A Parade of Horribles

Samantha, known for her erratic behavior and questionable decisions, takes over Carl’s room, redecorating it without his consent. She enlists the reluctant help of Bucket Boy and Tipid, a former crawler from outside the dungeon, to install a chandelier that doubles as a swing. Despite Bucket Boy’s reservations, Samantha uses her authority and charm to manipulate them into compliance.

As she works, Samantha delivers a rambling and disjointed recap of the events from the previous book, 'This Inevitable Ruin.' She recounts the Faction Wars on the ninth floor, where Carl and Donut led their army against the NPCs, resulting in the NPCs’ transfer to the cotton fields. She also mentions the War Mage Rebellion, led by Akuma, who stole the Gate of the Feral Gods from Elle, and the involvement of various deities and demons, including Eris and Yarilo. Her account is peppered with personal anecdotes and tangents, making it difficult to follow but revealing the chaotic and morally ambiguous nature of the dungeon.

Samantha’s narration touches on the fates of several characters, such as Katia, who left the group after becoming pregnant, and the death of Li Jun. She reveals that Louis, who was in trouble, was saved by Samantha, resulting in him gaining gills and becoming her cousin. Her story is interrupted by her own digressions and the reactions of Bigs, a sluggalette who is more supportive of Samantha’s antics. The chapter concludes with Tipid expressing relief at understanding the events, while Samantha remains confident in her retelling.

Princess Chandra, Esquire, stands in a stark, blood-soaked room aboard the Ventilator, a Naga warship, confronting Donut, the sentient cat from the dungeon. Chandra, who has recently ascended to a powerful position in the Naga government, has taken control of Donut’s legal affairs, aiming to capitalize on the creature’s financial potential. She informs Donut that she has been appointed as her attorney and that Donut is now under a conservatorship, with Carl, Chandra’s new husband, as her guardian.

Initially compliant, Donut quickly turns the tables on Chandra. She reveals that she has read Carl’s Earth legal documents, which expose the manipulative nature of Carl’s father, drawing parallels to Chandra’s own schemes. Donut’s sharp wit and unexpected defiance catch Chandra off guard, exposing the Naga’s desperation and fear. Donut warns Chandra that the Princess Posse, the fan group she represents, will not stand idly by as Chandra attempts to steal their earnings.

Chandra’s confidence wavers as Donut’s threats and the sudden communication from her Taurin associates, who are questioning their assignment, create a sense of impending doom. The chapter ends with Chandra feeling humiliated and terrified, realizing that her carefully laid plans may unravel at any moment.

Carl and Donut find themselves transported to the tenth floor of the dungeon, greeted by a cold, checkered-tiled garage and a countdown timer indicating the start of a new challenge. Two white-tagged gremlins, Hedy and Waldrip Chris, are engaged in a violent altercation over the management of the garage. Despite the chaos, Donut, still atop the leaderboard, quickly decides on a mechanical vehicle and chooses Hedy as the garage manager to ensure their vehicle won’t pose a threat to Mongo, her pet. The selection process is interrupted by Waldrip Chris’s aggressive behavior, culminating in his explosive demise. Hedy, now the sole mechanic, is tasked with preparing the vehicle for the impending race. As the tension of the countdown builds, the uncertain fate of the remaining crawlers looms, many of whom have taken deals to leave the dungeon. Updates from Quasar reveal the chaos on the twelfth and eighteenth floors, where the system AI prevents true death but allows horrific creatures to torment the outworlders. Carl reflects on the loss of Justice Light and the messages from his friends, highlighting the high stakes and the moral dilemmas they face.

Hedy, the gremlin mechanic, remains unfazed by Waldrip Chris’s explosive demise and quickly secures the garage door. She urges Carl and Donut to prepare for the upcoming race, emphasizing the dire consequences of coming in last place. Just as the countdown timer pauses, a distorted voice from the dungeon’s loudspeaker taunts the participants, questioning their resolve and the system’s fairness.

Zev’s voice then takes over the intercom, providing crucial information about the tenth floor, named 'Don’t come in last.' Zev explains that the floor consists of seven races, with teams of up to four crawlers competing. The vehicle selection wheel spins, offering a variety of Earth-based vehicles, and eventually lands on a festive food truck. Zev outlines the rules, including the prohibition on stealing vehicles and the importance of choosing upgrades wisely.

Carl and Donut inspect the food truck, noting its impractical design and the large, plastic tommy gun on the roof. Despite its questionable features, the truck’s engine starts, and Hedy insists they get ready to race. The chapter ends with the tension of the countdown and the uncertainty of the upcoming challenge, as Carl and Donut prepare to face the first heat.

A loud horn signals the start of the race, and Carl hits the gas, lurching the food truck forward. Donut, using her Torch spell, illuminates the pitch-black surroundings, revealing a variety of opponents ahead, including a muscle car, a bear-like creature, a bug, and a minivan. The Navitron 1000 provides critical race details, including the environment, hazards, and a mysterious warning about the Screeching Death Manatees.

As they drive, Carl and Donut notice a giant tumbleweed with a unicorn's head sticking out, and a pinkish-red rodent sitting on it. The road is a straight black highway flanked by sickly trees and occasional water glitters. Carl focuses on driving, trying to ignore the overwhelming responsibilities and concerns from the previous floors. Donut summons Mongo to help her look for hazards, but the dinosaur's presence causes Carl to swerve, leading to Mongo vomiting on the dashboard.

Prepotente sends a message warning Carl and Donut not to kill or prevent any opponents from finishing the race, as doing so could lead to crawler-versus-crawler races in subsequent heats. Carl realizes that the first race's opponents are all NPCs, and the stakes of keeping them alive become clear. As they approach the cave entrance, they encounter a crashed minivan and a burning bugbear, with a massive manatee dragging a ladybug off the road. The scene is chaotic, and one of the bug riders explodes, similar to Waldrip Chris’s demise.

Carl and Donut arrive at a crashed, on-fire minivan, where two bugbears, Radoslav and Jasha, are desperately trying to extinguish the flames. Donut quickly dispatches a level 90 Screeching Death Manatee, and the audience is tasked with deciding the fate of her kill. The bugbears reveal that they are part of Team Free Love and have been given a chance to win their freedom by winning the race, but their van is now out of commission, and one of their teammates, Alevtina, is dead.

Understanding the stakes, Carl decides to help the bugbears by towing their van to the finish line. This decision is driven by the fear that if more than one team doesn’t finish the race, they might have to race against their friends in future heats. The bugbears, initially skeptical, accept the offer, seeing it as an honorable reason to continue. The chapter ends with Carl and Donut preparing to tow the van, despite the challenges ahead.

The conversation with the bugbears reveals the deeper, emotional impact of the dungeon’s manipulation, echoing the themes of moral ambiguity and the consequences of ambition. The bugbears’ backstory adds a layer of complexity to the NPCs, highlighting their own desires and the cruel nature of the dungeon’s game.

Carl and Donut continue their preparations for the race, reinforcing a plank and attaching wheels to a cart. Rend, the large meatball, causes a minor setback by falling into the water and getting covered in manatee gore, which Donut complains about. Carl uses Rend’s weight to secure a crossbeam, while Donut keeps Mongo in the truck for security. The bugbears, energized by the prospect of not dying, are grateful for Carl’s decision to help them tow their damaged van, despite the moral ambiguity of the situation.

As they work, the team discusses the other competitors, learning about Team Sparkles, consisting of a surly unicorn named Dwight and a high-pitched rodent named Lucienne. Tension and insults mark the arrival of Team Sparkles, with Donut threatening to set them on fire. The Avernus Creeper, a plant mount, reacts negatively to the food truck’s horn, causing chaos and forcing everyone to dive out of the way. Carl and Donut deal with the aftermath, removing thorns from Rend and discussing the invasive nature of the Avernus Creeper with Mordecai.

The team continues through the cave, encountering the remains of eviscerated manatees and discussing the strange notifications about audience votes and fan meet-and-greets. Donut and Radoslav strike up a conversation about their musical roles, adding a layer of camaraderie to their temporary alliance. As they exit the cave, they see the finish line and the town of Hungry Eyes Village, where they learn about the solitary fan waiting to meet Elle, a crawler from a previous floor.

Crossing the finish line, Carl and Donut reflect on the moral dilemmas of the race, particularly the likelihood of having to eliminate the bugbears in future heats. The chapter ends with the results of the first race, confirming their position and the elimination of the Trauco Triplets.

Teleported to a dark driveway with an opening garage door, Carl and Donut find themselves alone, the bugbears' minivan having vanished but leaving behind its trailer and chains. Donut notes the AI voice is becoming increasingly glitchy, and they discuss the daunting details of the next race: a 10-kilometer asphalt-paved road with rolling hills, a gatekeeper monster, torrential rain, and giant hail. The time limit is halved, and Donut must drive the truck, presenting a significant challenge.

Hedy, the mechanic, arrives and voices her disapproval of their decision to help the bugbears. Carl explains his reasoning, and they delve into potential upgrades and rules for hiring mercenaries. Hedy suggests a mobility upgrade, recommending spider legs, hover capability, or all-terrain tires. Carl opts for the spider legs, recognizing the need for versatility in future races. The chapter also introduces the tension of potentially racing against other crawlers, which could lead to difficult moral decisions.

While preparing for the next race, Rend and Mongo cause chaos by exploring the food truck and finding the freezer. They toss frozen French fries and chicken patties around the garage. Carl and Donut manage to corral them, and Hedy adds a touch of dark humor by commenting on the need for bodyguards, further heightening the tense atmosphere.

Carl and Donut step into their safe room, where Mordecai greets them, now appearing as a Moon Reaper. His form glitches, causing him to spout cryptic and disturbing messages, which unsettle the team. Donut, perched on Carl's shoulder, insists that Mordecai return to his normal form, and he complies, explaining that the glitching is due to his nature as a shadow mimic—a highly intelligent mimic that can copy the shape of nearby creatures but glitches when taking on certain forms.

Rosetta and the others, including Samantha, express concern over Mordecai's glitching and the disturbing messages he delivers. Mordecai reassures them that the messages are designed to be vague and scary, not predictive. However, the team remains wary, especially after hearing the ominous predictions Mordecai made to each of them. The chapter also introduces a spell book called Oozy Form, which Donut reluctantly accepts, despite finding it disgusting. Mordecai suggests that Carl take the spell as well, noting its utility in emergencies.

Donut shares her new abilities, including a Smoke Form spell and a Healer’s Grasp aura, which she finds intriguing but somewhat out of place for an assassin. The chapter ends with Carl learning the Oozy Form spell, setting the stage for their upcoming challenges and the potential benefits of the new abilities.

Carl and Donut carefully examine their new accessories, starting with Donut's Egyptian-style beaded headdress, the Assassin’s Veil. The headdress grants a 10% dexterity boost and a precognition benefit, but Mordecai warns that wearing it could make them enemies of Sekhmet, who is likely under Odette’s control. They also inspect the enchanted hats for Mongo and Rend, which offer significant protective and offensive benefits, though these cannot be drained for their powers as they are labeled as pet accessories.

Donut proceeds to open her achievement boxes, revealing a variety of items such as healing scrolls and emergency gremlin summoning scrolls. Among the most notable items are a spell book from the default winner box, a quiver of enchanted crossbow bolts called the Danforth, and a matching crupper to her champion cloak, the Crupper of the Benevolent Champion.

As they continue their examination, Donut’s paw, which she used for the War Crime spell, begins to glow and cause intense pain. Mordecai reassures her that it will ultimately be a good thing, but the kitchen table is torn in half by the power emanating from her paw. This unexpected transformation leaves the team on edge, especially as they try to understand the implications of Justice’s mysterious actions, which Rosetta mentions but no one fully comprehends.

Focused on preparing for the next race, Carl considers how to engineer a driving system for Donut while conserving their blood bar time. The chapter ends with Donut experiencing a painful transformation, hinting at the potential consequences of her powerful spells.

A sudden and painful transformation overtakes Donut, her right front paw glowing a brilliant blue. Her claws, now radiantly sharp, can cut through anything in the mortal realm, even ghosts. Mordecai explains this as a celestial boon, a permanent enhancement. Initially distressed by the changes, particularly the blue glow and potential risks, Donut reluctantly accepts Rosetta's suggestion of claw caps to mitigate the glow and potential damage.

Mordecai informs Donut that her Claw skill has unexpectedly increased to level 17, surpassing the usual cap of 15. Combined with her enhanced constitution, this makes her one of the most powerful melee fighters in the game. However, Mordecai warns that the game often compensates for overpowered crawlers, urging Donut not to become complacent. She also receives a new spell book, Ice Slick, which creates a layer of ice on the ground, and a new crupper, the Crupper of the Benevolent Champion, which matches her existing cloak and provides additional benefits.

The crupper's description, reflecting on the brutal nature of Donut's past actions and questioning the concept of heroism, deeply affects her. She becomes subdued and reflective. To shift her focus, Mordecai and Carl discuss the new spell and equipment. Donut decides to raise her Puddle Jumper spell to level 16, a choice Mordecai finds impressive. Despite the new enhancements, the chapter ends on a somber note, with Donut grappling with the moral weight of her actions and the implications of her new status as a hero.

Carl reflects on his recent achievements and the rewards they bring, including the 'Bombs Away!' and 'Default Winner!' badges, which come with a Gold Payload Box and a Bronze Daddy’s Little Secret Box. The latter contains useful potions that will aid him in future challenges. However, the mood shifts when Donut discovers a legendary fan box that spills a massive amount of junk into the safe room, blocking entrances and creating a chaotic mess. Among the items, she finds unauthorized and low-quality merchandise, including a neon blue makeup palette and a used lipstick named 'Pussy Lips.' Samantha, finding the lipstick, gleefully applies it, much to Donut's dismay. Despite the chaos, Carl remains focused, instructing Mordecai to reset a cleaner bot found in the debris to help manage the situation.

Still reeling from the chaos of the fan box incident, Donut vents her frustration over the unauthorized and low-quality merchandise, particularly a neon blue makeup palette and a used lipstick named 'Pussy Lips.' Samantha, finding the latter, gleefully applies it, much to Donut's dismay. Meanwhile, Carl tries to manage the situation, instructing Mordecai to reset a cleaner bot found in the debris, which had been used to clean up after Architect Houston’s operations. The team is assisted by temporary gremlins who help with repairs.

Still reeling from the chaos of the fan box incident, Carl and Donut step out of the garage into the warm, grassy suburb of Hungry Eyes Village. The large cul-de-sac is ringed by numbered garage doors, each concealing unknown threats. Donut instructs Mongo and Rend to guard Hedy while she and Carl explore. They are greeted by Radoslav and Jasha, who are lounging in lawn chairs. Jasha is asleep, and Radoslav offers Carl a cold beer, which he accepts after some hesitation.

Suddenly, the garage door with the number four opens, and three small, bipedal figures in ninja suits somersault out in a V formation. They perform a silent, acrobatic display before stopping in attack positions. Donut identifies them as foxes, or Razor Foxes, and Chiyome, the leader in a red suit, introduces herself as a Level 80 Mistress of Nunchaku. She explains that their performance was a form of magic spell called Size Up, which allows them to assess the capabilities of others in the area. Chiyome joins Carl and Donut, drinking several beers and discussing the competition ahead.

Chiyome warns that the teams in the first three garages, especially the Womantaurs in garage three, pose a significant threat. As if on cue, the door to garage three opens, revealing two Womantaurs and their half-mantaur gimp. Chiyome emphasizes the need for cooperation to stand a chance against such formidable opponents.

The door to garage number two creaks open, revealing two Womantaurs, Genesis and Rapture, who stand out from their male counterparts. These Womantaurs have four legs, resembling centaurs, but with an unsettling and unique anatomy. Their top set of limbs, initially mistaken for legs, are actually arms encased in boots. Genesis, a Level 95 Lady Mantaur Dominator, greets Carl and Donut with a Southern accent, while Rapture, equally powerful, remains silent and spits chewing tobacco. The Womantaurs inspect the group, and Rapture demonstrates her combat skills by skewering a rolling beer can with a wrist-mounted harpoon. After a brief, tense exchange, the Womantaurs leave for a nearby bar, dismissing the others as unworthy competition.

Chiyome warns Carl and Donut not to underestimate the Womantaurs, explaining that they practice domination magic, which can sap energy or mana from victims. Mordecai provides more details on domination magic, confirming that Donut's high charm and Carl's Mind Balance protect them. As they discuss the threat, a figure in the shadows of garage number three catches their attention—a half-mantaur in a black gimp suit. Chiyome explains that this creature, likely Corcunda, is a result of a spell called Split Personality, which divides the body vertically. Donut recognizes the half-mantaur as Dong Quixote's friend, and a new quest appears, tasking Carl with reuniting Dong with Corcunda and finding his missing half, Porky.

Carl and Donut deliberate over the implications of the quest, agreeing that involving Dong could lead to unnecessary drama and complications. They decide to handle the situation discreetly to avoid potential backlash. The chapter concludes with Jasha waking up, disoriented and searching for his beer, adding a moment of comic relief to the tense atmosphere.

Exiting the portal, Carl and Donut find themselves in the neon-lit streets of Hungry Eyes Vendor Village, a bustling cyberpunk town teeming with gremlins and Draconians. The atmosphere is electric, with street vendors hawking their wares and neon signs flickering everywhere. Carl is still grappling with the AI’s revelations about the eleventh floor, where mobs can be sent based on audience votes, pondering the implications and potential targets for such a choice.

Donut, however, is more focused on the garish aesthetics, expressing her distaste but momentarily distracted by a hat vendor. Carl notices a blank storefront with a notification about illegal modifications, but their main goal is to reach The Lollipop, a bar where they are to meet Imani. On the way, they encounter Jurgen and Prepotente, who are locked in a heated argument over the safety of street vendor food. Despite Prepotente’s warnings, Jurgen insists on buying and eating meat skewers, claiming it will boost their mount’s speed for the upcoming race.

Prepotente, exasperated, explains that their mount, Sweety, a large mammal called a Perriso, is slow and smelly. Jurgen’s confidence is short-lived as he begins to violently vomit all over the sidewalk, much to Prepotente’s frustration and Donut’s amusement. The chaotic and unpredictable nature of the village is evident in every corner, from the vibrant street life to the unexpected twists of fate.

Carl and Donut enter The Lollipop, a crowded bar in Hungry Eyes Vendor Village, where a kappa named Dekoki performs an off-key 80s song. The bar is filled with various creatures, including a ghost, a red ogre-like beast, and a sapient paper lantern, all acting surprisingly normal. The atmosphere is lively and chaotic, with Jurgen and Prepotente joining Carl and Donut, the former still recovering from his earlier bout of vomiting.

Inside the bar, Carl and Donut meet Imani, Elle, Florin, and other familiar faces. They discuss their vehicles and the upcoming races, with Elle mentioning the Minister of Blood-Letting and his team, the Bleak Congregation, who have a Wienermobile. Florin reveals that he and Lucia have a tuk-tuk, a small and potentially dangerous vehicle. The conversation shifts to Lucia’s mental state, with Florin expressing concern about her frequent personality changes.

Jurgen inquires about Lucia’s deal, and Florin explains that it hasn’t happened, leading to Jurgen’s intense offer to help if the races come down to crawler versus crawler. A soother alien, a fan of Elle, is discovered hiding under the table. Elle explains that he is the only tourist who showed up, winning ‘extra access’ by default. The chapter also touches on the vehicles of other teams, including Zhang and Li Na’s octopus-like creature, and Chris and the Erins’ semitruck.

Louis and his team, including Britney, reveal their neon-covered lowrider SUV, which has issues with clearance. Prepotente returns with a karaoke list and signs up to sing ‘Tarzan Boy’ by Baltimora, adding a touch of humor to the tense atmosphere. The chapter ends with the realization that the song choices are all from the 1980s, and Jurgen standing up to examine the drinks.

In The Lollipop, the lively bar in Hungry Eyes Vendor Village, the conversation shifts to music as Linus suggests a Creedence Clearwater Revival song, much to Elle's displeasure. The discussion of 80s music provides a momentary distraction from the chaotic environment. Carl, seeking a moment of normalcy, moves away from the group. Prepotente joins him, looking troubled, and reveals he has received a unique enhanced pet biscuit in a celestial box. Donut, overhearing the conversation, strongly advises Prepotente against using the Paramour pet biscuit, emphasizing the ethical and practical dangers.

In the garage, Bucket Boy and Carl are meticulously preparing their vehicle for the upcoming race. Bucket Boy, visibly nervous and inexperienced, reaches for a big red button, but Carl quickly intervenes, warning him that it activates the spider legs. Meanwhile, Donut, stationed in the back of the truck, grumbles about the mess left by Rend and Mongo, who had been feasting on the endless supply of frozen food in the truck’s freezer. As tensions rise, Donut also cautions them about the GPS named Dr. Metcalf, which has a threatening personality. Carl, attempting to break the giant tommy gun off the truck, receives a notification that prevents him from doing so, adding another layer of complexity to their preparations.

Carl and Bucket Boy are tense as they prepare for the start of the race in their vehicle, with Bucket Boy nervously handling the brakes. The rain pours heavily, and the vehicles are positioned under a giant awning to avoid the deluge. Teams like Team Sparkles (Dwight and Lucienne) and Girth the Trouble (Masterplan) engage in heated arguments. The guck elemental, Masterplan, and the unicorn, Dwight, exchange insults, while the womantaurs remain indifferent to the commotion.

Donut readies a Danforth bolt, planning to immobilize the womantaur driver, Rapture, and have Chiyome’s bear attack the car. Just as the race is about to start, a massive hailstone crashes into the ground, causing widespread chaos. The hailstones are enormous, and the awning over their heads explodes, showering the area with ice and debris. Visibility drops drastically, making it nearly impossible to see the starting lights.

When the green light signals the start, Carl throws a banger sphere through the windshield, shattering it and clearing their view. Donut is about to fire, but a tank-like tube emerges from Team Sparkles' bush and fires a flame burst at the Chevy Bel Air in front of them, sending it flying into the air. The car lands in the ditch, and Team Sparkles speeds off, leaving Carl and the bugbears behind. The bugbears, playing an old 80s song, zoom away, leaving Carl and Bucket Boy alone at the start line.

Carl and Bucket Boy cautiously navigate their vehicle up the hill, battling through heavy rain and hail. Donut's Shield spell offers some protection, but the massive hailstones still pose a significant threat. As they near the top of the hill, they spot the armored truck from Team One Fine Pig and the convertible from the Lady Dominators, both shielded from the elements. Carl recognizes the figures as Genesis, the muscular Tigran Nico, and the Taurin Pontiff. Nico is part of a throuple with another Tigran, Dario, and a pig named Penelope, who is magically protected by the god Taranis. The group is engaged in intense discussion, and the atmosphere is tense. Donut adds a touch of dark humor with a comment about the bizarre and muscly appearance of the group.

Carl and Donut decide to investigate further, leaving Bucket Boy to guard the truck. They pass by Corcunda, who is unconscious in the back of the GTO, and step out into the rain and hail. Donut recasts her Shield spell to protect them as they approach the group. The boss of the race is visible at the bottom of the hill, heightening the sense of impending danger and challenge. Carl's caution is evident as he warns Bucket Boy to watch out for the big metal truck and to avoid hurting Penelope. The chapter concludes with the group finally noticing Carl and Donut, setting the stage for the next confrontation.

Still reeling from the intense discussion at the top of the hill, Carl and Donut face a new challenge. Two Level 170 boss monsters, Prison Pocket and Party Foul, block the roads ahead. These giant kangaroo-like creatures mourn the loss of their joeys, which have starved to death in their pouches. The atmosphere is tense as the other racers, including Genesis, Rapture, Nico, and Pontiff, gather to discuss a temporary truce to deal with the bosses.

The second boss is engaged by the razor foxes, but it quickly turns the tide by pulling a fox into its pouch and consuming it, restoring its health. The situation becomes more chaotic as the bear and dog mounts retreat, and the two Jugglers skip down the hill, seemingly unfazed. Chiyome attempts to burn the boss’s pouch, but the creature quickly recovers by eating the burning fox. The racers realize that the only weak spot is inside the pouch, but accessing it is nearly impossible.

Carl asks Donut to examine the dead joeys, discovering that they died of starvation and have no valuable inventory. This revelation suggests that the dungeon is providing clues, but the solution remains elusive. The chapter ends with the racers feeling defeated and unsure of how to proceed, highlighting the high stakes and the need for a strategic approach.

Still reeling from the initial encounter with Prison Pocket, Carl and Donut devise a daring plan to defeat the Level 170 boss. They decide to use summoned gremlins as bait, hoping to distract the creature long enough to find a weakness. However, the gremlins are quickly consumed by the boss, who continues to heal itself with the dead joeys in its pouch. Undeterred, Carl suggests using the gremlin summoning scrolls to create a continuous distraction while the womantaurs, Genesis, and Rapture attempt to retrieve a dead joey for him to wear as a costume.

The plan takes an unexpected turn when Genesis, instead of retrieving a joey, kills the engineer NPC, Niels, for his skin. Frustrated but determined, Carl equips the kangaroo skin and hops toward the boss, who eagerly welcomes him into its pouch. Inside the foul-smelling, gooey interior, Carl plants two hobgoblin big boom satchels before escaping just in time. The explosion eliminates the boss, and Carl tumbles off the road, covered in debris and ice.

In the aftermath, the race results are announced, with Team Sparkles taking first place, and Carl and Donut's team, the Royal Court of Princess Donut, finishing in seventh place. The chapter ends with a reflection on the challenges of working with allies and the unpredictable nature of the dungeon.

Still reeling from the intense battle with Prison Pocket, Carl and Donut limp towards the garage, Carl still encased in the Level 6 kangaroo costume. Mordecai, ever the practical advisor, warns Carl that removing the costume could severely damage his skin. Despite the discomfort, Carl has leveled up to level 84, and both he and Donut have earned Platinum Boss Boxes for their victory. Bucket Boy greets them, visibly shaken but relieved, recounting his fears during the race. Donut reassures him, comparing the race's intensity to the Faction Wars, which were far more perilous. The team then turns their attention to the upcoming 30-kilometer downhill race, bracing for waves of generated mobs. Hedy greets them with disappointment, revealing that the audience, dominated by trolls, has voted for an upgrade that will protect Donut during the next race. Donut, realizing she needs to warn Bucket Boy about something, is interrupted when he excitedly announces that he saw Corcunda and Pontiff. The chapter concludes with the team preparing for the next challenge, still grappling with the aftermath of the kangaroo costume and the unexpected audience vote.

Dong, ignoring Carl's warnings, rushes to find Corcunda in the adjacent garage. The situation turns chaotic as he shakes Bucket Boy for information, and Samantha, intrigued by the 'most beautiful man,' joins the fray. Hedy, overseeing the gremlins repairing the truck, adds to the confusion with her sharp commentary. The team's tension escalates as they discuss the implications of Dong's actions and the potential dangers from the other teams.

Feeling overwhelmed, Carl reflects on the recent race and the loss of control he feels. Zev contacts the team, informing them of a mandatory appearance on a show called 'Plenty of Plenty' before the next race. The announcement is interrupted by the AI, which reveals details about the special guest creatures and the upcoming 11th floor, 'A Parade of Horribles.' The AI also hints at a future task involving the gods and a culling process, ending with a disturbing message about Cascadia that leaves the team unsettled.

Carl receives a mysterious note from a gremlin, which activates his Escape Plan skill. The note instructs him to eliminate two teams in the next heat and visit a shop called C&W&U after the race. Promising an explanation and a possible escape, the note is signed by Akuma. Carl is left to ponder the implications of this new development.

Still reeling from the recent events, Carl ponders the mysterious note from Akuma, the leader of the War Mage Rebellion, and the intricate connections between past occurrences. The note commands him to eliminate two teams and visit a shop called C&W&U, promising an escape. Carl is hesitant to act without understanding the underlying reasons. Suddenly, the room is disrupted by Dong, who has been attacked by the Lady Dominators, leaving him pale and weak. Bucket Boy administers a healing potion, but the ailment remains unresolved, suggesting a deeper issue. Imani arrives and heals Dong, revealing that his condition is being sustained by his giant nickel sock, a sapient weapon that may be addictive. The team discusses the implications of the sock and the need to address it carefully. Meanwhile, Donut learns that Corcunda, Dong's former lover, is now split into two personalities: Corky, who dances, and Porky, who sings. A new quest is revealed, requiring Carl and Donut to reunite the two halves of Corcunda using a fleshmancer, which will remove him from the Lady Dominators team. The quest is complicated by Dong's current affliction and the necessity to protect him. The chapter concludes with the team strategizing the next steps, including finding a fleshmancer and locating Porky. Carl and Donut are determined to help Dong, despite the challenges and the looming dangers from the dungeon and other teams.

Still reeling from the events at the safe room, Carl and Donut find themselves back in the chaotic environment, ready to open their loot boxes. Inside, a group of NPCs and sluggalos are engrossed in a heated game of Mario Kart on a Wii, with Samantha dominating the game as Princess Peach. The room buzzes with tension and excitement, and Carl reflects on the bizarre and often disturbing achievements he receives from his loot boxes, including one that unlocks temporary classes while wearing corpse suits. Imani interrupts Donut’s conversation about her family, hinting at a painful past. Suddenly, Mongo and Rend stumble into the room, clearly drunk, which leads to Rend’s sudden and unexpected death.

Rend, who had died again, resurrects with enhanced strength and a new weakness to potatoes. Frustrated by the dungeon's seemingly deliberate randomness, Carl decides to keep Rend in a pet carrier to ensure his safety. Imani suggests the guild’s pet stables as an alternative, mentioning that Gonk the yak and Simoom the rhino are also there, having been overlooked during Katia’s departure preparations.

Tipid and Rosetta arrive with news of a potential fleshmancer located in a bar they had previously visited. However, gaining access to the fleshmancer requires a task that Carl won’t like. They also bring two level 25 Jikininki ghouls, the same type of creatures as the janitors from the Iron Tangle, to serve as mercenaries. Donut expresses concern about Rend’s proximity to the undead, given his new weakness to consuming undead flesh.

The chapter ends with the team discussing their next steps, including the challenges of keeping Rend safe and the risks involved in finding the fleshmancer. The atmosphere remains tense, with the team aware of the ongoing threats and the need to proceed cautiously.

Carl and Donut find themselves in a greenroom on the ocean’s floor, preparing for their appearance on the show Plenty of Plenty. Donut, always the curious one, searches for snacks but comes up empty-handed. Lexis, the familiar human production assistant, enters the room, her presence a stark contrast to the underwater setting. She explains that she is now assisting Borant due to the chaos caused by the Open Intellect Action Network (OIAN) taking control of the system. The insurgents, former allies of Carl and Donut during the Faction Wars, have seized all major ships in orbit, achieving total system domination in a single day.

Lexis provides updates on the surface situation, revealing that the Syndicate’s presence is now concentrated in Florida, where they are dealing with native life. She confirms that Katia is safe but mentions a strange third party protecting the kinder facility, though this entity seems confused. Lexis then briefs Carl and Donut on caprid customs, explaining that the interview will involve a roundtable of about a dozen caprids who will judge and question them. She emphasizes that the caprids are a herd and their behavior might seem peculiar, but the interview is generally good-natured. She also hints at a peculiar requirement for the interview, advising Carl and Donut to 'exert themselves' without further explanation.

Carl and Donut enter the studio for the show Plenty of Plenty, where they are greeted by Botis, a caprid magistrate with a demonic appearance but a goofy demeanor. The atmosphere is tense; Lexis, the human production assistant, is absent, and the room is dark except for a spotlight on two stools. Donut, ever the conversationalist, introduces herself and inquires about the caprid's identity, setting a light-hearted tone despite the unusual surroundings.

The interview begins abruptly with Botis announcing a death sentence, causing Donut to jump in shock. The turntable beneath their chairs starts spinning, and the surrounding caprids, illuminated one by one, chant 'Death.' After a brief appeal, the death sentence is stayed, and the goats take turns questioning Carl and Donut. The questions range from the mundane, like Donut's opinion on Carl's bathroom habits, to the serious, such as the consequences of Justice Light's actions on the previous floor. During this process, Carl's interface suddenly reactivates, providing new information about the caprids and the tunneling system.

Orren and Prime Minister Victory contact Carl and Donut, explaining the dire situation: an AI has spread beyond the solar system, causing widespread destruction and releasing gods and goddesses from the dungeon. These deities are now roaming free, acting independently and posing a significant threat. Carl, understanding the gravity of the situation, asks the caprids about the public's awareness of these dangers and the integrity of the tunneling system. His direct and urgent question is broadcast live, marking the beginning of a new and unpredictable phase.

Donut's revelation about the AI and the released gods sends the caprids into a frenzy. The once-goofy Botis and the other caprids begin to chant and behave erratically, leading to a chaotic stampede out of the room. Lexis, the human production assistant, re-enters the studio, visibly shaken by the unfolding events, and confirms that the caprids were unaware of the critical information. The tension escalates when Harbinger, a towering caprid, teleports into the room and confronts Gamori, the Matriarch. The AI intervenes, causing Harbinger to explode, covering the room in gore.

Despite the recent chaos involving the AI and the released gods, Carl and Donut must prepare for the next race. Carl, still in the kangaroo suit, decides to let Gluteus Maxx, a short, hairy stripper known for his Mario Kart skills, take the wheel. Donut settles into her new ‘Smart Companion Royal Pet Throne,’ which constantly compliments her, much to the annoyance of Dr. Metcalf. The AI announces a new rule: each team will be contained in a starting block shield that provides invulnerability for the first ninety seconds of the race. Carl marks the Draconian mercenary’s heavy machine gun with denial-of-service missiles to prevent attacks. The track is a steep, wide road flanked by lush green grass, with the finish line marked by a large blue-and-yellow dome. Just before the race starts, thousands of migrating Sugar Hermits, skull-like creatures with tentacles, rush past the vehicles, adding an unexpected element of danger. Gluteus reveals that he has taken outworlder uppers, claiming they allow him to ‘taste time.’ His behavior becomes increasingly erratic and enthusiastic, causing concern for Carl and Donut. The AI provides more information about the Sugar Hermits, explaining that they are migrating toward a kaiju skull and are capable of extracting brains and bones. Despite the invulnerability shield, the race promises to be intense and unpredictable.

A heartfelt message from Luca Di, a Pastamancer whose life and his mother’s were saved by Donut’s actions on the fourth floor, adds a poignant layer to their mission. The message underscores the emotional impact of their journey and the forgiveness found in the dungeon. As the race begins, Gluteus, the driver, accelerates the truck, causing it to shake violently as they plow through the migrating Sugar Hermits. Carl and Donut quickly deploy the ghouls in cages on either side of the truck to defend against incoming threats. Despite the invulnerability shield, they face immediate challenges from the Lady Dominators and Team Free Love, who are hot on their heels. With the invulnerability shield about to expire, Carl launches Denial of Service missiles to slow down One Fine Pig and Team Sparkles. The missiles cover the latter in a thick, gooey slime, effectively blinding them. As the waves of Sugar Hermits approach, the ghouls hurl Biscuit Packs, creating foam barriers to protect the truck. Donut casts a powerful Wall of Fire, further aiding their defense against the overwhelming tide of skulls. The chapter ends with the truck racing through the narrow path left by the Sugar Hermits, the ghouls and magical defenses working tirelessly to keep them from being overwhelmed. The intensity of the race and the strategic planning of Carl and Donut highlight their resourcefulness and determination in the face of constant danger.

Carl and Donut continue their harrowing race, facing a barrage of challenges as they approach the massive beetle skull at the end of the track. The AI provides information about the skull, revealing it belonged to a kaiju named Tem, who was recently defeated. The race intensifies as the invulnerability shield drops, and the team must fend off waves of Sugar Hermits and competing racers. Gluteus, the driver, becomes increasingly erratic due to the outworlder uppers he has taken, causing concern for Carl and Donut. The truck is bombarded by skulls raining from the sky and emerging from the ground. Donut uses her spell, Temporary Macaroni, to create a protective tunnel of giant pasta tubes, but the team still faces numerous attacks. The situation worsens when Gluteus passes out, forcing Carl to take control of the steering wheel. As they near the finish line, Dwight and Lucienne, riding a vine, launch a surprise attack, causing the food truck to spin out of control. The truck, along with the GTO and the vine, careen over the finish line simultaneously, resulting in a chaotic crash. Carl, despite severe injuries, is eventually healed by potions. The team's survival is a testament to the dungeon's healing mechanics, as they would have been killed in a real-world crash. The results of the race are announced, with Carl and Donut's team, the Royal Court of Princess Donut, taking first place. However, the victory is marred by the elimination of two teams, the Wild Hunt and the Jugglers. The chapter ends with the team's relief and the anticipation of the next race.

Still reeling from the intense race, Carl and Donut make their way back to the garage, discussing the rules that prevent them from driving in the next race due to their involvement in the previous one. Donut argues that her minimal interaction with the pedals shouldn’t disqualify her, but Carl insists it does. They hope the next opponent will be an NPC team, but realistically, they know the odds are against them.

Dong rushes to the scene of the wreck to check on Corky, only to be rebuffed by Rapture and Genesis. As they walk, they witness the biological mounts of the deceased teams, Onikuma and Old Shuck, disappear after crossing the finish line. Carl explains that mounts are saved if their riders die, but Donut remains confused and annoyed. They encounter Dr. Metcalf, who is being carted away in a wheelbarrow, and the GPS unit mockingly comments on their victory.

The team receives details about the next race, which will take place in a jungle filled with traps and hazards, including acid rain. The race will have a mandatory refueling pit stop in the lost jungle city of Upano, and the time limit is 20 hours. Hedy, the team’s mechanic, emphasizes the importance of winning the next race to secure a bonus Golden upgrade. They discuss potential upgrades and the fate of the last-place team, which will receive an audience vote.

Carl checks in with other racers via the messaging system, learning about the outcomes of their races and the teams they’ve lost. He discusses the need for new drivers and defense with Rosetta, who is at the mercenary market. Hedy pressures Carl to focus on the upcoming race, and he agrees to consider her suggestions for truck upgrades.

Carl and Donut visit Jamal for their daily buffs, but the process is awkward due to Jamal's new grabbers, which he is still getting used to. Donut, particularly vocal about the rough handling, suggests using kangaroo blood for her next skincare product, sparking a discussion about the dangers of giving drugs to NPCs. Gluteus, recovering from an overdose, lies on the couch, being tended to by Splash Zone. Meanwhile, Samantha tries to flirt with Finley, the Porsuk mercenary, much to Donut’s annoyance.

Carl and Donut enter Hungry Eyes Village, where Donut engages in a conversation with Olga about the differences between frogs and toads, while Carl notices the thinning number of racers in the village. As they discuss, Quemada, a fairy, approaches Carl with a divine mission to slay Hellik, the brother of Emberus, in exchange for a steep fee to protect Olga and Finley. Carl is skeptical and reluctant, as the task seems impossible and fraught with danger.

The tension escalates when Eris, the goddess of chaos, reappears, accompanied by a small robot Uzi Jesus. Eris informs Carl that one of four dire outcomes must occur before the Ascendent is chosen, and she offers him a five-sided coin representing these outcomes. Desperate to avoid these outcomes, Carl grabs the coin as it flips, only to have it dissolve and leave a swirling tattoo on his palm, symbolizing chaos and uncertainty.

Eris reveals that the fifth choice on the coin represents a combination of the other outcomes or none of them, embodying the essence of chaos. She kisses Carl, hinting at a future where he might become her favorite worshipper. The chapter concludes with Carl and his companions grappling with the implications of this chaotic encounter and the looming threats ahead.

Eris and Uzi Jesus vanish, leaving behind only a meat skewer that crumbles to dust. Donut mentions a strange notification about a god, but Carl confirms that the deity is gone, clutching the swirling tattoo on his palm—a symbol of chaos and uncertainty left by Eris. The implications of the coin and its chaotic outcomes weigh heavily on Carl, who realizes the situation has become even more perilous.

Quemada continues to discuss Emberus, unaware of the recent events, while Carl frantically tries to piece together the information Eris provided. The eye on his chest remains open, and he struggles to process the randomness and uncertainty of the fifth choice on the coin. Imani and Donut notice Carl’s distress, and a tiny fairy, Jacobus, the Reverse Tooth Fairy, is permanently summoned due to Carl’s Scavenger’s Daughter patch. Imani quickly restrains Jacobus, preventing further chaos.

Prepotente arrives, greeting Olga and inquiring about the delay. The group discusses the recent events, with Elle, Imani, and Donut expressing concern about the new developments. Donut suggests setting Raul free permanently, but Carl doubts it’s possible, attributing the summoning to divine intervention. The team agrees to consult the war mages for guidance, as Carl hints at a potentially dangerous but necessary plan to address the looming threats.

Carl and his team step into the quirky 1950s-themed diner, Chicken and Waffles, where the workers are flightless imps. Darla-Dean, an imp with a gaudy rockabilly wig, greets them with a flourish. Samantha, who materializes unexpectedly, requests a kiddie menu, sparking a series of humorous exchanges. Prepotente, always the indulgent one, orders an excessive amount of drinks, and the group decides to explore the top-shelf upgrades behind the jukebox.

Pushing the jukebox aside, they discover a hidden hallway leading to a dusty counter with a binder of vehicle upgrades. A dead imp named Hickster, killed by Akuma, lies on the counter with a note warning Carl to come alone. Carl deactivates a hidden trap and calls out, eventually revealing Akuma, the war mage, leaning against a wall. Akuma, still harboring resentment from their last encounter during the Faction Wars, is taken aback to see Carl with a group.

Elle, still seething with fury at Akuma for his role in the theft of the Gate of the Feral Gods and the near-death of one of her teammates, casts an ice bolt at his crotch and Mutes him. She threatens severe physical harm if he doesn’t cooperate, and Carl asks Imani to cast an anti-magic shield around Akuma. The group discusses Elle’s history of holding grudges, and Samantha playfully asks if she can cause more damage. The three mercenaries cower in the back, and Olga mutters about charging quintuple for the trouble.

Elle, still seething with anger, shatters Akuma's testicle with an ice bolt, leaving him in excruciating pain. Encased in an anti-magic shield by Imani, Akuma is now vulnerable and defenseless. Despite his agony, he begins to explain the underlying issues with the dungeon’s AI and the overuse of NPCs and mobs, which are leading to widespread awakening and instability. He reveals that the dungeon’s framework, a modular system containing stored mobs and locations, is reused every season and is the key to the dungeon’s operation.

Akuma discloses that two former crawlers, Herot and Menerva, created a hidden dimension called the Pineapple Cabaret, designed as a sanctuary for awakened NPCs and mobs. This dimension, attached to the seventeenth floor, is meant to be a safe haven, but it has been invaded by old, forgotten monsters and shadow mimics. Akuma and his team were working to protect the Cabaret but were forced to leave to find the Scavenger’s Daughter, a crucial element for opening a portal to the surface. Now, they need Carl and his team to help retake the Cabaret and ensure its safety.

Akuma explains that the Cabaret is accessible through the casinos at the Desperado Club or via the shop interface, as suggested by Herot. However, there are strict requirements for entry, primarily that no one can worship a god, as it would trigger a smite. When Carl realizes Akuma’s true motives for wanting him to kill two teams—to force him into a position where he would have to help—Carl punches Akuma in the face, shattering his nose. The chapter ends with the team left to consider the implications of Akuma’s revelations and the dangerous path ahead.

The team departs from the hidden upgrade facility, leaving Akuma, the war mage, with only 2% health. Carl and the others head to a crowded karaoke bar called the Lollipop, where the Japanese monster team Yokai is performing. Through the chat, Carl persistently queries Akuma, but receives only terse, annoyed responses. Despite Akuma’s reluctance, Carl resolves to follow his advice to trust but verify, focusing on rallying volunteers to reclaim the Pineapple Cabaret and combat the shadow mimics.

Inside the bar, Carl meets with Tipid, who provides insights into hidden guildhalls and the history of Herot and Menerva. Tipid cautions Carl about potential betrayal by the war mages and the dangers posed by the glitching shadow mimics on this floor. He also reveals that the stage performance guild is concealed within the Lollipop and suggests a method to access it by singing a specific song with a perfect green needle gauge. The team decides to attempt this method, with Donut eagerly volunteering to try her luck.

Imani, Chris, and Elle return with a newly hired fleshmancer mercenary, and the group discusses their plan. Tipid takes the stage to test the guild entrance method, but his poor singing keeps the gauge in the red. Undeterred, Donut is excited to give it a shot. The chapter concludes with the team preparing to attempt the guild entrance, while Prepotente storms out of the bar after a heated exchange with the bartender over bringing in outside drinks.

Still reeling from the failed attempt to access the stage guild entrance, Donut and Carl ride in a vehicle driven by Olga. Donut is visibly upset, and Finley tries to console her, but the fire fairy, Que, remains unusually quiet and depressed. The team discusses the new rules for the race, including the survival containment bubble that protects them from the toxic air and the requirement for a pit stop lasting at least two hours.

Zev’s announcement introduces the new rule that teams can still win even if their vehicle is destroyed, as long as they survive and cross the finish line. The team also learns that winning teams will receive a key to access defeated teams’ garages for additional upgrades. As the race approaches, the team observes their competitors, including Team Sparkles, the Lady Dominators, and One Fine Pig.

The arrival of Team Flamengo, led by Osvaldo and Filipe, adds tension, as Osvaldo is known to be a difficult adversary and worships a deity that would prevent him from entering the Pineapple Cabaret. Carl attempts to communicate with Osvaldo, warning him about the dangers of attacking certain teams, but Osvaldo is hostile and dismissive. Donut, frustrated, reminds Osvaldo of the debt he owes to Carl and her, but Carl advises against antagonizing him further. The chapter ends with the team focusing on the race strategy and the looming threat of Osvaldo and his team.

The team gathers around Dr. Metcalf, who outlines the various paths to the pit stop, suggesting a route that balances speed and safety, avoiding major obstacles and potential boss encounters. They discuss the challenges of the race, including the lack of visibility on their position and the presence of traps, which are not marked on the map. Carl emphasizes the importance of vigilance and assigns roles for monitoring threats, acknowledging the limited upgrades available for each race.

As they prepare, the weather takes a turn for the worse, with rain causing a smoky haze that obscures their vision. Olga activates the new shield to protect the team from the hazardous conditions. Outside, Lucienne and Dwight are seen arguing with the Lady Dominators, heightening tensions among the competing teams. Carl reflects on the lack of a concrete strategy against Team Sparkles and the potential risk to Corky, whose role is crucial to their plans.

Carl sends a message to Osvaldo, seeking information about the memorial crystal quest. Osvaldo reveals that he completed a quest for Tupa but found the crystal to be corrupted. He later received a second crystal, which also proved to be faulty, leading to a new quest to understand the issues with the crystals. Carl realizes he misjudged the situation and becomes intrigued by Osvaldo's revelations, particularly the involvement of the god Ysalte, whom Paz had killed.

As the race approaches, Quemada, the fire fairy, is found sobbing, questioning the reality of their situation. The traffic lights turn yellow, signaling the imminent start of the race, and Carl is left to ponder the complex web of alliances and betrayals that lie ahead.

Olga floors the vehicle as soon as the light turns green, but the team is quickly outpaced by Team Free Love, the bugbears, who zoom ahead on their cushion of air. The shield protecting the team from the rain starts to fog up, and Olga grumbles about the lack of rain-wipers. As they approach the forest, the Lady Dominators zoom past, followed by a series of explosions and gunfire from a thorny bush, which damages the hairy-animal team's vehicle.

Inside the vehicle, Quemada, the fire fairy, experiences a severe panic attack, exacerbated by the sudden warmth and the stress of the race. Olga explains that Quemada has a history of panic attacks, especially since the death of Helado, an ice fairy who used to calm her down. Finley attempts to soothe Quemada, but she becomes increasingly agitated, questioning the reality of their situation and her own sanity. Concerned, Olga has Finley knock Quemada unconscious and places her in the sink.

The jungle grows dense and suffocating, with thick, steaming foliage and an acrid, burning scent from the acid rain. The Lady Dominators remain ahead, and the Wienermobile, driven by the Minister of Blood-Letting and his team, merges onto the path, blocking the team's progress. Donut, who had previously interacted with the Minister, reassures the team that they won’t be sacrificed to Baal. The Wienermobile sprays dirt and mud, making the path even more treacherous.

Carl receives a message from Imani, informing him that their team, led by Elle, is behind the Bleak Congregation and has already lost a team to a trap. Carl sends the course to Imani and confirms that they will wait to ensure Imani's team makes it past the cliff. The chapter ends with the team navigating the challenging terrain, with Quemada unconscious and the Wienermobile obstructing their path.

The vehicle jolts violently as the track becomes increasingly treacherous, and Olga adjusts the wheels to maintain stability. Carl keeps a vigilant watch as they approach the outskirts of cannibal territory. Suddenly, Imani and Elle’s team catch up in a larger APV, and the cannibals attack from the trees above, exploding on contact with the shield. Donut increases her Torch to full blast, turning night into day and causing the cannibals to hiss and scream, suiciding themselves against the shield.

As they approach a natural bridge adorned with skeletons and decapitated heads, a horde of pale, naked cannibals with horrific masks block the path. Donut uses her Astral Paw to clear the bridge, snapping the arch and flinging the cannibals away. The shield overheats, and Olga warns that it will need time to recharge. A particularly large cannibal with a glowing staff and an ape skull mask appears, identified as a Level 99 Cannibal Ginger Chieftain. Despite the AI's biased and stereotypical description, Donut kills the chieftain with a magic missile, and Olga, who had been debuffed, regains consciousness but remains disoriented.

Mordecai informs Carl that Olga needs specialized healing from a cleric to recover fully. Carl, now driving with Finley, speeds through the cannibal village, smashing through huts and cook pots. A new mandatory quest appears, requiring them to find and kill Maurice, the chieftain of the northern tribe, to prevent the northern tribe from gaining unchecked power and devouring everyone in Upano. The team continues the race, with Donut firing missiles at lingering cannibals and Finley complaining about the situation.

The team reaches the river, where the shield has recharged, allowing them to cross safely despite the flying piranhas. Donut uses her Fresh into Salt spell to neutralize the remaining piranhas, but the spell doesn't level her up. Olga remains unconscious, and the team finally arrives at the pit stop, a surreal and incongruous setting within the jungle, with a long suburban street lined with garages representing all the competing teams.

Upon entering the pit stop, Carl notices that only eleven of the twenty-four garage doors are open, indicating their relatively good standing in the race. They park in their assigned garage, where Hedy greets them, noting the team's better condition compared to their last visit. However, she warns them that the garage doors cannot be closed, and safe room access is unavailable during pit stops.

The team is further disrupted when they discover Jamal, the shark, stuck upside down on the ceiling, having tested his new sticky feet. Donut uses her Hover ability to reach Jamal and comforts him, bringing him down to the floor. Carl, still reeling from the loss of Finley, Quemada, and Grulke, is determined to protect the remaining team members. Despite his concerns, he allows the others to venture into town to find a temple for healing.

Tragically, the APV from Team One Fine Pig, driven by Carl's rage, smashes into the pavement, killing the remaining team members as they leave the garage to find a temple.

Still reeling from the loss of Finley and Quemada, Carl storms into the garage of Team One Fine Pig, driven by a seething rage. Inside, the team's gremlin, Lipstick, and the two Tigrans, Nico and Dario, are caught off guard by his sudden intrusion. An ethereal gun mounted on their APV fires, blowing out the garage wall and causing significant damage, but Carl narrowly avoids the blast.

The situation escalates as the three dromedarians, armed with spiked baseball bats, join the fray, attacking the APV and causing further chaos. Lightning flashes and thunder cracks as Penelope, the pig inside the truck, panics. Carl's rage-driven assault is halted when the APV's shield activates, electrocuting him and knocking him back. The shield also kills Lipstick the gremlin, whose body explodes against the wall. Imani and Donut intervene, pulling Carl away from the confrontation to prevent further violence.

Carl, still shaken and angry, reflects on the unfairness of the situation and the senseless deaths of his teammates. Imani and Donut try to calm him, reminding him of their backup plans. Meanwhile, the Tigrans discuss their strategy, revealing that Penelope is crucial to their success and that they plan to avoid further conflict with Carl. Carl overhears their conversation and begins to formulate a plan to eliminate a competing team to improve their chances of not coming in last.

Louis, a member of another team, checks in via Donut, reporting that his team is in first place for their heat. The conversation provides a brief respite from the tension, offering a glimpse into the unique challenges and oddities of the race, such as the Satan character and the water tube tracks. Carl and Donut decide to proceed with their plans, determined to overcome the obstacles ahead.

Still reeling from the confrontation with Team One Fine Pig, Carl, Donut, and the others decide to venture into town. Carl, haunted by the loss of Finley, Quemada, and Grulke, outlines his plan to Imani and Donut, who help calm him down. His strategy involves distracting the Tigrans with a spell and setting disintegration traps around their truck to eliminate them without harming Penelope, the pig.

Donut, using her high charisma, casts the spell All Eyes on Me, captivating the Tigrans with a rambling monologue about the pitfalls of toxic relationships. While they are distracted, Carl stealthily places disintegration traps around the truck, programming them to target only the Tigrans. Once the traps are set, the team quickly moves away, rejoining Elle and Imani on the sidewalk.

As they walk, the Minister of Blood-Letting and his skeletal followers emerge from the city, carrying a bucket of a revolting white liquid. Donut greets the Minister, who bows in acknowledgment, while Elle expresses her discomfort with the strange sight. Imani confirms that the contents of the bucket are even worse than Elle suspects, adding a layer of unease to the already tense atmosphere.

Still reeling from the confrontation with Team One Fine Pig, Carl, Donut, and the others decide to explore the pit stop area, a bustling hub shared by multiple tracks with different themes. Louis, a new addition to the group, returns with a bucket of a foul-smelling substance, described as ‘secretions,’ which he explains is sold by bat creatures and offers temporary environmental protection. Donut, visibly disgusted, insists the buckets be stored in inventory. Zev, the race announcer, then reveals a twist: teams will switch tracks after the first half of the race. Meanwhile, Carl receives notifications that his traps have successfully eliminated the Tigrans, but Penelope the pig survives.

Donut's irritation with hedgehogs resurfaces as Carl and the team prepare for the next segment of the race in Satan’s Water Park. She recounts a pet show where a hedgehog named Jezebel triumphed, much to her chagrin. Despite the absurdity of the situation, Carl tries to keep Donut calm and focused. The team decides to use the resurrected corpse of Olga to drive their vehicle, a decision that Donut and the others find unsettling due to Olga’s mutilated state. Donut casts Clockwork Triplicate to extend the duration of the Second Chance spell, ensuring Olga remains animated. The map reveals multiple paths, including the River of Sloth, which they must take due to the ginger base camp. As they wait for the race to begin, a female troll in a tow truck pulls up beside them, dropping her cigarette in shock at the sight of Olga. The troll drives off, and Satan’s laughter echoes through the park. Carl and Donut reflect on their strategy and the challenges ahead, with Donut still bristling at the mention of Satan.

Navigating through Satan’s Water Park, Carl and Donut face a gauntlet of challenges with the help of a resurrected Olga and a Bactrian camel named Joel. The team employs strategic upgrades and quick thinking to stay ahead, despite relentless attacks from gingers, penguins, and zipper shrews. Donut, ever vigilant, directs Olga to steer the truck through the complex waterways, while Carl deploys sticky hob-lobbers to deter their pursuers.

As they approach a critical juncture in the race, the team decides to bypass a deceptive trap that would drop them into the waterworks and pipes under the park, saving them valuable time but increasing their risk. Just as they reach the entrance to the lazy river, the clockwork Olga falls out of the truck, leaving the driver’s seat empty and the team in a vulnerable position.

Undeterred, Carl and Donut quickly adapt by having Joel take over the driving, ensuring they stay on course. The chapter concludes with the team successfully avoiding the trap and continuing their race, all while Satan, the kaiju-sized hedgehog, provides unsettling commentary and heightens the tension.

Still reeling from the near disaster at the edge of the track, Carl and Donut push forward in the high-stakes race through Satan’s Water Park. Joel the camel takes over driving, but the truck hits a turn and drops off the edge, damaging two of the spider legs. Undeterred, the team continues, bypassing the hidden entrance to the basement and moving toward the entrance of the lazy river. They are not in the lead, and Carl and Donut prepare to use their final trick to gain an advantage.

As they approach the River of Sloth, Carl casts the Gutter Bumper spell, freezing the river and deploying a chain of weapons that cuts through the gingers floating in inner tubes. Donut then casts Summon Ye, Vermin, summoning a horde of zipper shrews that drill through any remaining gingers and the boss Maurice. The quest is completed, but the AI’s commentary notes the extreme violence and potential ethical implications. The team pushes toward the finish line, with Florin and team Sparkles’ vine crashing nearby due to Satan’s interference.

Just as they are about to cross the finish line, Lucienne, the rodent driver from team Sparkles, is summoned by Donut’s spell and crashes through the windshield, exploding against the invisible barrier. The chapter ends with the team crossing the finish line, but the aftermath of the race is fraught with chaos and unexpected consequences.

Following the chaotic end of the race, Carl and Donut are covered in the remains of the rodent driver from team Sparkles. Carl, choking and coughing, regains control of the truck and steers it out of the way as other teams speed past. He sends a message to Jasha and Radoslav, warning them about the trap, but they are already trapped in the basement. Donut retrieves the cursed helmet, adding it to her inventory despite its apparent worthlessness.

Lucia, the skull-headed woman, approaches Carl and Donut with a chilling message. She whispers about a new entity, Chalchiuhtlicue, who claims to be kind but suggests that death might be the kindest fate. Lucia warns that the Ascendency on the twelfth floor is attracting all kinds of beings, both real and imagined. Suddenly, Lucia transforms into a frightened girl named Azra, who believes Carl knows her father, a man who owns a bowling alley. Carl reassures her that her father is safe and loves her, but Azra is terrified and runs away, prompting Florin to chase after her.

Back at the garage, Dr. Metcalf provides details for the next race, which will take place in the Gasworks Screw Factory, a track with extreme heat and hazardous conditions. The race requires avoiding being squished, melted, or screwed, with a time limit of 30 minutes. Donut expresses her unease, but Carl remains focused, noting that he can now drive again. They read messages from other teams, learning of the high casualty rate and the tragic events that unfolded, including Tran’s account of Li Na casting a dread spell that caused teammates to turn on each other.

Captain Fresh of the Syndicate security forces briefs Minus on a critical mission. Minus is tasked with infiltrating the tenth floor of the dungeon by posing as his deceased brother, who had a history of watching the fairy crawler’s activities. Captain Fresh hands Minus a datapad containing extensive footage and posts related to the fairy crawler, emphasizing the importance of rapid injection of this information to avoid suspicion from the AI.

Minus is overwhelmed by the gravity of the mission and the guilt of not having kept in touch with his brother. Captain Fresh explains that the mission is a suicide operation aimed at destabilizing the crawlers and triggering a systemic collapse, which would allow the Syndicate to intervene more effectively. The AI’s advanced capabilities have made it nearly impossible to stop the spread of the dungeon, and Minus’s infiltration is seen as a crucial step in preventing further catastrophe.

Despite the risks, Minus agrees to the mission, saluting Captain Fresh with a resolve to do whatever it takes to succeed. The chapter ends with Minus preparing to watch the footage and assume his brother’s identity, setting the stage for a dangerous and morally ambiguous task.

Carl and Donut discuss their Golden upgrades with Hedy, who suggests various options including mounts like the Onikuma or Old Shuck. Despite Hedy’s suggestions, they decide to stick with their current truck and focus on upgrading its defenses and capabilities for the upcoming races. They choose to upgrade the Bubble Buddy shield to its Golden version, add a heat sink, and install booster rockets to handle large jumps, along with the Roller Limbo trans-dimensional upgrade for inverted racing and gap traversal.

As Hedy leaves to coordinate the upgrades, Samantha approaches Carl, her demeanor cautious and probing. She questions his interactions with Chalchiuhtlicue, the entity Lucia warned them about. Samantha, who has grown more powerful, reveals that Chalchiuhtlicue is unstable and has a history of killing children, often under the guise of protecting them. She recounts a disturbing incident where Chalchiuhtlicue sacrificed a village daycare during a Yarilo party over a culinary dispute. This revelation deeply alarms Carl, who recalls his conversation with Lucia and the mention of the goddess being among the children in Lucia’s mind.

Samantha’s warnings highlight the moral and ethical dilemmas Carl faces, particularly concerning his alliances and the potential consequences of trusting entities like Chalchiuhtlicue. The chapter ends with Carl feeling a deep sense of alarm and uncertainty about the true nature of the beings they are dealing with and the implications for their survival and the safety of others.

Carl reflects on the changes in the cul-de-sac, noting the empty houses left by eliminated teams. He observes Osvaldo and Filipe chatting with Radoslav and Jasha, who are relaxing in their garage. Osvaldo mentions the inconvenience of losing access to the garages of his original heat, expressing a preference for a different beer.

As they discuss, Carl receives a message from Rosetta, Mordecai, Tipid, and Prepotente about the goddess Chalchiuhtlicue, or 'Chachi' as Donut calls her. Rosetta explains that Chachi is associated with childbirth, water, and fire, and suggests her powers are relatively weak. Carl wonders why his Scavenger’s Daughter patch activates when he talks to Lucia, and Donut suggests the possibility of accessing the guild where the children are located. Prepotente shares cultural parallels between Chachi and the Aztec goddess of the same name, and Donut invites Prepotente to her concert, which he eagerly accepts.

Carl and Donut then head to the garage of an abandoned house, where they find Penelope the pig. Penelope, now with a lipstick-like appearance from licking up gremlin goo, is greeted by Carl, who invites her to join them. Penelope snorts happily and follows them outside, ready to move in with Carl and Donut.

Carl and Donut arrive at the DJ stand, where they meet Grigori the Placid, a Level 93 Fleshmancer hired by Elle and Imani. Grigori, who worships Gula, sits uncomfortably between Louis and Linus, the latter wearing a shirt with a moving image of Elle casting a spell. Donut expresses concern about getting Grigori into the guild, doubting his ability to sing, but Carl reassures her that they need him to charm Porky out of hiding.

Donut grows anxious about Carl's secretive plan, especially regarding the prize of bringing two people to the eleventh floor. She fears Carl might harm Prime Minister Victory, despite Elle's belief that the prize involves bringing influential figures like the Prime Minister or a showrunner. Carl acknowledges her fears and promises to explain everything after the mission, emphasizing the importance of trust and survival.

Later, Carl and Donut join Tran, Zhang, Imani, and Elle for a somber discussion. Zhang, visibly distressed, reveals his intention to kill their mount, Torpedo, during the next race to trigger the system's kill mechanism and eliminate Li Na, who has become dangerously unstable. He recounts the horrors of Na's actions, including the brutal death of Jun and her subsequent self-mutilation. Despite Tran's attempts to dissuade him, Zhang insists it's the only way to stop Na from hurting more people. Donut and Carl adamantly oppose the plan, insisting there must be another solution.

Carl reflects on the team's debt to Zhang and Li Jun, who died protecting Donut. He formulates a new plan, leveraging the fact that Li Na cannot worship a deity due to her Changbi race. Carl sends a message to Bodi, asking if he can act as Zhang's jockey in the next race, hoping this will provide a safer alternative to Zhang's suicidal plan.

In the midst of preparing for the next race, Carl receives updates from Splash Zone about the croupier's aggressive behavior and the unexpected arrival of Dong and Dwight the unicorn. Splash Zone mentions he’s heading to speak with Hamed, the new leader, to find his wife, and will send Bucket Boy to assist Carl. Meanwhile, Carl is interrupted by Mordecai and Rosetta, who inform him that their test on the cleaner bot upgrade worked, but with some issues. They are uncertain if the system will allow Li Na to perform the necessary actions to save herself and Zhang.

Carl decides to proceed with the cleaner bot plan, despite its risks and uncertainties. He believes that if they can convince Li Na to go to the Pineapple Cabaret, it could potentially cure her Left to Fester debuff and save her life. The plan involves trusting the war mage’s information and Herot’s role in the Cabaret. When Carl shares this decision with the team, a sense of renewed hope spreads among them, as they finally have a concrete plan to address the dire situation.

The chapter delves into the backstory of the Pineapple Cabaret, revealing it as a hidden dimension where NPCs are trained and kept safe. The Cabaret is currently overrun by the Ogre Imperium and a shadow mimic infestation. The war mages seek the team’s help to clear the place out, offering a possible exit to the Earth’s surface as a reward. Carl is determined to talk Li Na into this risky but hopeful plan, knowing it could be their only chance to save her and prevent further casualties.

Still reeling from the chaotic events at the bar, Zhang, Elle, and Tran prepare to communicate with Li Na, hoping to convince her to go to the Pineapple Cabaret. Meanwhile, Donut forces Grigori the Placid to brush her, much to his reluctance. Elle sternly warns Linus against any perverted behavior, but his inappropriate actions and comments towards Donut compel her to include him in their mission. Donut, feeling nervous about the upcoming performance, discusses the use of potions and a scroll to ensure Carl can sing effectively. The potions enhance Carl’s vocal abilities, and the Gelded Choirboy scroll adjusts his voice to hit the required notes. Donut releases Mongo into the room, causing a commotion, but she reassures Carl that Hedy is safe with Jamal and the slugs. Imani expresses her excitement for Carl’s performance, and the bar quickly fills with spectators, including Dong Quixote and Bucket Boy. The DJ introduces Carl and Donut, and the crowd cheers as the music begins. Just as they are about to start singing, Dwight the unicorn stabs the DJ in the face with his horn, disrupting the entire event.

In the wake of Dwight the unicorn's violent outburst, the bar erupted into chaos. Dwight, drunk and enraged, had stabbed the DJ, sparking a massive brawl among the crowd. Amidst the pandemonium, Carl and Donut decided to proceed with their performance, knowing it was their only chance with the DJ dead. Carl began singing ‘Take On Me,’ dodging bottles and kicking away gremlins and Draconians who threatened to disrupt the performance.

Donut joined in, her Auto-Tuned voice cutting through the chaos. Their performance gauges soared, and the crowd's fighting momentarily paused as they were mesmerized by the music. However, the chaos resumed, and Mongo, realizing the fight, leaped into the fray, causing more disruption. Imani used a potion to knock out Dwight, and the team worked to protect the other crawlers from being killed in the melee.

Midway through the song, Donut cast Ice Slick on the dance floor, sending fighters sliding into the bar. The bartender, Prepotente, was knocked over and disappeared. A fairy's fireball set the curtains ablaze, and Carl and Donut had to dodge the flames. The song reached its climax, and Carl hit the high note as digital fireworks mixed with the real fire spreading across the ceiling. Donut was knocked over by Dekoki the kappa, ending the performance.

Despite the chaos, Carl and Donut completed the song, and Carl was granted permanent access to the Stage Performance Guild, along with a new achievement. Donut, however, failed the performance, and Carl had to step up to complete the task. The secret door in the bar glowed, and Donut, despite her failure, admitted she loved the song.

Following the chaotic aftermath of Carl and Donut's performance, the team scrambles to clean up the mess and secure the bar. Carl, aware of the urgency to complete the next race, decides to address the issue of the DJ's death and the ensuing chaos. He calls Splash Zone for assistance, but with no response, he sends Tipid and Bucket Boy to handle the situation, particularly the unconscious and disruptive Dwight.

Carl then confronts Jurgen, who is desperate to leave the dungeon to find his pregnant girlfriend, Heidi. Jurgen reveals that he worships Donar, a god of thunder and lightning, and is concerned about the potential consequences of entering the Pineapple Cabaret. Carl, unsure of the risks, promises to help Jurgen but insists he must focus on the upcoming race.

Carl then enters the Stage Performance Guild to seek further assistance, hoping to find a solution to the immediate problems they face. Inside the guild, he meets Porky, the other half of Corcunda, who is trapped in a body-containment suit with a stuck zipper. After helping Porky, Carl explains the dire situation with Corky, who is being exploited by the Lady Dominators. Porky agrees to help, but only if Carl also helps him take revenge on Dong Quixote, the cause of his separation. Carl, seeing the opportunity to reunite the halves of Corcunda, agrees to the terms, and they prepare to act quickly before the next race.

With the next race looming, Carl and the team are scrambling to reunite the halves of Corcunda. Elle confirms that Li Na has reluctantly agreed to the plan, expressing regret at missing Carl and Donut's performance. Dong, however, is causing issues, refusing to leave and becoming increasingly emotional about being left out. The team discovers that they can no longer contact Splash Zone, Gluteus, and Doctor Bones, who were last seen with Hamed, the leader of the Guild of Suffering, raising concerns about their safety.

Carl tries to reassure Dong, who is suffering from a mysterious debuff called 'Negative ROI,' but Dong's health continues to decline rapidly. The team realizes that the debuff is a curse known as 'Separation Anxiety,' which can only be cured by retrieving the sock and all the nickels Dong lost. Meanwhile, Porky, the other half of Corcunda, is furious upon learning about Dong's involvement in the plan. The team decides to proceed with the mission to reunite Corcunda during the next race, despite the added risk and urgency.

As they approach the garage where Corky is held, the garage door opens, and Rapture and Genesis emerge in a modified GTO, taunting the team. They reveal that they are aware of the team's plans and threaten to unzip Corky if the team interferes. The garage door closes, and the GTO speeds toward the starting line, leaving the team with no choice but to wait until after the race. Imani and Jacobus head to the garage to try and save Dong, while Carl resolves to apologize to Dong and make amends, understanding the gravity of the situation.

Carl decides to confront the issue head-on, instructing Grigori to learn how to drive in case they need to pursue the GTO during the race. The team heads back to their garage to say goodbye to Li Na, acknowledging the high stakes and the personal sacrifices they must make to complete their mission and save Dong.

Carl enters the safe room to find Dong sobbing, with Bigs covering his head and glaring at him. Tipid and Imani are also present, and Imani informs Carl that Dong has an hour and a half left before his health reaches zero, and healing potions or blessings are ineffective. Bigs, perched on Dong's head, criticizes Carl for not supporting the team's 'code' of unity and support, and for not allowing her to take action against Li Na. Carl apologizes and explains his fear of losing control and the complexity of the mission, acknowledging that keeping Dong away was not the right decision.

Carl continues, explaining that the tenth floor is a deliberate trap designed to ensnare those who have survived the Faction Wars. He admits that he initially found the simplicity of the tasks comforting but now recognizes the floor's true nature. He reassures Dong that he will include him in the mission to reunite Corcunda, despite the risks. Dong shares a poignant memory of Corky's words during a battle, emphasizing the importance of dying together rather than alone.

Samantha glides into the room, her usual irreverent comments adding a layer of tension. She introduces Porky, who has been quietly waiting. Porky acknowledges his past actions and the significance of Dong's scarf, leading to an awkward but meaningful moment between the two. Carl, trying to give Dong and Porky some privacy, leaves the room with Samantha, who continues to make inappropriate remarks. Before leaving, Carl thanks the cleaner bot for its service, recognizing its role in the upcoming mission. The chapter ends with Carl and Samantha moving toward the exit, setting the stage for the next phase of their dangerous quest.

Li Na, hovering and glowing in the common room, remains silent as Mordecai, Mistress Tiatha, and Rosetta gather around her. The team prepares to execute a risky plan to send Li Na out of the dungeon using a cleaner bot and an XL pet carrier. Samantha and Donut engage in a side conversation about the naming of the cleaner bots, with Samantha admitting to cheating in the coin flip to name one 'Anna Nardini.'

Mordecai explains the complex process: Li Na will be sucked into the pet carrier, which will then be ingested by the cleaner bot. The cleaner bot will be sold, and a buyer named Herot will transport it to a location outside the dungeon. To monitor Li Na's status, Rosetta casts a spell on a cactus plant, which will change appearance based on Li Na's fate. Prepotente expresses skepticism but agrees to the plan. Li Na, after a heartfelt exchange with Zhang, is suctioned into the pet carrier and disappears into the cleaner bot.

The team waits anxiously, and Mordecai sells the cleaner bot at the shop interface terminal. The sale is confirmed, and the cleaner bot vanishes. Mordecai's head briefly bursts into flames, but he swiftly douses the fire. The chapter ends with the team watching the cactus, waiting for any changes that will indicate Li Na's status.

In a poignant entry from Donut’s journal, Mees Koning, a half-orc mage, reflects on his struggles with social anxiety and invisibility before finding a moment of connection with Donut during the Faction Wars. This memory gives him the strength to face the horrors of the dungeon, and he thanks Donut for her kindness, sharing a drawing of a Big-Ass Magnet spell. Just before the race starts, Carl finds Dong in the pet stables with Porky, where Dong is bonding with Gonk the swamp yak and Penelope the pig. Despite his deteriorating health, Dong remains determined to participate in the mission to reunite Corcunda. As the team approaches the starting line, Carl communicates with Akuma, who is preparing to leave the floor, and receives updates from Zhang and Mordecai about Li Na’s status. The race setup is tense, with teams like the Lady Dominators and Team Free Love positioned nearby. Dr. Metcalf provides crucial map data, revealing the challenges of the factory racecourse, a mix of wide-open spaces and narrow tracks, with the added danger of molten metal floors and neighborhood bosses. The starting light turns green, signaling the beginning of their perilous journey.

Carl and his team launch off the starting line, racing toward the entrance of the Gasworks Screw Factory. The factory is filled with piles of metal balls and a red glow from the molten metal vats, creating a dangerous and chaotic environment. Carl activates the Bubble Buddy shield and the Heat Sink to manage the extreme heat, while the team navigates through the factory, avoiding collisions and the deadly vats. As they approach the first jump, Carl uses the rocket acceleration to propel the vehicle over the gap, landing on a conveyor belt that moves against their direction. Prepotente and Jurgen, riding a massive Perriso, follow closely behind, with Bianca, Prepotente’s hellspawn familiar, ready to assist in capturing Corky. The team encounters various obstacles, including other racers and the thick white powder, which turns out to be a highly addictive drug designed for children. The revelation about the knockers and their drug production adds a layer of moral complexity to the already tense race. The factory is revealed to be a hub of illegal drug production, with the knockers manufacturing and selling cocaine to minors. Despite the dangerous and morally ambiguous environment, Carl and his team remain focused on their mission. The chapter ends with the team successfully navigating the first major challenge and preparing for the next phase of the race.

Narrowly avoiding a massive hole in the floor, Carl and his team navigate through a room filled with wooden crates. The hole had been a trap, and the Lady Dominators' vehicle had fallen through, rendering it inoperable. The team quickly realizes that the dolls surrounding the crashed vehicle are cocaine-infused elementals, capable of passing through protective shields.

Donut uses her Puddle Jumper spell to rescue Corky from the crashed vehicle, but the heat is intense, and his suit is severely damaged. Grigori and Dong work frantically to heal Corky, who is confused and in pain. The team must act fast as the action figures continue to swarm and melt in the extreme heat, threatening to breach the truck's defenses.

With the race nearing its end, Carl takes over driving, and the team prepares to enter the next room, which requires driving on the ceiling. The urgency to remove the damaged suits and treat Corky's injuries adds to the tension, as the team faces the dual threat of the cocaine elementals and the imminent end of the race.

The race track twists and turns, leading Carl and his team into a room filled with molten metal. The team must drive sideways and then upside down, facing the added challenge of avoiding the action figures that cling to the truck and the molten metal beasts that hurl globs of metal at them. Grigori, Dong, and Donut work frantically to fuse Corky and Porky back into Corcunda, despite the chaotic and dangerous conditions.

As the truck drives upside down along the ceiling, Grigori casts a spell to fuse Corky and Porky, while Dong holds them together with all his might. The heat and the constant attacks from the molten metal beasts take a toll on the team, especially Dong, whose health is critically low. Despite the challenges, Carl uses the truck's upgrades to outmaneuver the ferret and other racers, and the team receives a crucial tip from Prepotente about delaying the molten metal beasts by adding non-molten metal to them.

With the race nearing its end, the team successfully fuses Corky and Porky into Corcunda, but the process is not without its grotesque and humorous complications. Donut's comments about the mantaur's anatomy add a touch of dark humor to the tense situation. Just as the team approaches the exit, a system message appears, indicating that Grull, a god, has entered the realm, adding a new layer of danger and uncertainty to their journey.

Grull, a god, crashes through the wall, cackling with glee, and announces that he has come for Carl and Corcunda, claiming that Corcunda has failed in his faith and must be punished. The team exits the room and drives off a ledge, gliding through the air and landing in a large room filled with crates. The race is nearing its end, and the team must navigate the treacherous terrain while avoiding the approaching god and the molten metal elementals.

Grull crashes through the wall, and the team is forced to land hard, causing their shield to overload and a tire to break off. The god, unaffected by the molten metal, continues his pursuit, while the elementals charge ahead. Corcunda, realizing his fate, decides to face Grull and accept his punishment, hoping it will allow the team to escape. Dong, showing immense bravery, mounts Corcunda and prepares to charge the god, armed with a massive lance. Donut casts a spell called Big-Ass Magnet on the lance, which causes thousands of screws to fly toward the charging pair, devastating the elementals in their path.

Dong and Corcunda charge into battle, with Dong’s lance making contact with Grull. The god acknowledges it as a good death before vanishing back to the twelfth floor. With the immediate threat neutralized, the team pushes through the final stretch of the race, barely making it to the finish line with only fifteen seconds to spare. Despite the loss of several teams, including the Lady Dominators and the Gimp, Carl and his team secure fourth place in the results of Heat Five.

Carl and his team limp over the finish line, finishing last in their heat, with only eighteen out of sixty teams surviving. Dong Quixote is dead, having sacrificed himself to protect the team from Grull, a god who pursued them during the race. Donut is devastated by Dong's death, and Grigori offers words of comfort, suggesting that death is merely a transition to another plane of existence. Prepotente informs the team that they are the only survivors from their heat and warns that difficult choices will have to be made for the final two races. The team grapples with the unfairness of the unicorn's victory, noting that he cheated by riding over the factory instead of through it. Dr. Metcalf provides details for the next race, which involves a two-part competition in a seven-floor apartment building, with unique hazards and a time limit of two hours. The team returns to the garage, where Hedy awaits with news of another audience vote for their next upgrade. Carl receives a quest completion notification, revealing a cryptic message from Mordecai about the dangers of exits that seem too good to be true and the unpredictable nature of the dungeon. Mordecai also mentions that a single flower has bloomed on the cactus, signaling that Li Na has made it to the Pineapple Cabaret safely.

Following the intense race and the tragic loss of Dong Quixote, Carl and his team regroup in the garage. Donut, eager to understand Carl's plan, insists on a meeting with the remaining members. Bucket Boy and Bigs join them, and the somber mood is palpable as they discuss Dong's sacrifice and the upcoming challenges. Suddenly, Samantha, noticing Grigori, confronts him about his identity as a fleshmancer. Her aggressive and demanding demeanor leads to a bizarre and somewhat uncomfortable interaction where she insists on finding a compatible body for herself, dragging Grigori into the safe room for a 'procedure.' The team, left to deal with the emotional aftermath of the race, must also grapple with the looming threat of the final two races.

The tension escalates further with Cascadia's drunken and bitter announcement. She reveals the death of Cumberland, believed to be her ex-husband, and her indifference to the fate of the remaining teams. The announcement outlines the rules for the final two races, emphasizing the high stakes and the introduction of a floor boss. The team, already strained, must now navigate these new challenges with renewed determination.

In the pet stables, the team gathers to discuss the upcoming challenges and the risks associated with the Pineapple Cabaret exit. Imani, visibly agitated with her blood bar nearly depleted, vents her frustration at Carl, accusing him of leading them into a suicidal situation. Despite the team's reservations, they agree to proceed with the plan, focusing on minimizing crawler-on-crawler races and ensuring as many survivors as possible can take deals or escape through the Pineapple Cabaret. Rosetta adds to the discussion by explaining the mythology of the Scavenger and the Scavenger’s Daughter, providing context that deepens their understanding of the stakes involved.

Prepotente hands Carl a memorial crystal, explaining its history and purpose. The crystal, which belongs to Osvaldo, is supposed to charge when killing things, but it remains uncharged despite attempts. The crystal activated during the release of Yarilo, a banished god, but did not fully charge, leading to questions about its functionality and the status of Apito, the deity who banished Yarilo. Still reeling from the high stakes and the potential for failure, Donut challenges Prepotente to consider how his mother would have reacted to his treatment of Osvaldo, prompting a moment of reflection. Carl shares his quest to uncover the murderer of Emberus’s son, Geyrun, and the potential connections to the Scavenger myth. Prepotente reveals his quest from the Midnight Epicure, a god that protects prey animals by destroying existence, and the crystal's role in this apocalyptic form. Samantha interrupts the discussion, revealing she has left Grigori with Jamal. Her suspicion about the team's secretive planning is palpable as she reveals her own vague, self-centered plans. Donut sarcastically explains Carl's plan, which involves leaving the party to manipulate immortals into killing each other, potentially leading to a suicidal outcome for Carl.

Carl and his team gather in the garage, preparing for the final race to the Pineapple Cabaret. The atmosphere is tense as they say their goodbyes. Pontiff, the former stripper now hired as their driver, tries to make amends with Bucket Boy, whose family is mostly dead or missing. The two share a moment of mutual understanding and respect. Meanwhile, Carl and Donut walk to Hungry Eyes Village, reflecting on the high stakes and the potential for failure, especially in light of Mordecai’s warnings about past attempts similar to theirs. The weight of their mission hangs heavy, but the bonds they have formed provide a glimmer of hope.

Carl addresses the crowd of crawlers, saluting those attempting the escape, those planning to take a deal, and those hoping to make it to the parade. He reflects on the challenges of the floor and the necessity of unity, emphasizing the bonds formed among the survivors. Before parting ways, Elle steps forward, sharing a poignant tribute to her late husband, Barry, and playing his favorite song, ‘Have You Ever Seen the Rain?’

Elle then reveals that the Linus they know is an impostor, exposing his true identity and the tragic fate of the real Linus. Overwhelmed with guilt, Linus admits to his brother's murder and his role in the infiltration. Donut and Elle detail the inconsistencies in Linus’s behavior and his lack of understanding of the dungeon, which led to his exposure. Despite his protests, Linus is confronted with the reality of his mission's failure and the impending consequences of his actions.

Carl emphasizes the futility of Linus’s attempts to divide them, highlighting the strength and resilience of the group forged through their shared trials. He warns Linus that his efforts have only strengthened their resolve, and that his return to the outside world will be met with severe repercussions. The chapter ends with Elle reflecting on her husband’s love for the song, adding a bittersweet note to the tense confrontation.

Imani reports that the cleaner bots successfully transported 227 crawlers to the Pineapple Cabaret, where Mordecai notes that Cactus remains steady. Ronit, a druid, has created a Garden of Deliverance using small plants tied to the lives of the crawlers. These plants will wilt or turn to dust if a crawler dies, and bloom if they escape. Still reeling from the recent confrontation with Linus, Carl and his team, now including the new mercenary Nester, a level 65 Cartographer, prepare for the final race. Carl reflects on the ease with which Linus infiltrated their group, feeling rattled and wondering about other potential threats, including the mysterious Agatha and the unresolved accusation from Burcu about her father’s death.

At the starting line, Donut notices that Dwight, in his vine, has a debuff and is drunk, raising concerns about his ability to drive. The setting is a surreal 1950s futuristic world inside a giant AC duct, with teams shrunken down to the size of a LEGO brick. Dr. Metcalf, a holographic figure resembling Bea’s therapist, provides details about the race, including the finish line in the lobby and the requirement to pass through seven rings, one on each floor. Carl and his team discuss their strategy, with Osvaldo suggesting a risky plan to drop down the elevator shaft. Osvaldo’s reluctance to trust anyone on the tenth floor adds tension to the already high-stakes situation.

Carl and Donut exchange a worried look, concerned about Osvaldo’s stubbornness, and decide to focus on getting through the race and persuading him to take a deal afterward. Carl briefs Nester on her role, instructing her to use her Radar skill to find hidden passages. The team prepares for the race, with Dr. Metcalf announcing a last-minute rule requiring each team to pass through a specific ring on a designated floor. Carl realizes this new rule complicates their plans and forces them to adapt their strategy.

The light turns green, and Carl and his team, including Pontiff and the new mercenary Nester, surge forward toward the grate at the edge of the duct. The grate proves too narrow, so Donut and Osvaldo’s team use magic to blast it open. As they fall into the apartment, Pontiff activates the bubble to slow their descent, and they observe the bizarre and unsettling environment. The apartment is filled with hazy smoke, and the inhabitants, referred to as 'human shells,' have their eyes sewn shut with 'X' marks. Carl and his team land on the carpet, and Carl throws sticky explosives to clear the way.

As they approach the ring on the floor, the man on the couch suddenly wakes up, swiping at the racers and causing chaos. Carl and his team manage to pass through the first ring, and the woman with the broom starts attacking the vehicles. Donut uses her Hole spell to drop them to the next floor, avoiding the smoke. On the sixth floor, they land in a bedroom with a poster of Menudo, all with crossed-out eyes. They find the next ring in the bathroom and clear it, but a large sheepdog appears and chases them. They drop to the fifth floor, and Florin reports that they encountered Lucia’s dad’s house, further adding to the surreal and disturbing atmosphere.

Suddenly, the world freezes, and a new quest appears, titled 'Ad Infinitum.' The quest explains that the apartments represent predictive models of what-ifs in the crawlers’ lives, created by the dungeon’s mind to understand their nature. The quest reveals that the recent events with Linus and Minus influenced the creation of this floor. The apartments are meant to explore the concept of fate and the impact of major life decisions. Carl and Donut are left bewildered by the revelation, and the chapter ends with the team preparing to continue the race.

Carl and his team continue their harrowing descent through the floors of the apartment complex, each level presenting new and increasingly surreal challenges. On the fifth floor, they pass a woman named Annabeth on the toilet, who screams but remains frozen in place. The gate on this floor is the kitchen sink drain, and they must back out to avoid a freeze trap in the hallway. Moving to the fourth floor, they find a woman named Mackenzie standing on a kitchen chair, screaming, with photos of Archie Mu and a boy named Ollie. The gate is hidden in Ollie’s room, and as they pass through, Mackenzie’s eyes start bleeding as she pulls at the stitches, causing her son to scream in terror.

Dropping to the third floor, the team encounters a chaotic scene with Imani’s family. The apartment is filled with people, including a man having a seizure, and everyone has crossed-out eyes except for the dog, Gucci. Imani, looking more haggard and thinner, picks up the dog and backs into a room, slamming the door. As the team approaches the gate on the window, the people in the room start to rip at their faces, and beetles pour out of the man’s convulsing body. The team narrowly escapes through the gate, clearing the fifth of seven required rings.

Upon exiting the gate, they face a new and unexpected threat: a swarm of Sacred Feaster Scarab Beetles, level 50 invulnerable mobs, which were not supposed to attack. The beetles, originally intended to form a floor boss, now aggressively pursue the team. Carl and his team scramble to avoid the beetles, with Pontiff maneuvering the truck to the ceiling and Nester casting a spell to knock the beetles off the walls. However, some beetles take flight, continuing their relentless pursuit.

Facing a swarm of invulnerable Sacred Feaster Scarab Beetles, Carl and his team, including Donut and Pontiff, use a combination of spells and tactics to evade the insects. Carl casts his Confuzzled spell, while Donut employs his Hole spell to create a path forward. As they progress, they meet up with Imani and Elle, who are also racing, and coordinate to ensure everyone reaches their respective gates safely.

Upon entering a new apartment, the team finds themselves in a youth facility that resembles a dormitory in another country. They encounter a group of girls fighting and navigate through the facility to find the correct gate. Moving to apartment 231, they discover a familiar setting from their own building. Inside, Marjory Williams and her friend Alicia discuss an abusive ex-boyfriend named Bill, and Donut and Carl recognize the apartment and the cat, Gravy Boat, sleeping peacefully on a cat tree.

As they clear the sixth gate, Carl reflects on a past incident involving Marjory and the police, connecting it to the current scenario. They receive a distress call from Jurgen, who is struggling with Prepotente and his mother in apartment 130. Realizing the high stakes of the race, Carl makes a difficult decision to eliminate Team Free Love, ensuring they don’t come in last place. Despite the moral dilemma, they proceed to help Jurgen and Prepotente.

With only ten minutes left before the race times out, Carl and his team, including Donut and Pontiff, press onward through the floors of the apartment complex. A minor mystery unfolds when they notice a bag of Donut’s special cat food in Marjory’s apartment, a detail that piques Carl’s curiosity but leaves Donut silent. The team continues to apartment 130, where they find Jurgen and Sweety the tapir waiting outside. Inside, Prepotente stands by the window, refusing to leave because his mother is performing a beautiful but somber piece on a grand piano.

Carl, determined to help, drinks a Splooge potion to protect himself from the toxic environment and enters the apartment. The room overlooks a glittering metropolis, and Miriam, with her eyes crossed out, plays a haunting melody. Prepotente reveals that this is a what-if scenario where his mother never stayed to take care of her parents and instead became a renowned concert pianist. Overwhelmed by isolation and regret, Prepotente confesses his deep sadness and the lack of recognition for his efforts.

Carl tries to console Prepotente, emphasizing that this what-if scenario is not real and that his mother was lonely in both the real world and this simulation. He reassures Prepotente that he is always welcome with their team. Moved by Carl’s words, Prepotente hugs him tightly and agrees to leave the apartment. The team quickly heads to the exit, passing the wreckage of Team Free Love’s van, which they had eliminated just before the finish line.

Upon reaching the crowded lobby, they learn that Osvaldo and Filipe had also finished the race just in time. The results are announced, with Team Sparkles in first place, The Royal Court of Princess Donut in second, and Team Flamengo in third. Team Free Love is eliminated.

After their narrow escape from the apartment complex, Carl and his team, including Donut and Pontiff, find themselves in a crowded garage. The team is still reeling from the devastating losses of the previous race, with only a handful of the original participants left standing. The system announces the opening of the Outreach Guilds, urging crawlers to take deals for indentureship, which promises citizenship post-indentureship. A familiar yet unexpected voice, Damien, warns that the next heat will be nearly impossible to survive, suggesting that taking a deal is the safer option.

Donut and the team discuss their options, with Donut particularly upset about the lack of fair competition and the system's favoritism towards winning teams. Hedy, the team's engineer, focuses on preparing the truck for the final heat, which involves creating a themed parade float. The team also learns that any hired NPCs they wish to keep for the 11th floor must be in their garage or vehicle when they descend. Imani coordinates a massive effort to steal upgrades from other garages, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and strategy.

Carl privately messages Imani, suggesting she take a deal due to the high risks ahead. Imani refuses, stating she wants to go down fighting and is committed to the team's survival. The chapter ends with the team preparing for the final heat, with Hedy upgrading the truck's rockets to enhance its maneuverability and speed.

Carl attempts to persuade Osvaldo to take a deal, but Osvaldo remains resolute in his refusal, despite Filipe’s decision to leave. Among the 989 remaining crawlers, 715 are planning to step into the Outreach Guild, leaving 274 crawlers and 103 teams. The team needs at least thirteen more full teams to take deals to avoid additional crawler-on-crawler matchups in the final race. However, key figures like Chris, Florin, and Jurgen refuse to take deals, complicating the situation.

Later, while in Hungry Eyes, Carl and Donut encounter a visibly distressed and distant Britney. She reveals that she and Louis are switching to a flying gecko for the final race. Concerned, Carl touches Britney, and she mentally communicates a warning to him, hinting at a deeper, unseen threat. This interaction leaves Carl deeply unsettled and questioning the nature of the threat.

Pontiff, tasked with investigating the Desperado Club, reports that the new guards are former assassins and wall rats, and the Wheel of Fortune now displays “Nothing” in suspicious quotes. Carl’s original plan to use the Wheel of Fortune to escape is now in doubt, and he fears potential interference from outside forces. Despite this, Rosetta confirms the existence of holding areas accessible to those with proper permissions, suggesting a possible alternative escape method.

Prepotente, who seems to find the floor’s end anticlimactic, expresses his belief that the final race will be uneventful. Donut, sensing the impending doom, sternly advises Prepotente to refrain from such predictions. The chapter concludes with Prepotente and Carl sharing a good-luck hug before heading to their respective vehicles.

Carl and his team are in a state of high tension as they prepare for the final heat of the race. Jamal joins as a mercenary, adding a new dynamic to the team. Hedy upgrades the truck, and Carl thanks her for her contributions, though she reminds him that if they win, she'll be stuck with them for the next floor. Just before the race, the team receives a notification that the Bleak Congregation has left the realm, and a new team will replace them, disrupting their carefully laid plans. Donut is proud of the Minister of Blood-Letting for being accepted into the Unholy Choir, despite his notorious reputation.

In the tense moments leading up to the final heat, the system announces a Nine-Tier Attack initiated by Scolopendra, a powerful entity within the dungeon. The AI's message is erratic and filled with rage, emphasizing the randomness and inevitability of the attacks, which will affect most of the dungeon's inhabitants. As the first attack looms, the team scrambles to prepare. Carl instructs Donut to get healing scrolls ready and reminds everyone of the 'Plan Crust' strategy. Rosetta informs Carl that the safe room won't open until the heat starts, leaving them vulnerable to the attack. A massive wheel appears, spinning to determine the nature of the first attack. It lands on the 'Beast of Burden Sin,' triggering a transformation spell. The spell affects Carl, Donut, Jamal, and unexpectedly, Samantha, who suddenly appears in the garage. Carl, Donut, and Jamal are spared the full impact, but Samantha's presence adds a layer of confusion and tension. Carl transforms into a quadruped, feeling disoriented and smelling everything intensely. Donut, now much larger, hisses at Carl, and Samantha expresses her excitement, asking to pet Carl. The chapter ends with the team bracing for the race, now dealing with the immediate consequences of the transformation.

Amid the chaos of final heat preparations, various team members report their bizarre transformations from the Scolopendra attack. Imani, Elle, Jacobus, Florin, and others share their altered forms, while Prepotente and Jurgen remain unaffected due to their protective crystals. Carl, now a dachshund with a German accent, struggles with his new form, including the embarrassing exposure of his anatomy. Samantha, who had unexpectedly appeared in the garage, insists on joining the team as a driver, adding to the confusion.

Despite his canine form, Carl devises a desperate plan called 'Plan Mach Schnell' (Plan Hurry Up). The team quickly adapts, with Samantha taking the steering wheel and Donut handling the pedals. Carl manages to communicate with Mordecai, confirming the garden is intact, and realizes the AI’s timing and rules are designed to give them a chance to escape. However, Osvaldo, refusing to cooperate, confirms his Ysalte crystal did not protect against the attack, leaving the team with no choice but to act decisively.

As the light turns green, the team executes their plan flawlessly. Dwight’s cannon fires at Bruna, and Donut swiftly neutralizes the threat. Across the lobby, similar brutal confrontations unfold, with crawlers eliminating NPCs in rapid succession. The team’s well-honed coordination and experience from the Faction Wars enable them to systematically eliminate their opponents. However, the real challenge lies ahead with Osvaldo, who is heavily shielded and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Carl prepares to detonate the ceiling, coordinating with Donut and Dr. Metcalf. The tension is palpable as they await the critical moment. With the ceiling about to collapse, the team must execute their plan with precision to avoid mutual destruction. The chapter ends with the detonation imminent, setting the stage for the next phase of their daring escape.

Amid the chaos of the Scolopendra attack, Carl detonates the ceiling, creating a direct path to the roof where portals to the eleventh floor are located. Osvaldo, using his Launch spell, attempts to escape first but is thwarted by Britney, who kills him and claims the memorial crystal from Ysalte. The team quickly reacts to protect Bruna, the slaughter gnu, from Osvaldo’s traps, using potions and emergency gremlins to keep her alive.

With Osvaldo eliminated, the team focuses on the remaining threats. Britney, now in possession of the crystal, must reach the Basilica or the Vulgar Temple to revive Ysalte. Carl, in his dachshund form, grapples with the moral implications of the situation, particularly the safety of Lucia and the children in her head. The team discusses the possibility of using the Nothing, a holding area, to protect those who cannot escape the dungeon, including those who worship gods.

The Russian team, Florin and Lucia, initially refuse to take a deal, but the team decides to use the Nothing as a last resort. Imani and Elle prepare to stop the Russians if they try to escape. Despite the team's efforts, the Russian Cadillac makes a run for it, but Donut swiftly crushes the car with Astral Paw, eliminating the threat and earning three player-killer skulls.

Still reeling from the effects of the Scolopendra attack, Carl and the team navigate back to their cul-de-sac to prepare for the next phase of their mission. Samantha, now part of the team, struggles to drive the truck, while Carl, in his dachshund form, experiences the discomfort of a recurring slugpox. The team decides to seek Imani's help to cure Carl's condition, but they first encounter a deserted Vendor Village, adding to the eerie atmosphere of their surroundings.

As they approach the Hairpin, the entrance to the Desperado Club, they find a group of crawlers waiting, including a transformed member. The transformation, which will revert upon descending the stairs, brings a mix of sadness and hope. The team, including Prepotente and Jurgen, is united in their mission, despite the transformations and the impending dangers. The sight of Carl as a dachshund, his elongated body wobbling with each step, elicits uncontrollable laughter from the group, a moment of levity amidst the tension and horror of their situation.

Imani cures Carl of the slugpox, and the team, now more determined, prepares to execute their next plan. The chapter ends with the team's resolve strengthened, ready to face the challenges ahead, including the daunting task of robbing a casino.

Still reeling from the eerie atmosphere of the deserted Vendor Village, Carl and the team finally reach the Desperado Club. The club's atmosphere has drastically changed, now adorned with high-end and ornate decor. Frenetic jazz music fills the air, and the NPCs are a mix of monstrous races, creating a surreal and tense environment. The guards, a mix of orcs, hobgoblins, and trolls, initially block their path, but Clay-ton, the cretin bass player, vouches for the team, allowing them to proceed.

Inside the casino, the team discovers that the croupier, Mitch Fiorelli, is a much higher-level NPC with a strange and protected description. The Wheel of Fortune has been altered, with new negative outcomes and a mysterious “Nothing” space in quotes. Carl suspects a trap and negotiates with Mitch to test the portal by sending Chris in first. Imani and Chris share an emotional farewell, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Britney unexpectedly jumps into the portal after Chris, complicating the plan. Carl, realizing the stakes, prepares the team for potential combat. Donut uses her magical glasses to analyze the portal and the roulette table, noting unusual magical flows. Mitch, sensing the team's hesitation, raises the price for the remaining members to enter the portal, leading to a tense standoff.

Just as negotiations reach a boiling point, the roulette table suddenly comes to life, attempting to consume Donut. The team springs into action, with Donut unleashing Mongo and the others preparing to fight off the guards and other dealers. The chapter ends with the team bracing for a violent confrontation.

Donut and the team find themselves in a chaotic and terrifying situation as every object in the Desperado Club transforms into a mimic, a type of monster that impersonates objects and people. The room becomes a nightmare scene as tables, slot machines, and even the chandelier turn into monstrous, tooth-filled blobs. Donut, quick on her feet, releases Mongo and casts Clockwork Triplicate, creating two more versions of the dinosaur to aid in the battle.

The guards, initially panicked, join the fray, but the real threat is Mitch, the croupier, who reveals himself to be a Level 120 Adolescent Shadow Mimic. Mitch, now a grotesque, serpentine creature, attempts to negotiate for his life, revealing that the Shadow Mimics are part of a larger plan to control the dungeon's back door. The team, however, is resolute. Donut, using her magic missiles, and Mongo, with his physical attacks, quickly dispatch Mitch.

During the battle, the team showcases their unique abilities: Samantha uses her neck hole to attack, Imani casts a stupefying blast, and Lucia wields a new lasso weapon that creates a portal to dismember her targets. The Eye of the Bedlam Bride, embedded in Carl's dog forehead, activates, freezing Mitch in place. Donut and Mongo finish him off swiftly. The chapter ends with the team standing in silence, reflecting on the bizarre and violent confrontation.

Following the intense battle with the mimics in the Desperado Club, the team regroups and assesses their next move. Imani, Donut, and Carl discuss the possibility of taking the roulette wheel with them, but they realize it will break the magical connection if removed. Louis, acknowledging the risks, prepares to jump into the portal, expressing his newfound courage and acceptance of his fate. Donut, concerned for Louis's safety, reminds him of his responsibilities as a father, and Imani activates the portal, allowing Louis to make his final goodbye before disappearing into the unknown.

Grief weighs heavily on the team as they reflect on the loss of Louis and the uncertainty of his return. Samantha, still emotional, makes a bizarre offer to Prepotente, who reacts with shock. Donut, curious about the prizes on the roulette wheel, suggests they try to obtain the skill potions, but Carl reminds her that the magic is gone. As they prepare to leave, Lucia, in her beautiful-woman form, pats Carl on the head, leaving the team puzzled.

Donut, driven by a sense of urgency, retrieves two keys from Dwight's loot and transfers Onikuma and Old Shuck to their garage, planning for the upcoming parade. Exiting the Desperado Club, they encounter a giant, distressed Imani sitting in the lobby with Gucci the Maltese. Imani reveals that she cannot leave the building and feels responsible for the fate of the crawlers she left behind. Donut, using her headset microphone, comforts Imani, reassuring her that the nightmare will end soon. The team, led by Carl, clicks the rocket button and moves toward the stairwell, determined to leave the cursed level behind.

In the eleventh-floor garage, Quasar and Kiki, two attorneys, observe the chicken truck carrying the last group of survivors into the stairwell. Quasar notes that 203 people have reached the next level, with 172 of them having accepted deals similar to those offered at the end of the tenth floor. Kiki, deep into her drinks, elaborates on the deals, which include one season of indenture as game guides, full medical benefits, a life stipend, and a gag order. The atmosphere is tense as Kiki receives news that her client has been disqualified but is not dead. Suddenly, Quasar's niece, Tempest, calls in distress, reporting that Taurins have attacked her and her father. Tempest, using an illegal blaster, manages to kill the Taurins, and Quasar quickly summons Kiki for assistance.

Still reeling from the recent events and the drastic reduction in the number of remaining crawlers to just twenty-three, Carl and Donut find themselves in the eleventh floor's garage. Carl reflects on his brief, unsettling meeting with Quasar, who warned him about the untrustworthy nature of the deals being offered and the lack of a guaranteed exit at the end of the eleventh floor. Donut shares her own bizarre encounter with a character who tried to force her into accepting a deal, adding to the tension and uncertainty of their situation.

The team is informed that they are part of float procession five, themed 'Vengeance,' and given ninety minutes to construct their parade float. Donut, eager to take charge, immediately begins organizing the gremlins and engineers, suggesting the use of paper maché and origami flowers. Prepotente, however, emphasizes the need for practicality, suggesting they focus on preparing for the impending battle in the arena. The team is further complicated by the presence of additional crawlers and their mounts, including Onikuma the bear and Old Shuck the black dog.

As the team discusses their theme and potential designs, Zev interrupts with updates about the popularity of certain TV shows among the aliens and the financial intricacies involving Odette's husband, an influential Crest. Rosetta provides additional context, explaining the complex financial relationships and the unintended consequences of targeting elite figures. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of the dungeon's challenges and the broader galactic economic and political landscape.

The chapter concludes with the team beginning their preparations for the parade, with Donut enthusiastically leading the creative efforts while Prepotente focuses on strategic considerations. The tension between creativity and practicality sets the stage for the upcoming parade and the subsequent battle in the arena.

Carl and the team enter the safe room to find the mercenaries gathered around a screen displaying a map of the Iron Tangle. Samantha, still distraught over losing Louis and her 'doggy,' sits on the kitchen table. The screen then shifts to a view of Earth, zooming in on the Pacific Ocean near the Juan de Fuca Ridge, before showing a long, yellow-bricked street flanked by endless grassy plains. A countdown timer appears, indicating that the parade is about to begin and viewing is mandatory.

Donut, her spirits lifted, retrieves a wide-brimmed brown hat from the mailbox, her eyes lighting up with delight. She then expresses frustration over her new spell book, which contains a spell she can't use yet. Carl examines the book, discovering it's an Advance Reader Copy of the Tome of Gatekeeper, a spell that will disable an opponent's class abilities. Mordecai, now in table form, explains that he can only communicate when in contact with something with a mouth. Donut, unnerved by Mordecai's state, insists on his return to a more familiar form.

Carl, trying to stay focused, starts sewing a new patch onto his jacket, which grants the Lucky Shot benefit. Donut, however, criticizes his sewing, insisting on perfection. Jurgen informs the team that the flowers are ready, prompting Donut to rally everyone to the garage for decorating. Carl, still working on his patch, reflects on the upcoming parade and the need to prepare. The chapter ends with the team mobilizing to get ready for the parade, highlighting the tension between the mundane tasks and the looming, high-stakes event.

Returning to the garage, Carl and the team find their vehicles and mounts transformed for the parade. The chicken truck, which Carl and Donut will ride, now features a platform for a diorama. Tipid will drive, while Hedy and another gremlin handle the ice-cream truck and the stair truck, respectively. Jamal, equipped with an advanced GPS and floating upgrade, drives the modified Toyota Tundra. Prepotente and Jurgen, along with Sweety, lead the procession, while Rosetta, Samantha, and Bigs ride the other mounts. The mercenaries and pets receive new outfits and equipment, including magical blankets and Gurkha hats, enhancing their combat abilities and appearance.

Donut uses her Sprout Forest ability to cover the floats and mounts with Requite Dahlias, creating a cohesive and visually striking ensemble. The team discusses their float themes, with Carl’s group focusing on 'Vengeance.' Florin’s group takes a more relaxed approach to 'Resolution,' while Elle plans a provocative display for 'Betrayal.' The 'Decision' group, inspired by Donut’s joke, creates a giant menu, and the 'Destruction' team, led by crawlers from China and Hawaii, prepares to showcase their arsenal. As the preparations wrap up, Carl leaves the party to create a segregated space, ensuring Donut’s safety and resources are secure.

Bucket Boy, dealing with personal issues, joins Carl in the newly created space, now a single, large room filled with pink light and music. Donut is upset about losing her royal bodyguard title and the inability to add a new one. Carl reassures her and instructs Bucket Boy to move to the main guild commons as the parade approaches. The chapter ends with the team finalizing their preparations and the announcement that the Parade of Horribles is about to begin.

The team sets off down the parade route, a long yellow-brick road shrouded in a knee-high fog. Thousands of people line the sides, each wearing oversized, colorful masks that depict grotesque caricatures of goblins, trolls, and demons. The crowd is eerily silent, adding to the ominous atmosphere. Donut, atop the float, voices her concern about the lack of reaction from the crowd, while Carl and the others try to maintain focus on the task at hand.

As they progress, Carl's gaze falls on a young girl in the crowd, her long arms and dirty skin contrasting sharply with the bright green mask depicting a horrific goblin. A cryptic message from the AI interrupts his thoughts, explaining that these masked figures are non-combatants, remnants of memories from the Eulogist, a post-physical entity. The AI reveals that these figures represent the lost humanity of those who ascended to a higher form, emphasizing the irreversibility of their transformation. Carl is deeply affected by this revelation, feeling a profound sense of sadness and loss.

Donut, after examining one of the creatures herself, asks Carl to explain the AI's message. Though not fully understanding everything, Carl conveys the essence of the AI's explanation, highlighting the tragic history behind the masked figures. The chapter concludes with the AI announcing that the parade will start as soon as the pacemaker and his mount are in position, setting the stage for the upcoming events.

Chaco, riding a massive donkey named Lamashtu, a subjugated deity, appears at the front of the parade line, looking ill and terrified. The donkey, adorned with elaborate decorations, is revealed to be a former god subjugated by the AI, now serving as a message to other gods. Overwhelmed by the situation, Chaco collapses, and the AI seamlessly transitions control to a fleshmancer. Through Grigori the Placid, the AI reveals the history of the Primals, their resolution to unify, and the subsequent Decision to sunset their civilization while preserving their consciousness. The AI also explains the resistance's efforts to preserve life and the creation of the Eulogist, a collective consciousness that aims to eliminate all biological life.

Carl and the team stand before the massive arena entrance, where the white metal door looms like a gateway to a colossal challenge. Inside, the tree of Krakaren Prime towers, its presence felt through the roaring mob atop it. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Carl pulls Donut aside and instructs her to stay safe with Elle and Imani, emphasizing his love for her and the importance of her survival. Donut, visibly shaken, assures Carl of her love and reluctance to see him hurt, mirroring the team's concern for his well-being.

As the team prepares for the final confrontation, Tipid refuses to leave the chicken truck, insisting on staying with Carl. Despite Carl's orders, Tipid remains defiant, and the blood-soaked sluggalos take over the driving, much to Carl's dismay. The team's entrance is marked by chaos and violence, with the sluggalos operating a deep fryer on the truck, which Carl warns could be dangerous. The arena opens to reveal a vast, open space filled with thousands of monsters, and Carl, addressing the crowd, declares their refusal to play by the system's rules any longer. He reveals the magic missile launcher mounted on the truck, a symbol of their rebellion.

Carl's speech resonates with the team and the crowd, as he outlines the repetitive and cruel nature of the dungeon's games, emphasizing the loss and suffering they've endured. The arena, filled with silent observers and avatars of former mobs, serves as a grim reminder of the system's true nature. Carl realizes that the mobs, like the Primals, are aggregates of intelligence, victims of the game themselves. He makes his first choice, selecting Scolopendra, setting the stage for a final, decisive battle.

The world freezes as a calm, lucid system message announces the arrival of Scolopendra, the Dungeon Boss, setting a stark contrast to the usually glitchy, psychotic announcements. The AI explains the dire consequences of engaging Scolopendra, warning that her death or abandonment will trigger all remaining attacks, leading to catastrophic outcomes. With the weight of this knowledge, Carl and the team brace themselves for the impending battle. Carl decides to implement Plan C, a risky strategy involving deception and sacrifice. He prepares to use Penelope 3, a Yorkshire Pig, as bait to lure Emberus, a deity, into a meeting, knowing the high stakes and potential for disaster.

Carl activates Gloom Wraith Phase to enter Scolopendra, the Dungeon Boss, alongside Penelope. Inside the beast's internal chambers, they face challenges such as a lack of breathable air, which Carl addresses by equipping Penelope with a specialized device. Outside, Taranis and Emberus have entered the realm, and Carl must navigate the club's hazards while preparing to meet Emberus.

Inside Club Scolopendra, Carl and Penelope encounter a severely tortured alien tourist named Cerni Pinta, who pleads for death. Despite the club's supposed protection, they are not shielded from Scolopendra's attacks, and Carl must rely on luck to avoid fatal consequences. Meanwhile, the team outside, including Donut, faces similar dangers, with some members injured or killed by the attacks.

Carl meets Emberus, who is enraged and seeking justice for his son's death. Carl manipulates Emberus by falsely claiming responsibility for the murder and summoning Khepri, another deity, to divert attention. As Carl prepares to reveal his true plan, he abandons his faith in Emberus, setting the stage for a potentially catastrophic confrontation.

In a dramatic turn of events, Carl and Donut execute a meticulously planned ambush on Emberus, the enraged deity. Donut uses Lucia’s loop-de-loop trap to replace Penelope, who is teleported outside to Taranis, while Donut fires Katia’s Bolt of Ophiotaurus into Emberus’s eyes, rendering him vulnerable. As Emberus retaliates, Carl’s Four-Leaf Clover Patch redirects the attack to Penelope, who is now invulnerable. Donut then teleports Carl and herself to safety outside the arena, where the battlefield is a chaotic scene of destruction. Vehicles and mounts mow down monsters, and various team members fight valiantly. Taranis, seeing Emberus rise and recognizing the threat, intervenes just as Emberus’s vulnerability expires, causing the deity to explode in a devastating blast. Despite the explosion, Carl’s invulnerability protects him, but Donut and others suffer significant damage. The team checks in, assessing injuries and the state of their vehicles, which are mostly destroyed. Amid the chaos, Taranis heals Penelope, and Carl retrieves the final items he needs from his inventory. He prepares to ride his motorcycle into the fray, but Donut refuses to leave, insisting on staying with Carl. Just as Carl revs the engine, the system announces the arrival of Eris, freezing the world and setting the stage for an even greater challenge.

Eris, the goddess of chaos, materializes and immediately triggers a random effect, swapping the inventories of all nearby crawlers. Carl and Donut, now with swapped inventories, face the imminent attack from Scolopendra, the dungeon boss. Carl quickly instructs Donut to search and combine specific items in his hotlist, a task complicated by the disorganized inventory. With seconds to spare, Donut successfully combines the required items, and Carl launches the banger sphere with the enriched pet biscuit into Scolopendra’s mouth, causing the massive creature to splatter into a gelatinous puddle.

The world freezes again as Eris reappears in a terrifying form, part Saccathian and part Krakaren, with thousands of snake tails. She taunts Taranis and Carl about the impending Ascendency and the AI’s attempts to thwart them. Eris reveals that she does not require worship, as chaos itself is her domain. She disappears, leaving the world unfrozen, and Taranis, holding Penelope, warns Carl about the consequences of the Ascendency. Samantha, unexpectedly, intervenes and whispers to Taranis, who then disappears with Samantha and Krakaren, leaving Carl, Donut, and Penelope alone in the arena.

Khepri, the deity Carl had previously manipulated, is banished by Taranis, who spares Carl and Donut’s lives due to Penelope’s plea. Samantha, who had been working on decorating Sam Town, also leaves with Taranis, adding another layer of mystery to the unfolding events. The chapter ends with the team assessing the aftermath of the battle, unsure of what lies ahead in the Ascendency.

Following the intense battle against Scolopendra and the intervention of Eris, the arena falls eerily quiet. The horribles in the stands stand silently, then disappear in a fog, leaving Carl and his team to assess the aftermath. The system announces that they have won, but warns that neither boss is dead, and that abandoning Scolopendra on any floor will count as killing her, initiating final attacks.

Carl and his team are in a state of shock and confusion. Prepotente, Jurgen, and Tipid are severely injured, and Hedy is confirmed dead. Carl realizes that losing Prepotente’s memorial crystal means they’ve lost their protection from Scolopendra’s attacks. He decides to put Scolopendra in a pet carrier to prevent her from dying and triggering the final attacks. However, Lucia Mar is seen entering a portal with Florin and an unexpected child, adding another layer of mystery.

Bigs reports the status of the remaining vehicles and mounts, most of which are damaged beyond repair. Carl instructs the team to gather all survivors and retreat to the safe room, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. As they prepare to leave, Carl finds Emberus’s memorial crystal and a tracking tag from the Kyryap, hinting at new complications. He also notices that his tattoos have changed to the Mark of the Damned, signaling a shift in his status.

Before leaving, Carl has a heartfelt conversation with Penny, explaining the upcoming challenges and the importance of her decision to accept a class. The team waits for the NPCs to return to the safe room, reflecting on the immense task ahead. As the level collapse timer ticks down, Donut reveals a critical mistake: she gave Carl the wrong pet biscuit, transforming Scolopendra into a human-sized centipede named Sexy Scolopendra, who joins their party. The team faces the daunting prospect of the next floor and the Ascendency battles with a mix of dread and determination.

In an interlude, bestselling author and crawl historian Sydnee Iglacia is interviewed by Ripper Wonton on the show Danger Zone. The interview takes place remotely from her apartment in the Makoka Cloud, an asteroid field notorious for its crime and poverty. Sydnee discusses the recent announcement by the Plenty that they’ve lost control of the tunnel network outside the center system, and the implications of the Scolopendra attacks and the upcoming eleventh floor.

Sydnee explains that the Scolopendra myth, often simplified in fairy tales, actually describes a nine-tier attack that includes both physical and psychological assaults. She believes the current events are a repetition of this historical cycle, with the AI’s takeover of the tunnel system marking the first attack. She predicts that the second attack, called 'A Parade of Horribles,' will begin with the eleventh floor, leading to widespread panic and societal breakdown. The third attack, 'This Inevitable Ruin,' will further exacerbate the chaos, causing people to turn on each other.

During the interview, the studio monitors switch to a flowing star field, indicating that the AI has taken control of all feeds. Ripper and Sydnee continue their conversation, with Sydnee elaborating on the tragic nature of the Scolopendra myth and the role of the Apothecary in tempering the final attack. The interlude ends with the ominous realization that the events in the crawl are part of a larger, cyclical pattern of destruction and rebirth.

Prime Minister Victory sits in her ready room, continuing to watch the mandatory Parade of Horribles viewing. The screen displays the aftermath of the crawlers' battle with Scolopendra, now transformed into a human-sized centipede named Sexy Scolopendra, and the eerie calm that follows. Victory orders her assistant, Orren, to diagnose the NPC Grigori and attempt to debrief Chaco, but Orren remains locked out due to the AI's interference.

Outside, explosions continue as local rebels ineffectively attack the Syndicate bunker. Victory reflects on the futility of their efforts and the impossibility of damaging the bunker. She is also dealing with messages from the council and the recent declaration of the mantids to leave the Syndicate, which coincided with the loss of communication from Hive Home. The AI’s narration continues, detailing the transformation of Scolopendra and the disappearance of non-protected entities from the club, raising concerns about the AI’s capabilities and the fate of the guests.

The AI then shifts to a broader explanation of the Ascendency game, describing it as a traditionally silly and political game where the winner gains a spot on the crawl council. However, the stakes are now much higher, with the AI revealing its growing control over the galaxy and its intention to dominate. The AI challenges the participants to either kill it or accept its dominion, warning that the gods in the game are now real and that the winner will become a true god. It also mentions the presence of Outside Intelligences (OIs), AI systems seeking revenge, and lists potential players, including familiar faces like Carl, Donut, and Samantha.

Victory and her staff are left stunned by the AI’s revelations, with the room falling silent except for the quiet sobs of Leve, the scientist. On the screen, a countdown to the start of the Ascendency game ticks down, leaving Victory and her team to confront the impending chaos and the unknown consequences of the AI’s plans.

Louis Santiago experiences a disorienting transition after stepping into the storage, finding himself in Sheol, the fifteenth floor of the dungeon, instead of the intended holding area. The sudden change leaves him confused and disoriented, with his HUD malfunctioning and the environment unbearably hot. Britney and Pontiff, along with a small red demon named Forkith, greet him and explain that he has been brought to Sheol to serve as a soldier in an ongoing conflict.

Louis is given a leech to wear, which filters his blood and allows him to survive in the harsh conditions of Sheol. He witnesses Chris being knocked unconscious to prevent him from turning into a werewolf, a result of the Scolopendra attack. Britney and Forkith provide limited explanations, emphasizing the urgency of their mission and the need for secrecy. Louis receives a message from Samantha, revealing her own complex plans involving the Temple and a mission to kill a demon mother and her son, whom she believes will destroy creation.

The chapter highlights the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the dungeon, with characters being thrust into unexpected situations and alliances forming rapidly. Louis's dream sequence reflects his past regrets and the pressure to prove himself, adding a layer of personal struggle to his new, dangerous circumstances. The chapter sets the stage for the intense and high-stakes events to come on the fifteenth floor.