Global Society for Monster Research
Slated to receive an award for his thesis on coexisting with monsters, Will attends a ceremony only to find his award has been rescinded for being unethical. He engages in a heated debate with Dr. Plebius, the man responsible for the revocation, which sets off a storm of discussions between other attendees. Happy with the dialogue his paper has triggered, Will leaves feeling content.
It's a peaceful afternoon on the Grandcypher.
And on the deck, a man wipes away the sleep from his eyes as he stares out at the blue sky.
His name is Will, the eccentric monster enthusiast and researcher who longs to be loved by the very subject of his fascination.
Will: Mnnn...
Will: All right, that's all for now... Now to check the figures.
Will: This measurement error is gonna be an issue... Maybe I should ask (Captain) to get me a new microscope.
Vyrn: Ah, there you are!
Lyria: Hey, Will! Congratulations on the big achievement!
Will: Hello, friends. And thanks.
Vyrn: We owe you an apology. To be honest, we thought you were just a straight up weirdo!
Lyria: You really are the pride and joy of our entire crew! We should organize a party to celebrate your awesome accomplishment!
Will: You think so? Well, now I'm kinda embarrassed.
Will: So, what exactly would we be celebrating?
Vyrn: Huh? Didn't you just thank us for congratulating you?
Will: Your smile was so charming, I couldn't help but respond in kind. Is today my birthday or something?
Lyria: No, we're talking about the award ceremony! You won the Best Thesis Award from the Global Society for Monster Research, didn't you?
The Global Society for Monster Research, or GSMR for short, is an esteemed academic organization whose membership is comprised of numerous monster researchers.
In addition to actively sharing, developing, and promoting scholarship about monsters...
The GSMR holds an annual award ceremony to honor exceptional research efforts. Awards are determined based on a review led by an executive committee.
The Best Thesis Award is the most sought-after accolade that a monster researcher can receive.
Will: Oh... That.
Vyrn: What do you mean "that"? It's a pretty major award, isn't it?
Will: It seems an article I just so happened to write for a magazine was worthy enough to catch the committee's attention.
Will: Anyway, the subject of my research was none other than my dear Mr. Prowrs.
Will: I've been gathering data on the fascinating life-form as it lives in my room.
Will: I live such a charmed life. Living with a monster that can coexist with people really is a dream come true...
Lyria: Um, Will? That's nice about Mr. Prowrs and all, but... aren't you happy you won an award?
Will: Hm? You want to know how I feel about the award? Hmm, I'm not sure...
Will: ...
Will: Well... I suppose I do feel something.
Will: I'm happy my paper has been read by the wider public and has contributed to the advancement of monster research. And I'm also glad it brought you all some joy.
Will: That's all.
Vyrn: Hehe! See, I knew you were at least a teensy bit happy! You're gonna go to the ceremony right?
Will: Sure, why not. Nothing makes it easier to acquire research equipment, staff, and other resources than building a good reputation.
Lyria: That's a good reason to go. Would you mind if we went with you?
Will: Of course not. But it'll probably be boring. Best we just make it a quick trip; go in and go right back out.
It's the day of the award ceremony, and the venue is packed with researchers.
As the crew make their way in, their brains are jumbled by the storm of difficult terminology their ears pick up here and there.
Vyrn: Yeesh... Look at all of these smart-looking people. I'm hearing a lot of big brain conversations going on.
Will: Indeed. Friends, associates, and guests of GSMR members are likely in attendance. Probably researchers from adjacent fields as well.
Lyria: I'm getting nervous... Say, the ceremony's about to start soon, right? Will you be saying a few words up on stage?
Will: To be honest, I don't know. I'm not a GSMR member and it's my first time attending this kind of thing.
Will: I'll just say whatever the other recipients are saying.
Vyrn: Whoa, c'mon... You should at least find out if you'll be speaking or not.
Vyrn: Hey, excuse me!
Ceremony Staff: Hello there. How may I help you?
Lyria: Do you know if the awardees will be speaking at this ceremony?
Ceremony Staff: They certainly will. Each recipient will be saying a few words. Just a couple of minutes per person.
Vyrn: I knew it! You better start thinking of what to say, Will!
Ceremony Staff: Will? Mr. Will from the Grandcypher?
Lyria: Wow! You're already so famous! But I guess everyone would know the recipient of the Best Thesis Award!
Ceremony Staff: ...
Ceremony Staff: Um... I just received a message from another member of the staff about the ceremony and...
Ceremony Staff: My apologies, but... I'm afraid Mr. Will is not going to be receiving an award.
Vyrn: Huh? What do you mean he's not getting an award? You better start explaining yourself and quick!
Ceremony Staff: I, um... Unfortunately, I'm not certain as to why. All I've been told is that there will be no recipient of the Best Thesis—
???: Allow me to explain.
Lyria: Huh? Who are you?
???: You're Will, correct? I've heard much about your... unconventional research activities. I understand you're quite eccentric.
Will: Thank you. I'm shocked a scholar as renowned as yourself is even aware of my activities, Dr. Plebius.
Vyrn: Doctor?
Will: Dr. Plebius is a leading expert in monster studies. He's as well-known as a mentor as he is a researcher. He has plenty of students in the field.
Will: And in the GSMR.
Lyria: So is he...
Plebius: Yes. I am the reason Will's award has been rescinded.
Vyrn: You little... Why would you do that?
Plebius: Three words—ethics in research.
Lyria: Ethics in research?
Plebius: I read your thesis, Will, and I must say... it was well-written.
Plebius: However, the subject matter is far too risky.
Plebius: Calling for people to show respect to monsters? Toying with the idea of the two coexisting?
Plebius: If I may ask, what would happen if the general public learned of your thesis and got hurt attempting to approach monsters?
Vyrn: Y-you're not expecting him to have all the answers, are you?
Lyria: D-Dr. Plebius, Will works hard everyday researching mon—
Plebius: Studiousness is not the issue. Contemporary researchers are so focused on being sensational, they've completely forgotten about the tenets of good scholarship.
Plebius: Is that satisfactory enough of an explanation? Or do you have an objection?
Will: More research data.
Plebius: What?
Will: I'm answering your previous inquiry. If the public were to approach monsters based on my thesis, we'd be able to collect important data.
Will: Any other questions?
Plebius: ...
Vyrn: Yikes... A weird answer for a weird guy.
Lyria: Oh boy... You're just kidding, right, Will?
Will: Hm, if I remember correctly, your research philosophy is diametrically opposed to mine.
Will: You research monsters to ensure their swift extermination.
Will: If my thesis received recognition, that would put you in an awfully difficult position, wouldn't it?
Plebius: Watch what you say, rookie. Lest you find yourself with even less influence than you already have.
Will: Interesting. If I lack such sway, then my thesis should have no impact on the public, correct?
Ceremony Staff: S-sorry to interrupt, but... the ceremony is about to begin. If you could please take your seats...
Curious Researcher: Ethics in research... I remember being indifferent toward the concept in my younger days.
Probing Researcher: Many innovative findings are made during a researcher's youth. I think it would be fair to say a bit of risk-taking is necessary in scholarly pursuits, wouldn't you?
At some point, the room fell silent, and researchers began to listen closely to the heated exchange between the distinguished expert and the brilliant outsider.
Plebius: Listen, monsters have become attached to people in the past, that much is true. But that behavior has been shown to be temporary.
Plebius: The kindness you show toward monsters will do nothing but bring harm to society.
Will: Did I hear you correctly? Kindness?
Will: What a repugnant word. A testament to people's arrogance.
Will: Dogs, cats, every manner of animal and monster fight to survive. Why is it that only monsters are perceived as threats?
Plebius: Why else? Monsters deliberately harm people.
Will: I'm sure you're aware of mortality statistics, yes? It's known that the biggest threat to people is mosquitoes. Next in line... is ourselves.
Plebius: Ngh...
Will: Throngs of people die in wars perpetrated by their own species. But there are souls out there that work tirelessly to prevent such loss.
Will: The same kind of coexistence is possible between people and monsters, I know it.
Plebius: Idealistic nonsense will never—
Will: And what an honor it is to be idealistic. As a researcher, I always strive to be pure in my approach.
Ceremony Staff: Excuse me, everyone... Again, pardon the interruption, but it's time for the award ceremony...
Will and Plebius's heated debate lights a fire in the room.
The quiet from before is replaced by rousing chatter as monster researchers in the room engage in spirited discussions.
Will: So, (Captain), now that my award has been called off, what say we return to the ship?
Vyrn: Are you sure you wanna just leave? Without so much as protesting?
Will: I'm positive. A good thesis paper poses questions that stimulate discussions about the reality we live. It's not always about solving problems.
Will: Observe. Researchers all around us are debating as we speak. My paper has achieved exactly what I hoped it would.
Lyria: I think I get it now. Well, I don't know what else to say but well done, Will!
Will: Hehe, thank you, Lyria. There's nothing more rewarding to a researcher than to hear they've done a good job.
Though a cloud of professional drama mires Will's rescinded accolade, his heart and mind are as clear as ever.
Satisfied with how he stood up for himself, the eccentric monster researcher and the rest of the crew leave contentedly for the ship.
The Food Chain
Dr. Plebius and his student arrive on a distant island after receiving a request to exterminate a monster from a landowner hoping to develop the area. After determining that the monster is a serpentine, Dr. Plebius promises that he will take care of it without having to fight.
Somewhere on a distant island...
Large piles of construction materials occupy several tracts of land in an otherwise tranquil and natural scene.
Plebius's Student: A warm climate and lush greenery. I can't think of a better place to build.
Landowner: My thoughts exactly. Add the clear stream and hot springs nearby, and you've got the perfect spot for a recreation and wellness facility.
Plebius's Student: That you do! Thinking of having barbecues in the summer and opening the hot springs in the winter, I take it?
Landowner: Most definitely. The area's well serviced, so there'll likely be a good flow of visitors coming in. I'm hoping to get construction going as soon as possible.
Plebius: Hm... No pests or dangerous animals around either, as far as I can tell.
Plebius: Well, except for that one you mentioned.
Landowner: Yes... I'd be good to go if I could just take care of that monster...
Landowner: Every team of skyfarers I've asked so far has fallen flat on their face trying to get rid of it.
Landowner: Certainly doesn't help that the damn thing is as clever as it is strong. I'm afraid only a true expert could bring it down.
Plebius: Right. An ordinary fighter wouldn't stand a chance.
Plebius: From what you've told me, I suspect the monster's a serpentine, which would explain why it's still a menace.
Plebius's Student: A serpentine!
Plebius: It's an incredibly observant beast. It seems to be aware that people are reluctant to engage in battle at a site destined to become a recreational facility.
Landowner: Then what do you suggest I do?
Plebius: Exterminate it without fighting, of course.
Landowner: Without fighting? How?
Plebius: My research has prepared me for occasions such as this.
Plebius: Not to worry. I will take care of it in the coming days, you have my word.
The Food Chain: Scene 2
As Will chases Vyrn around to get a sample of his saliva, Dr. Plebius's student approaches the Grandcypher with a request from the doctor himself. Though unable to discuss the details, the student asks for the crew's help, and Will gladly obliges.
A few days have passed since Dr. Plebius landed on the distant island.
Vyrn: Aaaaah!
Will: Wait, Vyrn! All I need is a teeny tiny sample!
Vyrn: The only place my spit belongs is in my mouth! What the heck do you want with it anyway?
Will: I just bought a high-quality microscope, and I wanted to test it out by examining your saliva.
Will: Here, just take this swab and roll it around in your mouth. Nothing to be afraid of.
Vyrn: Nothing my tail! The fear kicked in the moment you asked for my spit!
Vyrn: I'm never gonna...
Vyrn: Hm? What's going on? I think that small ship is closing in on us.
Will: They're asking for permission to land on the deck. Who knows, they could have an emergency request for us.
Vyrn: Right! I'll go tell (Captain)!
Lyria: Dr. Plebius has a request for us?
Plebius's Student: Yes... But perhaps "request" isn't the right word. He has something he wants to discuss.
Vyrn: Oh, now he wants something from us? After he basically took away Will's award?
Plebius's Student: Right... Well, from what I understand, the talk he wants to have is tangentially related.
Will: Hmm?
Plebius's Student: In any case, I need you to come with me to see Dr. Plebius. And please, keep it under your hat, all right?
Lyria: You want us to go in secret? What exactly happened?
Plebius's Student: Um... See, uh... Just come with me. He said he'll explain everything.
Vyrn: What? So you won't tell us anything about his request? Anything else you wanna be vague about?
Plebius's Student: I'm sorry, but... All I can say is that this is a matter we're fairly certain only you all can handle.
Plebius's Student: Please, we need your help!
Vyrn: So, what'll it be? We'll leave the decision up to you, Will. Right, (Captain)?
Will: Fine with me.
Plebius's Student: Oh!
Lyria: Are you sure? The last conversation you two had wasn't exactly pleasant...
Will: Hehe... Who are we to turn down such a special invitation? I look forward to hearing more of the doctor's distinguished insights.
Plebius's Student: Thank you so much! Just follow my ship. I'll take you there!
The Food Chain: Scene 3
Dr. Plebius explains to the crew that he exterminated the serpentine, but triggered an outbreak of monsters as a result. He offers Will the award that he rescinded in exchange for keeping his failure a secret. Will refuses and vows to warn the public about the situation instead, impressing the crew by prioritizing spreading knowledge over improving his own reputation.
Guided by a small ship piloted by Dr. Plebius's student, the crew arrives at a distant island.
As soon as they dock, they immediately find the island is teeming with monsters—a veritable den of beasts.
Vyrn: Whoa, what in the skies... There's so many monsters, you'd think they own the place!
Lyria: What's going on here? Where's Dr. Plebius?
Plebius's Student: Over here! He's holed up in this cave with the others!
Vyrn: Gotcha! First things first, let's meet up with the ol' doctor!
Will: Is this just an abnormal surge in monsters? Maybe a coincidental overlap in breeding periods?
Will: From what I can tell, most of these monsters are fully grown...
Will: I wonder...
Lyria: Will! This way, hurry!
Will: Hm? Ah, right, sorry about that.
Plebius's Student: Dr. Plebius!
Plebius: Ah, you've returned!
Vyrn: Pant, pant... You called, so we came. Mind telling us what the heck's going on?
Plebius: Good... I'm glad you could all make it.
Plebius: Will, I... I haven't seen you since the award ceremony... Listen, I—
Will: We can skip the pleasantries. Explain to us what's happening out there.
Plebius: Right...
Plebius: A few days ago, this island was nothing but peaceful—an ideal place to build a recreation and wellness facility.
Plebius: There was just one issue—the island's lone serpentine.
Lyria: Serpentine?
Plebius: It's an incredibly violent monster of immense size. I was tasked with exterminating it.
Plebius: By observing and taking advantage of its habits, I got the job done by poisoning it with a special concoction.
Plebius: Or... at least I thought I did.
Will: ...
Plebius's Student: The day after that, small monsters began appearing seemingly out of nowhere.
Plebius's Student: The fertility of the island makes it an ideal breeding ground. In almost no time at all, their population exploded, and we haven't been able to do a thing about it.
Plebius: Which is why we called you, to ask for...
Plebius: ...
Plebius's Student: Dr. Plebius...
Plebius: It's fine...
Plebius: To, um... To ask for help, Will. From you and your friends.
Plebius: Rest assured, you will be compensated for your assistance! At the next GSMR conference, I will be sure to grant you the Best Thesis Award.
Plebius: In return... I ask you to keep this um, unfortunate situation... a secret.
Will: To protect your reputation, I presume? A renowned researcher causing a monster outbreak wouldn't go over well with the community, now would it?
Vyrn: You're offering Will an award in exchange for covering up your own failure? What a load of dung.
Plebius: Please, I... I have a reputation to uphold...
Plebius: Look! I have the confirmation papers for the award right here! I will keep my end of the bargain, I swear to you!
Will: ...
Plebius: Why!
Lyria: Oh my gosh, did he really just rip up the paperwork for the award?
Will: It's not a serpentine.
Plebius: What?
Will: The monster on this island only looked like a serpentine—when in fact it was an eliserpentine.
Will: It's a monster known for being fiercely territorial.
Will: Up until now, the small monsters you see flying around were hiding out of sight because they were afraid of the eliserpentine.
Will: That is, until you killed it. I reckon we've found what's causing your outsized monster problem.
Plebius: So you're saying all of this is my doing?
Will: My analysis isn't meant to point fingers. However, I think it's best that we disclose this incident to the public to warn them of the potential danger.
Will: Lucky for you, that outcome lines up perfectly with your research philosophy. Unless you've changed your mind about destroying all monsters?
Plebius: ...
Vyrn: Aaaaah!
Will: Wait, Vyrn! All I need is an itty-bitty sample!
Vyrn: You'll get nothing and like it! Why do you need my skin anyway?
Lyria: Ahaha... There they go again.
Lyria: Will never ceases to amaze me. I can't believe he'd turn his nose at receiving an award just to raise the public's awareness.
- He's a scholar among scholars.
- He's not interested in reputation.
- But he's still a weirdo.
Choose: He's a scholar among scholars.Lyria: I think so too! He can be an oddball at times, but there's not a doubt in my mind that he's an amazing researcher!
Choose: He's not interested in reputation.Lyria: That's another thing that puts him above the rest. He's willing to give up what everyone else in his field would die to have.
Choose: But he's still a weirdo.Lyria: Ahaha. Well, at least there's never a dull moment when he's around!
Continue 1Watching Will assert himself and his principles as a researcher has changed the crew's perception of him for the better.
And with this newfound appreciation for the monster-loving researcher, the crew continue forth on their curious and chaotic adventure.
