Say, dear brother Jacob.
If you don't mind, do you think you could tell me that story again?
- The one you told me the other day? - Oh, Little Red Riding Hood?
- Yes! - It seems you're very fond of that story.
I love the part where the girl heads to her grandma's place with bread and wine.
And also when she plays around in the flower field on the way.
I see. But doesn't the wolf frighten you?
Mmm, not at all!
'Cause the girl and her grandma combine their strength and fight him together!
That mean wolf didn't stand a chance in the end.
I'm not scared in the slightest!
Huh. Seems our little sister is a real brave one, indeed.
- But... - Hmm?
I bet that wolf isn't the only one.
I'm sure there are more around. There must be.
No, there's only one bad wolf.
So there's no need to worry about it, okay, Charlotte?
Okay. I'm happy to hear that.
Hmm?
Hello there, ma'am. May I please see your ticket?
Does that suffice?
Right this way, ma'am.
Hot damn!
Uh--
What can I get you?
This. Champagne for me.
Ah!
Uh...
Uh... Oh.
If you don't mind, this one's my treat.
Uh... thanks.
That red dress of yours...
It's becoming of you.
Oh... thank you. I, uh... really appreciate it.
Your fine quality tuxedo is very becoming of you.
May I get you another?
I'm told the drinks at this place are rather decent for the Reality.
Sure.
Yummy. I love it! It's not bitter, and it has such a wonderful aroma to it.
I hear that getting the scent just right is quite difficult.
And your voice. I love the sound of it.
- Is it... - What do you think?
Real. Maybe.
If you want to find out, why don't we go to the back?
The back?
Well, you aren't exactly ready to leave yet, are you?
We can have even more fun.
Okay. Let's go.
Are we still inside the area?
Of course.
Oh gosh!
I haven't laughed like this in a good while!
Oh!
Me neither.
Can you help?
I'm fond of this color.
It feels lovely to the touch.
- You think so? - Yes.
- And what about your dress? - Go ahead.
That tickles!
Does it really, now?
It's because your lips are so soft and all.
I see.
It's not something I've ever thought about.
- You are gorgeous. - Even in the Reality?
All I know is right now, there's no mistaking it.
Well, I guess I'll take that.
I'm sure it's all for my enjoyment, right?
You're being a little too aggressive for me. Back off.
What's that? You want me to stop?
You want to just run off?
Scamper away, back to your small, dark, and miserable little home?
Huh?
I can see myself reflected in your eyes.
So I'm sure you can see yourself as well.
A slightly scared and very sweet Little Red Riding Hood.
What? Okay, I've had enough. You're seriously creeping me out.
What the hell is this?
This isn't supposed to happen!
The fuck?
In this world, the line between authentic and fake is completely blurred.
In fact, one could even say
trying to differentiate between the two of them
is a pointless and pitiable endeavor, no?
People have buried death and transcended time and space.
In such a fluid world, what can even be considered real?
Does real mean anything?
Unhand me, you charlatan!
I can't believe I let you trick me!
Now, that's not true. You had the chance to refuse me.
- You accepted my invitation. - You bastard!
Even that's adorable when it comes out of this mouth...
Mmm. Mmm.
Ah... it's so red.
No denying this, at least, is real.
Please! Please, help... help me!
- Help me, somebody! - I hope that someone answers you.
But I wonder if your sweet little voice will reach their ears.
Ah, and what pretty ears you have!
Pull yourself together, Rose.
This is but the beginning of our fun.
Keep entertaining me.
Delicate arms.
Slender, willowy legs...
Ah!
There's no doubt your precious little heart is authentic.
Can you hear it, bravely continuing to beat in defiance?
Hmm?
Those pretty eyes of yours... should only see beautiful things.
And so it ends.
Hello there, everybody.
I wonder if any of you remember me.
I recently moved my spiritual residence to Betty, the supercomputer
and pride of InProgress, Incorporated.
Now I'm living a comfortable, immortal life safe from death or diseases.
And this is AR Ökumene,
an amazing new technology developed entirely by InProgress.
It truly sets us apart.
You see, in this community, living people can use a nanomachine called Eye Drop,
allowing them to interact with those residing here
regardless of their situation.
So, what do you think?
If you're interested in our immortality service or residency,
then contact us today!
The precious scent of blood is going to be washed down the drain...
The scent of real blood...
There's somebody here to see you.
- Oh? - A Mr. Brown, sir.
Ah. He's a friend of mine. Please show him in.
Yes, sir?
It's bizarre to see a female secretary in this day and age.
Is this more to your liking, then?
It honestly doesn't really change much.
I could also use my truest form.
Hmm.
Then allow me to continue as my real self.
If your preference changes at any time, please let me know.
I will be making the necessary adjustments to your Eye Drop.
Hello, Grey.
It's rather unusual for you to come all the way here to see me.
It's not every day you get your hands on authentic wine.
This here's the real deal!
Well, congratulations.
As per usual, there's very little that you crave.
I wouldn't say that.
So, tell me how it went.
The Wolf's Night was a success, wasn't it?
Did you watch?
Well, of course.
How was your experience?
Smooth, thanks to you.
There aren't many people who can complete it on the first attempt.
In fact, the club members were in shock
at what you were able to accomplish in that time.
Is that so?
Indeed.
Some members get themselves backed up into a corner,
and then come crying and begging for help.
Especially the new faces who have just joined the club.
Not me. Finishing up is the best part, in my opinion.
You sure are something.
The spirit of the Wolf's Club is rooted in truth. It's the most important thing.
The moment one starts expansion
or transplant of personalities or physiques,
they lose their membership qualification.
At least, that's what we say on a very superficial level.
Mmm.
A subdued scent that reminds me of forest moss.
The dusty aroma of cobblestones after a first rain.
Perhaps the nape of a voluptuous woman's neck.
I think we simply enjoy living as our most genuine selves.
Right... Firmness of raw meat you can't experience in the Reality.
The sensation of a blade cutting through flesh.
And the rich taste of blood, so warm and metallic.
You're no different from a real wolf, are you?
No matter how a nanomachine may adjust the Reality
and stimulate our synapses,
it will never compare to the real.
Oh!
Your sweet little protests,
your breath so warm and fragrant,
each gorgeous feature of your face...
What a shame that your true self disappears
the moment I sink my claws into you.
And so it ends again. It's already over.
Mmm.
Poor White, he's become a total laughingstock.
But you can't make that many mistakes and walk scot-free.
It took a lot of work to clean up after him,
so it's not like anyone was going to hold his hand and console him.
He'll be questioned in the court of inquiry
at the end of the year for disgracing the club.
Unfortunately, that's the price you have to pay.
Are you sure you're okay eating that little?
It is true that the dishes here use fake meat, but they do smell good.
I'm fine without it.
You want to stick to only the authentic ones. I get it.
Well, you always have been a stoic man.
- Brown. - I wasn't making fun of you, Grey.
It's only natural for someone older to care for someone younger, is all.
Then I am grateful.
Ah--
That's overkill.
What we always aim to achieve here is a noble, elegant and beautiful hunt.
Certainly not this unsightly slaughter.
You must be more prudent.
- Be more prudent. - Yes.
The influence of our members' financial powers and privileges isn't infinite.
We might not be able to protect you.
And it would be a shame to lose a friend so young, passionate and brilliant.
I do understand your obsession with authenticity.
But if you take it too far, it will destroy you.
Please consider paying this place a visit.
Vile...
- Now, this is-- - Move it!
What did you say?
Hey, man, you're not from around here, are you?
A naïve asshole wandering in out of curiosity, huh?
No more junketeering for you.
Just leave all your valuables on the ground and get the hell out!
- Knock it off. - Hmm?
Mama!
If you're gonna keep causing trouble like this around here,
then go find someone else to sell you Eye Drop.
Ah, come on! I was just giving him a little warning.
Get outta here. Go on!
Don't you dare show your face till I call for you.
- And what do you want? - I'm guessing you are the Madam.
That depends. What's it to you?
I have a request.
Come in.
Are these... all real?
That's right. Every single one of 'em.
Unbelievable.
Sure, you can see them with Eye Drop,
but no one can get ahold of the real thing.
- So? - Hmm?
If you ventured out all this way to come and see me in person,
then you certainly must have a compelling reason.
I want a Wolf's Night. I want to hunt.
Pair me with a Little Red Riding Hood.
You sure are a greedy one, aren't you?
What about the other members? Are they aware you're here?
Or are you going behind their backs?
Well, I guess that answers that.
You wolves are insatiable animals.
Just know... it's gonna cost you.
It doesn't matter the price. Money is no object.
Even so, you'd be in big trouble if your friends found out, yeah?
I don't care.
I crave the authentic.
The real and intense.
You poor thing.
What does that mean?
Never mind. Nothing you need to worry about.
Anyway, I'll be selecting your Little Red Riding Hood.
Just know it's your responsibility
to tie up loose ends and clean up after yourself.
I am aware.
Let's see.
It should take somewhere in the ballpark of a week to ten days to arrange.
No cancellation.
Good.
Huh...
One of those, huh? I'm no stranger to this type of man.
They get drunk on blood.
There's nothing more intoxicating than blood...
How the deal ends is up to the Wolf...
No... it's up to the Little Red Riding Hood.
Hmm.
Regarding the server's expansion,
we've had a plethora of residency applications.
Might you consider increasing the scale of it?
What are your thoughts? Mr. Grey?
Hmm?
Yes, that sounds fine. Your choice.
- A package for you. - Huh?
The name of your target is Scarlet.
You'll find her in District A38.
She says she won't go out to the rich people's area.
Thank you for your cooperation.
I'm sure you won't have any complaints about the location,
as long as you've got the girl.
Wait! Hey! You leavin', Scarlet?
- Yup. - I'll take you home.
- No, thanks. - But why?
I don't need a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Didn't you hear me when I said "No, thanks"?
Why you gotta talk to me like that?
Stop it!
God, you are so damn annoying.
Get lost, asshole.
Come on. Don't you want some Eye Drop, though?
- It's premium quality. Hmm? - Mmm?
I have a pretty sweet hookup.
And it's none of that fake shit. It's the real deal.
It can make you anything you want. An elegant lady, even a princess.
Yeah, right. Liar.
I'm tellin' the truth! Come on, you're special, so you should know.
Look here, the eyes don't lie!
Come on, babe!
Either way, you do know you're no match for me, don't you?
You're smarter than that, right? So just be a good girl and do what I say.
Guess you're the type that needs to have it beaten into 'em.
You're nothin' but trash. Even if you have your way with me,
you're still gonna be just a lowlife dumbass loser.
Quiet, bitch!
The hell?
Fuck off!
If you don't want to get cut up, get lost!
Next time, I won't--
Mm.
You're bleeding.
What are you laughing at?
Come on, where exactly do you think you are right now?
There's not a single guy around here who has a damn handkerchief in his pocket.
If you're here just for kicks, you'd better go back to where you came from.
What's up?
You haven't thanked me for helping you yet.
'Cause I didn't ask you for your help.
So you're saying it was none of my business, then.
Yeah, I am.
I could have handled that guy all on my own.
I see.
But still... Thank you. I guess.
You sure are something else.
Oh really?
You're just... so... beautiful.
I get that a lot.
I would like to get to know you more.
Mm?
Okay. Wanna come to my place?
Is something the matter? Why don't you come on in?
Man, it stings. That dumb idiot.
He slugged me with all his strength.
You okay? Not gonna drink?
Oh...
This isn't like anything I've ever had before.
Oh yeah? Never had the real thing?
Everything here is real, actually.
The city, this room, this drink, and me.
We exist outside of the Reality created by Eye Drop.
That's the whole reason you came here, isn't it?
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
Like what?
Your hopes and dreams.
The kinds of things you like.
Dreams, huh? I don't know...
I've never even thought about it. You?
I want to learn all I can.
For real?
If I'm being honest, you don't really strike me as a serious person.
What I mean is, I... want to verify more of what this world has to offer.
What do you mean, "verify"?
Well... simply feeling joy, anger, pain, even pleasure...
Not the fabricated kind, but...
but real, raw, authentic emotions.
How do you determine that what you're feeling is authentic?
And for that matter, you don't even have proof that I am.
- I've no doubt about you. - Oh really?
You seem to be authentic.
You're right. This is the real me.
Mm...
That's a relief. I was nervous that I could be wrong.
Who are you, really?
I'm Scarlet, but... what is it to you, huh?
It's your scent. It's exactly the same as mine.
Maybe.
Your heart sure is beating away in there.
Such cute, almost desperate little motions.
Sh!
Oh, your mouth! It looks so very big and powerful.
I bet that strong jaw could bite through anything.
But it won't be doing any more of that.
Oh... what big hands you have. They're so strong.
With thick fingers. Why are they so magnificent?
Stop!
Oh, and your eyes. They're so big and sharp.
They seem like they could see through anything,
no matter how small or distant.
What are they looking at now?
- No! Please! Don't! - Don't?
Hold on. If you want money--
But then it wouldn't be a hunt anymore, would it?
Say, that magnificent body of yours. What's it for?
You know the answer, right? To "verify the world" with?
For example, one person might ask another
for an introduction to a certain individual.
A lone, gray wolf walks in. Blindly.
Completely unaware that he's entering someone else's territory.
Soon, he spots the prey,
in the midst of trying to escape a wild boar, running away.
After driving the boar away, the wolf thinks he's won. She's alone.
But what he doesn't know is that the prey pretended to be weak.
She got herself injured, and bled on purpose,
so that she could lure him into her own territory.
It turns out the prey was nothing like she seemed.
So this was all just a setup from the start?
A setup means there was calculation.
I'm just going along with what happens. That's how this hunt works.
You didn't even know that much, and you still came all the way out here?
What, did you never have any kind of mentor teach you?
Identifying who your prey is? The way you need to listen to their every breath?
Don't tell me you thought that only wolves like hunting?
That story about the young and brave wolf...
You know it, right? Do you happen to remember how it ends?
What becomes of that wolf, stalking his prey while he waits in the forest?
He gets his belly stuffed with rocks.
Then, he gets tossed down into the well and he dies.
And, with his hunger satisfied at last, he smiles.
Really? Is that what happened?
Don't you worry about it.
It's not so rare that one gets drunk on blood and never comes back.
I'm listening.
Oh, it's you. What is it?
It's unfortunate, Brown.
But I'm afraid, since the request didn't come through the club,
I'm not obligated to tell you.
I would suggest looking for a new member.
Really, now? I'm surprised you've decided to go with the immortality service.
That might be the best option. The real has far too many temptations.
I guess this is goodbye. I don't have any well-wishes.
I'm not sad about it.
In my years, I've seen a great many people off.
Little Red Riding Hoods, countless wolves, and other creatures as well.
Come in.
Oh, If it isn't Scarlet.
The sparrow...
Oh, that? It'll be just fine.
Are you someone seeking out the real as well?
Mmm.
Blood, real and crimson.
Whether it's my own or someone else's, it doesn't matter much to me.
Is that so? You sure are clever.
Once it has been shed, blood is all the same, after all.