Murr's 2025 Birthday Voice Lines

Central Country

Oz
Today is Murr's birthday. …Why do I remember? Because over the past two days, every time we met, he must have mentioned it at least a hundred times. That man should be grateful that he hasn’t turned to stone yet.

Arthur
Happy birthday, Murr. You’re a wizard with a free-spirited, unpredictable, and charming nature—almost like a cat. But to me, you’re the strong and kind wizard who sat beside me and said, “It must be tough,” when I was at my lowest. Thank you, Murr.

Cain
Murr. My present for you is… huh? That’s weird, I could’ve sworn I put it in my pocket… Wait!? Why do you already have it!? …Did you use magic to take it because you were curious? Come on, the whole point is to give it with some birthday wishes! Well, whatever—happy birthday, Murr!

Riquet
Happy birthday, Murr. I heard that Shylock took care of you when your soul was shattered. Not everyone is capable of such devotion. Perhaps you should take a moment to thank him again yourself?

Northern Country

Snow
I’m on my way to celebrate Murr’s birthday—would you like to join me, Sage? Murr and I are both Sage's Wizards. Since we live together in the Magic Manor, it’s best to get along, wouldn’t you say? Hohoho, I plan to give Murr a magical toy that will cause something outrageous to happen the moment he opens it.

White
Murr’s present is a magical toy that will cause something outrageous to happen the moment he opens it. Oh, it’s nothing serious. Something might fly out at him, or his shoe soles might come loose—just a little streak of bad luck. Hohoho, I’m sure Murr will enjoy it.

Mithra
So, it’s Murr’s birthday. My own birthday was just the other day, so getting to enjoy another extravagant meal so soon is a nice bonus. If we’re going this far, we might as well declare the days in between as someone’s birthday too and have a continuous party.

Owen
I don’t really know what Murr was like before his soul was shattered, but I get the feeling he was even worse than he is now. He’s still a hassle to deal with, but maybe it’s better this way than if all his fragments were restored. At least with his love for throwing big birthday parties, we get plenty of cake.

Bradley
Hey, bowl-cut guy, why are you coming at me with pepper? …Huh? You want me to take you on a "sneeze journey" as a birthday present? You don’t even know where you’ll end up, and you think I’d just agree to— Achoo!

Eastern Country

Faust
Murr, if you sleep here, you’ll catch a cold. Hey, are you even listening? …Sigh. Eating a feast on your birthday, getting full, and then falling asleep—you're just like a cat. …Doesn’t seem like you’ll wake up anytime soon. Should I just use magic to carry you to your room…?

Shino
Sage. Have you seen Murr? It’s his birthday today, but I haven’t been able to find him— …! That sound just now… One of the traps in the courtyard went off. I figured this might happen, so I set traps in places Murr would likely go. Come on, Sage. Let’s go check it out together.

Heathcliff
Happy birthday, Murr… Huh? You’re giving me this? It’s a really pretty stone, but it’s your birthday, so I shouldn’t be the one getting a present— …Wait!? S-Smoke is coming out! And it’s getting hotter—what am I supposed to do with this stone…? Murr~!

Nero
Happy birth—whoa! Why are you setting off fireworks all of a sudden…? You’re launching as many fireworks as the number of birthday wishes you get today? The Magic Manor is going to be even noisier than usual. …Uh, should I just go ahead and say “Happy Birthday” all the way to the end now?

Western Country

Shylock
Happy birthday, Murr. It feels like I just said these words not too long ago… Time truly flies. Now then, to the world’s most troublesome genius scholar—today is your day. Is there anything you’d like me to do for you?

Murr
Hey there, Sage… Whoa! Did you just play a prank on me? …Ahaha, awesome! A unique prank! That look on your face, wondering if I’d be surprised, happy, or hurt… You were thinking about me so much. That’s the best present ever—no, two of them! Thanks!

Chloe
Happy birthday! I love every version of you, Murr—the one who plays pranks, the one who asks deep, philosophical questions, all of them! …Wait, whoa! There are so many of you!? “You love all versions of me, right? Then celebrate all of me!” W-Well, okay! This might be a challenge, but I’ll do my best!

Rustica
Murr, you’re quite the expert at seeking attention. Tonight, why not be even bolder than usual? You can leave everything to me—your meal, your outfit, anything you need. I may be more used to being taken care of myself… but for you, I’ll give it my best.

Southern Country

Figaro
Murr, everyone’s been looking for you. You’re the star of the day, but you’re playing hide-and-seek instead of showing up. Oh—no fireworks for me, thanks. Why don’t you save them for everyone else who’s trying to celebrate you?

Rutile
Happy birthday! …Murr? Why are you rubbing your head against me without saying a word? Ah, wait—did you turn a cat into yourself with magic? Haha, what a cute prank… Wait, you talked!? That was really you, Murr!?

Lennox
Happy birthbaa-day, Murr. …Wait, did I just baa? …You put a spell on me to make everyone’s sentences end in “baa” and turn this into a sheep-filled party? …I see. If this is your idea of a celebration, then I gu—baa…

Mitile
Just now, Murr handed me a recipe and asked me to make a magic potion as his birthday present. But before I could look at it, Professor Figaro immediately snatched it away and said, “We need to talk.” Then he dragged Murr off somewhere… W-What kind of potion was it…?

Anime Collaboration Campaign - Short Story (6)

Mitile: Ahem.

Mitile: I'm Mitile! And this is my friend, Mitile!

Mitile: Apparently, this is how you introduce yourself to everyone—as if you're your own friend.

Rutile: Huh, that sounds interesting!

Nero: I sure as hell don’t want to be friends with myself, though.

Mitile: Riquet took this idea even further and did it with their believer self and their apostle-of-God self.

Rutile: Their believer self and...

Nero: Their apostle-of-God self...

Mitile: So, I thought we could put our own spin on it and give it a try!

Mitile: How about this? The child version of yourself gets introduced by... well, your adult—or rather, guardian—self!

Rutile: Like when kids are playing together, and a new kid joins, so someone introduces them and asks the others to play with them.

Mitile: Yes, exactly! Like, "This is what kind of person they are, so please be their friend!"

Nero: A guardian and a child, huh...

Rutile: Does that sound difficult?

Nero: Nah, I’ll figure something out.

Mitile
Thank you very much! Okay, let's start with Nero!

Nero: Me?

Mitile: You seem the most like a guardian!

Nero: I think Rutile, being a teacher, is way more guardian-like than me… but fine, I’ll give it a shot.

Nero: I’m wittle Nero~ And that’s my guardian, Nero.

Mitile: Ah! That’s not it! The guardian version of yourself is supposed to introduce the child version!

Nero: Wha—!! Seriously?! I played the kid instead?! Damn, that’s embarrassing!!!

Rutile: It was adorable! Hehe, "wittle Nero~"

Nero: Nooo!! I was just, you know… trying to make it obvious I was a kid!

Rutile: I undewstand. I undewstand.

Mitile: No need to be shy, it’s awwight!

Nero: Ghh…!! The pure-hearted kindness of the Flores brothers is gonna burn me alive…

Rutile: Hey, maybe Mitile should go first after all? That way, everyone can use him as an example.

Mitile: Good idea! I’ll go first, then!

Rutile: Yay! You got this!

Nero: Alright! Been waiting for this! The rising star, Mitile-kun!

Mitile: I'm Mitile! And this is the child version of Mitile!

Mitile: He’s a little stubborn and hates to lose, but he always gives his best and works really hard.

Mitile: Everyone, please be his friend! Take good care of Mitile!

Rutile: That was wonderful! You’re really good at introductions!

Nero: That was cute. Warms the heart.

Rutile: Next, I’ll give it a try!

Mitile: Big brother, you got this!

Nero: Alright! Been waiting for this! Professor Rutile!

Rutile: I’m Rutile. And this here is the child version of Rutile.

Rutile: He’s gentle and easygoing, and sometimes he dawdles and might cause a little trouble for everyone...

Rutile: But he might just be in the middle of searching for the perfect idea to make everyone happy, so please be patient with him.

Rutile: Hehe. Though sometimes, he might just be spacing out.

Rutile: Please take care of Rutile!

Mitile & Nero: Woooow!

Nero: That was great. My soul feels cleansed.

Mitile: Even though you’re my big brother, thinking of you as a little kid made you so adorable—I just wanted to hold your hand!

Rutile: Thank you, both of you!

Mitile: Last up is Nero! You can do it!

Nero: Alright.

Nero: I’m Nero. Uh… this guy is the child version of Nero.

Nero: Uh… well… he’s tougher than he looks, so… use him well.

Nero: That’s it.

Rutile & Mitile: That won’t do!

Mitile: Saying “use him well” like he’s some kind of tool is just too sad!

Rutile: But Nero-kun is still just a child!

Nero: Yeah, but... where I’m from, kids are raised like that from the start...

Rutile & Mitile: Huh...?

Nero: No, no, I’m joking! Just kidding! That was just me covering up my embarrassment! Poor little Nero-kun, right?

Nero: Uh... hold on. How should I say this...? He’s kinda got a bad personality, you know...

Mitile: If you could introduce him kindly, just like you did for me and Riquet, I think that would be much better!

Nero: .........

Mitile: You’re always kind to young wizards, Nero.

Nero: Well, yeah... that’s because you guys are good kids.

Rutile: But Nero-kun, you’re a good kid too. When you grow up, you’re going to be an amazing chef that makes people happy.

Rutile: And I think it’s because you’re kind to others that you’ll be able to make food that brings joy to everyone.

Rutile: Right, Nero-san?

Mitile: I think so too! I’m sure Nero-kun is a good kid, and that means he and I can be great friends!

Nero: .........

Nero: Got something in my eye...

Rutile: Are you okay?

Mitile: Nero-san, Nero-san! Please introduce Nero-kun!

Nero: Uh...

Nero: This is my Nero-kun... Please take care of him.

Rutile & Mitile: Please take care of him!

A Fated Love Lies Beyond Heavenly Flowers - Log Story 2

Mitile: Nero-san, is that everything we need for dinner?

Nero: Yeah. Thanks for helping out, Mitile, Heath.

Heathcliff: This was nothing. You always make us delicious meals, Nero.

Nero: Haha, thanks. Well then, shall we head back to the Magic Manor?

Male Market Vendor: Hey there, handsome young men!

Male Market Vendor: How about some top-quality chocolate that would suit someone as dazzling as you?

Heathcliff, Mitile, Nero: ……

Mitile: ……Heathcliff-san, Nero-san, you’re both adults, aren’t you? That’s amazing.

Heathcliff, Nero: Huh?

Nero: Wait, wait, what are you talking about? Did we do something particularly grown-up just now?

Mitile: You did! That shopkeeper just called out to us, didn’t he? He said, “handsome young men.”

Heathcliff: Huh, he was talking about us?

Mitile: Yes. I even made eye contact with him.

Nero: Huh. I just figured it was the usual way of calling in customers, so I didn’t think much of it.

Mitile: ……So that’s how it is. Don’t those kinds of comments make you feel a little embarrassed?

Mitile: Even if I know it's just a sales tactic, being told something like that face-to-face still makes me feel sheepish.

Mitile: But Heathcliff-san and Nero-san didn’t seem embarrassed at all, so I thought that was amazing.

Heathcliff: Ahaha… In my case, I just didn’t notice.

Heathcliff; I’ve gotten into the habit of avoiding eye contact with people around me.

Nero: I get it. Living in the East makes you that way. You don’t want to get into trouble.

Nero: You don’t see that kind of sales pitch much in the East, but there are people who try to sell weird stuff every now and then.

Heathcliff: …Come to think of it, didn’t the Sage say something similar happened to them recently?

Mitile: Oh! I heard about that from Riquet! Some stranger told them, “You are my destined one.”

Nero: So we’re all heading to that guy’s house soon to beat him up— I mean, to have a little chat, right?

Heathcliff: Yeah. Everyone’s pretty fired up about sizing him up.

Nero: I see… Still, having some random guy suddenly claim you’re his “destined one” is something else.

Nero: If someone ever tries sweet-talking you like that, don’t go along with it, okay? Handsome Mitile-oniisan.

Mitile: I-I know that! I’m not a child, you know.

Mitile: If anything, I’m more worried about Riquet. He can be a little reckless sometimes, so I have to protect him if something happens.

Nero: Haha. That’s reassuring. Look out for him, okay?

Young Female Market Vendor: Hey, hey, you there, young men! Aren’t you a bunch of good-looking guys~?

Young Female Market Vendor: Even the veggies at my stall are saying they want to be bought by you! How about picking some up?

Heathcliff, Mitile, Nero: ……………

Heathcliff, Mitile, Nero: Pfft.

Mitile: Nero-san, Heathcliff-san… Just now, you were a little embarrassed, weren’t you?

Heathcliff: Ahaha. After that conversation, I couldn’t help but be aware of it…

Nero: Mitile, you were the one holding it in, though. I saw you furrowing your brow.

Mitile: Ehehe… You caught me.

Mitile: Hmm… Becoming a cool, grown-up person is still really tough.

A Fated Love Lies Beyond Heavenly Flowers - Log Story 1

Murr: Ah, Faust!

Faust: Murr... and Shylock, too... You’re carrying quite a lot.

Shylock: We went out to stock up on supplies. I also wanted to tend to Bennett’s shop, so we went all the way to the Divine Wine Pleasure District.

Murr: Everything in this big bag is a gift for Shylock. The regulars from the shops we visited gave us all sorts of things!

Murr: There’s plenty of interesting stuff. For example, this chocolate!

Faust: H-Hey. That belongs to Shylock, doesn’t it? You shouldn’t open it without permission.

Shylock: Oh, don’t worry about it. The person who gave it to me said, “Enjoy it with everyone at the Magic Manor.”

Murr: That’s just a formality, Shylock. You know it, don’t you? You sly man.

Murr: The real request was, “I’d love to see you in love, so if possible, eat one in front of me.”

Shylock: I still had supplies to buy, so I politely declined. I just accepted the sentiment for now.

Faust: Love…? Ah, I see.

Faust: I sensed a faint trace of magic… So it’s a type of potion? A love potion, perhaps…?

Shylock: Something like that. Just one bite, and if your eyes meet with someone—oh, what a surprise.

Shylock: A charm takes effect, making you fall head over heels for them.

Faust: It does give off a rather shady vibe...

Murr: I think it’s more like a novelty prank item. But when someone says something that interesting, it makes me want to try it out!

Murr: Hey, Faust, why don’t you try one too?

Faust: Why me!? No thanks. If you want to test it, do it yourselves.

Shylock: Oh? I think it would go well with a strong tea or even wine.

Shylock: I brought it back thinking that, with everyone at the Magic Academy, experiencing a bit of love could be quite entertaining.

Faust: Unfortunately, a gloomy guy like me has no interest in those kinds of games.

Faust: You should just take it to the bar and serve it as a snack—just make sure no kids accidentally eat it.

Murr: Kids shouldn’t eat it?

Faust: They’d be shocked if they ate it unknowingly. Even if they knew, they’d still be surprised…

Faust: At the very least, Heathcliff would definitely be shocked, and if something actually happened, he’d be worried about it for a whole month.

Shylock: Everyone would be affected in some way, so there’s no need to worry so much.

Faust: My kid’s a sensitive one.

Murr: But yeah, if you had it with alcohol, I bet it would liven things up!

Murr: Let’s invite Rustica and Chloe too and have a Love Potion Chocolate Party tonight! Of course, walk-ins are welcome!

Shylock: Sounds good. Besides, we did just restock. No matter what effect the charm might have…

Shylock: As long as we have good conversation with wonderful friends, some drinks, and delicious chocolate, I’m sure it’ll be an enjoyable night.

Faust: ……

Faust: …I'll make sure to tell Nero that it’s best if he avoids the bar tonight.

Mithra's 2025 Birthday Voice Lines

 Here are the voice lines for Mithra's Birthday in 2025.

Central Country

Oz
……Mithra. That lump of charcoal you’re eating was not prepared for your birthday. It’s the pancake I burned earlier. …Hey, don’t try to spit it out.

Arthur
Sage, could you tell me more about the "sauna" you mentioned before? If we had a hot room called a sauna, it might help Mithra sleep better, right? His restful sleep is crucial for the upcoming Calamity War. I believe now is the time to begin development.

Cain
Mithra—whoa! Is that… safe to drink? It’s gray, glowing, bubbling, and even steaming… You got this "alcohol" from Bradley and Owen? …Well, as long as you’re enjoying it, that’s what matters! Want me to bring some snacks?

Riquet
Today, I bought some chocolate for Mithra. There are things in this world that are as black as charcoal but much sweeter and more delicious. When I first saw chocolate, I thought it was mud too… As someone who has already awakened to its deliciousness, I have to teach you!

 

Northern Country

Snow
Mithra. While cleaning the northern residence the other day, I found that dried frog curse tool you wanted long ago. Since today is your birthday, I'll give it to you as a present. …However, do not attempt to use it on us, understood?

White
While cleaning the northern residence, I found a curse tool Mithra had wanted in the past and gave it to him as a birthday present. Actually, I found a few more curse tools as well. Perhaps I should set them aside for future birthday gifts.

Mithra
Sage, what’s this? A wooden carving of… oh, it's a kraken. Hmm… huh… It's a bit rough around the edges, but not bad. The body shape and number of legs are accurate, and it looks pretty cool. Well, I suppose I’ll take it.

Owen
It’s Mithra’s birthday, so we don’t need to bother plating the food properly. Why not just pile everything onto one big platter? He wouldn’t even notice if the flavors got mixed up. Oh, but keep the cake separate.

Bradley
I was wondering why the table was covered in meat—so it’s Mithra’s birthday, huh? Then… huh? Why are you stopping me? I made sure to leave some charcoal in exchange for the meat I took, didn’t I? That stuff’s practically a delicacy for him!

 

Eastern Country

Faust
Mithra, happy birthday. In the past, I sometimes felt it was dangerous to work alongside someone as wild and unpredictable as you. …But now, I also know how reassuring it is to have a wizard of your caliber as an ally. Thank you for saving my students back then.

Shino
Mithra, happy birthday. …When Faust and Nero were on the brink of death, you said, "Let's hurry." That was pretty cool.

Heathcliff
Mithra, happy birthday. I heard you like collecting bones, so I got you this… I found it at a shop that sells ritual tools when Professor Faust took me there. It seemed like a good one… Um, will you accept it?

Nero
Mithra definitely eats anything, but that’s not all there is to it… Watching how he starts on his food, I sometimes get the feeling that he actually picks what he eats based on what he’s in the mood for. …It’s his birthday, after all. I hope I can figure out what he feels like eating today.

 

Western Country

Shylock
Mithra, happy birthday. May I invite you to the bar after closing tonight? I feel like enjoying a slow drink while watching the sky brighten with someone by my side. If you're willing, would you keep me company?

Murr
For his birthday, I told Mithra, "You can use me as a test subject for your curses!" What kind of spell will he cast on me? What will happen to me? Maybe my hands or feet will get blown off! If that happens, I’ll have him stitch me up so we can match.

Chloe
Happy birthday! Mithra, your movements have this natural grace that makes it hard not to watch you. You’re strong, decisive, and the intense look on your face when you fight is seriously cool! Oops, I ended up rambling by myself. "I’m in a good mood, so praise me more"? Haha, of course!

Rustica
Mithra, happy birthday. There’s an amazing feast laid out in the dining hall… I wonder how you’ll savor it. The way you eat—wild yet effortlessly alluring—is something I could never imitate. Just watching you is enough to make my heart race.

 

Southern Country

Figaro
Mithra, happy bir—whoa! Hey, don’t just attack me out of nowhere. What? You’re pissed off because you couldn’t sleep? In that case, Professor Figaro will sing you a lullaby to help you—ouch, stop attacking me!

Rutile
Nggh—! That scared me! Mithra, why did you pinch my nose as we passed each other? …Your birthday? Oh! You’re right, the date just changed! I’m really happy that you remembered your own birthday. Congratulations!

Lennox
Mithra, I heard you called for Professor Figaro when I was injured before. Let me properly thank you for that. …Repayment in sheep? …I can’t fulfill that request, but how about some Southern Country liquor instead? Consider it both a thank-you and a birthday toast—I’ll pour.

Mitile
Mithra, happy birthday! I thought a lot about what to give you as a present… and I decided that the best gift would be for me to become stronger. So I’ve been training up until today! Watch my progress! Here I go—Scintilla!

Anime Collaboration Campaign - Short Story (5)

Riquet: I'm Riquet. And he's my friend, Riquet.

Riquet: He is pure, modest, and possesses a mysterious power. He excels at guiding the fallen onto the right path.

Riquet: Just like this, I introduce myself as if I were a friend.

Figaro & Lennox: Huh.

Riquet: Do you understand?

Figaro & Lennox: Yes.

Riquet: Thank you.

Riquet: Now that you understand, today I’d like to challenge something a bit more difficult.

Lennox: Something difficult?

Figaro: Ehh? I don’t think I can do it~!

Lennox: Figaro-sensei.

Figaro: What? I was just going along with him. You're the one being unfriendly.

Lennox: Is that so?

Figaro: Yeah. Be a little more accommodating to the kid.

Lennox: ……

Lennox: I don’t think I can do it~!

Riquet: Figaro, Lennox.

Figaro & Lennox: Yes?

Riquet: No need to worry. I’ll guide you properly.

Figaro: Thank goodness… I thought I was trying to be nice to the kid, but I was afraid he would just ended up looking down on me…

Lennox: I was so tense, it felt like my heart was a delicate, thin seashell about to snap in an instant…

Riquet: Listen. This is the game I came up with.

Riquet: I will create two versions of myself: one as an apostle of God and the other as a believer.

Riquet: Then, as a believer, I will confess my doubts to the apostle…

Riquet: And as the apostle, I will encourage the believer, dispel his doubts, and guide him to the right path.

Riquet: What do you think? It sounds like so much fun, doesn’t it?

Figaro: A game where you completely scramble your own personality—who came up with that? Some Western wizard with "Heart" in their name?

Riquet: I did!

Figaro: ……

Lennox: Figaro-sensei. Weren’t you going to be accommodating to the kid?

Riquet: Well then, Figaro, why don’t you try it first?

Figaro: Eh…? How am I supposed to do this…?

Riquet: Confess the doubts of your believer self to your apostle self.

Figaro: ……

Figaro: …O Apostle of God, Lord Figaro… I can’t stop drinking heavily.

Riquet: Apostle Figaro, please guide the believer Figaro.

Figaro: Well, of course. You don’t actually want to quit, do you? So isn’t it inevitable?

Figaro: ……

Lennox: Don’t get hurt by your own apostle’s words.

Riquet: That was quite the harsh wake-up call. But it might be good to offer some kind words or concrete advice as well.

Figaro: …Understood…

Riquet: Next. Lennox.

Lennox: Yes.

Lennox: ……

Lennox: Um, actually…

Figaro: Just hurry up and do it. Come and suffer through these messy and confused feelings with me.

Lennox: ……

Lennox: O Apostle of God, Lord Lennox… In front of a certain person, I keep accidentally mentioning a name that should not be spoken.

Figaro: You keep accidentally mentioning it multiple times…?

Riquet: Apostle Lennox, please guide the believer Lennox.

Lennox: ……

Lennox: Well, I guess it can’t be helped.

Figaro: Hey, wait. Unacceptable. That’s way too positive.

Lennox: It’s not like I did it on purpose. I’ll just be more careful next time.

Figaro: No, are you serious? Is this how your brain always works? The way you treat me—your rudeness—is that just how it is? All of it?

Lennox: Sigh… When I feel guilty about something, I do dwell on it. But if I’m supposed to be guiding myself, this seemed about right…

Riquet: That was a broad-minded and optimistic approach. However, it would be even better if you added a bit more seriousness and some concrete advice.

Lennox: …Alright.

Figaro: What about you, Riquet? For the grand finale, could we have Professor Riquet lead the way?

Riquet: Of course.

Riquet: O Apostle of God, Lord Riquet… Why does the world never seem to get better?

Lennox: Apostle Riquet, please guide the believer Riquet.

Riquet: Riquet… There are many things in this world that lead people to corruption.

Riquet: However, by experiencing even just a little of what resembles corruption—whether it be pleasure or discomfort…

Riquet: You will come to know yourself.

Figaro & Lennox: ……

Riquet: It may be a version of yourself that you dislike. But by knowing that part of yourself, you can either scold yourself harshly…

Riquet: Or forgive yourself with kindness. And in doing so, you will come to love yourself even more.

Riquet: There are those who drink too much, those who make careless mistakes—many kinds of people in this world…

Figaro & Lennox: Yes.

Riquet: So let’s work together to make the world a better place.

Figaro & Lennox: Lord Riquet…

Riquet: That concludes the lesson.

spoon.2Di vol.117 (Dec. 27, 2024) - Interview with Owen's Voice Actor Asanuma Shintao

 

Shintao Asanuma as Owen
オーエン役 浅沼晋太郎
INTERVIEW

I asked Shintarō Asanuma, who plays Owen, the Northern Wizard known for his fondness for human malice, his ever-present faint smile, and his enigmatic behavior, about Owen's appeal and the highlights of the anime.

"Owen has a (somewhat twisted) affection and overwhelming obsession for things he finds interesting, while being shockingly indifferent to anything that doesn't catch his interest. I think that all-or-nothing personality is what makes him so compelling."

Owen (VA: Shintarō Asanuma)

A sharp-tongued, sarcastic individual who enjoys human fear and malice. He is considered a dangerous person, even among other wizards. He has a past grudge with Cain, a wizard from Central Country, and their relationship is particularly hostile.

Q: Having portrayed Owen for some time now, you've seen many facets of his character. How do you perceive him? Could you share what aspects you find most appealing?

A: "To put it simply, he’s a 'contrarian,' but that doesn't fully capture him. He has a (twisted) affection and overwhelming obsession for the things that interest him, yet he’s astonishingly indifferent to anything that doesn’t. That all-or-nothing nature is what makes him so intriguing. At the same time, I respect how he has absolute confidence in his own strength and convictions."

Q: Owen enjoys human malice and often behaves in ways that mislead others. What do you focus on when portraying him?

A: "I try to create a sense of instability by occasionally disrupting the expected rhythm—changing pitch, speed, or volume in my speech to throw off the listener."

Q: As you approached playing Owen in the anime, what kind of plan did you have in mind? Also, did you discover anything new about the character through the experience?

A: "One key difference between a game and an anime is that, in anime, physical distance between characters is visually established. I made a conscious effort not to let Owen be constrained by that. I just can't imagine Owen being the type to think, ‘Oh, the other person is far away, so I should speak a little louder’ (laughs)."

Q: If you recorded alongside other cast members, what were your thoughts on the interactions? Were there any particularly memorable or impactful scenes for you?

A: "Of course, Owen’s interactions with Cain and Mithra were significant, but what stood out the most was his exchanges with the Sage. Since Owen never directly conversed with them in the game or the drama readings, it felt fresh, and I think it gave me a deeper understanding of his character."

Q: What are your impressions of the Northern Wizards (Snow, White, Mithra, and Bradley)? Also, if you have a favorite exchange involving Owen, please share it.

A: "If we imagine Owen as a cat, then Snow and White would be the nagging, overbearing owners. Mithra would be the dog living in the same house—pretending to be indifferent while always scheming to mess with him somehow. As for Bradley, I think Owen treats him like the youngest in the family, a mischievous child (laughs)."

Q: This issue features Cain and Owen on the cover. Could you share your impressions of Cain and how you perceive the relationship between Cain and Owen?

A: "‘Twisted love’—that phrase sums it up completely. I can't help but wonder: if that episode had never happened, if Cain had acted differently back then, would Owen have turned out to be a different kind of wizard? But at the same time, I feel like no matter what happened, Cain would still be Cain."

Q: In the anime, the Sage (Masaki Akira) has been given a voice for the first time. What are your impressions of the Sage? Also, was there anything you consciously focused on when portraying Owen’s interactions with them?

A: "They feel very pure, transparent, and incredibly straightforward. Precisely because of that, I think Owen—who has spent so long seeing only filth and horror—finds them amusing and interesting. Perhaps he even has a desire to stain or corrupt them in some way. At the same time, he probably gets irritated when the Sage unknowingly pokes at the sore spots he’d rather keep hidden (laughs). When voicing Owen’s conversations with the Sage, I focus on making Owen’s presence feel more fluid and ambiguous, to contrast with the Sage’s unwavering straightforwardness."

Q: "Promise of Wizard" is celebrating its 5th anniversary this year. Looking back on your involvement with the series, what have you gained as an actor, or what has the story given you?

A: "One memorable experience was when I met Kaminaga-kun, who plays Owen in the stage adaptation, at a different worksite. I shared with him some of the things I focus on when playing Owen, thinking it might be useful to him. In the process of verbalizing what I had been doing instinctively, I realized, 'I thought I was acting on instinct, but I was actually making these conscious choices.' I hadn’t often analyzed my own performance in a theoretical way after the fact, so that was a valuable learning experience for me."

Q: Lastly, could you share a message for the readers who are looking forward to the anime?

A: "To the Sages who have enjoyed the game—thank you for waiting. Look forward to not only the character interactions but also how those spells you’ve seen time and again are brought to life, and how the creatures from the game’s world are depicted. And to the Sages stepping into this world for the first time through the anime—please, immerse yourselves fully in this beautiful yet cruel fairy tale."

Shintarō Asanuma

Born January 5, from Iwate Prefecture. Affiliated with Dandelion. Notable roles include Samatoki Aohitsugi in Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-, Itaru Chigasaki in A3!, The Villain in The Villain’s Day Off, and