Evan was walking down the street when he suddenly heard a notification from his phone. When he took it out, he saw it was an SMS from Shawn.
Evan, a friend of mine from the Noctevore industry is opening a new venue with girls. He's heard about you and insists that he needs legendary human expertise. Ah… artists.
Evan sighed. This whole "legendary human" thing was exhausting. Everyone assumed he was a master of cuisine, sex, and gods knew what else. He didn't know whether it was worth it.
I'm not expecting you to do it for free. He'll pay you.
A concrete amount followed. Not a small one. There was also an offer of a small guys' night.
We could take Rufus. He'd finally get laid.
Evan felt awkward for a moment. He knew exactly what Rufus thought about that.
No reason to worry. The girls are vetted. Healthy, with up-to-date tests, and the venue itself is a green zone. So it's safe. Come as soon as you can.
Below that was a map with the address and notes on how to get there and where to enter.
Evan thought about it for a moment. Yes—this really was Shawn's style. And Rufus… at school people were already starting to get on his case, calling him the last untouched virgin in the entire school. If it was safe and healthy, maybe he should finally break through that barrier.
After a moment of deliberation, he made a decision. He was going.
First, however, he sent a confirmation that he was already on his way—and one more SMS.
After some time, he arrived at the location. The area was very elegant and luxurious. Plenty of expensive restaurants, cosmetic salons, branded stores, and other places that made him feel completely out of place.
Following the map, he walked into a courtyard behind the street. Here, he was genuinely surprised. It was large and immaculately maintained, and at its far end there was a sizable parking lot.
At first this surprised him, but then he figured the club needed parking. He remembered browsing websites of various go-go clubs back on Earth. Many of them proudly advertised having their own parking.
He walked up to the door and knocked. A peephole opened, and from behind the door came a grim voice.
"Entry only for members and invited guests."
Evan replied confidently.
"I was asked to meet with Mr. Noctevore. I'm here to perform an inspection."
"Evan Smith?"
"Yes, that's me."
The door opened. A large vulture in a suit stood behind it.
"Welcome, Mr. Smith. Please go straight ahead. Mr. Noctevore is waiting behind the bar."
Evan went down the stairs. Along the way, he passed a green-zone sign and heard the door close behind him. He was already looking around—if he was supposed to conduct an inspection, it made sense to observe everything from the entrance.
The lower parts of the walls were paneled with dark wood. He touched it. It felt like real solid wood, not stained plywood or particle board. Above it, burgundy wallpaper and carpeting—pleasant even to the touch. Wall sconces lined the walls.
When he entered the main hall, he was momentarily speechless. Dance stages with poles. Low but comfortable tables. Couches and armchairs of black leather with burgundy and gold accents. The sconces provided good lighting while preserving a certain dimness. He had to admit—the club was impressive.
At a modern bar stood a black-furred fox. Evan approached.
"Excuse me—Mr. Noctevore?"
The fox smiled at him and replied in a slightly theatrical tone.
"Indeed. I am Vermilion Noctevore. And you must be Evan Smith, correct?"
"Yes."
The fox began mixing a drink.
"Shawn told me about your problems with women. It's hard to live with legendary status."
"That's true."
The fox shook the shaker.
"How do you like the venue?"
Evan looked around once more and replied with genuine admiration.
"It's very elegant and luxurious."
The fox smiled.
"Our sponsor spared no expense."
He placed the drink in front of Evan.
"Drink, and then we'll go see the rooms and bathrooms."
Evan took a sip and detected a strange bitter note.
"And how does it taste? I'm testing a new infusion for drinks developed by my brother."
"Bitter. It disrupts the whole flavor."
The fox wrote down his feedback, and Evan finished the rest of the drink.
After a moment, they stood and went to see the rooms. All of them were equally luxurious. Large king-size beds. Tiled showers. Shelves full of toys. The sheer excess of luxury was making his head spin.
In the next room, he started to feel truly unwell. The dizziness intensified.
"What do you think—would this room appeal to your friend?"
Suddenly, Evan felt himself falling. Everything seemed distant, as if coming from far away.
The fox smiled.
"The agent is already working."
What agent? Evan didn't know what he meant. Noctevore began undressing him, and Evan couldn't resist. A moment later, he lay naked on the bed.
"He looks appetizing. No wonder our sponsor ordered him for tonight."
The fox took out his phone, looked at Evan, and shook his head.
"Not like this. This looks too cheap."
He positioned him. Took a photo. Then took several more before sending them.
Immediately, his phone rang. The ringtone sounded like a symphony orchestra.
"Yes, boss. The plan worked. Yes, we'll be on time with everything. You'll be here shortly. We're waiting."
He hung up and looked at Evan once more.
"Years of work—and today it finally worked. Thanks to this banquet, my brother and I will enter aristocratic circles."
He smiled with satisfaction as Evan lost the last remnants of consciousness.