Peyo

Peyo (ペーオ, Pēo^?) is a human from Parasitica.

Appearance

Peyo's physique is lean, but strong, complemented by strong eyebrows and short, dark hair concealed beneath a peaked cap. Adorned in a service dress uniform typical of male officers, he secures it at the waist with a belt. His ensemble features a jacket over a dark shirt that rises to cover his neck, matched with trousers and boots to complete the look.

Personality

Peyo is initially the sole communicator among humans regarding the situation in the Parasitica world while Cartel remains silent. He exhibits caution and concern, fearing that people underestimate the threat posed by parasites. Peyo disapproves when others fail to take parasites seriously and is even one of the male humans engaged in debates about whose natural enemy is the most formidable. However, alongside Cartel, he possesses expertise in handling parasite-related scenarios. In an effort to maintain trust, Peyo is willing to reveal his secret anti-parasite capsules to the other allied humans.

Plot

Introduction Arc

He introduces the Parasitica. After Zaybi provokes him and the other humans, he tells everyone nobody understands the power of Parasites.^[1]

Titans vs The Neo-Humans Arc

While discussing the course of action against the Natural Enemies, Peyo explains how the base can be overran even if only one human is infected.^[2]

Demon Lord Arc

When the humans arrive in the Land of the Lawless, Peyo and Cartel become more active due to the emergence of parasites.^[3] Glasp inquires whether they should maintain a distance from the charred remains of the infected, as fire appears to combat the parasites effectively. Cartel emphasizes the importance of vigilance against those exposed to the eroders, known as wurms. She details their protocol of quarantining individuals who may be infected and observing them for a 48 hour period. Peyo elaborates that the parasites are capable of depositing minuscule eggs within their hosts, which then blend with the host's fluids and are ejected either orally or through the skin. He notes that the majority of hosts remain oblivious to the infection. He further explains that the wurms experience rapid growth and eventually rupture out of their hosts after some time.^[4]

When Samone moves to aid a woman previously held by the Lawless, Cartel intervenes, citing concerns over a potential parasitic infection. Samone proposes isolation for herself and her companions post-assistance. Zaybi, however, questions whether mere separation is the only protection against the parasites. In response, Peyo opts to reveal the anti-parasite capsules to their human allies. Faced with Cartel's uncertainty about disclosing the capsules, Peyo insists that withholding information would erode the fragile trust they've built.^[5] He proceeds to detail the function of the capsules, differentiating between the Black Capsule's and White Capsule's purposes.

Samone inquires if Peyo will entrust her with the capsules, to which Peyo regretfully declines, explaining that the capsules serve as a personal safeguard and are not to be distributed. His intention was merely to be transparent, hence his decision to reveal the capsules. He mentions that in their world, the capsules have been a source of conflict, even leading to violence. Unperturbed by his refusal, Samone expresses her understanding and assures him that she will rely on them should they face infection.^[6] With that, she hastens to aid the wounded woman, accompanied by her two companions.

Upon the death of the King, his deceased body's sudden movements alert Peyo and Cartel to the presence of a parasite. Cartel warns the others, while Peyo swiftly brandishes their unique umbrella gun for defense.^[7] In a bold move, Zaybi encases himself and the king's corpse within a cubic barrier, only to have the parasite jump out of the body, try to attack the mage, and subsequently be destroyed by him. The aftermath leaves Zaybi splattered with the blood of the infected monarch, suggesting he too might be compromised.^[8] Chaos ensues as the injured woman morphs into another parasite, forcing Samone to dodge lethal strikes as her allies fall. Amidst the turmoil, Zaybi insists on obtaining the black capsules from Peyo. With a mutual, unspoken nod with Cartel, Peyo tosses one to Zaybi, who takes it.^[9]

Peyo listens to Glasp's theory about Bastz's involvement with the King, as well as the parasite and curse which affected him. Glasp explains that the curse seems to have inhibited the parasite's growth. Peyo seeks clarification, asking if Glasp means that the host's body was being consumed by something else, which in turn weakened the parasite. Peyo reflects that he could never have imagined such a solution was possible.^[10]

References