Chapter 238: Information Cross Counter

Our demands are simple and clear: we want them to side with us during the impending clash with Black Wolf... That's it.
On the second floor of a rather pricey inn that also serves as a save point—a place the leader of the Library described as perfect for secret conversations—I faced off against the fake magical girl, The Professor.

『We came from the sky. The sky is our domain... God does not reside in the heavens. God is—』 Click.

I cut the video off right there. Trial versions only exert their true effect when you abruptly cut them off right at the point where the viewer thinks, "I want to see more!" If you want to know what happens next... well, that's what this means.

"...I see. It seems you people... no, you possess more information than we anticipated."

Ah, I hate this, I really hate this. No matter how you slice it, this fake magical girl is the exact same type of person as Pencilgon.
A schemer type down to the core who can move people using nothing but their mouth. They aren't the type to defraud you like a scammer, but rather the type of fast-talker who secures a larger cut for themselves while smoothly convincing both sides to agree to the deal.

"I understand your demands perfectly well. But you realize that it would be far more convenient for us if 'Black Wolf' forced you to disclose all the information you are hiding, don't you? Furthermore, the fact that you obtained this information means there is a possibility that someone else, whom we have yet to see, might discover it in the exact same way in the future... Am I wrong?"

Both Pencilgon and I anticipated the flow of the conversation up to this point. Library is a lore-hunting clan. While they do sometimes search for information themselves, they primarily conduct their investigations based on information brought back by front-line players... In other words, by their very nature, they are the type to walk at the very back of the pack.

If that's the case, it's a much better deal for them to receive all of our hidden information after "Black Wolf" forces us to disclose it, rather than accepting our conditions. To begin with, taking the long way around, someone else might walk the same path I did further down the line and obtain the same information. And it might be cheaper to get the information from them rather than from us, who come with unnecessarily heavy demands.

Pencilgon had said this:

"That old man is constantly on the receiving end of information, so he's skilled at haggling. He'll probably casually high-ball us while fully grasping our situation, so we're going to reel him in by raising the stakes right back at him."

We went into this fully aware we'd have to pay out of our own pockets. That's exactly why I was the only one assigned to negotiate with Library. Just as the one with the most assets holds the advantage in an auction, right now, in this very moment, the player within Wolfgang who knows the most lore-relevant keywords is me, which lends my words persuasive power.

"Project No. 1, Project No. 2."

"Mu."

"Bahamut, Behemoth, Leviathan, Ziz."

"............"

"Delta Devices, Catzeria, Jeweler, Divine Craftsman."

It pains my heart greatly to reveal the existence of these things to a lore-hunting guild... but it can't be helped.

"The Unique Scenario EX 'Vorpal Epic'... I don't want to be ungrateful, but in the worst-case scenario, my motivation might absolutely tank and I can't deny the possibility of just hoarding the information and dropping the game entirely... I guess."

This is practically blackmail. After lining up a series of words that look incredibly satisfying to investigate, I followed up with, "If you don't cooperate, I might just quit the game while keeping all of this a secret, you know?"

Even if I were secretly continuing to play the game, I have Rabituza as a place of exile. If I fully committed to playing as a hermit, they would have to continue waiting—all while agonizing over what those teased keywords mean—for a second chance that they have no idea when they'll get.
Even if they act all cool and sophisticated as a lore clan, their true nature isn't much different from an elementary schooler waiting for next week's magazine issue. They will absolutely bite at high-quality bait.

"Kukuku... Was this that young lady's idea? She certainly knows how to tease those who love to investigate..."

"Our boss was proceeding with this conversation under the premise that Library would cooperate with us from the very beginning."

The important part is how much information we can throttle. Regarding this, not only the Dark Side trio but also the Light Side duo + one other person discussed it, and we decided to play a Joker card.

"If you cooperate with us... we are not averse to revealing one piece of absolutely extraordinary information exclusively to 'Library.' You can take that as Wolfgang's intention."

"Hoh. We would absolutely love it if you could hand over the Tome of Truth you undoubtedly obtained for defeating Ctarrnid of the Abyss..."

"Ctarrnid of the Abyss can be fought again."

The eyes of The Professor, who had maintained a composed expression this entire time, widened in pure shock.
No matter how much you debate over a desk, it ultimately amounts to nothing more than an armchair theory. You can learn far more by actually verifying things with your own hands and exploring with your own feet.
If The Professor believes my words, it means this information is genuinely exclusive and hasn't even reached Black Wolf or SF-Zoo... which means there are plenty of "empty slots."

"We can't trigger the Unique ourselves... wait, that's wrong. We have about two members who want to tag along, but what if I told you the clan Wolfgang wishes to jointly challenge Ctarrnid of the Abyss alongside Library...?"

"As expected, I cannot decide on something of this magnitude on my own discretion. May I consult with the members of 'Library' first?"

Watching me gesture my approval, The Professor continued his piece.

"Speaking for myself, I never had much expectation for the clan 'Black Wolf' outside of their progress in the main story anyway. Therefore, I believe we should assist in maintaining the motivation of Wolfgang, who possess actual achievements in clearing Unique Monster-related content."

He talked for quite a while, but extracting the main point makes it simple and clear: it's practically a declaration that the clan "Library" will side with "Wolfgang." For the time being, a heavy burden has lifted from my shoulders now that I've fulfilled my role in the Pencilgon Plan.

"Is this the part where we shake hands or something?"

"Fumu... The truth is, our conversation isn't over yet."

"Mu."

Now it's my turn to be on guard. I assumed the conversation would end once he answered our demands, so this is unexpected.

"You're likely aware that players are currently crossing over to the New Continent... but we in 'Library' have also sent several people there to carry out information-gathering duties."

"Right."

"And I received quite an interesting report from the members on the New Continent. If you were to personally contribute to our investigations, we in Library would not be averse to providing you with information as well."

Damn it. He isn't aiming for the clan Wolfgang; he's specifically targeting me.

"We care little about who discovers the information. And entrusting it to you, someone with clear 'achievements,' isn't an unnatural choice, is it?"

In this instant, the seller and the buyer of information reversed.

Wait, wait, wait. I was acting like a super-competent negotiator, but honestly, I don't feel like I can win an argument against this old man at all! Even if I say things that sound profound, there's no way a shallow guy like me can win a battle of words against an intellectual silver-fox with what looks like maxed-out real-life INT.

"W-Well... you sure have high expectations of me, I suppose..."

Crap, my disguise is starting to peel off like a bad sunburn.

"With your words just now, it's safe to say we have acquired rough information on all seven Unique Monsters."

See! He casually deduced something from my words! This is bad, I really want to go home right now. I have an overwhelming urge to just turn my brain off and grind monsters!

"The information regarding the 'Vorpal Epic' you possess... We are a lore clan. We have no interest in the profits or glory generated by Unique Scenarios. Sunraku-kun, we simply desire the information... Do you understand?"

"I see... It's like, it's like... uh, a devil's contract. You want to trade information regarding a Unique Monster... is that it?"

This is bad, my mouth started moving entirely on spinal reflexes. From here on out, I can no longer control my own statements...!

"While we are not yet at the stage where we can guarantee the information, we in 'Library' are prepared to provide you, and only you, with information regarding the 'Raging Serpent God'."

"Raging... Evil God?"

"No, not Evil [Yokoshima], but Serpent [Hebi]."

A serpent, huh... I only know Orchestra by name, but if Library continues their investigation, will they uncover the names of all seven Unique Monsters?

"Now then, just as you did earlier, consider everything up to this point a trial version... How about it? Seeing it with one's own eyes is naturally best, but as a lore-hunter, having you serve as our 'eyes' would be incredibly appreciated, you see?"

This isn't a negotiation with the clan Wolfgang. It seems he fully intends to bypass Pencilgon—who would squeeze the absolute limit out of even garbage information—and obtain the information directly from me. And he's preparing a merit worthy enough for me to answer it.

"I'll put it on hold for now... Well, I'll keep it in mind."

"I look forward to a favorable reply."

Hahaha, the half-naked cape-wearing bird-head and the silver-voiced fake magical girl laughed together.

Of course I instantly snitched to Pencilgon. I'm just a disposable pawn, after all.

Author's Afterword
[Breaking News] Half-naked pervert enters private inn room with young girl [Incident]
Furthermore, they are the same gender, and the girl is apparently older.

For Library, information regarding Unique Monsters... and the Tome of Truth, which contains heavy mentions of the Divine Age, is something they want so badly they could taste it. But since they are a militant faction of lore-junkies, if fieldwork is an option, there's no better choice than to do it themselves.

If Black Wolf seized the initiative: "The vast majority of the Ctarrnid Raid will naturally be filled by Black Wolf members. As for Library... well, we can let about two of you join?" Furthermore, since the actions during the raid would be dictated by Black Wolf, Library would be forced to participate in group actions.

If Wolfgang maintained the initiative: "The Ctarrnid Raid will be led by Wolfgang, but the vast majority of the party can be decided by Library." The two dispatched members from Wolfgang only care about clearing it, meaning the schedule for the seven days can be dictated entirely by Library.