I moved in yesterday.
I didn't know you lived here.
An incredible coincidence, isn't it?
A coincidence?
Or it could be fate.
What?
The lower the chances of something are,
the more likely people are to feel it was fate. Right?
That may be true, but...
Sometimes, strange things happen in this world.
To think the producer of the show Miracle Finder would be surprised by that.
Wouldn't most people be surprised?
That aside, are you all right?
You seem quite tired.
I'm going to see the CEO of LFG today
to discuss the investigation into financing our company,
but the report just wouldn't come together...
I'm sure it'll work out.
And since I'm the one saying it, it's got to be true.
I'll start thinking about how to celebrate.
Thank you.
But what do you mean by "celebrate"?
You'll just have to wait and see.
At this point, I was still...
My world was still just barely clinging to its peaceful slumber.
Now I know.
I know exactly how precious these innocent days were, and how fragile.
"It takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place."
~The Red Queen Hypothesis~
In this world, there exist unique powers known as "Evol,"
which are possessed by a very few.
Among them, some chose to fight their fate, to fight the world.
This is the story of these young "Evolvers."
Mr. Love: Queen's Choice
"A Taste of Reminiscence"
Oh! I'm sorry.
Another strange dream...
Last time, what happened in the dream happened exactly the same way in real life...
And then...
Evolvers...
There might be people who have special powers, even here.
Maybe even someone like that boy from before.
Finding the truth and showing it to everyone...
That's what my job is about.
No matter what it takes, I have to protect the company and continue the show!
Kiro Good morning, Potato Chip Princess! I'm really looking forward to being on your show!
Good morning, Potato Chip Princess!
I'm really looking forward to being on your show!
And I have to make sure to keep this promise, too.
Okay! I can do this!
Miracle Finder! Program Plan
Are you an idiot?
Miracle Finder is a program with an originality found nowhere else.
However, due to its niche content,
the current major TV stations will not approve the production of such a show.
Therefore, first,
a web series within your company's production capabilities
will be used to expand the fanbase.
I understand up to this point.
But what I want to know is what happens after that.
If you hope to emphasize the strength of your segments
to avoid being buried by the mountain of potential content,
then prepare a concrete proposal that will show me this.
I'm sorry.
To stand at the top of the industry in five years...
To make me eat my own words...
No matter how stupid you might be, I'm sure you remember.
Oh, come on! Does he really have to call me stupid?
If you have a rebuttal, then speak.
I do not.
I was unable to prepare properly for today,
but next time, I will have something that you'll approve.
Will you?
Idiots tend to make statements like that without thinking them through.
I know I'm in the wrong here.
But this nagging jerk makes me so angry!
I won't let him beat me, though!
I will continue the show and find the truth about Black Swan, no matter what!
Wait a minute...
Did you discuss what happened this afternoon with anyone?
What if the CEO is connected to Black Swan?
What if he's deliberately trying to hinder me?
Did some good idea suddenly occur to you?
Sir, you... wouldn't be trying to prevent me from making my show
by pretending to be an arrogant, obnoxious person, would you?
Are you listening? I won't say it a third time.
No idiot would invest in something with no future.
If you intend to create an idiotic show for idiots made by idiots,
then look elsewhere.
I seriously can't believe this!
Why would you go out of your way to make his impression of us worse?
Please stop. I get it already.
For now, let's gather up the program plans we have here.
Any that might give us a hint.
Will do.
We do have one trump card to play.
If we can come up with an interesting idea for an episode,
Kiro will appear on the program.
What?!
"Whether You Have the Best of Memories or the Worst of Traumas,
Let's Go to Souvenir Restaurant."
Is this yours, Kiki-chan?
Yes!
The reviews for that restaurant are really interesting!
Every reviewer rates the food really highly,
but the restaurant itself is rated really low.
Overall Impression 1.24 Food・Flavor 4.95
sue88(1279)'s review Overall Impression 1.0 Food・Flavor 4.8 The pudding is alive! If I'm not careful, it might run right out of my mouth!
"The pudding is alive! If I'm not careful, it might run right out of my mouth!"
chanshiii(85)'s review Overall Impression 1.5 Food・Flavor 5.0 This place is the worst, but I just keep going back!
"This place is the absolute worst! But I just keep going back!"
purin0820man(13)'s review Overall Impression 1.1 Food・Flavor 4.9 Just shut up and sell the pudding!
"Just shut up and sell the pudding!"
Pudding...
That seems to be their hottest item.
The miraculous idol who charms us all, Kiro,
and the miraculous food created by a much-hated chef...
If we can combine these two ideas and what led us to them,
and present them together...
That sounds great! I want to see that!
I'll write a proposal by tomorrow morning!
It's so hot...
I heard!
They said you're bringing over a proposal tomorrow!
"I was thinking of buying something to bring,
I was thinking of buying something to bring,
but it can't be anything sweet, right?"
Kiro I think my manager would get mad...
"I think my manager would get mad..."
"But if it were homemade or something, he might just overlook it..."
"Just kidding!"
I could make pudding...
It's so hot, the pudding's going to melt.
I'd better hurry and get it to them.
Gavin-senpai!
You working?
Yes. I'm headed over to Loveland TV.
What about you?
Just coming off night shift. I'll take you there.
What? You really—
Um, I appreciate the thought, but...
If an Evolver shows up, you have to let me know.
I will.
As it happens, I see one right in front of me.
It's true that I'm an Evolver,
but I would never hurt you.
O-Okay...
I barely made it in ti—
Why are you here?
Meeting with the board of directors.
We have investments here, too.
I see.
It fell apart!
And I went to the trouble of making it!
You made that?
Yes, I did.
So you were focused on making pudding instead of drafting your plan.
Seriously! Does he have to say things that way?
No, no, no, no. Don't get angry. Don't get angry.
This was meant to help facilitate the negotiations for our next episode.
But now it's ruined.
Are you trying to say it was my fault?
Certainly not! Who would say such a thing to the CEO?
There is a particular temperature at which pudding should be eaten.
Its appearance aside,
ask that it is at least chilled before it is eaten.
Huh?
Hey!
Kiro!
An Evolver...
Kiro is...
Good work today.
You, too.
Though I'm not sure if he's even aware of it himself.
I'll be waiting for your report.
Uh, yes, sir.
You came, Potato Chip Princess!
What's wrong?
Nothing!
Thank you for today. I brought this!
Woohoo! It's what you were talking about, right?
It got a little broken up, though.
If you can, chill it before you eat it.
Thanks!
I'll leave it to chill in the green room fridge until I'm done filming.
Mr. Kiro
"Souvenir," is it?
You've heard of it?
Well, I am a regular there!
What?
But speaking as someone who knows the place well...
Honestly, I think this project will be difficult.
Interviews and news coverage are completely off-limits there.
And it's impossible to know when it will be open.
I'll go every day, starting today, and I'll get their permission.
It isn't a question of perseverance.
Many production companies have tried—
There is no tomorrow for us!
We're betting the fate of our company on this project!
I see.
Then if you can obtain Souvenir's permission,
I promise Kiro will appear on your show.
Thank you so much!
Found it.
I suppose it wouldn't be that easy.
I'll come back tomorrow!
Done!
I can finally eat this!
Just this once, okay?
Thanks!
I'll up my training to make up for it.
Hey, it's not broken up at all!
It's so yummy!
It's disgusting.
Mr. Love: Queen's Choice
You can't be serious. Today's the fourth day!
What will I do? The board review meeting is tomorrow!
Welcome.
You are a customer, I presume?
Oh, um, yes!
Are you the owner of this restaurant?
I serve as a waiter here. My name is Mills.
Please, come inside.
Thank you!
Finally, I can go inside!
I promise I'll get permission to do a story on them!
Excuse me, is the kitchen...
The owner is there.
He also serves as the chef of this establishment.
I see.
U-Um...
The truth is, I'm from this company.
Would you let us do a story on your restaurant?
The owner doesn't like this sort of thing, I'm afraid.
I know requests to cover this restaurant are usually refused.
But is there any way he might at least listen to what I have to say?
If you'll wait just a moment.
My apologies. I must ask you to leave for today.
What?
The owner has said he will not accept you as a customer.
Wait... Just a moment!
If you would please take your leave.
This can't be...
I ran all the way here!
I'm exhausted...
Hello, Grandpa Mills.
Welcome.
How...
I'm off today!
When I heard this place was open, I came flying!
Have you ordered yet?
I, um...
Did you start talking about doing a story as soon as you got here and get kicked out?
I've seen that happen to lots of people.
This is a restaurant.
It's a place to have a meal.
I've only been thinking of myself...
It was rude to ask before I'd even eaten.
It's no wonder the owner was angry.
I'm truly sorry.
Grandpa Mills, couldn't you at least let her eat? For my sake?
Please?
I suppose it can't be helped.
I'll take the brunt of the owner's ire this time.
Yes! Thank you!
Thank you very much!
If the owner here dislikes you even a little bit,
he'll throw you out, even if you're still eating.
So that's why their reputation is so bad.
But the food is unbelievably delicate and nuanced!
The owner sends out the dishes at the precise temperature
that makes them the most delicious.
Please, enjoy your meal.
Thank you for this meal.
What is this? It's unbelievable!
Hey, did you learn how to make that pudding from someone?
No. I'm completely self-taught.
Then you're really gonna be surprised!
Try a taste!
What do you think?
It's exactly the same as yours, right?
Is something wrong?
Potato Chip Princess?
Oh... I-I'm sorry.
Are you okay?
Yeah. I'm really sorry.
I'm fine.
I've never seen someone cry because their food was so good.
This flavor... It's the taste of the most delicious pudding I've had in my life.
The thing is... I don't have any memories from before the age of five.
What do you mean?
I was involved in a kidnapping...
And it seems I received some kind of severe shock at that time.
There's just one thing I do remember, though.
The taste of some delicious pudding I ate somewhere before I turned five.
I started making pudding because I wanted to hold on to that memory,
but I never managed to find it.
Yours was just as delicious, though!
Not at all.
I've never made anything that tasted this good.
Did our food suit your tastes?
It was incredibly moving! Truly!
Mr. Mills...
Would you allow me to do a story on this restaurant?
Please!
Miss, I believe I told you—
I promise I'll make it a good show!
Making food that can move people this deeply
is certainly no easy feat.
Through my show, I want to convey that feeling to everyone.
Won't you please help me take the first step on that path?
Please! I beg you!
Kiro I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.
Not at all. Thank you for so much.
I have to hurry back to the office and think about my next move.
Regarding your request for an interview Please feel free to come and conduct an interview.
Huh?
Why are you here?
Could it be that you're a regular here, too?
I mean...
Really? It's you?!
Just so you're aware,
it isn't me you'll be interviewing. It will be Mr. Mills.
Understood.
But why are you...
I've always liked cooking.
Alone, I focus all five senses to find the most logical path.
Working to achieve an ideal is a pleasant feeling for me.
A sort of change of pace?
Is that all?
I'm looking for someone.
There was a possibility that this may lead to a clue.
Making food might lead to a clue?
Um...
It was the very faintest of possibilities.
I see.
The food was made with that person in mind.
Um, may I ask one question?
Have you never thought of using your Evolver powers
to give you an advantage?
Why would I go to that much trouble?
I will use my own quick wit to break through any walls
and go as far as I can go.
I will go as far as I can go, too.
The deadline is tomorrow.
Don't waste my time.
I won't.
Congratulations on the funding being resumed!
Yay!
Well done!
She really did great.
Kiro Congrats! I'm already super looking forward to making an appearance. Let's make it a good show!
Congrats!
I'm already super looking forward to making an appearance.
Let's make it a good show!
All right, all right! Listen up, everyone!
Our president has something to say.
What?
Thank you for everything, everyone! Truly!
We're finally standing at the starting line.
We've overcome this crisis and become stronger than before.
I have every confidence we can make a meaningful show.
The real fight starts now!
Let's give it everything we've got!
Yeah!
I didn't know there was a place like this!
Do you like it?
Yes!
But I never thought you'd actually celebrate with me.
I said right at the start that I knew it would work out, didn't I?
This is my congratulations to you.
I heard there was a fireworks show today.
It's a little far away, though.
It's like we have box seats!
Thank you for today. I know you must be busy with your research.
This is part of my research.
I'm very interested in you, you see.
Huh?
If I had to explain it, I'd say as a lab animal.
What?
I'm kidding.
However, it is true that I'm interested in you.
I wonder what path you'll take from here.
I want to keep making good shows,
and one day, find the truth behind Evolvers.
I'll help you.
Thank you.
Senpai?
It can't be!
He's dangerous. Stay behind me.
What?
Lucien?
The key to the experiment lay in a place I never could have imagined.
It's precisely because we're in the dark that certain things are possible.
Episode four,
"The Key in the Darkness."
"The Key in the Darkness"