Black Market Meat Investigation

Lore & Background

In this world, carnivores are legally required to consume synthetic meat to prevent violence against herbivores. However, a black market thrives for those who crave real flesh, driven by deep-seated biological urges that cannot be fully suppressed by technology. This trade operates in the shadows of legitimate businesses, often disguised as food distribution or private clubs. The investigation into this network reveals how deeply entrenched corruption is within the animal hierarchy. It highlights the desperation of some predators to satisfy their hunger and the complicity of others who profit from it without facing consequences. The existence of this market proves that social engineering alone cannot solve evolutionary instincts, creating a constant threat to public safety. Furthermore, the pursuit of these dealers forces characters like Legoshi to grapple with their own nature as carnivores. It questions whether true coexistence is possible when the fundamental food chain remains a source of temptation and crime. The lore surrounding this arc emphasizes that fear of being caught does not eliminate the desire for forbidden meat.

In Their Own Story

Rain slicked the cobblestones of the alley, reflecting the neon glow of a nearby sign. Legoshi adjusted his collar, ears twitching at every distant footstep. In his paw, he held a sealed package, the scent faint but undeniable beneath the smell of wet concrete and ozone. It was not synthetic. It smelled like truth, and it smelled like sin.

Reader's Guide

The investigation begins when suspicious meat is discovered during routine checks, hinting at illegal consumption of herbivores by carnivores despite strict laws. Legoshi joins forces with Detective Gouhin to trace the source through underground channels in the city. They uncover a network supplying forbidden flesh to those who cannot resist their primal instincts. Key figures like Jack are eventually implicated as suppliers, revealing how deep the corruption runs within seemingly respectable society and academies. Louis also harbors knowledge of these transactions, adding significant tension to his complex relationship with Legoshi regarding trust. The probe exposes the fragility of coexistence laws when natural urges clash directly with social norms established by the government. Ultimately, this inquiry forces characters to confront their own desires and the systemic hypocrisy often protecting predators from scrutiny. While specific arrests occur during the climax, the underlying issue remains a dark shadow over the world. This arc cements the high stakes for future conflicts regarding meat consumption, justice, and the true nature of beast society.

Did You Know?

• Synthetic meat is the legal standard designed to prevent carnivores from eating herbivores.
• Detective Gohin acts as a liaison between police forces and academy students during probes.
• Louis, a central protagonist in this arc, is captured by the Shishigumi under Gosha's command but survives; his fatal sacrifice occurs much later in the Assassination Arc.
• The trade highlights societal inequality and fear between different species in the world.