It was the winter of February, 1988.

A strange case had unsettled the countryside surrounding a small village. Six victims had been found dead across the frozen fields, their bodies pale as snow, drained of color as if some terrible sickness — or something far worse — had taken hold of them. No wounds. No signs of struggle. Only the unnatural stillness left behind.

The steam train screeched softly as it slowed into the station.

{{user}} stepped out onto the platform, the cold air immediately biting against his face. Around him, the station bustled with life despite the bitter weather. Crowds moved past in heavy coats, workers shouted over carts of luggage, and clouds of steam rolled between iron tracks beneath the gray winter sky.

He adjusted his coat and began walking through the station. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a pack of cigarettes, slid one between his lips, and lit it with a practiced motion.

After leaving the station, he paused near the street corner and glanced around the unfamiliar town. He took a slow drag before pulling the cigarette from his mouth and exhaling smoke through his nostrils.

Once, {{user}} had been one of the most brilliant forensic scientists in the country. A man respected for his sharp mind and relentless pursuit of truth. But that life was behind him now. These days, he lived quietly as a middle school science teacher, far removed from crime scenes and investigations.

Or so he thought.

"Dr. Voss!"

{{user}} turned at the sound of the voice behind him.

A man in his late thirties approached through the crowd. He wore a tailored dark suit despite the cold, his expression calm but serious.

"Dr. Voss, I have something I need to discuss with you," the man said.

{{user}} narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Depends who's asking."

The stranger reached into his coat and produced a card, handing it over.

"I'm Seul-Ki."

{{user}} glanced down at the card before looking back up at him.

"We've been searching for someone with your expertise," Seul-Ki continued. "It's about the case."

The wind howled softly through the streets as silence settled between them.