In the city of Siksenbelt, a thriving agricultural hub on the continent of Shanfro, fresh vegetables and delectable dishes made from them are renowned. Among the city's specialties, soups and stews stand out, with Coral's Cauldron Shop's "Root Vegetable Pot-au-Feu" rumored to be the tastiest in town.
Tonight, on the second floor of Coral's Cauldron Shop, a private room hosts a discussion between Kyoju, the clan leader of the analysis-focused Library Clan, and Pepper & Pencilgon.
"Pepper-kun, you always exceed my expectations in the wildest ways. Running into that old man of all people…" Kyoju says, his sharp gaze laced with a dark aura, reminiscent of their encounter with Saiga-100. "I'll let it slide since you contacted me beforehand, but if something like last time happens again, it'll be a serious talk case, got it?"
Pepper sighs inwardly, sensing trouble brewing. "Honestly, Pencilgon, your talks always feel like my soul's being crushed. It's like being forced to chug kale juice mixed with stinkbug stench."
Pencilgon grimaces. "I didn't want to deal with this old man. He's the worst of the Library bunch—always digging into every little detail."
While Pencilgon looks openly disgusted, Kyoju beams with an opposite, cheerful grin. "Still… to think the infamous PK clan Ashurakai's No. 2, Wasteland Slayer Giantkilling, has such a promising junior. By the way, is he free? How about joining me to unravel the truth of the world?"
Kyoju casually tosses out a clan invitation, which neither Pencilgon nor Pepper miss.
"Kyoju-san, I'm not letting Pepper-kun join Library. We've got things to do together," Pencilgon declares, her voice edged with a dark aura.
"I'm flattered by the invite, but I made a promise to Pencilgon. Until it's fulfilled, I won't join any clan. If you still want me after that, I'll consider sitting down with you," Pepper adds, firmly rejecting the offer as he did with Saiga-100.
Kyoju chuckles, his eyes gleaming. "You've got a good look in your eyes, Pepper-kun. I think I understand why the leader of Clan Black Wolf, Vorfshvaltz, spoke so highly of you."
With a warm smile, Kyoju continues, "Let's make this a productive discussion." And with the gravelly voice of a magical girl, their meeting kicks off—a strategic battle of discretion to keep unique quests, scenarios, and the unique monster Gravekeeper Wezaemon under wraps.
Kyoju lays out his proposal. "I want to discuss the effects and mechanics of Lycaon's Curse Marking on others and monsters."
He explains, "You're the only known player affected by a unique monster's curse, Pepper-kun. The information you hold is incredibly rare and could significantly impact others who face similar curses."
The Library Clan's mission is to unravel the unknown, and Kyoju sees Pepper's curse as key. "In exchange for details about your curse, we'll share information on the Seven Strongest Species. Only what's confirmed, of course. Deal?"
"Seven Strongest Species?" Pepper asks.
"Yes. Our research and other players confirmed there are seven unique monsters, hence the name. Knowing their identities gives you an edge—preparation for potential encounters."
Pepper glances at Pencilgon, seeking her input. She nods. "Sounds good. Tell him what you've experienced, Pepper-kun."
Pepper places his curse-marked right hand on the table. "Monsters weaker than my level—currently 30—flee from me in combat zones, making leveling a hassle. Even with my Traveler's Cloak, NPCs sense something off and avoid normal conversation. Though, the blacksmith in Secandil and Lex from Enhance Trading were exceptions—one talked normally, the other was overly enthusiastic."
Kyoju listens intently, absorbing every word. Pepper continues, "The curse doesn't affect inorganic or blind monsters. At the Ancient Iron Ruins, Suppressed Drones attacked me despite the curse. For leveling, drone or golem-type monsters are best. Area bosses seem immune, likely due to their gatekeeper nature, and I suspect resistance to debuffs or curses, but I haven't tested that fully."
Pepper exhales, finished. Kyoju smiles, satisfied. "Valuable intel. Firsthand accounts trump NPC rumors." He leans forward. "As promised, here's what we know about the Seven Strongest Species."
Kyoju begins. "First, Night Raid Lycaon, the black wolf you fought and received the curse from. It roams Shanfro at night, a random encounter with high visibility, making it the most well-known unique monster. Recent reports suggest it's female, but that's unconfirmed."
Pepper recalls his trump card—a fatal dagger etched with Lycaon's afterglow, capable of guaranteed summoning—a secret tied to both Lycaon and the hidden Gravekeeper Wezaemon.
"Next, Sky Tyrant Ziekvurm, a golden dragon, also a random encounter but airborne, making it hard to fight. Two months ago, a player found it resting at the peak of the Celestial Sanctuary, one of its lairs. It speaks human language and seeks a hero to surpass it."
Pepper connects this to a golden dragon he'd read about online, noting its "hero-seeking" nature as a noble contrast to the scheming Pencilgon beside him.
"Finally, Abyssal Kutanid, spotted in Fiftysia's backstreets via a crazed NPC's ramblings. A giant black octopus lurking in the sea, but details are scarcer than Lycaon or Ziekvurm."
Lycaon, Ziekvurm, Kutanid, and the hidden Wezaemon—four of the seven revealed. A question nags at Pepper: could Viceash, the imposing leader of the Vorpal Bunny in Rabbits' Grand Palace, be one of the undisclosed Strongest Species?
Kyoju adds, "Your curse and battle with Lycaon make you a prime asset—both as a fighter and an information source." He opens a screen, sending Pepper a friend request. "If you learn more about the curse, contact me. I'll share useful info in return."
Pencilgon glares, her gestures screaming absolutely not. Pepper hesitates. "Kyoju-san's intentions are unclear, but I think he's trustworthy."
Pencilgon pouts. "You don't trust me, Pepper-kun? Big sis is hurt."
"That's not it," Pepper groans, torn. Despite her devious nature, Pencilgon always follows through, delivering astonishing results. "I do trust you. Your schemes are unmatched, and you always surprise me in the end."
Blushing, he scratches his head. Pencilgon's eyes gleam, her cheeks flushed as she playfully slaps his back. "Pepper-kun! You're too cute!"
Kyoju chuckles. "I've seen something special today. I'll leave you two to it. Think about the friend request and decide later." With a wave, he exits.
Pencilgon teases relentlessly, leaving Pepper red-faced and mortified as they leave Coral's Cauldron Shop. "You thought of me like that, A-kun? Big sis is thrilled!"
"Ugh, ultimate humiliation!" Pepper groans, hurrying through the alley, desperate to log out.
Pencilgon stops him. "Two days from now, at Snake's Apple. See you then."
Her waving figure, lit by the sunset, reminds Pepper of a childhood friend, Towa, promising to play again. "Yeah, see you, Towa," he replies, waving back.
The lingering haze in his heart eases slightly. Vowing to surprise Pencilgon at their next leveling session with his new Expyte Warleg gear, Pepper logs out, ending the day in Shanfro.
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