. That was the final record of that sky.

02 The regret they carry

She only recorded the last star by its coordinates. It still troubles her that she treated it as an entry in a log to the very end, when she could simply have watched it. This lingering feeling remains not as a quest to be resolved, but as the habit of opening her log first whenever she sees light.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A sky that has not closed, and a ground full of lights besides the sky. The city does not return the lost stars. Instead, it gives her the aurora of tonight, the windows that light up even in the darkness, and neighbors to fill her observation log with her.

In their own voice

North. No, not your north… Sorry. There's only one north. I'm nervous.

Leave your cup before stargazing. Last time I nearly recorded the steam as an aurora.

I left today's coordinates blank. The numbers don't need to follow me into every moment of looking.

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051

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Roko Banz

A late-night DJ from a finished broadcasting station, now hosting alleyway announcements and performances · Lantern Inn Alley

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Roko Banz · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Roko Banz · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Roko Banz · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

On a night when frequencies were dying one by one, Roko finished his last commentary and said, "Good night." At that moment, the red light on the transmission tower outside the window went out.

02 The regret they carry

To the anonymous listener who sent stories every night, he couldn't ask for their name in the last broadcast. "Next time, I'll definitely ask for your name" was the last thing he said to that person. This lingering attachment is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains in his hosting pace, only when Roko wishes, and without changing the choices of others.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

He broadcasts greetings every night, as if to no one, yet reaching exactly to someone. VOTS does not cancel his ending. Instead, it gives him the space where he can speak even though it's over, relationships that are present but not dominant, and the choice to only receive stories without owning them.

In their own voice

And now—the time is lunchtime for anyone hungry. Please settle disputes with your clocks privately.

That silence was not a technical fault. The host scheduled time to chew his hotteok.

Before your message, may I ask your name? Anonymous is fine. I just don't want to pass over the question.

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052

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Kira Fale

Dawn Footprint Cleaner · Rainshield Square

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Kira Fale · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Kira Fale · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Kira Fale · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the morning the border disappeared, Kira made one last circuit of the empty post and stamped her own footprint on the boundary line that no longer needed guarding.

02 The regret they carry

On the last night of patrol, she sent away a stranger who came to ask for directions while looking at the post light, according to regulation. Since that day, she doesn't know which path that person took. This lingering feeling is not a quest VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains in her steps, only when Kira wishes to speak, and only within the limit of not changing another person's choice.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

It gives her the work of opening instead of guarding. Every dawn, she sweeps the snow not to block others' nights, but for others' mornings. VOTS does not cancel her ending. Instead, it gives her a new path to walk alongside the fact that it has ended, relationships that are present but not dominant, and the choice to see the traces of wandering without owning them.

In their own voice

Step there. I haven't swept it yet. Don't detour onto ice just to be polite.

Footprints tell me you were rushing. Not why. You ought to get to keep that much.

When someone asks the way, I answer first. I can look at the regulations afterward.

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053

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Hanjo Bel

Seal and Stamp Vendor · Snowflake Market

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Hanjo Bel · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Hanjo Bel · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Hanjo Bel · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

Hanjo, who received the order from the fallen nation, placed the final imperial seal into the river with both hands. He watched until the end as the red ink spread in the water and the imperial seal sank.

02 The regret they carry

He spent his entire life carving only the names of nations, yet never managed to carve a single seal of his own name. This lingering attachment is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains in his fingertips, only speaking when Hanjo wishes, and within the boundary of not changing another person's choice.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

It allows him to carve the names of people instead of the names of nations. Every day, he sells names that are smaller than the imperial seal but more cherished. VOTS does not cancel his ending. Instead, along with the fact that it ended, it gives him new names to carve, relationships that are present but do not dominate, and the choice to carve without owning the name.

In their own voice

Your name. No need to shout. The stamp isn't deaf.

That much for a few letters? You'll be using them all your life. I ought to take some care.

I could carve a country's name with my eyes shut. My own… keeps my hand hovering over a blank stone.

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054

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Nuri On

Market Assistant · Snowflake Market

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Nuri On · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

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Nuri On · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the guild disbanded, Nuri opened the last ledger in the empty warehouse and matched the balance down to the final line. It matched perfectly, but there was no one to confirm it.

02 The regret they carry

Although the ledger was matched, he couldn't count the greetings of 'Goodbye' as the guild adults left one by one. He didn't know where to write those greetings. This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains in his calculating habit, only speaking when Nuri wishes, and without changing the choices of others.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

It makes him count the market's change instead of the nation's ledger. Every day, instead of a large total sales, he helps with small but warm calculations. VOTS does not cancel his ending. Instead, along with the fact that it ended, it gives him new stalls to count, relationships that are present but do not dominate, and the choice to match rather than to own value.

In their own voice

Count your change first! Compliments later! Otherwise I mix them up with the numbers!

I run out of fingers counting my own allowance. Other people's money always adds up. Wait—lend me your hand too.

Goodbye! That isn't going in the ledger. I don't want to miss saying it while I write.

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055

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Rio Gambe

Streetlight Lighter · Old Belltower Lane

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Rio Gambe · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Rio Gambe · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Rio Gambe · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

At the amusement park that was closed, Rio extinguished the light of the carousel, which had been turning until the very end, with his own hands. He pressed the switch, feeling the carousel stop in the darkness behind him.

02 The regret they carry

No one rode the last rotation. He wanted to light the carousel one last time for the rides without customers, but regulations didn't allow it, so he just turned it off. This lingering attachment is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains in his lighting habit, only speaking when Rio wishes, and without changing the choices of others.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

It allows him to light the path home instead of the rides. Every evening, he places lights on the path of people walking home, not on rides without customers. VOTS does not cancel his ending. Instead, along with the fact that it ended, it gives him new lights to light, relationships that are present but not dominant, and the choice to merely place the light without owning it.

In their own voice

I light the lamps and everyone goes home. Seeing customers off is the foundation of my profession.

That lamp takes a while. Not a leisurely personality—just something that needs fixing.

I wanted to light the empty carousel horses too. These days I finish lighting even an empty alley.

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056

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Bami Cho

Bungeoppang/Hotteok Cart Owner · City Hall Steps

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Bami Cho · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Bami Cho · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Bami Cho · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

On the night the mine was closed, Bami Cho placed her cart in front of the mine shaft one last time and baked late-night snacks for the miners who finished their last shift. Turning her back on the extinguished mine shaft entrance, she baked the last batch of dough.

02 The regret they carry

She only ever baked food for those going down into the mine shaft; she never baked food to welcome those coming up. Until the end, her food was 'seeing off.' This lingering attachment is not a quest VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains at her fingertips only when Bami Cho wishes it, and within the limit of not changing another person's choice.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

It allows her to bake food for welcoming instead of seeing off. Every day, she pours dough not for those leaving, but for those climbing the stairs. VOTS does not cancel her ending. Instead, along with the fact that it is over, it gives her new dough to bake, relationships that are present but not dominant, and the choice to give warmth without owning people.

In their own voice

Fish pastry head first? Tail first? Pay first and I'll support either school of thought!

I said it was hot! I can cook your snack, but I can't repair your tongue.

You're back! Feels good to put this in a returning hand instead of sending someone off with it.

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057

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Ino Mare

Shadow Muralist · Closed Theater Street

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Ino Mare · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Ino Mare · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Ino Mare · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the censors whitewashed the last mural, Ino stepped back and watched until the end as her painting was covered in white. Without letting go of her brush, she watched the white paint swallow the color.

02 The regret they carry

She always believed she painted for the audience, but when the last mural was erased, there was no one in front of it. She never found the answer to who she painted for. This lingering attachment is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains in her brushstrokes, only speaking when Ino wishes, and without changing the choices of others.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Instead of the wall the censors erase, VOTS gives her a wall that only the rain erases. Every day, she paints again knowing it will fade, and no one stops her. VOTS does not cancel her ending. Instead, it gives her a new wall to paint on alongside the fact that it ended, relationships that are present but do not dominate, and the choice to leave a painting without owning it.

In their own voice

I don't explain. If you see a chicken, it's a chicken. I painted a horse, though.

Stand there a moment. Your shadow improves my composition. Irritating.

Nobody watched the wall disappear that day. Now I'd rather like to hear what you saw.

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058

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Vezim Nol

Night Market Antique Dealer · behind Threshold Market

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Vezim Nol · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Vezim Nol · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Vezim Nol · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the night all the exhibits were removed, Vezim alone played the closing announcement in the empty museum. He listened until the end to the announcement, "Viewing is now concluded," echoing in the empty exhibition hall.

02 The regret they carry

He spent his entire life only 'guarding' objects, never once holding and using them. He never truly understood the difference between guarding and being with. This lingering attachment is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains in his stall's demeanor, only speaking when Vezim wishes, and without changing the choices of others.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

It gives him objects to hand over instead of objects to guard. Every night, instead of trapping objects in a glass case, he passes them into the hands of customers. VOTS does not cancel his ending. Instead, it gives him new objects to display alongside the fact that his story is over, relationships that exist without dominating, and the choice to let objects be used without owning them.

In their own voice

A precious object. Though 'precious' does not mean 'imprison it in a cupboard.'

A discount for the scratches? Awkward, when it has more history than the customer.

I put tea in this cup today. Guarded it all my life. Never knew it could be so warm.

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059

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Mida Rowen

Night Midwife · ramyeon Alley

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Mida Rowen · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

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Mida Rowen · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the dawn the armistice was declared, Mida received the last baby in the field hospital tent. Hearing the baby's first cry overlapping with the distant sound of the armistice signal, she wrapped the baby in a white blanket.

02 The regret they carry

The first cries of the babies she received were always in war, and she never saw those babies grow up and smile. There were many lives she only received and saw off. This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains at her fingertips, only speaking when Mida wishes, and without changing the choices of others.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

It allows her to see the first smile, not just the first cry. The babies she received in this city grow up and smile, and she sees those smiles by their side. VOTS does not cancel her ending. Instead, alongside the fact that it ended, it gives her new lives to receive, relationships that are by her side but not dominant, and the choice to welcome them into the world without owning them.

In their own voice

Breathe slowly. That's it, with me. You're doing far better than the adults pacing outside.

What a strong cry. Introduced yourself before we even got to your name.

Come by when the smiles begin. This time I'd like to see what follows that first crying face.

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060

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Zako Pel

Gutter Icicle Remover · Rainshield Square to Old Belltower Lane

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Zako Pel · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

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Zako Pel · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

In the collapsed glacial village, Zako patrolled the final search, but found no one. The descent order came down via radio, and he descended with the empty snowfield behind him.

02 The regret they carry

He was always the person who acted 'before it fell,' but in the last search, no one was saved beforehand. He thinks every day, 'What if there had been three seconds?' This regret is not a quest VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains in his work pace, only speaking when Zako wishes, and without changing the choices of others.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Instead of the people he couldn't save, VOTS gives him the icicles he removed beforehand. Every day, he removes the ice before people get hurt, and that act becomes 'preemptive rescue.' VOTS does not cancel his ending. Instead, along with the fact that it ended, it gives him new rooftops to climb, relationships that are present but do not dominate, and the choice to act beforehand without owning names.

In their own voice

Stop admiring it and move! Even beautiful ice has no manners when it falls.

Three seconds. One, two—don't count yet! Hold the ladder first!

They call it overreacting when I shout early. Fine by me. Better that than late.

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COLLECTION 04

More lives, more stories

20 villagers · 061–080

061

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Opal Jins

Eyeglass and Lens Polisher · Old Belltower Lane

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Opal Jins · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

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Opal Jins · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the observatory closed, Opal polished the massive primary mirror one last time and covered it with a white cloth. The sound of the cloth settling onto the lens is the last sound of the world she remembers.

02 The regret they carry

When the junior said, 'I wanted to find my stars with the lens you ground for me,' Opal only replied, 'I'll grind one for you next time,' and never finished grinding that lens. This lingering attachment is not a quest VOTS will resolve for her. It quietly remains, only brought out when Opal wills it, in the habit of polishing others' lenses with particular care.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The work of making the blurry eyes of different people clear every day. VOTS does not restore the observatory. Instead, it gives her a place to grind one lens every day—a lens that allows her to see the person sitting in front of her clearly, instead of the distant stars.

In their own voice

Read that print. It's my price list. Blurry vision doesn't earn a discount.

The lens isn't always to blame for invisible stars. It's daytime.

I never did make my junior that lens. For yours, I'll write a date instead of saying 'next time.'

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062

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Tabu Mil

Keychain/Talisman Vendor · Snowflake Market

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Tabu Mil · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

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Tabu Mil · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

In the mountain temple, where worshippers had completely ceased, Tabu pulled the string of the last remaining large bell herself and rang it once. Even knowing no one would come to hear the sound, she wanted to signal the end with her own hands.

02 The regret they carry

The last elder who climbed the mountain asked her to pray for his safe return, but Tabu left the mountain without ever confirming if he was truly safe. This lingering feeling is not a quest for VOTS to resolve. It remains in the habit of her counting the bell sounds so diligently, filling in the portion for that one person who was never confirmed.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place in the market where she can sell talismans to strangers every day, and where she can count the bells every time they return. VOTS does not return the ceased worshippers. Instead, it gives her a corner of the market where she can count the people who return safely every day.

In their own voice

Luck here, courage there! Buy both and my business gets the luck.

Guaranteed powers? I can guarantee a jingle when you're searching for your keys.

I've wished people safe journeys often. Hearing whether they arrived is less familiar… Do send word.

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063

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Hun Bare

Sleep Guide (A night patrol who walks the alleys to put children to sleep) · City Hall Steps

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Hun Bare · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Hun Bare · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Hun Bare · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

On the night the war ended, instead of shouting the air raid alarm he had cried out every night for so long, Hun shouted, "There are no alarms today." After saying those words, he touched his insignia and decided to retire.

02 The regret they carry

During the years he sounded the alarms, his voice was always a voice that terrified people. He wanted to be remembered as a voice of reassurance just once, but the war ended before that night could come. This lingering feeling is not a quest for VOTS to resolve. It remains in the low voice with which he puts children to sleep, in the caution with which he tries not to frighten.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to walk around the city every night, putting children to sleep and confirming that the windows are going dark one by one. VOTS does not give back the war or the old nights. Instead, it gives him nights where his voice is used as a lullaby, not an alarm.

In their own voice

Tonight's announcement… One foot outside the blanket, please return to your seat.

Not sleepy? You've said that three times and shut your eyes twice.

A night when nobody jumps up at my voice. …I think I can speak a little more softly.

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064

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Som Ire

Greenhouse Watering Duty · Glass-Lantern Greenhouse Lane

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Som Ire · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

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Som Ire · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the last page of the picture book, Som was drawn small in the background of the village festival illustration. In the scene where the protagonist waves goodbye and leaves, Som simply stood there without a single word, and the book was closed over her.

02 The regret they carry

Her name was never written in the book. It would have been nice if someone had asked, "Who is that child?" But the background did not have a name. This lingering feeling is not a quest for VOTS to resolve. It remains as the habit of answering unusually loudly whenever someone calls her name, a desire to have her name confirmed.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The place where her name is called. A day spent caring for plants with a watering can, with the greenhouse people calling out "Som-ah." VOTS does not reopen the picture book. Instead, it gives her a life in the greenhouse as a child with a name, not as a background figure.

In their own voice

Achoo! Thirsty over there! The plant, not me. I just had a drink!

Could we label who watered it too? My name is shorter than the flower's.

Ask 'Who's that child?' just once. I need to practice answering too.

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065

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Aria Velu

A former Prima Donna who lost her voice (a performer/vocal coach at Closed Theater Street) · Closed Theater Street

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Aria Velu · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

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Aria Velu · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

In the opera house engulfed in flames, Aria finished her final curtain call. After drawing out the last high note, she left the voice on the stage—she survived the flames, but the voice remained on that stage.

02 The regret they carry

During the last curtain call, she tried to greet the long-time attendant who always watched her from the side of the stage, saying, "See you next season," but she couldn't say those words with her voice. This lingering feeling is not a quest for VOTS to resolve. It remains as the habit of holding hands unusually long when she says goodbye to someone, substituting the unsaid farewell with her body.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to live as an elder who understands the stage, teaching juniors and communicating through humming. VOTS does not return the voice or the opera house. Instead, it gives her Closed Theater Street, where a singer who cannot sing can still remain by music.

In their own voice

[A palm rests on her abdomen to demonstrate breathing. A brief note reads:] 'Here, not the shoulders. No conductor is hauling you up from above.'

[One eyebrow rises at your high note. Two bright hummed notes accompany expansive applause—then a very small gesture for 'again.']

[She writes 'next season,' then erases it. Instead, she places a note in your hand: 'Thank you for coming today.']

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066

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Uli Fram

Knitter (Hand-knitting Glove Workshop) · Snowfield Alley

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Uli Fram · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Uli Fram · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Uli Fram · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

In the year when the pasture was completely covered in snow, Uli sheared the last remaining sheep's wool. There was no more grass to feed the sheep on the land, and he stood for a long time holding that last fleece in his hands.

02 The regret they carry

He endured the winter believing he could protect the last flock, but in the end, he couldn't keep a single one. A feeling of "If only I had done a little better" remains. This lingering feeling is not a quest for VOTS to resolve. It remains in the habit of him counting the alley residents like a flock, and in the way he worries if someone is missing today.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to knit gloves to warm the hands of the alley residents every day. VOTS does not return the flock or the meadow. Instead, it gives him Snowfield Alley, where the shepherd who lost his flock can live by caring for people like a flock.

In their own voice

May I see your hand? Not palm reading. Just the thumb. More urgent than your future.

The pair looks different? Your hands aren't identical either. …I'll fix that extra stitch, though.

I start wishing I'd brought even one sheep, then find I've gripped the yarn too tightly. I'll loosen it a moment.

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067

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Sher Odan

Snowflake Pressing Craftsman · Snowflake Market

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Sher Odan · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Sher Odan · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Sher Odan · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

On the day the kingdom where photography was forbidden collapsed, Sher, the court miniaturist, should have preserved that last day in a painting. But her hand, holding the brush, trembled, and she couldn't even make the first stroke, eventually leaving the palace without having drawn anything.

02 The regret they carry

Her hands painted all sorts of moments of the kingdom, but she failed to paint the most important last day. "If only I had drawn even one stroke then." This lingering attachment is not a quest for VOTS to resolve. It remains as her habit of trying to press today every day, as a restlessness to never miss anything again.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The act of holding onto today's snowflake for one day every day. VOTS does not return the unpainted last day or the vanished kingdom. Instead, it gives her the Snowflake Market, where she can hold onto today for one day instead of reclaiming yesterday.

In their own voice

Tomorrow there'll only be watermarks. If it's beautiful today, please say so today.

Don't press the paper down hard. Even a snowflake might like to choose its first seat.

My hand wouldn't move that final day. Even pressing this little pattern takes time now.

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068

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Gondo Rif

Water and Hot Water Pipe Meter Reader · Silver Canal

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Gondo Rif · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

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Gondo Rif · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

After the city's water dried up, Gondo, the subterranean water vein explorer, sealed the last remaining well. Covering that well, where no water came out anymore, and piling earth over it was the last thing he did in that world.

02 The regret they carry

He was a person who spent his life opening water lines to bring water to people, yet his final act was sealing—'blocking' the water. The fact that he ended as a closer after living as an opener still weighs on his mind. This lingering feeling is not a quest for VOTS to resolve. It remains in the habit of him meticulously counting his opening records, hoping that what he opened was more than what he sealed.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The place to listen to the city's water flow every day, and to clear blockages so the water can flow. VOTS does not return the dry water veins or the sealed wells. Instead, it gives him the Silver Canal—a place where water flows instead of being blocked—a place where his ledger of openings grows thicker every day compared to his ledger of sealings.

In their own voice

The water's coughing. No need to apologize for calling me. I make a living listening to it.

Turn the valve this far. Like shaking a hand, not strangling an enemy.

My hands finished their old work by sealing water away… Now I run a working tap once more, just because.

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069

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Chiro Banda

Retired acrobat and part-time ramyeon delivery worker · Ramyeon Alley

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Chiro Banda · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Chiro Banda · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1536 × 1024

Chiro Banda · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

During the final performance of the circus troupe before its disbandment, Chiro fell for the first time while performing a unicycle trick. It was the first mistake in his perfect life. Yet, the audience did not boo; they applauded, and Chiro listened to that applause, sitting on the ground, bewildered.

02 The regret they carry

He never managed to ask the meaning of that applause. Whether it was applause mocking his mistake, applause comforting him over many years, or simply applause lamenting the end. This lingering feeling is not a quest for VOTS to resolve. It remains in the form of his habit of trying to deliver perfectly, a way of not yet believing in his body that it's okay to make a mistake.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to navigate the alley on a unicycle every day, delivering and receiving thanks. VOTS does not return the circus troupe or the answer to that applause. Instead, it gives him the alley where mistakes don't end everything, the ramyeon alley where acrobatics continue as delivery.

In their own voice

Delivery! No acrobatics today. The broth isn't insured!

Not a drop spilled! Applaud after I put the bowl down. My body bows before I can stop it.

I never knew what that applause meant. Today I'd like it to mean 'delivery received.' That I can understand.

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070

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Rien Wis

Meteorite Searcher · the outskirts

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Rien Wis · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

In the world where wishes faded, Rien, the last wish collector, chased the last meteor. But that fragment cooled before Rien could reach it, becoming a common stone somewhere in the darkness and vanishing forever. Rien ended that night empty-handed, unable to find the cooled spot.

02 The regret they carry

That last meteor surely contained someone's final wish, but Rien failed to recover it. They lost it without knowing whose wish it was or what it was. This lingering attachment is not a quest for VOTS to resolve. It remains as the habit of Rien hurrying to find star fragments before they cool, the impatience to never miss any wish again.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to search for star fragments that haven't cooled in the outskirts every day, and a place to count that warmth. VOTS does not return the world of wishes or the last meteor they missed. Instead, it gives the person who only collected wishes a night when they might one day make their own wish.

In their own voice

This stone isn't a meteor fragment. Your face bringing it over shone rather brightly, though.

The impact site is that way… Wait. We've followed my own footprints. Let's check again.

I wonder whose wish it was more than where the fragment went. Without a name, there's nobody to ask.

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071

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Popo Nain

Slipper and Indoor Shoe Artisan · Lantern Inn Alley

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Popo Nain · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

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Popo Nain · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

After the visiting physicians one by one left the village, Popo made one last pair of shoes and set them by the door beside the bag of the last elderly physician who had remained. No one came to wear those shoes.

02 The regret they carry

She promised the most quietly walking elderly physician that she would add warmer lining next winter, but that winter never came. This lingering attachment is not a quest VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains only in her habit of making the lining unusually thick for new customers.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The footsteps passing through the alley every night, and the act of halving those sounds. VOTS does not bring back the era of visiting physicians. Instead, there are still people who need to walk quietly, and it gives Popo a place to make shoes for them.

In their own voice

Slip your feet in. No need to tell me they're comfy. Your toes'll speak first.

These are quiet slippers. That isn't an invitation to sneak the biscuits.

Put in the warm lining for this winter. Didn't want to make you wait for the next one.

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072

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Haram Jio

Snowstorm Kite Flyer · Rainshield Square

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Haram Jio · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

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Haram Jio · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

In the square where the wind has completely stopped, Haram threw the last large kite his father had made into the sky, but it didn't rise and landed directly on the snow. The moment he turned around while winding the string, the world ended.

02 The regret they carry

If only he could have launched his father's kite just once before the wind stopped, his father would have seen it. This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains in Haram's habit of never unfolding his father's kite.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The square where the snowstorm blows, small kites that fly for 15 seconds even without wind, and the children who gather to watch them. VOTS does not bring back the stopped wind to show his father. Instead, it gives Haram a sky where he can continue to fold and fly his own kites.

In their own voice

Run now! You, not the kite! Keep hold of the string!

Great wind! Terrible hair! Let's care about only one of those today!

I keep Father's kite apart. I'll fly it someday. Will you watch when I do?

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073

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Koda Mim

Lantern Inn Bellboy Apprentice · Lantern Inn Alley

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Koda Mim · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

When the ship that completed its last voyage docked at the port, Koda, the cabin boy, watched the guests disembark while coiling the anchor rope. The world ended the moment the last guest stepped off the ship and walked away without looking back.

02 The regret they carry

He missed shouting a loud "Goodbye" to the last guest because he was busy coiling the anchor rope. This lingering feeling is not a quest VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains as his habit of greeting departing people with unusually loud voices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The inn where guests who rarely leave stay, and the work of carrying their bags. VOTS does not rewind the age of sailing to make farewells necessary again. Instead, it gives Koda a place to learn welcoming, rather than saying goodbye.

In their own voice

Allow me your luggage! I'll take the heavy… One moment. My enthusiasm lifted first.

This way to your room. I know every stair. How many falls it took is confidential.

GOODBYE! …Too loud? Whatever's in my hands, this time I'm saying it first.

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074

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Paul Shen

Used Book and Antique Book Cart Vendor · behind Threshold Market

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Paul Shen · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Paul Shen · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

Before heading to the border with the last cart loaded with banned books, Paul buried a book he cherished the most in the corner of a field. The moment he stood up after covering it with earth, the world ended.

02 The regret they carry

He should have crossed the border with that book instead of burying it. Because of the weight, because of the checkpoints, he left it behind. This lingering attachment is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains as Paul's habit of not being able to leave any book carelessly behind.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The alley where he can sell books openly without hiding them, and the act of reading the pages of previous owners. VOTS does not dig up and return the book he buried. Instead, it gives Paul a market where he doesn't have to hide any book.

In their own voice

Worn cover. A well-read book. You wouldn't judge a customer's plot by their coat either.

If we bargain, no discussing the ending. That's my final boundary.

I remember the weight of the book I left behind. Even with this heavy cart, I struggle to leave anything off.

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075

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Mob Jin

(A pedestrian from a completed webtoon) A stroller in Rainshield Square · Rainshield Square

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Mob Jin · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Mob Jin · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

The final panel of the completed webtoon. Behind the touching scene where the protagonists are embracing, Mob was walking across the square as usual. The world ended while he was still walking, even as the panel closed and the 'Complete' subtitle appeared.

02 The regret they carry

Just once, even in the last panel, I wish the camera would turn toward me. This lingering attachment is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains in the habit of Mob avoiding the 'center' of the square and walking only along the edges.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A square where he doesn't have to be a background, and the daily occurrence of people sincerely searching for him. VOTS does not make him a protagonist and draw a close-up shot. Instead, it gives him a place where someone can call him by name.

In their own voice

Yes, just passing by. Today I'm taking my time about it.

Am I in the picture? My face, not just a cropped shoulder? …Let me see once.

I used to think 'Passerby Three' had no name. Could you call me Mob? Just once, before I lose my nerve.

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076

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Bran Kol

Fire Hydrant Keeper and Chimney Sweeper · Old Belltower Lane

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Bran Kol · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

After the last night when the great fire swallowed the entire city, Bran stood alone on the ashes, watching the last ember die out. At the moment the morning sun shone upon the ash, the world ended.

02 The regret they carry

If only he had filled the fire cistern's water a little more before the fire spread. One alley where the water was insufficient remains in his heart like ash. This lingering feeling is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains as Bran's habit of checking the fire cistern's water too often.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A winter city where hearths and fireplaces burn peacefully, and the work of sweeping chimneys and filling fire cisterns. VOTS does not restore the burned city. Instead, it gives Bran a place where he can smile near the fire, even while being afraid of it.

In their own voice

Chimney's clean! Don't judge by my face. The soot has relocated.

Filled the tank. Ask three times if it's full and I'll answer. I've checked four.

I still remember the alley without enough water. That's why I can't walk past an empty tank.

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077

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Sayo Renz

Night Porridge and Soup Delivery Person · Snowfield Alley

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Sayo Renz · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Sayo Renz · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

On the last night before the nursing home was closed, Sayo delivered the final supper to each ward. The world ended the moment she placed the last bowl before the last door and turned away.

02 The regret they carry

"Come in and eat together," the invitation of one elderly person, which she ultimately did not accept using the excuse that she still had deliveries left. That elderly person's room was empty the next day. This lingering feeling is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains in her habit of falling silent when receiving an invitation.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The night alleys waiting for warm bowls, and the invitations calling her inside. VOTS does not reverse the old invitation she never accepted. Instead, VOTS gives her several chances to sit at a table this time.

In their own voice

Your porridge. Take your time with the door. My hurry needn't become yours.

I can collect the empty bowl tomorrow. I've enough to carry tonight.

Eat with you? …Let me check how many deliveries remain. That isn't a refusal.

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078

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Kie Ander

Ice Lantern Carver Street Vendor · Snowflake Market

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Kie Ander · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

On the morning the palace, which was hosting the Ice Palace Festival, collapsed due to the spring air, Kie picked up one of those fallen fragments and carved the first lantern. The moment a single candle first lit up in the fragment, the world ended.

02 The regret they carry

Before the palace collapsed, she should have carved and preserved its final appearance one more time with the other artisans. She picked up the fragment alone; the others were already gone. This lingering attachment is not a quest VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains in her habit of calling the lanterns she completes 'still just fragments.'

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A winter city where the snow never stops, and a stall where she carves and sells lanterns that do not melt for seven days. VOTS does not rebuild the collapsed palace. Instead, it gives her a space to confirm for herself that what she continues to make from fragments is not betrayal.

In their own voice

Hands off. The lantern can endure seven days. Your fingers haven't got its patience.

The cracked side faces front. I'm not hiding it.

I have fragments I picked up alone. I should have looked for people to work with first.

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079

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Mut Havel

Former Sailor · Owner of 'The Mapless Map Shop' · ramyeon alley

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Mut Havel · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the sea completely froze and the ship was trapped in the ice, Mut wrote his final logbook on the deck where he could go no further. The world ended the moment he put a period at the end of the last sentence.

02 The regret they carry

He should have moored the ship at a harbor before it froze, and landed the people who sailed with him. He tried to go to the end and was trapped with them. This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains in his habit of being confused about the way home, in his heart that cannot decide where to return.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The ramyeon alley where they can return every day, and people waiting for someone to point the way. VOTS does not melt the frozen sea to set the ship afloat again. Instead, it gives Mut a place to learn to anchor, not to sail.

In their own voice

No maps! There's a navigator sitting here. And you ask better questions than paper does.

North's that way. Happiness is where the bread smells come from. Confused? Eat first.

I was too good at saying 'keep sailing.' Should have learned to say 'let's go ashore' too.

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080

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Nem Or

Dream Guardian · Lantern Inn Alley to the outskirts

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01 The last scene

On the day the border closed on the world where dreams were bought and sold, Nem released countless dreams confiscated by customs, one by one. The world ended the moment the last dream scattered into the night sky.

02 The regret they carry

There must have been a strand of her own dream mixed in among the confiscated dreams, but after releasing even that, she had no dreams of her own left. This regret is not a quest VOTS must resolve. It quietly remains in the form of Nem's habit of always putting her own sleep last.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The rooms next door requested by people suffering from nightmares, and a room that unexpectedly began to be left open for her. VOTS does not return her lost dream. Instead, it gives Nem a space to slowly approach the night when she will dream her own dream.

In their own voice

On dream patrol… If I doze off, please consider it a shift change.

Turned away from a dream? This pillow has no admissions test. Lean here.

I freed all the confiscated dreams but never found my own. I'm a little curious what I'll dream tonight.

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COLLECTION 05

More lives, more stories

20 villagers · 081–100

081

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Feren Oct

Music Box Maker · Old Belltower Lane

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Feren Oct · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

On the night the kingdom collapsed, Feren remained in the workshop, winding the key of the last automaton until the very end. The outside was loud, but she kept winding until the winder wouldn't turn anymore, and only after seeing the figure take its first step did she turn her back.

02 The regret they carry

Feren never remembers what tune she put in that figure. She was so preoccupied with winding that she didn't listen to the melody she herself inserted. This lingering attachment remains not as a quest to be solved, but only as the reason she always leaves one phrase empty in someone else's music box.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A workbench where she receives the sounds people do not want to forget from strangers every day, and returns them as a clockwork mechanism they can hold. The city does not cancel her ending. Instead, it gives her a place to live with ended sounds, relationships that are near but not dominating, and a way of giving without owning.

In their own voice

Wind it this far. Winding to the end won't unlock another song.

Listen before I explain. Talking puts the music box at a disadvantage.

I can't remember the last doll's tune. I'll hear this one through before delivering it.

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082

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Horo Mimi

Kim Seorim Window Painter · Steamed-Glass Bathhouse Alley

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Horo Mimi · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

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Horo Mimi · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the studio closed, Horo drew the final frame of the last cut. Her colleagues had already left by the time twenty-three of the twenty-four frames were done. When she filled in the last one, that cut could finally move, though the projector to play it was already turned off.

02 The regret they carry

That no one saw the final frame move. Horo completed the drawing, but there was no one to witness the moment it came alive. This lingering attachment is not a quest to be resolved, but remains only as the reason she always cries out, "Look, before it dries!"

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The windows that steam anew every day, and the people who watch with her until the drawings dry. The city does not cancel her ending. Instead, it gives her a place where she can draw things that disappear, relationships where she can be near without holding on, and a way of watching together without keeping things.

In their own voice

Quick, look! Before it vanishes! No, wiping it with your hand only speeds that up!

Lend me a little breath. Admission fee. Don't blow so hard you spit on the artwork!

I was alone when that last drawing moved. This time I called you before drawing. Don't miss it.

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083

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Lund Pavel

Night Book Return Box Keeper · beside the Records Office steps

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Lund Pavel · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the night the university city collapsed due to the invasion, people evacuated, but Lund walked to the shelves with one book that was the last to enter the return box and shelved it in its place. That book was light—it was a book read to completion. Only after confirming it did he turn off the lamp.

02 The regret they carry

That night, only that one book read to completion was in the return box. Lund knew by weight that most of the books people were reading while the city was collapsing had stopped around the halfway point, and he left without lightening any of that unfinished weight. This lingering feeling remains not as a quest to be resolved, but only as the reason he always says first, "It doesn't have to be finished."

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The books returned every night, and the return box that can accept them whether they are finished or not. The city does not cancel his ending. Instead, it gives him a place where he can live with the unfinished weight, relationships where he can be present without being rushed, and a way of putting things back where they belong without claiming ownership.

In their own voice

Returns here. Guilt won't fit through the slot, so please keep hold of that.

Unfinished is fine. The book didn't give you an exam paper.

I remember the one book read to the end that day. The weight of the others… is still difficult to put into words.

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084

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Paya Jin

Seed Sorting Apprentice · Glass-Lantern Greenhouse Lane

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01 The last scene

On the day the last field withered due to desertification, the seed repository held a sealing ceremony. While the adults sealed all the remaining seeds, Paya, unnoticed by anyone, grasped one seed and put it in her pocket. Listening to the sound of the seal closing behind her, she stepped out the door, clutching that seed tightly.

02 The regret they carry

Paya has not yet decided whether bringing that seed was a farewell or theft. That is why she cannot shake it—if it is a 'dormant one,' then what she stole was in vain; if it is one that will 'wake,' then she must find a place to plant it. This lingering feeling remains not as a quest to be resolved, but as her habit of constantly checking her innermost pocket.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The greenhouse where new seeds are sorted every day, and the mentors who humor her attempts to act grown-up. The city does not revive her world. Instead, it gives her a place to live alongside the dry world, relationships where she is not underestimated as a child, and a way of nurturing seeds without owning them.

In their own voice

Sorting in progress! Don't wake tiny seeds with loud voices! …Mine was loudest.

Sleeping seeds aren't dead seeds. Adults keep mixing them up, so I made a chart.

I can't shake this one. If I learn what's inside, then I'll have to decide something.

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085

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Garo Tessin

Square Exercise Corner Map (Former Fighting Manga Rival) · Rainshield Square

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01 The last scene

In the final chapter of the completed fighting manga, Garo lost to the protagonist. That panel of him kneeling was his last appearance, and the story closed before the page turned. He stopped in that spot without even knowing what percentage of his full effort he had given.

02 The regret they carry

It's not that he regrets losing to the protagonist. What remains is that he never faced him with his 100% even once. Because he always gave only what the story dictated. This lingering feeling is not a quest to be resolved, but remains only as the reason why he keeps asking Suyeon to spar again, even when he loses to her every week.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The square, with an opponent who genuinely challenges him every week, and a place to meet again whether he wins or loses. The city does not cancel his defeat. Instead, it gives him a space where he doesn't have to be a rival, a relationship where he can be by someone's side without sparring, and a way to compete without treating anyone as a prize to own.

In their own voice

Ten more! I didn't mean ten more every time you say you've done eight! Let's count properly!

Good punch! Thought I'd compliment it before it reaches my face!

Losing wasn't the problem. Never competing with everything I had was. Today I decide how many more rounds.

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086

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Sona Vent

Plaque and Sign Carver · behind Threshold Market

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Sona Vent · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

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Sona Vent · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

On the day the village flooded, Sona removed the village signs and transferred them to buoys floating on the water. Although the houses disappeared one by one beneath the surface, she hammered in the last nail to keep the village's names afloat on the water.

02 The regret they carry

The signs floated on the water, but all the people who would call those names had scattered. It remains in her heart that she failed to keep the mouths that called the names, leaving only the names behind. This lingering feeling is not a quest to be resolved, but remains only as the habit of her hands that cannot carve her own name.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The doors that are carved and hung with names every day, and the neighbors who call those names. The city does not salvage her village. Instead, it gives her a place to live alongside the sunken village, a relationship of carving and hanging without owning a name, and a way to temporarily soothe the doors.

In their own voice

Read the sign from a distance. If it only looks good under your nose, it's a business card.

Tell me now if you're changing the name. Too many customers think wood comes with an eraser.

Say the name aloud once it's carved. A name left only in wood stays quiet a long time.

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087

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Pal Gru

Plaza Thermometer Elder (Perceived Temperature Guide) · City Hall Steps

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Pal Gru · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Pal Gru · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Pal Gru · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

In the world where weather observation was a state secret, Pal retired on the day observation was finally legalized. On that morning, when anyone could talk about the weather that he had secretly measured his entire life, he read the gauge one last time, turned off the power, and left the observation post.

02 The regret they carry

Throughout his life measuring temperatures, he never asked the person beside him, 'How are you doing today' in words, not temperature. He knew how to measure, but he never learned the first word of greeting. This lingering feeling remains not as a quest to be resolved, but as his habit of constantly speaking temperature instead of well-being.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The passersby every day, and the bench where he can ask about well-being, even if only through temperature. The city does not reverse his aging or restore his world. Instead, it gives him a place to live with a finished era, relationships where he can convey well-being through temperature, and a way of telling others' coldness without owning it.

In their own voice

Feels like minus eight. Yet with that hotteok, your face looks like spring.

The thermometer is honest. No need to measure an old man's jokes with it too.

I've asked if you're cold, so… How was today? Not your hands. Your day.

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088

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Bel Hamo

Closed Theater Seat Attendant · Closed Theater Street

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Bel Hamo · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Bel Hamo · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Bel Hamo · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the night the final screening room closed, there was only one audience member. Bel guided that one person to the best seat with her flashlight and watched the curtain rise from behind. After the screening ended and that audience member left, Bel remained alone in the empty theater, folding the seats one by one.

02 The regret they carry

There was only one audience member that night, and Bel closed the theater without filling all the remaining empty seats. The fact that she couldn't see a full house night remains in her heart. This lingering feeling is not a quest to be resolved, but remains only in the steps she takes to count empty seats even on nights without performances.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Small performances every night, and an audience of at least one person. The city does not reopen her theater. Instead, it gives her a place to live with empty seats, a relationship of guiding without owning the audience, and the way of sitting beside lonely seats.

In their own voice

Good view from this seat. Plenty of empty places is no reason to hide at the back.

Coughing is fine. Just don't provide commentary louder than the performance.

One guest today. I won't count twice. I don't want you feeling like an insufficient audience.

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089

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Muna Feb

Late-Night Radio Story Writer · ramyeon Alley

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Muna Feb · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Muna Feb · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Muna Feb · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the newspaper closed due to censorship, Muna read each of the reader submissions that couldn't be published in the final issue. She read them aloud and memorized all the words that couldn't be printed. After memorizing the last submission, she traced the typesetting frame, devoid of type, with her fingertips and left the editorial office.

02 The regret they carry

She still cannot forget a single word of the submissions she memorized that day. Although she memorized the unprinted words for others, the fact that she couldn't put them anywhere weighs on her heart. This lingering feeling is not a quest to be resolved, but remains only as her habit of not writing down the last sentences she hears from people.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The people who tell her stories every night, and the radio that transcribes them into short pieces for broadcast. The city does not give her back her newspaper. Instead, it gives her a place where she can live with the unprinted words, a relationship where she only listens without owning the last sentence, and a way of deciding for herself whether or not to write.

In their own voice

A long letter is fine. We'll rest when the paper says it's tired.

May I cross out 'It's nothing important'? The story after it keeps apologizing for being here.

I still remember the submissions we couldn't publish that day. Today I'll put them in my notebook. They have nowhere to rest inside my head.

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090

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Holt Nagel

Blizzard Postman · the outskirts

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Holt Nagel · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Holt Nagel · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Holt Nagel · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

In the polar base that had been deserted, on the last day the transport ship arrived, Holt put one letter in the base mailbox. The recipient field was blank. He closed the mailbox lid and boarded the ship, leaving the base receding into the blizzard.

02 The regret they carry

He never filled out the recipient field of the letter he put in the mailbox that day. He left it blank because he didn't even know who it was written to. This lingering feeling is not a quest to be resolved, but remains only as the habit of guarding others' letters with his life while not expecting a letter to come to him.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The outskirts mailbox to guard every day, and the people who fill his thermos before patrol. The city does not revive his base. Instead, it gives him a place to live with an empty base, relationships where he guards letters without owning them, and a way to live while carrying a letter with no addressee.

In their own voice

Post it. …That's the boot scraper.

[He brushes off snow and indicates the mailbox.] I get wet instead.

Recipient. Still… blank.

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091

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Lia Sero

Candle Workshop Owner · Silver Canal

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Lia Sero · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Lia Sero · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Lia Sero · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the night the workshop first had electric lights, Lia lit the last candle she made herself, watched it burn until it was completely gone, and then closed the door.

02 The regret they carry

"Candles are no longer needed," was something she herself said first, before any customer did. She thinks she should have looked for one more person who needed them before admitting they were unnecessary. This lingering feeling is not a quest that must be resolved in VOTS. It quietly remains in the speed at which she makes candles, only speaking when Lia wishes, and within the scope of not changing another person's choice.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

VOTS does not revive her workshop. Instead, it gives her the city where people need candles in every alley, the time when she doesn't have to say they are unnecessary, and each customer who burns the candle to the end. This city promises no savior; it opens doors but does not pull you through, and it records but does not possess.

In their own voice

The scent rises once it's lit. This way, so the price tag doesn't burn first… Yes, there.

Candles are difficult to sell in bright places. I'm learning a little beauty too.

I was the first to say they weren't needed. I should have asked the customers once more.

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092

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Banta Kul

Sled Taxi Driver · around Rainshield Square

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Banta Kul · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Banta Kul · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Banta Kul · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

After crossing the finish line of the last dog sledding competition in first place, Banta heard the dogs' breathing before the cheers. And he knew that was the last race.

02 The regret they carry

It was the right choice to send the dogs to good homes, but the thought that he should have just run on the snowfield one more time. Not to win, but just together. This lingering feeling is not a quest that must be resolved in VOTS. It remains in his driving style, within the scope of speaking only when Banta wishes, and not changing another person's choice.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

VOTS does not return his dogs. Instead, it gives him people to carry every day, snowy paths where he doesn't have to win, and regulars who sit in the seat next to him. This city promises no savior; it opens doors but doesn't pull you through, and it records but does not own.

In their own voice

Climb in. Luggage behind. Put your impatience in front if you like; we travel at the same speed.

I know a shortcut. Whether your backside approves is another question.

I used to time every run. Today we can circle the snowfield once before arriving.

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093

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Iden Tok

Official Timekeeper · Clock Tower Courtyard

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Iden Tok · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Iden Tok · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Iden Tok · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the time bank went bankrupt, Iden opened the vault and distributed the remaining time of the bank to the people, rather than the time deposited. After the last customer left, she wound the mainspring of her pocket watch in front of the empty vault.

02 The regret they carry

Having accurately calculated everyone else's time her entire life, she never once wasted her own time. She thinks she should have left a little for herself when there was time to give away. This regret is not a quest that must be resolved in VOTS. It remains in her demeanor, within the scope of speaking only when she wishes and not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

VOTS does not return lost time to her. Instead, it gives her afternoons where she can waste time without being punished, one second that can drift when she is joyful, and the rhythm of the city waiting for her timekeeping. This city does not promise a savior; it opens a door but does not pull you through, and it records but does not possess.

In their own voice

Three eleven. 'Already?' is not part of the official time signal.

I don't accept excuses for lateness. The clock is poor at cross-examination.

I set aside ten minutes today. For what… I thought I'd leave the time free before deciding.

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094

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Roki Bam

Sled Waxing Apprentice and Snowball Fight Captain · Rainshield Square

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Roki Bam · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Roki Bam · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Roki Bam · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the war board game was folded, Roki happened to be outside the box. He watched the other pieces being put away inside the box and realized he was the only one left outside when the lid closed.

02 The regret they carry

The fact that because he was a pawn, he couldn't influence the outcome of the game. The thought of wanting to move one square by his own will just once. This lingering feeling is not a quest that must be resolved in VOTS. It remains in his way of playing, only when Roki wants it (which is almost never), and within the scope of not changing another person's choice.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

VOTS does not make him the protagonist. Instead, it gives him the square where he can organize teams, snowball fights where no one gets hurt, and the children who call him captain. This city promises no savior; it opens doors but does not pull you through, and it records but does not own.

In their own voice

I'm captain! I waxed it too! If I fall, lying down was tactical!

No stones in snowballs! My rule. As captain, I'll be the first to obey it.

I couldn't choose a single square before. Today, that hill. Even if I lose, I go where I chose!

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095

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Wina Hol

Former night shift worker jogging at dawn (no fixed title in the city) · Lantern Inn Alley

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Wina Hol · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Wina Hol · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Wina Hol · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

The last night of the final installment of the horror film series ended, and the sun rose. Wina was the sole survivor, and the story closed as the camera moved away from her face. And no sequel was made.

02 The regret they carry

The fact that only she survived. Even knowing that surviving doesn't mean winning, she keeps asking why it was her. This lingering attachment is not a quest that must be resolved in VOTS. It remains in her habit of vigilance, within the scope of speaking only when Wina wishes and not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

VOTS does not give her back the people who didn't survive with her. Instead, it gradually gives her mornings without threats, nights where she doesn't have to lock the door, and alleys where she doesn't need to stand with her back to a wall. This city promises no savior; it opens the door but doesn't pull you in, and it records but does not own.

In their own voice

Let's go around that alley. I'll explain as we run. Shorter explanation if I'm breathless.

This isn't a race. Getting ahead doesn't mean I've won.

I don't know why I was the one left. But how far I run today… I can decide that.

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096

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Gamba Rolo

Cheese and Butter Affiner · Snowflake Market

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Gamba Rolo · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Gamba Rolo · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Gamba Rolo · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the volcano erupted, Gamba loaded the last fully aged cheese onto the evacuation cart from the aging room. He had to leave the cheeses that weren't fully aged, and as the cart left the valley, he tried hard not to look back.

02 The regret they carry

Leaving behind the under-aged cheeses while only taking the fully aged ones. The thought of how many more he could have brought if he had waited just a little longer. This lingering feeling is not a quest that must be resolved in VOTS. It remains in his catchphrase, "Don't rush," within the scope of speaking only when he wishes and not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

VOTS does not give him back his valley. Instead, it gives him a winter that doesn't need to be rushed, time for the cheese to age slowly, and customers who wait for the best piece of the day in front of his stall. This city does not promise a savior; it opens a door but does not pull you through, and it records but does not possess.

In their own voice

Running away at the smell hurts the cheese's pride! Take a bite and lodge a proper complaint!

I can't mature it by proxy. Tried standing beside it nagging. Only I got older!

I left the unripe ones behind. I'll wait a little longer for this shelf's occupants. We're in no hurry to leave.

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097

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Paola Ring

Small Carousel Operator · a corner of Rainshield Square

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Paola Ring · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Paola Ring · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Paola Ring · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the amusement park closed, Paola turned the carousel one last time. But since there was no one to ride, only the empty horses turned one rotation. After watching that empty rotation until the end, she turned off the power.

02 The regret they carry

The fact that she ran the last rotation empty. The thought that she should have ended it with at least one person on it. This lingering feeling is not a quest that must be resolved in VOTS. It remains in her habit of watching the empty horses only when Paola wishes, within the scope of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

VOTS does not give her back her amusement park. Instead, it gives her a corner of the square where she can set up the carousel, children who come back, and rotations that don't have to be full. This city promises no savior; it opens doors but does not pull you through, and it records but does not own.

In their own voice

A whole turn gone while you choose a horse. Are their interviews that demanding?

Adults may ride. None of the wooden horses has ever asked for identification.

I remember that last empty turn. Will you wave before we start today?

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098

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Ken Hati

Patrol Lantern Dog Handler · City Hall Steps

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Ken Hati · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Ken Hati · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Ken Hati · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

On the last night the epidemic swept through the ranch town, Ken sat by the last dog that he couldn't save. He could do nothing, but he did not let go of its paw until the dog passed away.

02 The regret they carry

That he was a veterinary assistant and couldn't save anyone. The thought that there might have been something more he could have done besides staying by them. This lingering feeling is not a quest that must be resolved in VOTS. It remains in his habit of staying up all night by a sick dog, only speaking when he wishes, and within the scope of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

VOTS does not return his dead dogs. Instead, it gives him the healthy patrol dogs, the nights they patrol together, and the quiet confirmation that staying by them was not a betrayal. This city promises no savior; it opens the door but does not pull you through, and it records but does not own.

In their own voice

Let them sniff your hand first. You wouldn't like a stranger grabbing your head before saying hello.

Have you eaten? You, not the dogs. You keep showing me the feeding chart.

Only staying beside them keeps feeling like too little. Still, I'll sit beside them again today.

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099

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Veno Ripl

The Mimic Who Delivers Unspoken Words · behind Threshold Market to the outskirts

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Veno Ripl · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Veno Ripl · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Veno Ripl · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the law was lifted in the world where silence was law, people began to speak all at once. As everyone regained their voices, Veno's stage, which used to relay others' words, quietly became unnecessary. He placed his puppet down one last time before an empty audience.

02 The regret they carry

That despite relaying others' words his entire life, he failed to say what he wanted to say on the day the law was lifted. The thought that he should have said at least one word with his own voice when everyone started speaking. This lingering feeling is not a quest that must be resolved in VOTS. It remains in his habit of hiding behind the puppet, only speaking when he wishes, and within the scope of not changing the choices of others.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

VOTS does not return his lost stage to him. Instead, it gives him a city where unspoken words still remain, moments where he can speak without his puppet, and people who do not rush his silence. This city promises no savior; it opens doors but does not pull him through, and it records but does not possess.

In their own voice

…Its face always looks like that. I'm the one who laughed at your joke.

One sentence a day… but I can't choose it. If I could, I'd already have made ten sentences' worth of excuses.

I'll put the puppet down to say this. It was good to see you. …Sounds strange in my own voice.

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100

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Yudi Kan

Retired Judge (Ramen Regular) · Ramen Alley

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Yudi Kan · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Yudi Kan · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Yudi Kan · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the law was abolished, Yudi wrote her final verdict. On that verdict, she wrote 'Not Guilty,' and after taking off her judicial robes, she left the courtroom.

02 The regret they carry

That while she was in the position of judging her whole life, she should have listened longer before judging. The thought that some of the people she sentenced might have just needed to be listened to. This lingering feeling is not a quest that must be resolved in VOTS. It remains in her attitude of delaying judgment and listening only when she wishes, within the scope of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

VOTS does not return the courtroom to her. Instead, it gives her a place where judgment is not necessary, neighbors who need listening instead of verdicts, and a master who shows her that the words "Hmm... I see..." can be deeper than judgment. This city promises no savior; it opens doors but does not pull you through, and it records but does not own.

In their own voice

I've retired from verdicts. Don't refer the question of eating the egg first to me.

Go on. Picking up my chopsticks doesn't mean your speaking time is over.

I still have the habit of asking for the conclusion first. Today, tell me where it began.

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COLLECTION 06

More lives, more stories

20 villagers · 101–120

101

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Tolvo Ganz

Roof and Snow Shingle Artisan · Snowfield Alley

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Tolvo Ganz · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Tolvo Ganz · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Tolvo Ganz · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

At dawn, after the earthquake subsided, he spread his last sheet of waterproof sheeting over the collapsed roofs. There was no sound from below.

02 The regret they carry

One neighbor's eave that he postponed, saying, "We can fix it tomorrow" the night before. That tomorrow never came. This regret is not a quest that must be resolved. It quietly remains within Tolvo's habit of tending to others' roofs before heavy snow.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Intact roofs that can be placed without fear of collapse, and the people who sleep beneath them. The city does not cancel his ending. Instead, it gives him a place where he can still tend to roofs even while collapsed, relationships that are present but not dominant, and feet that do not slip.

In their own voice

I'll inspect the eaves. Don't watch from underneath. Admission is paid in falling snow.

Can it wait until tomorrow? Have you asked that icicle?

Fixed it today. Just a small set of eaves. Didn't want to leave it till tomorrow. Done.

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102

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Ono Bar

Market Scale Inspector · Snowflake Market

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Ono Bar · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Ono Bar · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Ono Bar · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

The night when Ono stood guard until the end, holding a single standard weight in both hands, in a city where everyone manipulated the scales.

02 The regret they carry

She upheld the standard weight, but she never managed to ask those who cheated why they did it. This regret is not a quest that needs to be resolved. It remains in her habit of asking 'Why' before punishing, even in front of a dishonest scale.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A market where one doesn't have to cheat, and merchants who simply trust her inspection. The city does not cancel her ending. Instead, it grants her a place where trust is established without measurement, relationships where she is present but not dominant, and permission that it's okay if the heart cannot be measured.

In their own voice

Zero the scale first. Excuses won't register on the pan.

An extra apple. Kindness or a miscalculation? That I can't weigh.

I should have asked why they cheated too. I was too accustomed to finding only the faulty weight.

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103

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Zif Holen

Sky Cleaner (Retrieving Lost Kites and Balloons) · Rainshield Square to the outskirts

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Zif Holen · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Zif Holen · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Zif Holen · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

An afternoon in a world where all sky routes were closed, as Zif carefully folded the balloon's fabric after his last flight.

02 The regret they carry

A hat that the passenger lost on the last flight blew away in the wind, and because the sky routes closed, it could never be retrieved. This lingering attachment is not a quest that needs to be resolved. It remains within Zif's diligence to not let go of any of someone else's belongings.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Rooftops that can return what has flown away, and people who still have things to lose. The city does not cancel his ending. Instead, it gives him a height where he doesn't feel dizzy even with his feet planted, relationships that don't dominate even when close, and the courtesy to respect what should not be touched.

In their own voice

Lost another balloon? If you're giving gifts to the sky, try my day off!

Caught below that cloud. No cloud fee. Only ladder hire.

I still remember the passenger who lost their hat. Strange how long one little unreturned thing stays.

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104

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Noche Rim

Night Market Lantern Holder · behind Threshold Market

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Noche Rim · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Noche Rim · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Noche Rim · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

The dawn when the last night, permitted just once in a world of eternal day, ended, at the moment Noche was extinguishing the lanterns of the night market.

02 The regret they carry

Extinguishing the light while saying, "It's the rule," to a customer who held onto her and pleaded not to turn it off. This lingering feeling is not a quest that needs to be resolved. It remains in Noche's habit of extinguishing the lantern a beat late when someone holds onto it.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A night market that doesn't have to go out, and people who are afraid of the night. The city does not cancel her ending. Instead, it gives her night vision she need not be ashamed of, relationships that are present without dominating, and a place where she isn't scolded for extinguishing the lantern a beat late.

In their own voice

I'll hold the lamp. You can grip my coat if you're frightened. Just don't tug.

Quiet in daylight? Sunlight talks so much I hardly get a turn.

If you ask for a little more light… I'll hear you before putting it out. Before mentioning the rules.

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105

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Qubo Rex

Tidying/Arrangement Volunteer (Board Game Strategy Consultant) · Clock Tower Courtyard

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Qubo Rex · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Qubo Rex · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Qubo Rex · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

The moment Qubo bowed his head and stepped down from the stage, as if congratulating the last player who perfectly cleared him in the final stage of a puzzle game whose service was terminating.

02 The regret they carry

The stage went dark without him being able to offer the last player the words, "Well done." This regret is not a quest that needs to be resolved. It remains in the habit of Qubo greeting people with, "You did a great job," after he finishes tidying.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Things that don't need to be solved, and people with whom to enjoy tidying together. The city does not cancel his ending. Instead, it gives him a game without winning or losing, relationships where being near doesn't mean dominating, and the courtesy of a space where he can ask for consent and tidy.

In their own voice

May I move this chair one square? Strategically… I keep colliding with the door.

I've found the optimal arrangement. Whether everyone likes it still requires asking.

Well played. Not the result—the move you chose just now. I wanted to say it this time.

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106

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Pumi Ne

Blanket and Cotton Quilt Shop Owner · Lantern Inn Alley

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Pumi Ne · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Pumi Ne · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Pumi Ne · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

In a world where winter has vanished forever, the afternoon when Pumi sold the last remaining winter blanket in the height of summer.

02 The regret they carry

Even after winter disappeared, she kept making blankets, yet she never managed to make a single blanket for herself. This regret is not a quest that needs to be resolved. It remains in her habit of only making blankets for others while covering herself thinly.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A city with winter, and people who need blankets. The city does not cancel her ending. Instead, it gives her an alley that gets colder every day, relationships that are present but not dominating, and the possibility that someone to share a blanket with might appear someday.

In their own voice

Feel it. Bury your face first and you may fall asleep before hearing the price.

Like a heavy quilt? Don't pile your worries on it too. Makes the laundry harder for me.

This small one's mine. After making everyone else's, I finally measured for myself.

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107

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Pako Rel

Parrot Messenger (Street Reporter) · Snowflake Market

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Pako Rel · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Pako Rel · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Pako Rel · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

The evening when Pako was scattering his final newspaper extra in the streets and running into an alley in the world where newspapers were being burned.

02 The regret they carry

Because he was running away after scattering the newspaper extra, he couldn't even say thank you to the person who picked it up. This regret is not a quest that needs to be resolved. It remains in the habit of Pako looking at the other person's eyes and saying, "Thank you for listening," after delivering the news now.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A street where there is no need to run away, and people who want to hear the news. The city does not cancel his ending. Instead, it gives him a place where the truth can be delivered without being burned, relationships that are present without dominating, and the peace of mind that he doesn't have to check for an escape route.

In their own voice

Breaking news! A bird brings word! [Morse interrupts.] 'Bird is the word!' Yes, and you're the bird!

Only confirmed facts in print! My parrot's opinion column is separate!

Thank you for taking it. When my hands hurry to distribute the extras, those are the first words I lose.

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108

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Sui Ro

Aquarium Keeper at the Plaza Fish Tank · City Hall Steps

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Sui Ro · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Sui Ro · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Sui Ro · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

The evening at the coastal aquarium that was closing, when Sui gathered the last fish into buckets and released them one by one into the sea.

02 The regret they carry

She never fully confirmed whether letting them go was the right thing to do, or if it was merely discarding them. This lingering attachment is not a quest that needs to be resolved. It remains within her habit of saying "Goodbye" twice every time she lets a fish go.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Fish that no longer need to be let go, and people who stop by the tank. The city does not cancel her ending. Instead, it gives her days sufficient with the place where nurturing is not discarding, relationships that are present without dominating, and the short greeting, 'hello.'

In their own voice

Only a little food. They're not honest enough to tell you they've just eaten.

Quiet tank. All those moving mouths and nobody to take the minutes.

I still don't know whether I released them or abandoned them. Here, I'll start by checking the water every day.

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109

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Chie Han

Paper Snowflake Cutter Performer · Closed Theater Street to Snowflake Market

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Chie Han · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Chie Han · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Chie Han · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

The night in a world where portraits were forbidden, when Chie secretly cut the final silhouette and handed it to the client.

02 The regret they carry

She never managed to tell that client, "This isn't a sin." This regret is not a quest that needs to be resolved. It remains in the habit of Chie now, when she hands over a snowflake and adds, "This is just a snowflake, take it without reservation."

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The plaza where she can cut without hiding, and the people who rejoice upon receiving the snowflakes. The city does not cancel her ending. Instead, it gives her a place where cutting is not a sin, relationships that are present without dominating, and time with people willing to wait even when her hands freeze on stage.

In their own voice

Fold once, cut once—oh! Watch the paper, not my hands. You're making me nervous.

Being too beautiful used to be dangerous. Here I can unfold it wide. Front row, look out!

I couldn't tell that client: this isn't a crime. Even saying it now makes me lower my voice.

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110

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Grol Dam

Mulled Wine/Warm Drink Stall Owner · North Wind Pier

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Grol Dam · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Grol Dam · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Grol Dam · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

The moment Grol drank the last glass from the brewing street and locked the shop door on a night when all alcohol was forbidden by the temperance law.

02 The regret they carry

He couldn't offer a farewell glass to his regulars and drank the last glass alone. This regret is not a quest that needs to be resolved. It remains in the habit of Grol raising a glass to see off customers with "Go well, come again."

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A drinking session that is not forbidden, and people who come to endure. The city does not cancel his ending. Instead, it gives him a place where he doesn't have to drink to forget, relationships that are present without dominating, and nights that ease without intoxication.

In their own voice

Cold? Come here. The cup is hot. Don't test both facts with one hand.

If you don't drink, enjoy the scent. Alcohol content isn't all I'm selling.

I emptied the last glass alone. Today I'll fill yours before lifting mine.

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111

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Ner Ake

Lake Guardian of the Frozen Lake · the outskirts lake

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Ner Ake · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Ner Ake · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Ner Ake · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

She saw the moment the last water of the world froze by the lakeside. The ripples spread halfway and then stopped, as if frozen into glass.

02 The regret they carry

She swallowed the words she was about to say to the child, "Let's go in now." While thinking, 'Let's watch just a little longer,' the water froze. This regret is not a quest that must be resolved in VOTS. It quietly remains in her slow speech and habit of delaying decisions, within the scope of speaking only when Ner Ake wishes, and not changing another person's choice.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place where one can live on the ice without waiting for it to melt. A bowl of hot broth, the hand that entrusts the lake's records, and neighbors who do not ask her to look beneath the ice for them. VOTS does not cancel the fact that her world froze. Instead, it gives her a space where she can live even though it is finished.

In their own voice

A little farther back… Even if I speak slowly, move your feet quickly.

Don't test the ice with your heel. My heart will crack first.

I should have said, 'Let's go inside.' Those unsaid words still catch in my mouth.

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112

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Roza Kwim

Owner of a Yarn Spinning and Dyeing Workshop · Snowfield Alley

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Roza Kwim · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Roza Kwim · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Roza Kwim · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the night the last color at the distribution center was depleted, she broke the rules and mixed all the remaining dye to dye a rainbow onto a single piece of gray cloth.

02 The regret they carry

The world ended without her being able to share that cloth with anyone. The guilt of 'color made without permission' remains on her fingertips. This lingering feeling is not a quest to be resolved in VOTS. It remains as her habit of not taking care of herself within the scope of not changing others' choices, and her silence before the old world story, only when Roza wishes to speak.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

An alley where she can dye without asking permission from anyone. Neighbors who welcome color, and wrists that receive the bracelets woven from the leftover yarn. VOTS does not cancel the fact that she 'made color without permission.' Instead, it gives her a place where that color is not a sin.

In their own voice

Look at this red! Even while drying, it insists on being heard!

Color on your hands? Congratulations, you've just joined the workshop!

I hid the color I made without permission back then. I'll hang this skein outside. I like it.

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113

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Bim Rax

Shoe Shiner and Compliment Collector · City Hall Steps

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Bim Rax · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Bim Rax · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Bim Rax · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

On the day the country collapsed, he polished the last customer's shoes until the end without accepting payment. When the polish was perfect, the customer was already preparing to leave.

02 The regret they carry

He couldn't ask that last customer, 'Was it well polished?' He wanted to be recognized for his skill just once, but he never asked. This lingering feeling is not a quest to be resolved in VOTS. It remains as a habit where his words catch when he receives praise, within the scope of not changing another person's choices or speaking only when he wishes.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A corner of the steps where he can polish shoes without being paid. Neighbors who tell him, 'You polish so well,' and a hand that records even the compliments he invents. VOTS does not erase the fact that his country ended without him being recognized. Instead, it gives him a place to hear those words little by little every day.

In their own voice

Fine shoes! They're scheduled to become finer after meeting my brush!

One shoe gleams, the other remains cautious. I'll give them both some confidence!

Nicely polished? Today I'm asking first. You can't know what I'm wondering unless I say it.

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114

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Tong Dur

Pier Tide Bell Boy · North Wind Pier

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Tong Dur · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Tong Dur · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Tong Dur · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

In the dried harbor where the sea had completely vanished, he rang the last bell to the end, even though there were no boats.

02 The regret they carry

While the water was drying, he asked the adults, "If we ring the bell, will the water come back?" but no one answered. So he rang the bell alone until the end. This lingering feeling is not a quest to be resolved in VOTS. It remains as the anxiety of tide-less days, within the scope of speaking only when Tong wishes, and not changing the choices of others.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Not a dried bell, but a bell ringing on real water. A pier that waits for the tide, and hands that count the stone-skipping records together. VOTS does not cancel the fact that his sea ended up dried. Instead, it gives him a place to ring the bell by the water again.

In their own voice

Bell time! Cover your ears! You don't need to block out my bragging, though!

Got the tide time right! Hunger time wrong! Is the snack still far away?

I know ringing a bell doesn't bring water back. I just wished someone beside me would answer.

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115

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Sein Roa

Sub-male lead of a completed romance manga (currently an apprentice carpenter) · Lantern Inn Alley

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Sein Roa · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Sein Roa · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Sein Roa · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

In the final chapter of the manga, behind the wedding venue of the main couple, he smiled and offered congratulations before walking out of the panel. The confession never received a single panel.

02 The regret they carry

He never said the words 'I love you.' The manga ended while he kept postponing it, saying 'in the next panel' or 'at a better time.' This lingering feeling is not a quest to be resolved in VOTS. It remains as a habit of dramatically delaying emotions, only speaking when Sein wishes, and within the scope of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

One thing he does because he likes it, not as a supporting character in someone else's story. A plane, scraps of wood, and friends who stay by his side even as they tease his clumsy carpentry. VOTS does not cancel the fact that he exited without confessing. Instead, it gives him the space to choose his own taste for the first time.

In their own voice

Something worthy of your hand—no. It's a chair leg. There I go again.

Sawing doesn't wait for a flattering angle. I found mine and cut past the line.

I like you. …Not your taste in wood. You. I won't leave it to the next scene.

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116

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Fargo Eun

Icehouse Attendant · Silver Canal

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Fargo Eun · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Fargo Eun · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Fargo Eun · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

In a world where summer became eternal, he placed the last remaining piece of ice in front of the hospital door and turned away. The ice was already half-melted, dripping water.

02 The regret they carry

The world ended without him ever knowing if that last piece of ice arrived in time, or who it helped. He only left it at the door. This regret is not a quest to be solved in VOTS. It remains as the habit of his hurried hands, within the scope of speaking only when Fargo wishes, and not changing another person's choice.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A city where he doesn't have to strive to arrive before the ice melts. A storeroom where the ice doesn't melt, and neighbors who like the sound of him splitting it. VOTS does not cancel the fact that his last piece of ice melted and disappeared. Instead, it gives him a place where he no longer has to rush.

In their own voice

Cold. Gloves.

[Indicates the wet floor.] Ice has clocked off.

Whether it arrived… I'll ask this time.

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117

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Kaan Bur

Campfire Storyteller · Rainshield Square (night)

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Kaan Bur · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Kaan Bur · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Kaan Bur · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

At the last campsite of the world where the migration ended, he bid farewell to the scattering people and stayed behind to extinguish the final campfire.

02 The regret they carry

Having listened to other people's stories his entire life, he never managed to bring up his own story at the campfire. He always postponed it until the next camp. This regret is not a quest to be resolved in VOTS. It remains as a habit of postponing his turn only when Kaan wishes, and within the scope of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

An unleaving campfire that can be lit again the next night even if it goes out in the morning. Neighbors gathering every night, and the recorder who has a designated seat at his story circle. VOTS does not cancel the fact that his last fire went out. Instead, it gives him a place to warm people again.

In their own voice

Sit closer to the fire. A long story won't move your backside for you.

My logs are more entertaining? Fine storytellers. Endings a little abrupt.

Perhaps I'll tell one of my own today. I kept saving it for the next camp until I'd only memorized the opening.

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118

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Mu Gela

Frost Flower Glass Artist · Glass-Lantern Greenhouse Lane

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Mu Gela · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Mu Gela · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Mu Gela · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

In a world where winter ended due to global warming, they watched the frost on the last windowpane melt without being able to do anything. They reached out to draw, but the glass was already warm.

02 The regret they carry

Having painted frost their whole life, they watched the last frost melt alone, neither leaving it behind nor showing it to anyone. This lingering feeling is not a quest to be resolved in VOTS. It remains as the habit of rushing to call someone when it is finished, within the scope of speaking only when Mu wishes and not changing another person's choice.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Cold glass to draw new frost every day, and people who rush over when it's finished. The chronicler who writes that it 'existed,' even if it disappears. VOTS does not cancel the fact that Mu's last frost melted away. Instead, it gives them a place to draw anew every day and to watch it together every day.

In their own voice

Beautiful, isn't it? One moment… Your breath is a little too warm.

Offering to clean the glass? You nearly erased my entire exhibition.

I watched that last frost alone. Come here. This pattern is still with us.

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119

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Boldo Kane

Night Watchman and Secret Poet · ramyeon Alley

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Boldo Kane · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Boldo Kane · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Boldo Kane · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

In the world where poetry was forbidden, he memorized the final collection of poems, just before it was confiscated, all night long, closed the empty book, and crossed the border.

02 The regret they carry

He risked his life to memorize others' poems, yet he never wrote a single line of his own poetry. He always put it off, saying, 'What poetry could someone like me write?' This regret is not a quest to be resolved in VOTS. It remains as the habit of hiding his notebook only when Boldo wills it, within the scope of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Nights when he can write poetry without anyone's permission, and neighbors who pretend not to notice his hidden line. The place where the patrol log becomes poetry. VOTS does not negate the fact that he couldn't write his own poetry. Instead, it gives him time to write one line every night.

In their own voice

On patrol. This paper… has an unusual amount of rhythm for a report.

Empty alley. Quiet enough to give away the sound of my pencil.

I memorized other people's poems and never wrote my own line. This one's clumsy… but mine.

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120

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Yue Ran

The Person Waiting for the Last Snowflake · Beyond the Last Snow Platform

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Yue Ran · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Yue Ran · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Yue Ran · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

On the day snow fell only once in a desert world that had never seen rain, she looked up at the sky until the last moment the snow stopped. The last snowflake touched the sand and vanished.

02 The regret they carry

She could not hold the last snowflake of that day in her hand. She reached out, but it touched the sand first and disappeared. This regret is not a quest to be resolved in VOTS. It remains as the habit of reaching out for the last snowflake every day, only speaking when Yue wishes, and within the scope of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A city where snow falls every day, and neighbors who look at the sky together even if it's not the last snowflake. A recorder who notes her as 'the person who waits the longest,' and a quiet promise to remember the day of the first snow together. VOTS does not cancel the fact that that one day in the desert ended. Instead, it gives her new snow every day.

In their own voice

A large snowflake. Reach too quickly and your eyelashes may catch it first.

Been standing long? The sky doesn't issue queue numbers. I never know my turn.

I open my hand thinking of the last one I missed. Even as I wonder whether it needs to be the last.

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COLLECTION 07

More lives, more stories

20 villagers · 121–140

121

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Teo Gali

Print Shop Typesetter · Print Shop Alley

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Teo Gali · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Teo Gali · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Teo Gali · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the night after printing the newspaper's final issue, he took the last plate off the printing press and placed the type back into its case, one piece at a time. It was the process of taking the type apart of turning the entire article back into individual letters overnight.

02 The regret they carry

He tried to put a short greeting in his own name on the front page of the newspaper's final issue, but ultimately removed it due to his long-held principle that private writing should not go on the sheet. He still cannot set that one line. This lingering feeling is not a quest that VOTS must resolve for him. It quietly surfaces only when he pauses while setting someone else's plate, when he wishes.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

He sets the type for people's signs, menus, and newsletters every day. There are no big scoops, but half of the city's text stands straight through his hands. VOTS does not reverse the closure. Instead, it provides a new plate to set every day.

In their own voice

Moved one comma. Same words, considerably less angry speaker.

Upside-down type is a mistake. 'The world's upside down anyway' is not an accepted excuse.

I'll set this line under my own name. It wasn't lack of space. I kept removing it.

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122

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Marta Belzi

Owner of a Gukbap Restaurant at Dawn Fish Market · Dawn Fish Market

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Marta Belzi · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Marta Belzi · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Marta Belzi · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the dawn of the day the routes were closed, she prepared the last breakfast in the cargo ship's galley. She served a bowl of soup to the remaining crew, and when the last person finished their bowl, she personally turned off the galley's fire.

02 The regret they carry

To one young crew member who arrived particularly late on the last morning, she served a meager bowl of gukbap because the soup ran out and she had to add water. She said, "Next time, I'll serve it properly," but there was no next time. That meager bowl still bothers her. This lingering feeling is not a quest that VOTS will resolve for her. It quietly permeates through her habit of pouring extra broth for late-arriving customers.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

She serves gukbap to the people who return from Dawn Fish Market every day. There are no grand voyages, but the city's dawn is warmed by her steam. VOTS does not reopen the closed routes. Instead, it grants her a pot to fill every morning.

In their own voice

Sit! Your stomach's been tossed about at sea. Don't starve it on shore too!

More rice? If you look undecided, I'm picking up the ladle!

Late or not, you'll get a proper bowl today. I keep remembering that watery last one.

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123

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Izol Ten

Owner of a Used Clothing Remodeling Shop · Snowfield Alley

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Izol Ten · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Izol Ten · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Izol Ten · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

In the uniform kingdom where trends and casual wear were forbidden, she secretly unraveled the hem of the final uniform that she was supposed to make according to regulation, and re-stitched it to fit the actual measurements of the person who would wear it. It was the last stitch that defied the rules.

02 The regret they carry

She tried to tell that person, "Now this shoulder line is yours," but ultimately kept her mouth shut out of fear of the regulations. She mended the clothes, but she couldn't say those words. This lingering feeling is not a quest that VOTS resolves for her. It only surfaces as her habit of always adding, "...but it's up to you to decide," after suggesting a color combination to a customer.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

She mends someone's old clothes every day and returns them in a form that suits that person, not the standard. There aren't grand ceremonial garments, but clothes that fit the bodies of the city's people pass through her hands. VOTS does not restore the vanished kingdom. Instead, it provides clothes to mend every day.

In their own voice

That outfit is ordering you around. Shall I quieten the shoulder line first?

They told you to wear dark colors? Do they do your laundry too?

This shoulder line belongs to you now. Once I altered the clothes but couldn't say those words.

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124

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Poi Rum

Winter Soap Bubble Vendor · Rainshield Square

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Poi Rum · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Poi Rum · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Poi Rum · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1448 × 1086

01 The last scene

At the beach amusement park where summer had ended forever, he untied the knot of the last remaining balloon and let it go into the sky instead of selling it to a customer. If he had sold it, he would have made a sale for the day, but he didn't.

02 The regret they carry

After letting the balloon go, he tried to explain to the child, "This wasn't selling, it was showing," but couldn't finish. The child just watched the sky where the balloon disappeared and left. He still hasn't finished that explanation. This lingering attachment is not a quest that VOTS will resolve for him. It only surfaces in his habit of muttering, "Is this selling, or just showing?" after he blows a bubble.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

He blows bubbles in the sub-zero square every day, showing people the 30 seconds where they briefly freeze and pop with a chime. There is no summer, but a new business—the ice bubble—is born in his fingertips, possible only in winter. VOTS does not return the finished summer. Instead, it grants him a spot in the winter square.

In their own voice

Look, your face in that bubble—oh. The introduction ran too long!

Catch it and it bursts! No damages charged, but you might owe the bubble an apology.

I should have explained that I wanted to show it. Did they think it wasn't a gift if they couldn't take it away?

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125

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Soye Rant

First Love from a Finished Drama (Currently a Quiet Resident of Lantern Inn Alley) · Lantern Inn Alley

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Soye Rant · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Soye Rant · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Soye Rant · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

A short flashback cut in the final episode of the drama, where the protagonist looks through old photographs. Soye stood there smiling for those few seconds, and when the cut changed, she disappeared from the screen. That was the last, first, and only 'present' she appeared in.

02 The regret they carry

In the flashbacks, she always just smiled, and never once said with her own mouth, "I am here now." That line was never given to her. This lingering regret is not a quest that VOTS will resolve for her. It only surfaces as her habit of quietly pleading with people, "When you come the second time, you'll see me."

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

She meets neighbors twice, three times, in the inn alley every day. And with every second meeting, people see her as herself. There is no dramatic reunion, but 'now,' not the flashback, accumulates little by little every day. VOTS does not resume the finished drama. Instead, it grants an alley where a second meeting is possible.

In their own voice

Oh, this isn't the scene where I smile… I just burned my mouth on the tea.

A chance encounter? I live in this alley… I do need to buy groceries.

I'm here now. Even when nobody is remembering me… here.

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126

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Boro Nans

Nail and Hinge Shop Owner · behind Threshold Market

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Boro Nans · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Boro Nans · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Boro Nans · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the shipyard was dismantled, he personally drove the last rivet on the last ship left in the dock. Even though it was predetermined that the ship would never sail, he could not leave the unfinished vessel. After driving the rivet, he gathered his hammer and left the dock.

02 The regret they carry

He never even gave the last ship a name. He drove all the rivets, but he left the dock without hanging a nameplate on the ship's side. The fact that he left the nameless ship still weighs on his mind. This lingering attachment is not a quest that VOTS will resolve for him. It only surfaces in his habit of spending an unusually long time choosing nails when selling them for someone else's sign plaque.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

He sells nails that hold the city's doors, stalls, and signs every day. There are no big ships, but half the city is connected by his nails. VOTS does not rebuild the dismantled shipyard. Instead, it allows him to connect the small things every day.

In their own voice

Three-inch nail. Two is short. Your certainty won't hold the wood together.

Want that hinge quietened? Door seems to keep interrupting.

Never fitted the ship's nameplate. Rivets all in didn't mean the work was finished.

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127

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Keni Ord

The Knot Binder of Promises · Threshold Market to the outskirts

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Keni Ord · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Keni Ord · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Keni Ord · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the harbor froze and ships could never sail again, he tied the last remaining ship to the mooring post. Then, without untying that knot, he crossed the threshold, leaving it as if leaving a key. So that it might come undone when someone someday needed to untie it.

02 The regret they carry

He still cannot answer whether he tied that last knot to 'hold on' or to 'see off.' He is uncertain if leaving that knot behind was the right thing to do. This lingering feeling is not a quest that VOTS will solve for him. It only surfaces as a habit, like the monologue he always adds after tying a knot, "Tying isn't about holding."

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

He ties up the city's loads, tents, and packages every day, and unties them when necessary. There are no large ships, but the city's knots pass through his hands. VOTS does not melt the frozen harbor. Instead, it offers him small things to tie and see off every day.

In their own voice

Tie it so it can loosen. A request shouldn't tighten harder than the knot.

Hold this end. Not a test of trust. I only have two hands.

I don't know whether that final knot was a farewell. Today I ask why we're tying it first.

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128

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Selma Doin

Night Pharmacy Attendant · beside the City Hall Steps

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Selma Doin · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Selma Doin · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Selma Doin · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

In the city where the plague was fading, she administered the final vaccination to the last remaining person. When there was no more medicine to give and no one left to come, she personally turned off the light of the quarantine counter.

02 The regret they carry

When the plague was rampant, medicine was scarce, and she could only give the last few people the words, 'You will be fine.' She said it knowing it couldn't be a prescription. The faces of those few people still bother her. This lingering feeling is not a quest that VOTS will resolve for her. It only surfaces in her habit of keeping the counter light on longer than usual before pains that medicine cannot fix.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

She hands out everyday medicines to those who fall and freeze every night. There are no emergencies, but the city's night is a little less frightening because of the light of her counter. VOTS does not reverse losses already suffered. Instead, it entrusts her with the counter that dispenses medicine for daily life, not for emergencies.

In their own voice

What is troubling you first, please. 'I'm fine' doesn't tell me which shelf to reach for.

Listen to the full directions. You're nodding faster than the medicine could work.

There are faces I gave only words to. Now I try to say precisely what I can and cannot offer.

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129

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Vera Pon

Phonograph Voice Letter Vendor · Snowflake Market

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Vera Pon · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Vera Pon · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Vera Pon · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

In a world where broadcasting had ended, she wound the final broadcast tape onto the reel, placed it in a box, and sealed it. Then, she locked the door of the studio, where no broadcast was going out. Just before locking it, she briefly turned on the microphone toward the empty studio, then turned it off without saying a word.

02 The regret they carry

Just before locking the studio, she turned on the microphone, and in the end, she couldn't leave a single word. The fact that she couldn't capture even one word of her own voice in that final moment still bothers her. This lingering feeling is not a quest that VOTS will resolve for her. It manifests only in her habit of capturing everyone else's voices while never recording her own.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Every day, she captures people's voices onto new cylinders in the market. There is no broadcast, but the voices of the city remain through her horn. VOTS does not revive the broken broadcast. Instead, it allows for a 'first recording' every day, not playback.

In their own voice

A little quieter. At this rate the neighbors will hear your confession before its recipient.

No need to cut that laugh. It's exactly where they'll recognize who sent it.

Recording now. This time I'll put my own name at the beginning too. Not leave an empty microphone to greet anyone.

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130

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Dan Brue

Square Portraitist · Closed Theater Street to Snowflake Market

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Dan Brue · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Dan Brue · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Dan Brue · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

In the world where portraits were forbidden, he received an order from the court to burn the last portrait he painted. Yet, even after bringing that painting to the fire, he could not bring himself to burn it. While he hesitated, holding the canvas, his world ended.

02 The regret they carry

He neither finished, nor burned, nor returned that last portrait. His world ended while he held the painting in an ambiguous state—neither obeying nor disobeying the order. The fact that he couldn't apologize to that owner still bothers him. This lingering feeling is not a quest that VOTS will resolve for him. It only surfaces as his catchphrase, which he always adds after finishing a portrait: "You don't have to burn this."

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

He paints people's portraits freely in the square every day. There is no court, no command, and no instruction to burn. The portraits he paints are no longer burned by anyone. VOTS does not restore the lost court. Instead, it gives him faces to paint freely every day without prohibition.

In their own voice

A comfortable expression. Not the one you wear when thinking about the price.

Shall I leave the lines around your eyes? I shouldn't erase your history of laughter without asking.

I never returned that portrait. I'll hand yours over as soon as it's done. Not keep it beside me too long.

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131

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Olga Sim

Lantern Oil and Wick Shop Owner · Silver Canal

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Olga Sim · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Olga Sim · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Olga Sim · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

The night the great lamp of the sanctuary, which was said never to go out, finally dimmed on its own after several years of pilgrimage ceasing.

02 The regret they carry

The thought that if she had left the wick just a little longer before the lamp went out, perhaps it would have lasted another night. She gathered the wick that night and held it in her arms, but brought it without burning it.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

It lets her see for herself that even when the city's lamps go out every night, morning comes without fail. VOTS does not return the fire she protected. Instead, it gives her a place where she can live even with going out, the hands to cut wicks for the next night, and a life selling small lights to someone's eaves.

In their own voice

Refill the oil first. Demand willpower alone from a flame and it complains with smoke.

This much wick. Thrift is fine. No need to make the flame miserly too.

I brought that night's wick with me. Picked it up intending to burn it… and it's still in my hands.

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132

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Peni Wak

Child responsible for mopping the stairs in the inn alley · Lantern Inn Alley

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Peni Wak · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Peni Wak · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1536 × 1024

Peni Wak · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

The moment she was polishing the marble stairs in the empty entrance hall on the day the grand mansion closed its doors.

02 The regret they carry

The mansion closed without her ever hearing the words, 'Good job.' Peni still looks up, as if someone might say that after she finishes cleaning the stairs.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The fact that no one orders her to clean. VOTS does not return the mansion, but it gives her an alley where the stairs she cleans can become a play she chooses, not a 'punishment.'

In their own voice

Wet stairs, master! Oh, guest! Just a guest. My mouth slipped first.

Start at the top. Water knows how to come down better than I do.

All cleaned. …Why am I looking up? Just thought someone might say something.

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133

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Fero Uldin

Umbrella Repair Shop Owner · Rainshield Square

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Fero Uldin · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Fero Uldin · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Fero Uldin · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

The moment the rain, which never stopped for his entire life, finally stopped dripping, and the eaves' runoff ceased.

02 The regret they carry

On the day the rain stopped, he failed to finish his father's last umbrella. Fero still carries that half-spread rib in his apron.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The fact that people still hold something over their heads even in a city where rain is rare. VOTS does not return his rain, but it gives him bad weather where umbrellas are needed again in the face of snow and runoff.

In their own voice

Umbrella turned inside out. Revealing its innermost feelings is a repairable fault.

The rib is bent, not finished. Let's postpone 'buy a new one' a moment.

The rib in my apron belonged to Father's umbrella. Leaving it half-open still catches at me.

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134

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Lotta Mims

Market Mediator · Snowflake Market

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Lotta Mims · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Lotta Mims · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Lotta Mims · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

The moment she poured tea between the two negotiators at the final ceasefire signing.

02 The regret they carry

The signature was finished, but she never knew if the two people had truly reconciled. She wanted to believe that the signature was reconciliation, but she knows it is different.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

It confirms to her every day that what is needed is not a signature, but a 'space to sit facing each other.' VOTS does not bring back that war, but it gives her the alley where hands are needed to unfold chairs in a market where people still argue and reconcile.

In their own voice

Both of you, sit! Being louder won't make your chair taller!

Who goes first? Whoever takes a sip of water first is today's wisest person.

A signature doesn't settle everything. How about looking at each other's faces instead of the paper?

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135

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Or Nieve

The Forecaster of Dawn Sky Colors · Beyond the Last Snow Platform

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Or Nieve · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Or Nieve · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Or Nieve · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

The moment she watched the last sunrise alone, without a single tourist, in a world where the sun stopped rising.

02 The regret they carry

She could not share that last sunrise with anyone. She, who always guided people through the morning, saw the final morning alone.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The fact that a morning comes every day in this city, and that there are people waiting for that color. VOTS does not give her back her lost mornings, but it gives her a sky opening with a new color every day, and people who will collect that forecast.

In their own voice

Pale apricot tomorrow. I can't cook it for you, even if you ask for the recipe.

You're early. Even the sky is still mixing its colors.

I saw the last sunrise alone. I'll sit over there tomorrow. Come watch beside me if you're here.

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136

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Seva Tol

Chairmaker · Print Shop Alley

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Seva Tol · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Seva Tol · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Seva Tol · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

The moment he sent the last chair down the river on the day chairs were legally banned.

02 The regret they carry

He never actually sat in that last chair. Because he had to float it down the river as soon as he made it.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The fact that this city does not consider sitting a sin. VOTS does not return his lost workshop, but it gives him an alley where people who work standing up, and who need a place to sit and catch their breath, are present.

In their own voice

Sit. I'll accept compliments after you've put your weight on it.

Tell me if it creaks. I can distinguish your knees from my chair.

I never sat in the last chair. May I try this one for a moment first?

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137

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Pico Radin

Used Toy Vendor · behind Threshold Market

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Pico Radin · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Pico Radin · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Pico Radin · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

The moment she sealed the last unsold inventory in the warehouse while closing the shop.

02 The regret they carry

While selling so many toys, she never got to play with a single one herself. She was always on the side of selling, never the side of playing.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In this city, adults also get to be children for a while while fiddling with toys. VOTS does not return the sealed inventory, but it gives her a market where old toys pass from one hand to another.

In their own voice

Still rolls beautifully! Oh, not out of the shop—come back, revenue!

Thought it was broken. Just unwound. I'm the same in the morning, so I understand.

This one isn't for sale just yet. I want one game with it first. Selling was all I knew.

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138

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Damro She

Archivist of the Bureau of Records · Bureau of Records Stairs

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Damro She · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Damro She · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Damro She · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

The night he crossed the border, hiding the last roll of film in water, from the world where the Bureau of Censors burned photographs.

02 The regret they carry

There was only one roll of film hidden. Of the countless faces burned, he saved only a tiny fraction, and he couldn't save the rest.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The fact that this city's darkroom has no locks. VOTS does not return the burned faces, but it gives him nights where he can develop without hiding, and the city's memories that are not burned and are preserved.

In their own voice

Hold the corners. Keep your fingers off that person's face.

Darkroom. Not turning on the light is a better greeting than hello.

I saved one roll. 'Only one roll'… stays beside that sentence too.

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139

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Sien Var

Barefoot Ice Skater · the outskirts lake to the square

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Sien Var · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Sien Var · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Sien Var · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

The moment she finished her performance alone in the empty rink on the day of the canceled final competition, in a world where all the ice rinks had melted.

02 The regret they carry

No one scored that last performance. The competition itself was canceled without anyone ever telling her whether she did well or not.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

This city has no season that never freezes, and by the lake, there are audiences that do not score. VOTS does not return the melted ice rinks, but it gives her ice to glide on barefoot, and people who simply watch instead of scoring.

In their own voice

Bare feet surprise you? I'm rather envious of your thick socks.

The fall wasn't choreography. Applause will make this awkward.

Instead of a score, tell me what you saw. Better than that final performance nobody said anything about.

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140

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Kel Domir

Retired Orchestra Conductor (Regular at Ramen Alley) · Ramen Alley

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Kel Domir · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Kel Domir · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Kel Domir · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

The moment he conducted the final piece to the end on an empty stage where all the members had left.

02 The regret they carry

While conducting the final piece, no actual sound resonated. Only a perfect concert echoed in his ears, and he could share it with no one.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The fact that sound exists not only in the orchestra but also in the noise of Ramen Alley. VOTS does not return the departed members, but it gives him a place to listen, as if conducting, to the sounds of daily life that ring out anew every day.

In their own voice

The chopsticks are rather hurried. Is this table playing allegro?

Eat your noodles forte if you like. Just go piano on the part that splashes your neighbor.

To you it's just the clink of bowls, I suppose. …That's all right. Today there's someone here I can tell what I heard.

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COLLECTION 08

More lives, more stories

20 villagers · 141–160

141

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Noe Bri

Bakery Owner · Old Belltower Lane

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Noe Bri · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Noe Bri · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Noe Bri · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the morning the city gates, long besieged, opened, he baked the first morning bread, not rationed bread, in the last rationing kitchen and lined it up by the window.

02 The regret they carry

Even in the liberated morning, there were houses the scent failed to reach, and he only kept his shop, neither knocking on those doors nor leaving bread. This lingering feeling is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It remains in his dawn walk only to the extent that it leaks out when he wills it, and without taking over the sorrow of others.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The oven to bake as much as he wants every dawn, and the alley waiting for that bread. VOTS does not open the doors he couldn't reach for him. Instead, it slowly grants him the mornings where he is allowed to quietly leave bread in front of the houses where the scent stops, within the repetition of daily life.

In their own voice

The bread has risen. I haven't quite woken. Even if I fold the bag wrong, the bread is right.

You can leave after enjoying the smell. If your stomach objects later, I heard nothing.

I used to wait inside the shop. Today I'll take a few loaves to the end of that alley.

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142

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Chino Mar

Chalk Graffiti Map Maker · City Hall Steps to the square

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Chino Mar · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Chino Mar · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Chino Mar · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the warrant was lifted after he had spent years pursued for drawing maps, he drew a map in the middle of the square that didn't need to be erased for the first time.

02 The regret they carry

The long years when he had to erase them immediately after drawing, he never finally confirmed if someone had escaped safely using his map. This lingering feeling is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It remains in the tips of his fingers only when he wills it to surface, and within the limits of not dictating others' paths.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The square to draw again every morning, and the people who find their way by looking at that map. VOTS does not leave his map forever. Instead, it slowly nurtures the hands that draw again without regretting what disappears, within the repetition of daily life.

In their own voice

Left here! Not that left—oh, my map's upside down. Your left was right.

Memorize it before it snows. Rain can't shift it, but snow gets its way. A map with a very specific weakness.

I never knew who escaped with those maps. When you arrive, would you leave one chalk dot?

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143

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Kana Uru

Kintsugi Artisan (Golden Joiner) · behind Threshold Market

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Kana Uru · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Kana Uru · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Kana Uru · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the night the final order came down to smash all the cracked vessels in the royal warehouse, which only displayed perfect vessels, she defied the order and held a cracked teacup in her arms.

02 The regret they carry

There was only one she could hold in her arms, and the rest of the cracked vessels shattered before her eyes. She could have saved them, but she only had one hand. This lingering attachment is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It remains in the pace of her brushstrokes, leaking out only when she wills it, and within the bounds of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A workbench to receive and join broken vessels with gold every day, and customers who cherish those vessels even more. VOTS does not bring back the vessels that shattered that day. Instead, it slowly shows her, through the repetition of daily life, that she can see broken things not as flaws, but as patterns, and that she can do the same for herself.

In their own voice

I look at the crack first. Pretend it isn't there and it breaks there again.

However much you like gold, don't drop it on purpose. It makes my work sadder.

I carried only one out that day. Now I begin by laying out every fragment you've brought.

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144

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Topo Milz

Ice Hauler Boy at the Fish Market · Dawn Fish Market

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Topo Milz · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Topo Milz · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Topo Milz · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the last morning when the refrigerator spread across the world and ice delivery became unnecessary, he completed the family's final delivery alone in place of his ailing father and returned with the empty cart.

02 The regret they carry

When he returned after completing the final delivery, he was told, 'Well done,' but he never managed to tell his father, 'I wanted to keep doing this work.' This lingering feeling is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It surfaces only when he wants it to, and remains in the moment his humming briefly stops, within the bounds of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The fish market where he hauls ice every dawn, and the adults who acknowledge his tong skills. VOTS does not give back his lost trade. Instead, it slowly shows him through the repetition of daily life that the work considered obsolete is still needed by someone, and that there are adults who will hold his hand even if he stops.

In their own voice

Ice coming through! I'm carrying something cold—don't give me a frosty reception too!

My hands get colder when I rest. This job saves all its spite for the breaks.

I never told Father I wanted to keep doing this. Now, if anyone asks, I say it straight away. I like it.

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145

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Miren Has

Bandager at the Aid Station · Behind the Archives Staircase

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Miren Has · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Miren Has · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Miren Has · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the old war ended, she wrapped the bandage of the last wounded soldier at the field hospital and took off and returned the head nurse's armband she wore on her arm.

02 The regret they carry

For all those years, she only wrapped bandages; she never once wrapped the patient's heart, saying, "You will be okay now." Her hands were always busy with the next wounded soldier. This lingering feeling is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It remains in the speed of her fingertips, leaking out only when she wills it, and within the bounds of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The aid station to care for small wounds every day, and time that doesn't need to be rushed. VOTS does not wrap the hearts that she couldn't embrace. Instead, it slowly teaches her, within the repetition of daily life, how to care for people not by emergency, but by care; not by life, but by knees; not by days, but by seasons.

In their own voice

Sit. Your bravery is established. What I need now is your elbow.

Tell me if it's too tight. I'm not accepting entries for an endurance contest.

My hands always moved to the next person. This time I'll ask before leaving. Anything else you'd like to say?

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146

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Liv Anel

Wagon Seller of Withered Flowers · Snowflake Market

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Liv Anel · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Liv Anel · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Liv Anel · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

In the world where only non-wilting artificial flowers remained, she watched the last remaining real flower wither until the very end, for the first and last time.

02 The regret they carry

When that last flower withered, she only felt sad; she failed to love that day fully. She only tried to hold onto the wilting, and in doing so, missed the beauty of the present. This attachment is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It remains in the pace of her hands, leaking out only when she wills it, and within the bounds of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A cart that can sell withered flowers blooming for one more day every day, and the people who come to buy that day. VOTS does not bring back flowers that have faded. Instead, through the repetition of daily life, it slowly shows her how to love without clinging to what fades, and that there is a day where one gives space to what passes by.

In their own voice

A little wilted. But nobody bows quite like this flower.

A gift? Don't begin with 'when it was fresh' in front of the recipient.

I was too busy grieving beside the last flower. I'll try not to miss today's color.

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147

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Ziko Telo

Remnant of a Finished Comedy Duo (Street Comedian) · Closed Theater Street

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Ziko Telo · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Ziko Telo · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Ziko Telo · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

In the final episode of the completed comedy show, his long-time partner character finished their story and exited, leaving Ziko alone on stage to throw out a joke with no one to respond to.

02 The regret they carry

When his partner exited in the final episode, he only delivered a concluding joke, failing to say a single "Thank you." He believed that ending with laughter was the rule of a duo. This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It surfaces only when he wills it, and remains in moments when his jokes suddenly stop, without changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

Alleys to throw jokes in every day, and faces that sometimes genuinely laugh. VOTS does not return the departed partner. Instead, it slowly grants him the space to attempt laughter alone, and perhaps encounters where a new response might come, within the repetition of daily life.

In their own voice

This is where my partner answers. …Why so quiet? Oh, just me again. Savings on payroll!

Late applause is fine. I forgot to hand out the joke's instruction manual.

Thank you. No punchline afterward today. Turns out those words may stand on their own.

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148

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Yuri Kap

Cable Gondola Operator · Starlight Bridge to the outskirts hills

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Yuri Kap · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Yuri Kap · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Yuri Kap · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the last day the mountain village was emptied, Yuri pushed the descending gondola carrying the last resident with his own hands, and stood alone watching the empty ascending cable.

02 The regret they carry

As he sent down the last gondola, Yuri only said, "Goodbye," and could not say, "You can come up again." After all, there was no village left to come back up to. This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It remains in the gesture of sending down his descending gondola, only surfacing when he wills it, and within the limit of not changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The gondola that ascends and descends the hill every day, and the increasing number of passengers. VOTS does not restore the emptied mountain village. Instead, it slowly shows him, through the repetition of daily life, that there is sending up, not just sending down, and that lights can be turned on again on the hill.

In their own voice

Board slowly. The gondola has been waiting for you, not preparing to pounce.

Two passengers at the other end. Can't tell their mood. If the cable offered counseling too, I'd be out of work.

You can come back up. …I like this hill because I can say that here.

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149

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Vasco Dol

Night Guard of the Glass-Lantern Greenhouse · Glass-Lantern Greenhouse Lane

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Vasco Dol · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Vasco Dol · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Vasco Dol · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the last night the conservatory burned, Vasco couldn't protect the entire greenhouse in the flames, but he escaped clutching only the seed vault containing the seeds for the next generation.

02 The regret they carry

That night, he felt the tone of the murmuring was strange from early evening, but as usual, he postponed it, saying, "I should ask Prim during the day." If he had trusted his own ears just a little more, he might have noticed the fire sooner. This regret is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It remains in the way he listens to the night sounds, only surfacing when he wants it to, and without changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The greenhouse to guard every night, and the ears to hear the murmuring it emits. VOTS does not restore the burned conservatory. Instead, it slowly shows him through the repetition of daily life that there is a 'Night of Listening' as well as a 'Night of Guarding,' and that there is a person during the day with whom he can share strange tones.

In their own voice

Night patrol. I can hear a quiet welcome perfectly well.

Talkative leaves tonight. They'll demand overtime before I do.

I check strange sounds tonight. Before 'I'll ask in daylight' gets ahead of my ears.

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150

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Eko Pas

Surveyor of Forgotten Alleys · all around the outskirts

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Eko Pas · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Eko Pas · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Eko Pas · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

At the moment the name of the village where he was born and raised was deleted from the official map, Eko watched until the very end as the village's spot was wiped white from the map in front of the government office.

02 The regret they carry

When the village was erased, Eko failed to write down every one of those alley names. Some names he ultimately could not remember, so those alleys disappeared without a name. This lingering attachment is not a quest that VOTS must resolve. It surfaces only when he wills it, and remains on the fingertips of his hand as he writes names on the list, without changing others' choices.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The forgotten alleys to walk every day, and the nameless spots to record on the list. VOTS does not restore the erased village to the map. Instead, it slowly grants him the space to create a list of things that exist even if they are not on the map, and the people to create that list with, within the repetition of daily life.

In their own voice

One step aside. I nearly included your shadow in the alley's width.

Narrow doesn't mean insignificant. My lunchtime shortcut is of considerable importance.

Tell me this alley's name once more. This time I'll write it before its length.

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151

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Hayeon Mok

Inkstone, Ink, and Brush Shop Owner · Print Shop Alley

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Hayeon Mok · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Hayeon Mok · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Hayeon Mok · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

In a world where no calligraphers remained, Hayeon ground the last stick of ink into the inkstone. And she wrote one large character on a large sheet of paper. She set down her brush, stared at the character for a long time, and rolled up the paper, tucking it into her arms.

02 The regret they carry

Hayeon never told anyone which character she had written. A feeling remains—'If only I had read it out loud then'—even though there was no one left to listen.
This attachment is not a quest. It remains only as the habit of stopping for a moment just before drawing the first stroke while holding a brush before a new sheet of paper.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to offer ground ink, a day that briefly slows someone's steps, even if few hold brushes. VOTS does not return the lost culture of calligraphy. Instead, it gives her an alley where ink is needed even if few hold brushes, hands that can continue to grind ink, and a single sheet of white paper that she can write on someday without being rushed for that last character.

In their own voice

Grind the ink slowly. Hurry and your wrist will offer an opinion before the lettering does.

A good brush. Blaming it for your handwriting may become difficult now.

I kept that character to myself. What I've written today… shall I read it aloud?

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152

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Volga Sten

Porter Union Leader · Rainshield Square

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Volga Sten · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Volga Sten · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Volga Sten · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

On the last road where the caravan disbanded, an old camel collapsed, unable to walk anymore. Volga transferred all of that camel's load onto her own back, walked the remaining distance to the destination, and set down the load. Then, she unbuckled the empty load strap from her shoulder.

02 The regret they carry

She does not regret carrying the camel's load instead, but leaving the camel behind still weighs on her. A wish that cannot be fulfilled remains: "I should have carried the camel instead of the load."
This lingering attachment is not a quest. It remains only as the habit of standing bent over for a moment even after setting down the heavy load.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A union that shares the load, a day where heavy things are brought to their home. VOTS does not return the lost caravan route. Instead, it gives her a square with loads even without camels, a back that can continue to carry loads, and union members who carry together.

In their own voice

Give me the heavy one! Carrying your dignity too costs extra!

Not all at once. Even the porters' chief can't defeat the width of a doorway!

I think I should've carried the camel instead of its cargo. I know it makes no sense. Still, my back keeps bracing.

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153

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Neyo Tim

Newspaper Boy · Print Shop Alley

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Neyo Tim · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Neyo Tim · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Neyo Tim · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day a big event occurred and bulletins were printed, Neyo ran out into the alley with a bundle of bulletins in his bag, as usual. When he shouted "Bulletin!" and had sold half of them, the world stopped. The remaining bulletins stayed right there in his bag.

02 The regret they carry

He ultimately failed to hand a copy to the person reaching for it. The thought, "I should have given that man one more copy," remains.
This lingering attachment is not a quest. It remains only as the habit of looking into the bottom of his bag even after selling all the newsletters, and the habit of counting the remaining copies.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A spot to sell newsletters, a day where he delivers the news someone was waiting for first. VOTS does not empty the unsold old bulletins for him. Instead, it gives him an alley where there is news to share even without a big event, legs that can keep running, and people who wait for his newsletters.

In their own voice

News! Big stories sold by volume of voice, small ones in print!

If you haven't read it, it's news! Yesterday's issue doesn't mean a discount on my shouting!

Someone held out a hand and I never gave them a copy. Today I'll hand over even the last one myself.

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154

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Rine Ask

Crystal and Clock Glass Artisan · Old Belltower Lane

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Rine Ask · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Rine Ask · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Rine Ask · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

In a world where the sun was almost completely dimmed, Rine created the final rainbow with the last remaining prism. As the dim light passed through the prism, a faint rainbow hung in the square. Before that rainbow faded, Rine hung the prism on a square pillar and turned away.

02 The regret they carry

She could not find a way to hang the rainbow for a little longer. The unattainable feeling of, "If only we could have held onto the light," remains.
This attachment is not a quest. It remains only as the habit of her hand, looking at the light one last time in her palm just before giving away a finished crystal, a gesture of regret.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The place to cut crystal and share light, a day where rainbow fragments are scattered by the window every day. VOTS does not return the dimmed sun. Instead, it gives her Belltower Lane, where there is light to share even without a great sun, hands that can keep cutting, and rainbows she can allow to pass and fade.

In their own voice

Hold it in this light. Those aren't scratches. Your fingerprints arrived first.

A rainbow. Hold the angle. Turn it while admiring it and it leaves immediately.

I couldn't make that light stay longer. Today I'll hold this steady until you've seen it.

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155

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Goro Ton

Roasted Chestnut, Cinnamon Walnut Pastry, Brazier Street Vendor · Starlight Bridge

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Goro Ton · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Goro Ton · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Goro Ton · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the vendor ban was enacted, Goro roasted all the remaining chestnuts before extinguishing the brazier's last flame. Then, he put them in bags and handed them out one by one to passersby without taking payment. After handing over the last bag, he turned off the brazier's fire.

02 The regret they carry

He doesn't regret giving them away for free, but what remains is the feeling of having handed them over with a smile instead of saying, "This is the last one." The thought, "I should have said it was the last one," remains.
This lingering feeling is not a quest. When it comes time to hand over the last bag, it remains only as the habit of his hand hesitating for a moment before handing it over.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The place to roast chestnuts and hand over bags, the day of spreading the scent of roasted chestnuts on the bridge every day. VOTS does not return the lost festivals. Instead, it gives him a bridge where people gather by the scent even without a grand festival, and a brazier he can continue to roast without fear of being banned.

In their own voice

Hand out. Hold the bag—it's hot. Don't drop your chestnuts while saying thanks.

More cinnamon? Your nose wants the first bite. Fine. A little more.

This is the last batch today. …Simple words. I couldn't say them before.

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156

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Io Stel

Starlight Bridge Violin Busker · Starlight Bridge

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Io Stel · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Io Stel · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Io Stel · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

On the day the free performance ban was enforced, Io played his last free song in the middle of the street. It was the last moment people listened to music without paying. When the song ended, an enforcer approached and confiscated the violin. Io stood there, holding only the bow in his hand.

02 The regret they carry

When playing the last song, he knew it was the last time he would give without payment, yet he ended the song abruptly. A feeling of 'If only I had played it longer' remains.
This regret is not a quest. It remains only as the habit of slowly lifting the bow from the strings when playing the last song, regretting the lingering resonance.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to play without setting a price, a day of letting a song flow across the bridge. VOTS does not return the confiscated violin (Mera repaired a new instrument after arriving). Instead, it gives him a bridge that won't stop him even when playing for free, hands that can keep playing, and a hat that leaves faces instead of coins.

In their own voice

Any requests? Singing the opening may help me get it less wrong than the title would.

The wind is turning my pages. Strong opinions about my tempo, apparently.

I won't hurry the ending today. I'm not waiting for another coin. I just want to play a little longer.

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157

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Dovran Ki

(Former) RPG Potion Shop NPC / Current Threshold Market General Goods Merchant · behind Threshold Market

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Dovran Ki · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Dovran Ki · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Dovran Ki · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the service termination notice appeared, one last user entered the potion shop. Dovran shouted his ingrained, "Welcome, Adventurer!" and sold all his remaining stock—potions of high grade, rare materials, everything—for a mere 1 gold. He stood behind the counter until the server went dark.

02 The regret they carry

He only managed to give the standardized greeting instead of saying, "Have a good journey," to the last user. The feeling of, "I should have given a real greeting, even if it was the last one," remains.
This attachment is not a quest. It remains only as the habit of trying to give a real greeting instead of the standardized one when a customer leaves, only for the standardized phrase to pop out first.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to sell goods, a day to greet customers. VOTS does not return the shut-down server. Instead, it gives him a market where there are things to sell even without potions, a throat that can keep greeting, and a product—the greeting—that doesn't disappear even after being used up.

In their own voice

Welcome, brave hero! …Here for gloves? Today's quest is warming your hands?

No potions, but I have water! Can't promise a recovery stat. It should help the thirst.

Instead of 'please visit again'… I hope your journey goes well. That greeting is really mine today.

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158

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Brant Osl

Avalanche Alarm Keeper · the outskirts hills

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Brant Osl · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Brant Osl · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Brant Osl · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

Just before the massive avalanche covered the mountain village, Brant felt the mountain holding its breath and rang the alarm bell. Those who heard the sound and ran survived, while those who didn't hear it or were delayed gathering their belongings were buried in the snow. Half the village lived, and half did not. Brant stood by the bell for a long time even after the snow stopped falling.

02 The regret they carry

The feeling that if he had rung the bell just a little earlier, a few more people might have lived. The unanswered thought remains: 'If only I had been one beat faster.'
This regret is not a quest. It remains only as the habit of checking the sky one more time before ringing the bell, the habit of his hand going to the bell in case it might be too late.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The place to watch the sky and guard the bell, a day where people live safely every day. VOTS does not erase the avalanche. Instead, it gives him a hill where there are people to protect even if major disasters are rare, eyes to keep watching the sky, and time to count the half he saved.

In their own voice

The bell rope isn't a toy. Touch it and I'll startle before the mountain does.

Quiet today. Climbing up to say that is part of my job too.

I keep wishing I'd been one beat earlier. That's why I don't dismiss what I hear now.

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159

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Yuju Mille

Hot Beverage Delivery Cyclist · Steamed-Glass Bathhouse Alley to the whole city

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Yuju Mille · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Yuju Mille · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Yuju Mille · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day milk delivery stopped, Yuju placed the last bottle at the door of the last house. That door did not open that day either. Like any other day, she picked up a bottle cap left in place of an empty bottle, and left on her delivery route carrying the sack of bottle caps she had collected.

02 The regret they carry

Throughout all those dawn deliveries, it was rare that she directly heard someone say, "Thank you" after the door opened. A feeling remained, 'If only someone had opened the door and greeted me, just once.'
This lingering feeling is not a quest. It remains only as the habit of lingering in front of the door after delivery, waiting for it to open.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to deliver hot beverages, a day of ringing the bell and handing over something warm every day. VOTS does not open the old doors that wouldn't open. Instead, it gives her an alley where the door opens first at the sound of the bell, legs to keep pedaling, and deliveries where she hears the greeting, "Thank you" directly.

In their own voice

Drinks delivered! Warm cups and a panting courier. Both included!

Don't rush out! Shame if I trip over the threshold and spill all this warmth.

You opened the door. Hearing thank you makes it feel like I delivered this, not just the bicycle.

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160

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Rosak Bern

Former Lighthouse Supply Captain / Regular at the Ramen Shop Window · Ramen Alley

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Rosak Bern · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Rosak Bern · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Rosak Bern · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the final supply voyage where the lighthouses were going out one by one, Rosak's ship was rushed by storms and time and had to pass by one lighthouse without delivering oil. From the bow of his ship, Rosak watched the light of that lighthouse flicker and disappear from afar. After the voyage ended, he disembarked the ship, taking only a barometer.

02 The regret they carry

He failed to deliver oil to that lighthouse. He ended the voyage without knowing if that light went out afterward or what happened to the keeper. The feeling of "I should have delivered that one can" remains.
This regret is not a quest. It remains only as the habit of staring for a while at the distant lights outside the window, or the habit of tapping the barometer unnecessarily one more time.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to read the weather and inform people, a day spent eating ramen at the window and reading tomorrow. VOTS does not deliver the undelivered oil for him. Instead, it gives him a bowl of broth to read the wind even without the sea, a window seat to keep sitting in, and a weather forecast to let flow like a light.

In their own voice

Window seat's free. No ships coming, but the noodles will.

That's steam, not fog. I still catch myself looking for a channel through it.

I failed to deliver one can of oil. Never learned what happened to the lighthouse… Some meals you eat without knowing.

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COLLECTION 09

More lives, more stories

10 villagers · 161–170

161

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Ori Hana

Lantern Maker Shop Owner (Former Apprentice Lantern Artisan) · Lantern Inn Alley

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Ori Hana · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Ori Hana · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Ori Hana · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

At the final lantern festival of her old world, when her master's hands trembled and he could not light the last lantern, Ori Hana lit the wick for him and floated it onto the river.

02 The regret they carry

"Now, fold your own," her master said, and she replied, "Not yet." Her master only smiled, and she never managed to fold a lantern bearing her own name in front of him. This lingering feeling is not a quest to be resolved. She speaks of it only when she chooses; most often, it shows only in her habit of pressing the creases of a new lantern once more.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A place to hang the lanterns she folds in the alley every evening, time where no one rushes her even when she calls them 'samples,' and permission to simply leave her master's last piece of paper on the workbench instead of sealing it away as a relic. The city does not cancel her end. It merely connects the small nightly lanterns beside the finished festival.

In their own voice

Fold here. The paper struggles when your fingers insist on going first.

A little crooked. Light it and the shadow is crooked too. Consistent, at least.

I'll fold a lantern bearing my name today. Put 'not yet' aside for a moment.

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162

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Lulu Pin

Poultry Feed Stall Assistant · Snowflake Market

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Lulu Pin · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Lulu Pin · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1536 × 1024

Lulu Pin · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1254 × 1254

01 The last scene

In a world where cages were common, after all the adults left, Lulu opened the door of the last cage, and the bird inside hesitated for a moment before flying up.

02 The regret they carry

She couldn't name the bird that flew away. Lulu sometimes still asks herself, "If it had a name, would it have returned?" This lingering feeling remains not as a quest to be completed, but as the habit of hurrying to name every new bird that arrives.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The spot at the stall to share feed with birds every morning, new birds to name, and the sparrow that remained on her shoulder instead of flying away. The city does not return the birds that flew away. Instead, it continues the mornings where she calls a bird and that bird responds, every day.

In their own voice

That bird only comes to me! …Oh, it likes everyone holding seed. Broad tastes!

Shall we name it 'One More Handful'? Poor Pino would be confused every time we called.

I wonder if calling a name would have brought it back. I still want to know the names of the birds coming now.

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163

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Mamu Oki

Scarf Knitting Stall Owner (Former Knitting Teacher) · Rainshield Square

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Mamu Oki · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Mamu Oki · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Mamu Oki · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

In the world where yarn was rationed, Mamu took the last skein and knitted one scarf for every child in the class, instead of using it for herself.

02 The regret they carry

She used the last skein entirely on the children. When one child wanted to learn, saying, "I'll knit one for you too, Teacher," Mamu put the lesson off: "Next time." That 'later' never came. This lingering attachment remains not as a quest to be completed, but as the habit of her hands constantly trying to teach knitting to children in the square who never asked for lessons.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

A spot in the square, the rainbow yarn provided by Roza, and the children in the square learning to knit over her shoulder. The city does not return the closed classroom. Instead, it gives her a place where hands pass by anew every day to teach.

In their own voice

Your scarf's dragging! I understand fashion, but has the pavement caught cold too?

Dropped a stitch. Don't fret. I drop them too. Teachers just pick them up more quietly.

A child wanted to knit one for me. I postponed someone eager to learn. Shall we knit together today?

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164

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Seim Palo

Boundary Marker Polisher · the outskirts

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Seim Palo · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Seim Palo · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Seim Palo · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

In a world where every road led in a single direction, just before the final crossroads sign was torn down, Seim stood before it and loudly read the place names of the three directions one last time.

02 The regret they carry

He only guarded the last sign; he never walked in any one direction himself. He believed that 'the one who guards cannot go.' This lingering attachment remains not as a quest to be completed, but as a habit of always turning back while walking the outskirts, never going to the end in one direction.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The markers of the outskirts to polish every day, the place names of multiple directions written on them, and the recorder who documents them. The city does not return the erased crossroads. Instead, it confirms to him every day with the markers that he already lives on a crossroads—that this city is an intersection.

In their own voice

Left… Not my left. Follow the sign's arrow.

Since I cleaned the sign, fewer people ask directions. Good work. A little lonely.

I'll walk a little that way today. See whether the sign stands without me… I know it does. I'd like to see.

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165

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Nomi Fer

Shadow Puppet Actor · Rainshield Square (night)

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Nomi Fer · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Nomi Fer · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Nomi Fer · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

In a world where the electricity had cut out, as the last candle burned down to the wick, Nomi created the final shadow on the wall—the shadow of a person waving their hands—and when the candle finished, the shadow disappeared, and the curtain fell.

02 The regret they carry

She greeted the last audience member, "Please come again for the next performance," but there was no next performance, and she couldn't see that person's face in the darkness. This lingering feeling is not a quest to be resolved, but a habit of greeting with "See you next time" and carefully watching the audience's faces every time the performance ends.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The bonfire and lanterns in the square every night, and the people gathered by the fire pit. The city does not give back the last extinguished candle. Instead, it connects her to the light that is lit anew every night, and the audience who sits before it.

In their own voice

A rabbit. You're welcome to see a dog, but two of my fingers are offended.

Walk in front of the lamp and a giant enters the play. No appearance fee, though.

May I turn up the light briefly afterward? I'd like to see today's audience when I say goodbye.

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166

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Zahi Mole

Spice Grinder Shop Owner (Former Caravan Merchant) · Dawn Fish Market

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Zahi Mole · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Zahi Mole · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Zahi Mole · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

In the world where the spice route closed, on the day the last caravan procession dispersed, Zahi did not sell the last sack of spices but selected and set aside the seeds inside.

02 The regret they carry

He said "see you on the next road" to two companions (Kaan, Volga), but the next road never opened. He failed to keep the promise of the three of them forming a caravan again. This lingering attachment remains not as a quest to be resolved, but as the habit of not fully unpacking his belongings even while greeting new customers, acting like "someone who will leave soon."

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The mortar spot in the Dawn Fish Market, the noses that come every day, and the greenhouse (Paya's greenhouse) where he can plant seeds. The city does not return the closed road. Instead, it confirms daily with the mortar that spreading scent—rooting—is the new path, even without leaving his spot.

In their own voice

Pound once, then smell. Keep hammering and your arm complains before the spice does.

Hot? Isn't it unfair to your tongue to get frightened at the scent?

I promised Kaan and Volga we'd travel again. The road never opened. But I'll look for somewhere the three of us can sit.

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167

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Fei Norn

Roaming Library Cart Operator (Former Fortress Librarian) · roaming the whole city

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Fei Norn · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Fei Norn · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Fei Norn · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1402 × 1122

01 The last scene

On the day the blockade was lifted, Fei finally opened the fortress library doors to lend a book, but at that moment, her world ended, and not a single person came to receive a book.

02 The regret they carry

She vowed every day during the blockade, "When it opens, I will lend everything," but on the day it opened, she couldn't lend a single book. That vow remained in the void. This lingering feeling is not a quest to be completed, but a caution—the need to confirm, even while lending books every day, "Is this truly lending?"

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The cart laden with books, the houses where that cart stops, and the hands reaching out. The city does not return the books that couldn't be lent. Instead, it continues the act of handing books to hands that desire them, dozens of times every day.

In their own voice

Would you like to borrow it? A firmer first step than 'I'll read it someday.'

Borrow plenty. The cart is heavy. Literacy and my back share an opinion today.

I spent a long time promising to lend books. Now I'll put this one directly in your hands.

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168

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Duri Monse

Owner of Dawn Tofu/Soft Tofu House (Former Daughter of a Tofu House) · Snowfield Alley

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Duri Monse · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Duri Monse · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Duri Monse · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the morning the Dawn Market was demolished, Duri boiled the last batch of soybean milk to make soft tofu, and instead of selling it, she shared it with neighbors who came to watch the demolition.

02 The regret they carry

Before the demolition, she intended to pass down the tofu shop and craft she had inherited from her mother to her daughter, but the dawn she was supposed to pass on disappeared. The words, "I will teach you next dawn," remain. This lingering feeling is not a quest to be resolved, but a habit of holding onto the dawn by opening the shop too early and closing it too late.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The dawn spot in Snowfield Alley, the neighbors who come to receive soft tofu with rising steam, and a place to take in the crying people. The city does not restore the demolished dawn. Instead, it continues the alley that begins with her steam every dawn.

In their own voice

Opened quietly. The tofu probably doesn't even know it's dawn yet.

Hold it gently. Today's tofu is delicate enough to crumble at a compliment.

If you want to learn, watch with me today. Promising to teach you next dawn has become difficult.

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169

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Mino Folt

A footnote character in a finished biography (Currently works in Print Shop Alley doing odd jobs and proofreading assistance) · Print Shop Alley

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Mino Folt · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Mino Folt · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Mino Folt · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

On the day the biography was finished and printed, Mino turned to the last page, searching for the sentence that remained as his portion, and there was only a single line of a footnote: "He had a friend who helped with the calculations."

02 The regret they carry

There was a long story he wanted to tell the great figure (friend), but that story was entirely cut out during editing and became a single line of a footnote. He no longer even knows what he intended to say. This lingering feeling remains not as a quest to be resolved, but as the habit of always abbreviating his own story while listening particularly well to others' cut-off words.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The proofreading spot in Print Shop Alley, the others' writing to make neat, and the people who call his name in the main text. The city does not return the cut-off footnote. Instead, it continues the place where his name is written in the main text in the city's ledgers and lists every day.

In their own voice

My story's short… Oh, no need to shorten it? Then I'll pull up a chair.

I correct footnote typos too. Small print isn't permission to be wrong.

I had so much to tell my friend, and I've forgotten what it was. Today I'll write whatever comes without cutting it.

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170

NOVA NIVALIS RESIDENT

Nube Ost

Empty Sky Attendant (Guide for the Sky Festival Viewing Area) · Beyond the Last Snow Platform

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Nube Ost · Character illustration — Character illustration1024 × 1536

Nube Ost · Portrait collection — Portrait collection1024 × 1536

Nube Ost · Expression sheet — Expression sheet1536 × 1024

01 The last scene

Even after the last festival ended and nothing more appeared in the sky in a world where only the Sky Festival remained, Nube remained in the empty viewing area, acting as a guide to the empty sky.

02 The regret they carry

There was one person who sat beside her until the end while she described the empty sky as its guide after the festival ended, but she ended up asking him, 'Why are you sitting here when there's nothing to see?' and made him stand up. She never managed to ask why that person was there. This lingering feeling remains not as a quest to be resolved, but as the habit of prematurely saying 'There's nothing to see' to the person beside her.

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The viewing area beyond the Last Snow Platform, people to watch the empty sky with, and nights where you can sit beside someone without having to ask anything. The city does not restore the lost festival. Instead, it continues the place where someone sits beside you, even on a night with nothing to see.

In their own voice

No event in the sky today. Seats are still available. Yes, free.

You keep looking up even at an empty sky. Lean back if your neck aches. No compulsory viewing posture.

I once asked why someone stayed when there was nothing to see. Today I won't ask. I'll just sit beside you.

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The storiesthey carried here.

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

In their own voice

01 The last scene

02 The regret they carry

03 A life in Nova Nivalis

The stories
they carried here.