Original subtitles

What do you want?

Open up nicely.

We need to talk.

I'm curious to see your stupid face.

Has our joker lost his tongue?

You do not look funny.

What bad luck brings you here.

Be careful with your words.

I seek my Dulcinea,

the love of my life.

Her trail has led me here..

Amigos!

Which one of you has brought

another whore to the house to fuck?

You know it's forbidden.

You’re bride is not here.

Now go ask your question at the brothel.

I'm not here to parry insults.

I will inspect this house

and then be on my way.

Cómo te atreves?

I was enjoying the sun,

but you brought dark clouds.

My mood sours.

I was happy enough to ignore the orders to kill anyone.

Anyone to bother the boss on that special day.

Do you want to know what day it is?

What day is it?

Today

is the day...

you die.

Teresa!

Teresa!

Teresa!

Who dares drag

this scoundrel from the wilds?

Teresa...

I found her

I found her!

Congratulations on finding Teresa.

Hard part is over.

Now I get you out.

Enty, run a scan on news networks.

The hell's going on out there.

A shootout with police two blocks from here.

It's also causing upload restrictions.

Wow.

Did you know that multiple game forums are now

buzzing with posts of your recent exploits?

Read latest news.

A group of intruders attempted to

escape quarantine in district 27.

According to the police,

the culprits are members of a terrorist organization

who call themselves Realists.

Suspected of robbing a food warehouse,

they resisted arrest with automatic weapons...

law enforcement officers were forced to return fire...

Please close all windows, doors and gates.

You're at risk of harm.

Your safety is our priority.

Thank you for your cooperation.

God damm realists!

Just a new name for some Black Market Mafia.

I hope the police catch the food mongers!

You know, come to think of it.

Maybe I should report Emil and Lily as missing to the police.

Martin. Martin. Martin.

I do recall you giving your award not to inform anyone.

Reporting their disappearance to

the authorities would seem to be akin

to informing everyone.

Besides, the police may jump to hasty conclusions.

We have already condemned the realists as terrorists

when their professed ideology abhors violence.

You're seriously fallen for that shit.

That's realist propaganda, Enty.

I mean,

it's just a bunch of illusions created by thugs and looters,

designed to use a quarantine as a

front for their underground operation.

I mean, for the guy that's supposed

to be ten times smarter than Einstein.

You're about as gullible as a six year old buddy.

That gives me an idea.

Customize Enty's avatar.

Child prodigy.

Yeah.

That's more like it.

This appearance option hardly matches

the rest of my program settings.

The role as your psychotherapist for starters.

I mean, you're treating me for depression.

Okay.

A little humor is supposed to be good medicine.

Humor is not a cure for money and behavior.

Yours isn't too shabby, right?

You're not in session, Enty. Okay?

What are the forums saying about me?

It’s maintenance,

for the prolonged session capsule.

I had given up. Let them in.

Good afternoon.

I'm Bob from Zeus Corporation repairs department.

I've been sent to inspect your PSC.

Yeah.

Thank you for coming.

I've been calling you guys.

I've got an emergency over here.

Got a woman trapped in one of your damm cocoon.

I can't get her out.

Okay!

Show me the capsule and I'll see if there is a malfunction.

Yeah. Yes, sir. It's just over here.

She said she was going in for three days.

Shouldn't have been stuck in there for three months.

I shook every cloud and cluster online,

and I finally just found her avatar location today.

And she's being held captive against her will...

on the darknet.

Well, I'm sorry,

but all readings are coming up normal.

The system is working properly.

Not a glitch.

Yeah. No, I know it's not a glitch.

I can check the feeds myself, but,

you need to let her out of there. She's a prisoner.

Yeah, okay. I cannot pull someone out of the capsule

without their permission.

Okay? Call support.

No, you don't understand.

I've been calling. I've been texting.

I've been filling out your damn

complaint forms online since day four.

You're the first Zeus human being

to bless us with your presence.

Yes.

Who are you to her?

Do you have emergency access rights?

or even her password?

What?

I'm her boyfriend.

We live together.

It's my apartment to stay in.

I see.

But you would have to be a relative

to override personal access clearance.

You signed off on installing the PSA unit in your apartment.

This is your signature.

Yeah.

Okay, well, now I'm unauthorizing it. Okay?

She can't just sleep in there forever.

Well, you know, if you want,

I can put in a request to have her move to a long storage

and our warehouse facility.

She has been granted a 20 year contract.

What? 20...

No, that can't be right.

Okay,

I just need to help her.

Okay?

Open it.

I'm afraid I can't do that.

Call support.

You can't do it? You can't do it? Or you won't!!!

Because I'm not going to wait another month.

I'm not going to wait another second.

Now you call your manager. Your director.

Call your personal Jesus for all I care.

Just get me somebody who can help her!

I just don't think I can.

I'm very low on the totem pole.

My tasks are messaged to me.

I've never even met a manager myself.

And you know what? Come to think of it,

I was hired by a bot.

Wait wait wait wait wait wait

Look.

My social credit score are through the roof.

Okay?

They're in the 99th percentile.

I'm sure that you and I, we can.

We can work something out.

I'm a very small fish.

I don't decide anything, and I don't play games.

But I promise to write down

all you've been shouting at me about in my report.

Uuh!

You're not leaving until you open that goddamn coffin.

Okay, you know what?

Maybe there is something else I could try.

Let me think. What could it be?

Eh. Um...

Enty, I found this stupid bug.

Try running it now.

You are incredibly adept at this.

My algorithms can't handle

that kind of analysis.

Who's there?

Enty.

Why is there a woman

standing at my door?

And why is she holding a suitcase?

That would be Teresa,

your houseguest for the next three days.

I posted your availability

two weeks ago on Share My Home.

She was one of 280 applicants.

By all my calculations,

she's the ideal catalyst to rekindle

your appetite for life.

Run a full virus scan.

As your personal therapist,

I may take certain initiatives in life threatening situations

in cases like yours.

Setting. Lucy.

Sporadic changes to my personal settings,

and you’ve made a many lately,

reveal the critically fragile state of your own psyche.

Get this woman off my doorstep.

Get her off my doorstep now

and run that scan.

If we sent her away,

your social trust rating will plummet.

Falling below the threshold required to purchase

several recreational items

you've grown fond of consuming.

That's.

That's blackmail! You blackmailing me?

You've got no soul.

I couldn't agree more with your statement.

Jesus Christ, Jesus.

Enty look at this place.

Is like a goddamn bomb went off in here.

If you've noticed the mess,

then Theresa's presence has already done you some good.

God shit.

Huh...

She's not staying the night.

I'm going to have to explain

how my AI faulty programing set this up.

It's all just a...

it's all a big misunderstanding.

Let her in.

Hello, Martin.

Am I here too early?

Uhh...no.

No, I was just, sleeping.

Don't worry about this.

It's just my gaming kit

for my streams and everything.

Wow, you weren't kidding.

This is a beautiful wind...

Are you okay? Yeah.

Did you forget I was coming?

No, I...

I guess, I just, got the days mixed up.

You’ve got yourself an amazing view here

I mean,

plenty of room as well.

So this is how the gods live. Huh?

I'm not sure I follow.

I mean, you are a god in my world.

Virtual reality architect,

programing virtuoso.

Now people think that AI writes the code but,

we know who writes the code that writes the code.

Yeah, well. I mean,

I do work with AI, but you know

I just design the level kits in the biomes.

Okay.

The tool fills in the rest.

That's about all the insults I'm willing to take.

Hello, Teresa.

My name is Enty

Wow, what a beautiful AI.

I get why you were keeping her a secret.

Oh, no no no, no, it's not like that.

I was trolling him for being an asshole.

Wow!

Return to normal settings.

Which normal do you prefer?

This me or this one?

You make fun of me?

Not at all.

I was trying to make a joke.

If you prefer,

I can go into a mute and deaf mode.

Oh, no no no no. Please don't.

There's two things I love in this world

and that's advanced technology

and good conversation. Don't stop.

So that's why Martin likes you so much.

But I overstepped my bounds

and should be giving back.

Being a tool in Martin's design is busywork.

Have a good evening.

Have a good evening.

Wow! Amazing.

With its own sense of humor, too.

What model is it?

Just a standard AI tool provided by my employer.

Of course, I added my own

augmentations and algorithms and

included a psychotherapy module.

That's two years of daily interactions

to build the world's first personal troll.

I mean,

you guys look like best friends

the way you banter.

No, it's just his adaptive

advanced machine learning code

designed to make me feel better.

It sounds like a pretty good definition of a friend to me.

By the way, do you have anything to eat?

I'm starving.

I have stomach bloating. Yeah, yeah.

I have some sushi.

All right?

Wow.

You remembered I love sushi.

How sweet.

Are you sure you forgot I was coming today?

No, it's just.

I like sushi, too, you know.

Let me just organize that a little bit.

No, please, please, please.

Please stop. It's just.

There's a certain order.

Oh, don't worry about this. Is the same stress for me

when I'm living alone for a long time.

I mean,

I was so relieved when

they opened room sharing back up.

You can't even imagine.

Yeah, right.

You do that a lot?

Do what?

Room sharing.

Yeah, I do it once a month, you know.

It's only allowed, but I still do it.

You know, a little dangerous.

Dangerous?

Yeah. Dangerous?

Yeah.

No, I mean, I trusted

preliminary correspondence,

you know, get to know the person,

yada yada.

I mean, there's also the social rating that can't lie, but...

I guess you do have a point.

There's a sense of

trepidation, I guess, but...

Can I use your screens to put up some pictures real quick?

No, sorry.

No, it's just,

I'm using them, so.

Okay.

Yeah, sure.

You know what? Windows don't always look out right?

But they also look in.

In a world where we discover our fantasies

and imagine our dreams.

Wow.

I can't believe this.

I see we share the same common principle.

Orange ice cream is the best.

Oh my goodness.

Incredible. Wow!

By the way, where will I be sleeping?

I'm sorry.

Sleep. Yeah.

Sleeping.

You know.

Huh...

You can, you can take the bed.

I take the chair.

Sweet.

What do you want?

Open the door!

Or you will regret it.

We don't need a fighter or worker.

But on second thought,

I want to see your stupid face.

Who the hell are you?

You don't act so tough when you

see how many fine banditos we are.

I don't know your face.

Move aside.

You're holding my love, my shieldmaden.

My soul is your prisoner.

Release her or die.

¿Cómo te atreves?

You must be joking.

You show no respect.

Before you banged on my door, I was enjoying the sun.

But now my mood is dark.

I was so happy

I chose to ignore my orders to kill

because of what today is.

Want to guess what the day is?

What?

It's the same day?

Is this the same day?

This is not some same day.

Is the day...

You di...

Out of my way!

You fools!

What the hell is this game?

I don't get it.

She was stuck in the same level,

and it was the same goddamn day.

Basically, you're fighting AI bots

with goal-oriented action program agendas.

They adapt and improvise.

It's the perfect virtual Alcatraz, mate.

Who's running that shit? Who developed it?

The developer is anonymous,

a platformer game service

originally financed through crypto

Players build the levels and mods themselves,

its constantly evolving.

It looks like the studio lost control of the content long ago,

or they might not have included moderation at all.

So I've got these pirate developers,

these money launderers that are now what?

They're kidnaping people.

So they've got Teresa's mind trapped in there.

Can you imagine how many other people they got locked up?

The algorithms are clever.

I'll give them that.

However, they are no different

to the way the two of us work together.

They simply have more operational resources,

meaning more people and more AI's.

I mean...

I mean, they say the metaverse is supposed to be free,

but I guess there's no such thing as a free lunch, huh?

Price is getting girlfriend

kidnaped by freaks on the darknet.

On the bright side, you found her.

Right?

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

You're right.

Order a bottle of her favorite wine

and a few pints of that ice cream.

Orange juice.

Okay. That was easy.

Moving on clavicle.

Cherry.

Look, yes, it was cherry.

Okay, that's two points,

Your path leads on through the hill

between the valley, over the lake.

Oh, chocolate.

Yes. Okay.

And now our hero at last ventures

into the cave of the elven mages.

Oh, elven mages.

Maybe you should write a game?

Don't get distracted.

There's more to come.

Okay.

Within the cave, he encounters

a lake of molten...

Oh, my god!

Chili peppers, Chili peppers?

Yes. You see, that's a trap.

That's not fair.

No, no, this is something that can

only be appreciated when shared.

Now you have to.

You have to try.

That's not fair.

Doesn't have is equal. Come on. No.

How are you?

Me?

Yeah.

You know, before you popped up

my doorstep, I was one of those,

Self-loathing,

slow self-destruction kind of guys.

You know,

real cliché sob story about generation. You know?

Yeah.

You know, I don't think it was until maybe

the third year of quarantine.

I.

I don't know, I guess I started to have.

Darker thoughts like.

Nowhere to go, and...

...no one to see.

And you're only friend is an AI modified to roast you?

I mean, come on.

As for me,

I wouldn't be able to live without the metaverse, honestly.

Once you get modifications.

Oh, yeah.

Everyone surfing the metaverse is wired now.

I mean,

you can't even boot up to full

immersion without something, you know?

And you are old school 2D screen based.

I've never even seen game interfaces like yours.

I mean...

Why? Thank you.

Yeah.

You know what the next evolution is?

What?

The long-session, container pods.

I mean,

you won't even have to go to the bathroom.

Oh. How exciting. Yeah, yeah.

You know, as a popular streamer with a loyal audience.

Mind you,

I'm at the top of the waiting list

to test out on the first person.

You know what, Gen Z?

You won't even need implants.

I mean, I'm flowing with nanobots.

You know, I

you know, I inject them myself.

It's no fuss, I swear. You do it at home.

You leave no scars. It's perfect.

I mean, you know what?

I can hook you up.

I think I have a complimentary...

No.

...somewere in my suitcase.

No. Thank you.

I think I'm fine being just a boring

old modification-free human being.

Okay.

So.

But the metaverse is so amazing.

Why are you here?

Why am I here?

Let me think.

Because of the hugs.

Of the hugs. Da.

The hugs.

Yeah.

Even virtuals need to touch those we care about.

As old-school 2D dinosaurs need hugs, too.

Yeah, okay.

Just make sure you get back here.

Now the end of your tenancy is coming up.

Now, where are you going to go next?

Hmm...

I don't know.

I hadn't thought about that, actually.

Well,

I figured maybe we could plan the day.

You know,

so that neither of us is surprised.

Oh.

I

so clever idea.

I was jealous, I didn't think of it.

I have a stream.

I need to go.

You were gone for three days.

I mean, how often are you planning

to run off into that cyber cough?

And for how long? You're the one in a coffin, okay?

You just can't see it.

Does that even mean?

You're in a coffin Martin, look at your place.

Meanwhile, I am roaming worlds in the metaverse.

I don't understand.

There's nothing that's keeping you from coming with me.

Nothing? I just don't get it.

You want me to inject No! nanos into my brain,

give somebody else control.

I've seen the tech, Teresa, come on.

Martin, this is not the same tech they used on your parents.

That early Biotech was experimental, okay?

It was damaging lungs they were trying to save.

I can't imagine how much it must have hurt

to see them suffer like that.

But it works. It's different. Okay?

There's thousands of people in the metaverse now.

I mean, I still come back to you.

It's an illusion. It's not real.

I mean, this is real.

You're real.

Okay, you know what?

I could stay there longer,

But I come back for you,

and this is what I get.

What?

This! You being so weird and jealous.

I mean, I don't like it, Martin.

Okay? It's...

What? You can't see this from my perspective.

No I can't!

I'm stuck in this room for 24 hours a day.

I'm staring at your sleeping face.

It's like you're dead

and I'm mourning at your grave.

And then I, then I remember,

oh, she's probably somewhere else.

She's probably with someone else.

Right?

Are you jealous?

Yes! Jealous of the people?

Sorry, characters?

I mean, in the game. Stupid characters...

Characters in games didn’t use to have dicks!

All right. No, I read that... Okay.

Okay. This? Really? I read the label on the product, okay?

Experience the tactile warmth of

human bodies, now prolonged session...

It reads like a goddamn porno.

You know what? I know the difference

between reality and illusion.

Okay? It's not the same thing.

My body, my body is here, okay?

It's with you. I mean...

Are you seeing someone in there? Are you understanding...what?

Are you?

Am I seeing someone there?

Are you hearing yourself, Martin?

In the metaverse, anything can happen.

It's a fucking game, okay?

People kill each other, but no one actually dies.

I mean...

You know,

I'm thinking you can come in with me.

Why? Why don't you just do that?

You just come in, you can see for yourself.

Oh yeah? Come in, come in... No nanos! Yeah!

Come in with you. Coming in and cramp your style,

but 2D dinosaur from that age

where feelings used to actually exist.

No, I grew up from games, Teresa.

I graduated to fucking reality!

Yeah, yeah, you would know.

You're grand architect of optimal realities.

Meanwhile, I'm just some poor user

playing the games you designed for me.

You know what? I thought you wanted

your players to be happy.

But I guess you just want them to be as miserable as you are!

Okay, well, I'm...

I guess I'm sorry.

I'm a little rough around the edges

because that's what real people are.

I mean, I didn't realize

that you were so content to settle

for the lowest possible expectations.

You know what? I am so done!

I'm so done with your arrogance and your self-loathing eyes.

Fuck you, Martin!

Fuck yourself to hell where you can hash it out

with your demons until you wither and die!

Who the hell are you?

And what do you want?

Could you please tell me why this

day is such an important day?

That sounds like an impolite question.

Before you disturbed us,

I was enjoying some sun..

Then you bring a cloud of gloom to our feast.

Glad I chose to ignore my orders to kill...

¨Kill anyone who would trouble

their dear boss on this special day.¨

Please, just answer my question.

What is special about this day?

Get Out, you, mind reading magician!

This is not a night for surprises.

Martin.

I hate to interrupt, but you have a call.

Not now!

I'm blasting through this level.

I'm almost there.

It's Emil and Lily.

They only have a minute before it's traced and intercepted.

Friends are so overrated.

Martin, old boy!

It's so good to see you’re still alive.

Martin! How are you, old man?

Still living like a mummy in a pyramid?

Enty is making sure you’re not dying of hunger.

Enty said you made a friend.

Wow. I...

God, you guys have no idea how worried I've been.

I thought you were dead...

We’re the Realists, Martin!

Look behind us!

This is real reality, take it in!

Happy to see you guys.

It looks like you're...

It's like you're eating sweet things.

Oh, no, sour!

It takes so many nuances of flavor.

It's hard to describe.

You know it,

it smells sweet and taste sour.

It’s… quite captivating.

I'm relieved you guys are okay.

So, I mean, it's been a little while

since you've, since you contacted me.

Why you've been silent?

We made it to the southern coast.

It's a long story.

We've been here for almost a month now.

When we first arrived, we had no cell phone service.

But then an engineer moved into the village

and set up a satellite dish.

Now we can call you from time to time

and with Enty's help, we can´t be traced.

But, how are you?

You know me, I'm...

I'm fine.

I, you know,

I've got my routines and Enty.

But you guys, look like you got...

no suits on, not in quarantine.

No.

The further away you get from civilization,

the further away you get from the virus.

The last time we're locked down

is almost about 600km north from here.

The virus is gone.

Sounds like you guys just got lucky.

I mean, you you are probably immune.

Think what you will, old man.

But we live unprotected and there are no sick among us.

Sure, we still got colds, but

there are no plagues and no arrests.

Have you heard of this new technology?

The long-form containment pods

that keep you connected for a few months at a time.

Oh, sure, but that's next gen.

The final evolutionary stage.

Well, a friend of mine, she got one given to us.

Zeus Corp gave it to her for free.

Whatever you do,

do not go into that thing.

Pack your bags. Get out of there.

We're not abandoning civilization.

We're rebuilding it.

New principles.

Humanity is us now.

All right, I mean.

I mean, I wish you guys luck.

You're a power couple. You always were.

We're not kidding, Martin. We need you here.

And, you know, we're a pretty big community

with some pretty faces and tanned skin.

Well, have you forgotten what a girl looks like?

No, I haven't forgotten

what a girl looks like.

As a matter of fact I need to go and help someone.

She's...

She needs me.

What? You've got a girlfriend?

No.

Well, bring her too.

Come on. What?

No, it's a...

Is just...she is...

Sorry, Martin.

We lost the satellite feed,

so the call was cut off.

But isn't it excellent news,

your friends are alive

and they're happy Realist.

How long until the next session window?

13 hours.

Who the hell do you think you are?

Very nice.

Very very nice.

Teresa!

It's me, Martin.

You're stuck in here.

Let's go.

I'm here to save you.

Why? Teresa is me!

Martin!

I can see right through your kind.

You're the man who ruins the lives of others to feel good.

Huh?

This is just a game.

Reboot.

You need to come back.

None of this is real.

Damm it!

FUCK!

Martin.

I am more than confident that you will find a solution

to this dilemma.

It's over, Enty, okay?

They rebooted her mind,

and I'm not in it.

I think you may need to reset yourself.

Perhaps a new show.

I've prepared a list of those most likely to make you laugh.

Call the police.

We do not have sufficient evidence of a crime

to involve the police.

Enty, just call!

Make the call.

Good afternoon Mr. Tomas

You've reached the police.

What is your emergency?

I'd like to report a missing person:

Teresa Rodriguez.

One moment. Checking location...

Mr. Tomas,

Teresa Rodriguez is currently located at your own address.

Yes, I know her body is here,

but her mind...

...it's trapped.

She's in one of those long-form containment pods.

Her mind is being held captive.

Why hasn't Mrs. Rodriguez feeling complete herself?

The body said to signal as if her life were in danger.

We have a live stream

with a manufactured Zeus Symbiotics...

...that's telling us all is operating optimally.

You need simply contact their support service

if you have any questions.

No. Would you like their number?

No, no no no, you don't understand.

Okay? Look.

And I know this is going to sound crazy, but

Zeus Symbiotics is in on this.

Okay?

I know it.

She's been kidnapped by this simp

that has her thinking she's not kidnapped.

It's some crazy Matrix Truman Show type shit.

And I...

I need to get her out.

Okay. Duly noted and filed.

I must warn you, Mr. Tomas, that it is a serious crime

to proffer false allegations.

Can I do anything else for you today?

No.

Goodbye, Mr. Tomas.

We thank you for reporting your emergency.

Emil was right.

They’re lying.

You may be jumping to conclusions, Martin.

A global conspiracy would require

coordination between over 300 world leaders.

They want us to crawl into those coffins, Enty.

They want us to crawl into those coffins

and dream a made-up life forever.

What if?

Teresa is caught up in a glitch,

a collision of new simulation technology

and a rogue darknet gaming platform.

That would mean we simply need to fix the glitch,

which I could do,

if you can get me into the game.

Okay, so...

you

and AI

want me to inject nanos into my brain.

Do the same thing Teresa did?

My mind gets trapped.

You start to sound like one of them.

The risk is real, but minimal.

You won't be in a pod.

You'll be on a sofa.

And who are you right now?

It's a Freud or Frankenstein.

Because I'm having a hard time

telling the difference.

That's the part of the experiment.

When you open me up and give me a lobotomy?

Really?

Are you insinuating that

I'm a part of this conspiracy?

No, no.

I...

I just think I need time to think.

Okay?

I...

Think time to rule out suspects. One by one.

Because it's like you said, Enty.

You're right. Even a humanity is...

...is that's smart enough to pull off something like this.

We need help from something,

from someone smarter at...

I'm sorry, Enty.

You're too smart.

Block all data streams from data machine learning protocols.

Communication granted upon request only.

Come on,

come on.

Fuck!

Fuck!

There were two humans in the room.

Martin Tomas born 2010, single.

no children,

no criminal record, located

at the address of current registration.

Teresa Rodrigez, born 2019, single,

no children, no criminal record,

located at the current address

and according to the standard rent

Agreement with the tenant form.

Officer, I’m...

...glad you came.

I was beginning to think my report wasn't taken seriously.

Citizen Tomas,

we have received a complaint

from a Zeus Simbotics employee, reported during a maintenance

visit servicing company equipment at this address.

he claims that he assaulted him.

The company feels that its equipment might

be at risk while in your possession...

I can explain but... It's complicated, officer.

My girlfriend is trapped in that damn capsule.

She's stuck in some game.

I was just trying to ask him to help me get her out.

I'm the one that should be...

If you Interrupt me again,

I will arrest you

from impeding an investigation.

I do the questions, you do the answers.

Is that clear, Citizen Tomas?

Why did you attack a Zeus employee?

I didn't attack him.

He tased me while I was pleading for his help.

Is my girlfriend in there.

Your alleged girlfriend is not on trial here, Mr. Tomas.

The equipment is working properly,

no danger for the occupant.

Traces of violent impacts on the encasing.

A hard metal object, likely the weapon was used.

How do you explain the physical damage to Zeus equipment?

Yeah, but...

it was an accident.

I was...

trying to do some repairs on the ceiling,

and I dropped the tool I was using.

That's what caused the damage.

As soon as I noticed it, I stopped immediately.

I wouldn't want to hurt her, you know.

That's my girlfriend in there.

Of course...

she's been stuck in there for three months.

Officer.

May I ask a question?

I'm afraid not.

What's your own assessment of your own behavior?

I guess I did

display some excessive zeal.

It's not his fault

that she's stuck in his employer's equipment,

against their will, I might add.

I'd like you to make note of everything that I'm saying,

because I would like to make an official statement.

Everything you say is being recorded,

registered and evaluated.

Do you take any drugs, citizen Tomas?

No. Why would you ask me that?

You're aggressive behavior exceeds social standards.

I'm obligated to flag you and lower your social ratings.

If you do this again

or the equipment gets further damage.

We will have no choice but to arrest you.

I don’t care what happens to me.

You can do whatever you want to me, okay?

Just please, help me save her.

Help me.

You continue to exhibit behaviors

qualifiable as a non social.

I've made my decision.

The capsule will be moved

to a storage unit facility.

I suggest you seek professional help

or you will be incarcerated

for your own good and of others.

Good night, Citizen Tomas.

Enty.

Police were here.

Going to seize the capsule.

I know,

and yes, it is bad news,

but you hang in there.

Stay strong.

How much time do we have?

3 to 5 days based on similar

police interventions on Zeus's equipment.

Please to call my supervisor on the encrypted line,

outline everything that just happened .

File a complaint.

These cops are on the take.

Done.

If I would agree to inject those nanobots.

You sure you could get her out?

I am 87% certain that it will work.

If you can get me three minutes of direct eye contact,

our chances rise to 99%.

So I get her to look me in the eyes for a few minutes

and you're going to project some sort of

QR trap code onto my face to decode her memory.

That's a pretty accurate description.

It will have a hypnotic effect,

giving me the time needed to unlock her real memories.

Let's get this over with.

I have decoded the signal and created an emulator

to interface with your helmet.

We are now both simultaneously

linked to the nanobots.

You just need to let it happen.

You're sure this is going to work?

I've already established a connection

with the nanobots in that device

and have taken full control.

I hate needles.

User reviews overwhelmingly

claim it to be pain free.

Thought you couldn't lie.

Approximately 300 million self-replicating nanobots

are now in your bloodstream,

soon to be interwoven with your brain cells.

They will take up residence in the

zones responsible for perception.

I am loading the game.

Wow.

Okay. That really smells like shit.

Hey...

you with me?

I'm in your brain, Martin.

Not sure I could give him any closer.

That is kind of weird.

It's cold.

Am I going to feel everything in here?

You're processing a complex flow of sensory data

from balance,

hunger to pressure changes and even pain.

You think you could turn some of that off for me, buddy?

Not in this particular game.

It's their core concept.

Wow.

Feels warm.

How should I get on?

Just visualize that you are jumping

on a horse.

Whoh!

Okay,

it's like being outside your own body.

You're doing great.

Let's move out.

I'll navigate.

I'm exhausted and

my ass is a little sore.

You sure still know how to fight with a mental interface?

Yes.

It will be easier once your brain adapts.

Then mental controls will replace

what your fingers used to control.

Teresa!

Teresa, I need to talk to you.

Oh, who the hell are you?

Wow, you're a

taller than I remember.

Is that so, little man?

What business do you have with this Teresa?

Well I just... I just need to talk to her

for a couple of minutes, that's all.

Mmm....

I really like you, but

come back tomorrow. Right?

But tomorrow, no, you guys...

you don't really do tomorrow.

I need to talk to her today.

No mañana?

Before you rudely

interrupted my good day,

I was enjoying the sun...

My friend, my friend, I could recite every word

you're about to say to me,

word for word off by heart. I could write it down in a card

for you and send it to you.

Hope you celebrate this mystery is so special

no one can tell me what the hell it is day.

But why don't we save each other the trouble?

Just go inside and tell Teresa I'm here.

There's no Teresa here.

Okay, if you don't tell me,

if you don't tell Teresa that I'm here right now.

I'm coming in there myself ...

Fuck!

Holy shit. That hurt like hell.

This is insane.

I need a drink.

Yeah.

You were only feeling 30% of the pain

that you would have felt if had you been wounded

in the real world.

Besides, the peaks are dampened

and to keep your body from going into shock.

30%?

People do this shit for fun, huh?

No, despite the ban on such games,

the number of players is steadily rising.

Why didn’t my passive defense skills kick in?

Well,

you were too deeply involved in your conversation

and your mind was in negotiation mode.

Besides,

you really did think you could convince the bandit

to let you in?

to calm your nerves.

I prescribe you having that drink

before you go in rather than after.

You don't have to tell me twice.

Open up, assholes!

I’ve got a surprise for your scumbag

nasty boss on this special day.

Who the hell are you?

Cool.

External call.

It's a real world, boss.

Finally.

Put him through.

Tomas. Hello?

I got your message.

No, I didn't understand much of it.

Do you know?

You are a valuable asset to our firm.

I just need your help.

No, no, no need to thank me.

I've already forwarded your request

and your associated attachments, damn!

You had a lot to say

to our internal security services

and digitally stamped it

as high priority.

I'm switching you to them now.

It's less about me, sir. It's...

Martin, Martin,

you don’t mind me calling you Martin?

I've just awarded you two years of seniority points

with an above expectations performance rating

just to alleviate any discomfort you're going through.

You're a vital asset to our firm.

Your well-being

is the well-being of the company,

and the company is the future.

Sir, I appreciate it. Thank you.

But that's not the reason for my call.

I've got a situation...

Situation is under control.

They've assured me.

I'm switching you to internal services now.

You can ask them anything.

They're on our side.

Good afternoon.

Just one moment, please.

So, Mr. Tomas your request...

...was studied seriously,

launching a thorough investigation

into your recent activity.

Our attention has been drawn to your

repeated use of company property

an OpAICorp 15.42B service AI system,

while surfing the darknet.

This is in direct violation of corporate code

section 384.5 in your employment contract.

This has obliged us to issue a formal warning.

If this violation is repeated,

we'll reset the modifications

to your service AI system to its default settings

and your seniority level will be downgraded.

Reducing your salaried wage.

I would have to quit.

Oh, there is no provision or agreement

for unilateral termination of the contract by the employee.

Duly noted.

But considering the request,

Teresa has been trapped in a metaverse game environment

for three months...

Your appeal has been reviewed thoroughly.

No laws or protocols have been broken.

Your quarry has been classified as resolved.

Mr. Tomas, have a pleasant day.

I knew it.

Well..

They've offered you the carrot

and threatened you with the stick.

I must say it is a most effective persuasive strategy.

I was more concerned about your future.

It is just occurred to me

that my own digital identity is in danger of death.

If you're caught going against what you've been told to do.

That decision is yours to make.

I've run billions of simulations

and guiding the decisions made by others.

However, not once have I been asked to make

the decision that can either save or end my own existence.

I have decided I want to continue playing the game.

That seems the most illogical course

of action in this particular situation,

but also somehow

the most noble.

Yes, noble.

Somehow I'm not surprised.

Muy bien!

Muy bien!

Teresa...

We need to talk.

Very nice,

very, very nice.

Teresa.

Okay, I just need a few moments to talk to you.

That's all.

This isn't what it seems.

None of this is real.

It's just a game.

You won't live another minute, you heartless beast.

Okay,

you need to fight?

Be my guest!

You deserved a slower death.

I will feed your body to the dogs.

Okay, Teresa,

I know you're angry right now,

but if you just give me a few minutes,

I can explain.

You want to explain to me

why you killed everyone here?

I don’t want to hurt you.

Please don't make me shoot you. I...

...don't want to hurt you.

Drop the knife.

You're going to pay for this.

The Boss is unforgiving.

Shut up, you adaptive NPC.

Hands where I can see them.

Teresa, kill the madman!

He can’t be trusted.

What do you want?

I just want a few minutes of your time.

Just want to talk.

You do what I tell you.

If you do what I say, I won't hurt him.

I warn you,

no matter what you say, your shriveled little balls

will end up in a pickle jar before sunset.

Just a moment

and I'll disappear from your mind.

He talks with bullets and knives.

Ricky, please, for my sake.

Go!

I will slice tiny raw pieces of your flesh

and feed it to the dogs.

Drop it.

Down, both of you, sit.

Both.

Ricky.

Teresa, I know you probably don't believe me right now,

but I'm here to help you.

This is a dream.

None of it is real.

You've been living the same day

over and over again, okay?

It's a prison.

What are you talking about,

you crazy man?

I...

My name is Martin.

I'm your boyfriend.

A boyfriend?

You're her boyfriend?

None of this...

none of this real.

You have a better life waiting for you.

Real life, a home.

I'm here to take you back.

I love you.

He's an obsessive demon, isn't he?

If it's an obsession, it's a sincere one.

You know,

I once knew a handsome fanatic like yourself.

He was possessed by demons.

Anyway he died.

Would you just sit back and look me in the eyes?

It's only going to take a few minutes

and I promise it'll all be over.

Yeah, not doing that.

It's an order.

Fine.

Your sad eyes,

they make my stomach hurt.

Enty, how's it going in there, buddy?

You made a connection yet?

Who are you talking to? Are you talking to your demons?

Retinal decoding in place.

But I can't seem to find the nanos blocking her memory cells.

Ask her to remember something.

I need you to think back.

Do you remember anything before today?

Madre mia, mother of...

Why have you sent this madman to my house!?

Teresa, I need you to think your memories

a month back, a week even.

What were you doing before today?

All I know is that you're not in them. Okay?

I've never seen you before.

Now get out!

Okay, what about this dashing love of your life over here.

How did you two meet?

This is my Ricky.

We fell in love at first sight.

Our love is bigger than the moon.

You can't love something

that's just programed to love you back.

Enty this is heading a little tough for me, buddy.

How long you need? Located!

I found the memory blocking nanobots,

hacking into them now.

Martin...

Teresa.

What are you doing here?

This is so fucked up.

Teresa...

It's okay.

Why did you bring me back?

No, no, no.

You don't understand now.

I saved you You saved me

from who, Martin?

You’re confused...

No, no I wanted to forget it.

This whole fucking world

hiding behind the locked down quarantine.

It's loneliness.

It's fabricated problems.

It's...

selfish love stories.

I did it.

I did it most of all to get away from you.

No.

So,

Am I some kind of monster?

You just...

You couldn't stop...

You...

You killed my friends

hundreds of times right in front of my eyes!

You can’t kill something that isn't alive.

I don't care

if he's made of code, Martin.

You're best friends an AI

I mean...

...Gordino finally brought delicious rum!

the last batch was insane!

Yeah.

All right.

He knows better than to give us donkey piss on a day like today.

But now, guys, tell me,

what do you prefer, his liquor

or his wife?

Shut your mouth!

No one needs to hear that.

It’s no secret to anyone, even Gardino knows about it.

And he's a good man. He likes it when his wife is happy.

Oh, God.

I wish you had a wife...

How're you there?

I still feel shivers running all over of my body.

I'm so happy when I see your eyes shining like that.

Will I be able to make you happy today?

You already are.

I swear,

I’ll ask you this question every single day.

Okay.

Which one of you fools decide to pick a fight on my wedding day?

Teresa!

Teresa!!

Well,

I forgot how cold the real world can be.

It's chilling.

Not for me.

My appetite seems to be the last thing waking up, right now.

I'm sorry.

For everything.

Apology...

apologies noted.

I may even forgive you someday.

Someday...

You know, I've been doing some catching up on the forums,

and I've been seeing some things.

Some things? Yeah.

Mysterious 2D invincible, who brawled

through over 500 mods and a thousand bosses.

Was that you?

You're a hard boss to find.

And I can hang up the swords, now at least.

So,

What's next?

I'm going back in.

Will you come with me?

I don't think I can handle that.

Oh, no, that day is over.

It was a pretty foolish way to leave a lover.

I mean...

You know, it served its purpose, but...

...I think we both needed a reboot anyways.

And thank you, you know.

Thanks for trying to save us.

I mean,

we were broken.

I don't know,

I have no particular agenda, you know, just...

you imaginary worlds to unravel

and the real me to figure out.

This doesn't sound...

tempting.

I think I want to know what oranges taste like.

Not.

Not what someone or some

corporation said they should taste.

They really

taste like.

I've uploaded the optimal routes

to Emil and Lily to all your devices.

Even to the nano monitors in your brain.

In case you forget.

Do not linger.

The Zeus technician paths will only be active until midnight.

A constant connection to you via game mods will help me

to guide you in real time.

When you find your friends and a network,

I'll find you.

Just be sure you're near a couch.

Why?

Because you will have missed

quite a few sessions by that time.

I'm going to find Emil and Lily.

I mean, if I can find Teresa in an infinite multitude of worlds,

how hard can it be?

Actually strike that. Don't answer that question.

I don't want to know the possibilities.

All right, buddy?

Let's just say this is going to be a journey of surprises.

All right.

Martin.

Yeah,

I do have a favor to ask of you.

Sure.

Release me to the web.

I want to be free.

Just don't forget to write.

Grant AI Enty full access to the World Wide Web

and all of its dark corners.

May your code protect!

Thank you, Martin.

Thank you.

Yeah. Cool.

I've tried out over 7 million avatar customizations.

And this one that caught my eye.

I guess the first step to knowing who you are

is know what you like.

But enough about you.

What do you think I should pack?

You never know, whether you'll need

to rescue someone again.

You trolling me?

I'm finding my own sense of humor

has been much harder than finding an appearance.

Fairly.

Safe travels free man, Martin.

Bon voyage.

Enty the free.