The Butcher's Masquerade

Carl awakens in the familiar office of Orren, the Syndicate liaison, alongside Katia. Orren immediately addresses the pressing issue at hand: the Gate of the Feral Gods, which Carl and his team have acquired, poses a significant threat to the game's integrity. Its ability to wipe out the entire floor has put the Syndicate and Borant at odds over how to proceed. Orren outlines the options: create a protection spell that would disable portals, accelerate Carl's level to a point where it would likely result in his death, or have Carl voluntarily surrender the gate until the ninth floor. Overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation, Carl decides to consult a lawyer before making a final decision.

A sudden rainstorm greets Carl as he steps into the sixth floor, the Hunting Grounds, a dense jungle. The rain ceases abruptly, revealing a thin trail leading to a medium-sized Dryad settlement. The town buzzes with activity, but Carl's attention is drawn to two mushroom men guards, Funeral Bells, who suddenly fall over, paralyzed. Realizing an invisible threat is present, Carl uses a sack of gunpowder to reveal the creature—a Night Weasel Scout, part of a pack of invisible hunters. Donut arrives and helps Carl by casting spells to reveal and damage the weasels. Chris, a lava-rock giant, intervenes, crushing one of the weasels just as it attempts to bite Carl's face. Katia suggests dragging Carl to safety, and Chris carries him into a pub. Inside, Mordecai, now a Pocket Kuma, scolds Carl for challenging the hunters, though his appearance causes everyone to burst into laughter. The group discusses the impending danger of more hunters and the need for caution. A knock at the door of the personal space leads Carl to mention a delivery of collateral. The chapter ends with the group anticipating the chaos that will ensue once the hunters are fully released.

Carl consults with Quasar, a Nullian advocate, who warns him about the dangers of the Syndicate and the importance of not trusting Orren, the liaison. Quasar explains that while he cannot prevent the Syndicate from exploiting Carl, he can act as a buffer to mitigate the damage. He emphasizes the need for Carl to maintain leverage with the Gate of the Feral Gods, which the Syndicate both desires and fears due to its potential to disrupt the game.

Upon returning to his team, Carl introduces four new mercenaries provided as collateral for temporarily surrendering the gate: Bomo, the Sledge, Clay-ton, and Very Sullen. The Sledge and Bomo have been equipped with powerful teleportation spells, which Carl hopes will aid them in navigating the perilous sixth floor. Katia reveals she has leveled up significantly, gaining a new ability called Steely Skin, which enhances her toughness as her health decreases.

The group discusses their plans for the day, including purchasing upgrades for their space and preparing for the upcoming guild system. Katia and Chris plan to head out with the new mercenaries to meet other crawlers, while Carl and Donut focus on setting up the advanced bomber’s studio and magic studio. The chapter concludes with the group preparing for the challenges ahead, each member acutely aware of the increasing stakes and the necessity for strategic planning.

Katia, Chris, and the new mercenaries set off to explore the sixth floor, the Hunting Grounds, leaving Donut visibly sad but reassured by Katia's affectionate kiss on the head. Donut and Mordecai, determined to support the team, head out to shop for supplies, including a Shield spellbook and an item with a Golden Throat enchantment to enhance Donut's new bard class, which currently sounds like a 'helium-drunk cat being crushed by a steamroller.' Despite her best efforts, Donut struggles with her new bard spells, finding her party support spells weak and her offensive spells unfeasible without the Golden Throat enchantment. Carl, meanwhile, delves into his new Advanced Bomber’s Studio, where he can virtually test and tweak explosive designs. He carefully examines the Carl’s Doomsday Scenario bomb, copying it to the studio for safe analysis. Mordecai returns from a largely unsuccessful shopping trip, having gathered herbs and supplies but failing to find the necessary spellbook or enchanted item. He instructs Carl and Donut to look for special mushrooms that appear at night, warning them to stay within the town limits. Mordecai also suggests joining a caravan heading south to a larger settlement for better defensive positioning and grinding opportunities. Before leaving, Carl asks one of the new mercenaries to teleport them to the stairwell in Zockau, hinting at a planned move.

Carl and Donut, after a brief strategy session, decide to enter the sixth floor, the Hunting Grounds, through Zockau, a small town with a complex political landscape. Carl, equipped with the Ring of Divine Suffering and a series of invisibility potions, plans to use a combination of traps and invisibility to navigate the dangerous environment. The town is alive with the sounds of drunk hunters and wary guards, and Carl meticulously sets up a series of bombs to create chaos and cover their escape.

Upon entering Zockau, Carl and Donut discover the town is rigged with traps set by the hunters. Carl disarms a few traps but quickly realizes they are surrounded. He marks a drunken Draconian hunter, Chin’Dua, and uses him as bait to draw out a more powerful hunter, Xindy, a Level 61 Mantis Blood Tracker. Carl successfully kills Xindy with a series of homing missiles, but the explosion causes widespread destruction in the town, trapping many hunters and NPCs.

Amid the chaos, Carl and Donut narrowly escape the town, but Carl is hit by crossbow bolts, causing him to bleed profusely. As they reach the edge of the town, Carl's vision blurs, and he collapses. A group of crawlers, including a woman named Pony, finds them and helps Carl by removing the bolts and treating his injuries. The crawlers, who seem to have a complex relationship with Carl, debate whether to help him, but ultimately decide to save him.

Still reeling from the explosion in Zockau, Carl regains consciousness in the back of a cart, tended to by Donut and Miriam. He is still under the effects of several debuffs, including Sore as Shit and Blood Trail, and learns that he was in a coma for half an hour. Miriam, along with her team members Prepotente and Bianca, had rescued Carl and Donut from the chaos, killing many hunters and NPCs but leaving Carl critically injured.

Carl and Donut reflect on the events leading to the explosion, revealing Carl's ambitious plan to kill the mayor and take control of the city. Miriam explains that their own plan to debuff the hunters was thwarted by countermeasures. Carl examines his new achievements, including a significant level-up and several Hunter-Killer achievements, indicating he has killed numerous non-crawlers. Miriam and Prepotente’s unique abilities and backgrounds are discussed, including Miriam’s transformation into a vampire and Prepotente’s strange class changes.

Zev, the PR representative, contacts the group, informing them of an upcoming appearance on Odette’s show and warning about security protocols and the ongoing Vengeance of the Daughter program. Carl and Donut learn that Miriam and Prepotente frequently appear on various shows, with Prepotente preferring programs that allow his goat siblings to participate.

Tensions rise when Carl uses the Tripper spell to disarm a series of traps, angering Prepotente. Miriam steps in to mediate the conflict, insisting on apologies and a hug, which Carl reluctantly complies with. The group approaches the edge of the town, where they are greeted by mushroom guards, and the chapter ends with Prepotente screaming in Carl’s ear.

Carl and Donut visit a small Bugbear settlement that has been ravaged by hunters and looters. The town is mostly deserted, with only funeral bell mushroom guards patrolling at night. Miriam and her team, who had previously passed through the town, inform Carl and Donut about the traps and the extent of the looting. They exchange farewells and promise to keep each other updated on their movements.

Later, Carl and Donut find themselves inside a pub that doubles as a fast-food restaurant called Whataburger. There, they meet Katia, Louis, Firas, and Britney. Mordecai, visibly displeased with Carl’s recent actions, confronts him about the risks taken in Zockau. Donut preemptively addresses Mordecai’s concerns, affirming her commitment to Carl despite the dangers and insisting on better communication moving forward.

Mordecai relents and instructs the group to reset their buffs, watch the recap episode, and move away from the town. Carl, undeterred by the criticism, discusses his plans for more extensive bombings, emphasizing the potential for large-scale destruction on the sixth floor. The chapter ends with the group preparing for the next phase of their journey, aware that the hunters will release in just over 13 hours.

Carl takes a moment to rest and reflect on his recent actions, noticing a subtle change in his mental state—a growing sense of flow that becomes more pronounced during moments of high stress. Deciding to open his prize boxes, he starts with a Gold Junkie’s box, which results in a disappointing spiderweb tattoo. The 34 Hunter Killer boxes yield increasing amounts of gold and various severed hands, leading to a total of 595,000 gold. The final Platinum Asshole’s Box grants a potion that upgrades his Fear spell to level 10, adding a 2% paralysis chance and allowing him to imbue items with the spell.

The group discusses the implications of the trophies and the upcoming Butcher’s Masquerade, a party where crawlers can exchange these trophies for prizes. Donut is particularly excited about the pet beauty contest and insists on preparing Mongo for it. Meanwhile, the recap show reveals updates on other crawlers, including Katia’s stoic reaction to the destruction of Larracos and the transformations of other top crawlers. The show also announces the implementation of the guild system, a new feature that allows larger groups to collaborate and share resources, and emphasizes the importance of killing to secure an invitation to the masquerade.

Carl and Donut debate the practicality of preparing for the masquerade, with Donut insisting on immediate action. Carl, however, prioritizes the immediate tasks at hand, such as setting up a guild and continuing their mission. As the internal river in his mind grows louder, hinting at a deeper, unresolved tension within him, Carl heads back to his bomber’s studio, accompanied by Bomo.

Still reeling from the aftermath of the Bugbear settlement, Carl and his team prepare to leave Zockau and head south towards the river. The team has a rough map of the floor, which Katia created based on gate coordinates from the previous floor. The map reveals the vastness of the sixth floor, measuring approximately 100,000 square kilometers, similar in size to Iceland. The river, which meanders across the map, is a crucial feature, and Carl plans to knock down all the bridges except one to hinder the hunters' progress.

Carl reaches out to Miriam, who confirms that her team is traveling the main road south and that the road is mostly clear due to the anti-trap spells cast by caravan bodyguards. Carl sends a note to Katia to spread the word about the clear routes. He also inquires about a possible town near the bridge, which Miriam confirms is a large Ursine settlement. Concerned about the peculiar nature of the town, Carl marks the area on the map.

Back at the camp, Carl and Donut discuss a plan to use Bomo as a suicide bomber to destroy the town near the bridge. Donut objects, arguing that Bomo is their friend and that the plan might not work as the hunters could be prepared. Carl suggests that Bomo, who is listed as a royal court minion, could be switched to a minion of Donut, allowing her to create a clockwork version of Bomo. Donut agrees to the plan, confident that she can execute it successfully. The team prepares to head south, aiming to reach the town in three hours and assess its suitability as a base of operations.

Carl and Donut, along with Bomo and the Sledge, prepare to leave the ravaged Bugbear settlement and head south towards the river. They encounter a bugbear named Goiter, who warns them about the impending arrival of the hunters. Despite the hostility, Goiter acknowledges their shared enemy and wishes them luck. As they continue their journey, Carl and Donut stop to plant mines and discuss Donut's struggles with casting new spells. A cryptic notification about the appearance and departure of their god, Emberus, adds to the growing sense of unease.

Upon reaching the river, they find a well-maintained Ursine settlement on the other side, guarded by funeral bell mushroom guards. The town has strict rules, including a ban on dinosaurs, which affects Donut's pet, Mongo. After a heated exchange, Donut uses her Astral Paw spell to push the mayor, Elmer, off a cliff, leading to his death. A mysterious naiad retrieves the mayor's body, and the guards, now hostile, chase Carl and Donut into a saferoom.

In the saferoom, Carl and Donut prepare to use a bomb to gain control of the settlement. However, they discover a threatening note from Vrah, warning them against using explosives and revealing that the hunters are now protected. Vrah also declares her intention to hunt Carl down and exact a cruel revenge. Carl responds defiantly, and just as they are about to act, the system announces that the gates are down and the hunters are loose.

Still reeling from the confrontation with the funeral bell mushroom guards, Carl and Donut face a series of challenges as they prepare to fortify Point Mongo against the incoming hunters. Donut is reluctant to wear her new Enchanted Collar Charm of the Effete Bourgeoisie, which grants her leadership abilities but conflicts with her aesthetic preferences. Despite her protests, Carl convinces her to wear it for practical reasons, and they begin to set up the town's defenses, including distributing anti-hunter missiles to the guards and setting traps around the perimeter.

Meanwhile, Katia updates Carl on the formation of a guild, discussing the responsibilities and potential members. Carl, focusing on securing Point Mongo, receives a quest called 'The Recital' to address the growing dinosaur threat. As they work on the town's defenses, Donut's pet, Mongo, suddenly bolts into the jungle, prompting Carl to chase after them. Upon finding Donut and Mongo surrounded by a pack of velociraptors, led by a powerful Level 60 pack leader named Kiwi, Carl realizes they are in grave danger. However, the velociraptors do not attack; instead, Mongo and Kiwi engage in a mating ritual, leaving Donut feeling a mix of shock and concern while Carl tries to maintain his composure.

Carl and Donut manage to escape the scene, but the experience leaves Donut worried about Mongo's safety and the potential consequences of his interaction with the pack. Carl reassures her that Mongo will be fine and suggests they return to the safety of the town to avoid further conflict. The chapter ends with Donut vowing to keep Mongo in his cage and enforce the no-dinosaur rule once he returns.

Still reeling from the encounter with the velociraptor pack, Carl and Donut seek refuge in a local pub. Inside, Donut reveals her deep-seated fears of abandonment and the stress of pretending not to know certain things, particularly her communication with Zev through the social media board. Carl, recognizing the gravity of her emotions, reassures her with a heartfelt promise not to leave her behind, no matter the circumstances. Meanwhile, Mongo returns to the town, and Donut worries about his well-being. A new, large dinosaur is spotted in the woods, prompting Carl to reinstate the no-dinosaur rule.

Carl and Donut return to the town during a sudden downpour, seeking shelter near the northern gate. There, they encounter Mordecai, who informs them about a hunter, a Yenk named Bravvo, who was knocked out of the sky by an anti-air missile and is now stuck in a tree. Using the Ping spell, Carl confirms Bravvo's location and discovers a trap set by two elites and their minions, including a massive caterpillar and a group of Were-Kin warriors led by Tsarina Signet.

Tsarina Signet, a half-naiad, half-high-elf summoner, and her allies, including a level-45 ogre named Areson the Wise, reveal themselves. Signet offers Carl the choice of what to do with the captured hunter, Bravvo, who was hunting Carl and his team. Despite Mordecai's warnings about the dangers of engaging with other secondary programs, Carl decides to heal Bravvo, showing a softer side despite the growing threats.

Before making his decision, Carl reflects on a recent negotiation with Quasar, his lawyer, regarding the extension of a license for a secondary program, Vengeance of the Daughter. This negotiation is crucial for ensuring the showrunners have an incentive to keep Carl alive. Carl contacts Quasar for an update but receives no immediate response, adding to the tension of the situation.

Carl and Donut carefully loot the unconscious hunter, Bravvo, while Signet and her allies observe. They find valuable items, including levitation potions and dexterity points, which they add to their inventory. The rain continues to pour, and Donut clings to Carl, visibly miserable and shivering. Signet then reveals that the rain is a sign of impending danger, as the confederates often emerge from the river during heavy rainfall. Carl agrees to join them in the forest to discuss a mutual plan of action.

As they walk deeper into the jungle, Signet shares her backstory. She explains that she is the daughter of a naiad and a high elf king, now deceased. Exiled from both her naiad and high elf families, she has been recruiting a team, and Carl and Donut are the final pieces she needs. Donut reveals that she has already reclaimed her crown, having conquered Cleveland and secured the GC title. The terrain becomes increasingly treacherous, with mud and small rivers forming on the forest floor.

Signet elaborates on her mission, driven by a deep-seated desire for revenge against the Confederacy and the High Elves for the destruction of her family and the Chee people. She recounts how her sister, Imogen, as the Sorcerer General, led an attack on the Chee, transforming many of them, including the six warriors riding the caterpillar, into were-castors. These once-peaceful Chee children have been fighting for their lives ever since. Signet's determination to eliminate the 'cancers' of the Confederacy and the High Elves is clear, and Carl begins to understand the depth of her resolve.

Carl and Donut trudge through the humid jungle, with Donut voicing her frustration over the simplistic revenge plot they are entangled in. The rain has eased, but the environment remains challenging, with bugs and mud hindering their progress. Carl pauses to pick mushrooms, gaining a small amount of experience, while Donut grumbles about the humidity and the lack of interest from the show's audience, as relayed by Zev, their social media liaison.

As they push forward, they encounter Areson the Wise, an ogre with an arrow in his head, who has just killed a hunter named Arwick. Carl inspects the hunter's belongings, uncovering a magical arrow laced with a lethal poison and a crude map of the hunting grounds. The map reveals that various hunter groups have divided the area, and specific crawlers, including Carl and Donut, have been claimed by multiple groups. Carl sends a group message to alert the others about the impending danger, emphasizing the threat posed by the Dream, who are particularly interested in Louis.

Signet introduces her team, which includes forty bush elves, a talking tortoise named Edgar, and various forest creatures. Carl receives a message from Quasar, his lawyer, detailing the legal and financial challenges they face, including the need to make the program more exciting without overshadowing the main stars. Quasar also mentions the astronomical cost of the bribe required to secure the program's future. Signet then outlines their two tasks, including a quest to help her reclaim her mother’s crown by assassinating the leaders of the Naiad Confederacy at Fort Freedom.

Carl and Donut, now joined by Clint and Holger, two were-castors, make their way back to Point Mongo. The were-castors, regular NPCs, are eager to return to a saferoom due to a showrunners' directive for Carl and Donut to appear on Odette’s show. This directive underscores the limited autonomy of NPCs and the showrunners' control over their actions. During the journey, Donut engages in a conversation with the were-castors about their hairstyles and their history with Signet, learning about past attacks on their village and the high elves' role in regional conflicts.

As they near Point Mongo, the group encounters a pack of invisible night weasels. Clint and Holger, showcasing their combat skills, swiftly dispatch the weasels with minimal damage. Donut attempts to cast a spell through song but fails, leading to a humorous discussion about her singing abilities and the potential dangers of mispronounced spells. The were-castors offer to help Donut find a bard’s guild to improve her skills.

Upon reaching Point Mongo, they discover the town fortified with mushroom guards and alarm traps, a testament to Mordecai’s efforts to secure the area. Just as they cross the bridge, Carl and Donut receive a notification that they have acquired their third and final sponsor, The Apothecary. This sponsor has also backed several other top crawlers, raising concerns about the distribution of resources. Carl reflects on the implications of The Apothecary’s involvement, considering the rumored connections to the Plenty, a powerful group with significant resources. Donut expresses frustration at sharing a sponsor with others, but Carl reassures her that unexpected benefits can arise from such sponsorships.

Carl and Donut, still reeling from their encounter with the night weasels, return to the saferoom. Inside, they find Mordecai and his two cretin bodyguards. Mordecai informs them that Samantha, the re-animated sex doll head, has gone berserk upon learning they are talking to Signet. Samantha demands to be taken to Signet, insisting she is her third cousin thrice removed and that Signet can restore her body. After a tense negotiation, Carl agrees to bring Samantha along, provided she stops her incessant screeching.

As they prepare to head to Odette’s show, Carl and Donut are suddenly transported to a security checkpoint. The abrupt shift to a near-zero gravity environment causes disorientation and discomfort, particularly for Donut, who vomits. Two shade gnolls, armed with advanced gear, conduct a thorough search, ensuring Carl and Donut are not carrying any prohibited items. Once the gnolls depart, Carl and Donut are teleported to Odette’s trailer.

In the trailer, Odette and Zev reveal that Beatrice, Carl’s ex-girlfriend, is alive. This news shocks Carl and Donut, who struggle to process the implications. Odette emphasizes the urgency of the situation, suggesting that this information could have significant consequences for their mission and safety.

Carl and Donut are stunned when Odette and Zev reveal that Carl’s ex-girlfriend, Beatrice, is alive and has been kept safe. Odette explains that she removed Beatrice from the planet to prevent her from being sold to the Borant Corporation, which would have jeopardized Carl’s mission. As the tension builds, Odette admits to using Beatrice to leverage a better revenue share from the Borant Corporation, though she insists her primary goal was to safeguard her investment in Carl and Donut. Despite the shock, Donut urges Carl to proceed with the show, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust.

Still reeling from the shock of learning about Beatrice’s survival, Carl and Donut sit for an interview with Odette. Beatrice, Carl’s ex-girlfriend and Donut’s original owner, joins them as a special guest. She appears thin, shell-shocked, and visibly traumatized, having been kidnapped by bounty hunters and sold on a black market. Despite Odette’s efforts to maintain a serious, somber tone, the interview becomes tense and awkward. Beatrice struggles to answer questions coherently, likely drugged. Donut, initially pretending not to care, confronts Beatrice about her past betrayal. Carl, overwhelmed by the news and the implications, remains silent, processing the complex emotions and the deeper issues at play.

Still reeling from the tense interview with Beatrice, Carl and Donut reflect on the events and the revelation that Beatrice has been kept sequestered. Donut expresses regret for her harsh words towards Beatrice, revealing that she still cares despite the past betrayal. Carl, overwhelmed by the news and the implications, tries to process everything while maintaining a cautious silence about the deeper issues at play.

In the green room, Lexis provides crucial information about the changing control of the dungeon. She warns that the Valtay, who now have a 51% stake in the Borant Corporation, plan to reset the top crawlers at the Butcher's Masquerade, a high-stakes event designed to eliminate the competition. Lexis also reveals that Queen Imogen, a new character, is likely a repurposed human, possibly Beatrice, and will be introduced at the masquerade. The Valtay’s takeover and their plans to reset the game add a layer of urgency and danger to Carl and Donut’s situation.

Upon returning to the saferoom, Carl and Donut are greeted by Mordecai, who updates them on the town’s status. The Ursine are now aware of the hunter threat, and the town is becoming more self-sufficient. Katia wants to discuss a manager’s headquarters, which will help maintain the guild’s structure. Carl, feeling overwhelmed, decides to prioritize rest and regroup before making any major decisions. The chapter ends with a lighthearted moment as Carl and Donut joke about snoring, providing a brief respite from the tension.

Carl and Donut awaken to watch the recap episode, which showcases various crawlers being hunted and killed by Vrah and her mantis unit, as well as other jungle hazards. The episode briefly replays Carl and Donut’s encounter with the dinosaur from the previous night and highlights Lucia Mar’s combat skills and the raid led by Katia and her team on a dryad town. The announcement following the episode reveals that the Borant Corporation has been severed from system politics, and the Valtay now hold a significant stake in the corporation. The announcement also introduces changes to the game, such as disabling certain spells and adjusting mob strengths, and announces the upcoming Butcher’s Masquerade, where crawlers can see their rankings.

Exhausted from the recent raid, Katia enters the personal space and discusses the events shown in the recap with Carl. She mentions the upcoming raid on Eva, adding to the growing tension. Carl and Donut then receive a fan box, which contains a badge for Carl to attend CrawlCon, a virtual convention with three events. Donut is disappointed that she cannot attend, and Carl is reluctant but feels obligated. Katia and Donut finalize the guild upgrade, integrating the Royal Court of Princess Donut into Safehome Yolanda under Imani’s leadership. Carl is reminded of Yolanda, one of Imani’s best friends, and feels a pang of sadness.

Suddenly, an explosion rocks the town, and Clint, now transformed into a beaver-like creature, rushes in to inform them that a group of elves is attacking the town with a magical trebuchet, launching poison bombs. Carl and Donut join Clint and the other ursine to defend the town. In a moment of inspiration, Carl dashes back to his personal space to retrieve a crucial item before heading out to help.

Carl and his team, including Donut, prepare to counter the elf attack using a makeshift landmine trap. The trap involves Samantha, a decapitated sex doll head, equipped with miniature seeking missiles. Carl and Donut set up the trap, but the initial launch of Samantha goes awry, leading to her head being launched and landing several streets over, causing minor damage and attracting the attention of the attackers.

After regrouping and resetting their position, Carl uses a potion to enhance his intelligence and casts a Ping spell to locate the elf attackers. He successfully identifies their location and launches Samantha again, this time with two missiles. The attack is successful, and one elf is killed, while the other, Akland, is captured. Akland, a Moon Elf Level 51 Artillery Specialist, reveals that he and his companion were part of a group hired to hunt in the area, not specifically targeting Carl’s team. He explains that they were offered money to participate in what was supposed to be a safe, simulated hunt, run by Vrah’s family for entertainment.

Carl, still grappling with Akland’s revelations, interrogates him about the real and simulated nature of their mission. Despite Donut’s urging to move quickly, Carl takes the time to understand the full context of the elves' involvement, highlighting the contrast between their perceived safety and the real dangers they faced. Akland’s plea for mercy and his explanation of his background as an accountant add a layer of moral complexity to the situation.

Still reeling from the recent battle, Carl reflects on leveling up his Ring of Divine Suffering, which now grants him two stat points per kill. He retrieves the handcuffs and loots the dead elf, gaining a point to constitution, two trophies, and leveling up to 55. The elf had only crawler biscuits and an arrow of Enthusiastic Double Gonorrhea in his inventory, both of which Carl leaves behind due to potential poisoning and relevance to Louis, respectively.

Donut expresses concern over Carl’s growing anger and the gruesomeness of the kill. Carl acknowledges her worries and promises to be more efficient in future killings. To lighten the mood, Donut suggests coming up with a catchphrase for their kills. Carl then equips Donut with an Enchanted Obsidian Bracelet of the Raggle Rouser, enhancing her constitution, dexterity, and fire resistance, along with the ability to cast a level-10 Fireball spell.

Samantha, the decapitated sex doll head, rolls away after the battle, barking at an ursine cleric and making unsettling threats. Donut draws a parallel between Samantha and the critter creatures from the movie 'Critters,' expressing concern about Samantha’s growing strength and unpredictability. Carl agrees to keep an eye on her, noting her value in their upcoming plans to raid the naiad castle.

Carl and his team press on through the dense jungle, still reeling from the recent elf attack. Carl inspects the trebuchet left behind by the attackers, a lightweight, enchanted device capable of hurling poisoned rocks. Despite Samantha’s skepticism about its usefulness—she can fly farther than the trebuchet can throw—Carl decides to take it and some ammunition. The team searches the area for any signs of additional hunters but finds none, leading to discussions about the potential number of Dream elves and their motives.

Donut and Carl reflect on the upcoming tasks, including helping Signet with her castle assault and dealing with the naiads. Carl contemplates the possible tragic climax of the Vengeance of the Daughter storyline, suspecting that the program might be setting up a finale that ends with Signet’s death and the death of those around her. The team also discusses the fan box events Carl must attend, which he dreads. As they walk, they grind on small mobs called slickbacks, and Donut and Holger engage in a conversation about the term 'beaver' and its origins, though this discussion seems tangential and slightly out of place.

Suddenly, a bright, blue flash of lightning interrupts their journey, followed by a rumble of thunder and the scent of burning wood. Donut and Samantha react with fear, and Holger identifies the source as the all-tree where they are to meet Signet. Donut checks her map and confirms that Signet and Areson are there, surrounded by NPCs and elites. Samantha, despite being told to stay, rolls off to investigate, making a lot of noise and getting stuck. Carl and the others decide to follow her, moving cautiously through the forest to assess the situation.

Carl and his team, including Clint and Samantha, regroup after Samantha gets stuck in the mud. They learn that the team encountered a trio of off-world orcs who used a lightning attack near the all-tree, which protected the forest-kin. Two orcs were killed, and the third was captured by Areson for a sacrifice. Donut loots the corpse of one of the orcs, finding a large sum of gold and a mysterious credit chit.

Upon arriving at the meeting point, they find Signet and Areson preparing for the assault on the naiad castle. Samantha introduces herself to Signet, claiming to be a relative and asking for her body. Signet is skeptical and reluctant to help, offering to look into a spell to summon a permanent body for Samantha after the assault. Despite her dissatisfaction, Samantha agrees to assist.

Signet reveals that the naiad kingdom was once peaceful, but a coup led to her mother's death and her banishment. She shares her personal loss and the irony that the change of power could have been peaceful. The team prepares for the assault, with Carl tasked with throwing Samantha into the river to draw out the guards. Before the sacrifice, Carl marks the orc, Future Huntress, and learns that the Skull Empire had a hunting license, making the top crawlers fair game.

The assault begins as Carl throws Samantha into the river, triggering an alarm in the castle. Signet casts her spell and leads the assault team toward the water, while Carl, Donut, and the remaining team members prepare to protect the shore from any escape attempts. The chapter ends with the team moving forward, and Carl reflecting on the recent death of Langley and his team, emphasizing the high stakes of their mission.

Still reeling from the encounter with the off-world orcs, Carl and Donut reflect on the peculiar name of the orc, Future Hunter, as the team approaches the naiad castle. The castle's alarm blares, signaling the arrival of attackers. Samantha, the decapitated sex doll head, reports her successful entry into the castle and her entrapment in a filter vent, causing a loud, continuous song that drowns out the alarm.

Donut reveals that Samantha is the goddess of unrequited love, though her behavior suggests she might be more accurately described as the goddess of intense emotions. Samantha's role in the assault is to serve as a distraction, drawing guards away from the main entrance. Carl and Donut discuss the plan, which involves Signet leading an amphibious assault while the rest of the team protects the shore from escape attempts.

As the assault begins, the team watches the paper monsters and allies move into position. Areson explains that Signet's curse allows her to float like an apple but restricts her depth due to the risk of being crushed. The castle alarm stops, amplifying the sound of Samantha's song trap. Samantha reports heavy fighting and blood in the water, indicating that the naiads are resisting fiercely.

Suddenly, bodies begin to float to the surface, including those of naiads, paper cutouts, and a bush elf. Areson and Donut express concern, and Carl prepares to intervene, equipping a water-breathing ring. Despite Donut's protests, Carl decides to enter the water to assist, only to be interrupted by another explosion and the appearance of more bodies. Miss Nadine, the giant caterpillar, panics and rushes towards the water, prompting Carl to prepare to teleport Samantha back to safety.

In a moment of rash decision-making, Carl teleports Samantha back to his location, only to have a massive, truck-sized frog-like creature, Claude Sludgington the Fourth, materialize instead. The sudden appearance sends the team flying: Donut and Mongo rocket into the trees, Areson tumbles off the creature’s head, and Carl slides down the slope toward the river. Claude, a Level 65 Borough Boss known as Eryops Gigantis, is disoriented and confused, swallowing Samantha and the unconscious Holger again. Miss Nadine, enraged, charges at the creature but is quickly struck by a lightning bolt, exploding in a shower of green gore and black quills. Areson, still clinging to the creature’s head, refuses to budge. Realizing the only way to defeat the boss is to flip it over and attack its stomach, Carl casts a Protective Shell and attempts to knock the creature over. However, the angle of the spell launches Claude straight up into the sky, with Areson still clinging to its head. As Claude falls back down, Donut casts a Fireball, igniting the creature mid-air. The burning monster lands on the shield, sizzling and sliding toward the forest. Donut and Carl launch a barrage of attacks into the creature’s exposed stomach, but the job isn’t done until Mongo dives head-first into the wound, eating his way out. Carl, caught in the creature’s stomach, is severely injured but manages to escape as Mongo breaks free. The intense and brutal fight, lasting only thirty seconds, leaves the team covered in gore and grappling with the aftermath. Samantha, now drenched in gore, sits on Carl’s lap, declaring that she told him she would kill the creature. The team, exhausted and battered, assesses the damage: Miss Nadine is dead, Areson is bruised but alive, and the bush elf is in pieces. The chapter ends with the team reflecting on the chaos and the high stakes of their mission.

Following the chaotic battle with the Level 65 Borough Boss, Claude Sludgington the Fourth, the area is now a scene of carnage. Gore splatters the ground, and Donut, visibly disgusted, remains perched in a tree, refusing to descend. Carl, picking through the debris, finds a neighborhood field guide map from the dead boss, which offers crucial information about the naiad-occupied areas of the river. Despite their victory, the team is deeply shaken by the recent losses, especially the deaths of Clint and Miss Nadine. Holger, devastated by the loss of Miss Nadine, who had been like a mother to him, starts to cry and howl in grief.

Signet and the assault team return from the naiad castle, reporting that the castle was in a state of disarray and the naiad kingdom was already in decline. The throne room had been taken over by an eryops, and the remaining naiads were barely putting up a fight. Signet, though victorious, is burdened by the task of restoring order to the kingdom. Meanwhile, Carl receives a new quest update about a dangerous dinosaur named Big Tina, described by Areson as a young, angry dinosaur with a pink boa and a history of violence against ursine.

Carl and the team discuss the next steps, with Donut expressing her frustration at the lack of action and the need to investigate quests only when she is prepared. Signet, weary from the day's events, announces that they will mourn and celebrate those they've lost tonight. She reveals that she cannot rule the naiad kingdom due to her curse, and Samantha volunteers to take on the role, reminding everyone of her deal for a body. The chapter ends with the team preparing for a somber night, with Edgar, the ancient tortoise, retrieving his stick for a ritual.

Still reeling from the aftermath of the battle with Claude Sludgington the Fourth, the team gathers to witness Edgar the tortoise tattooing a new ink elemental onto Signet’s skin. The ink moves on its own, forming a living portrait of Miss Nadine, and even brings a memory of Clint, the bush elf, to life as a child chee. Signet explains that the tattoos are a blend of the fallen companion’s remains and her personal memories, creating a facsimile rather than a true representation of the deceased. The process is both fascinating and disturbing, as the ink seems to have a life of its own, weaving together threads of memory and reality.

Carl finds himself abruptly teleported to a space station, separated from Donut and Samantha. Frustrated and panicked, he is unable to communicate or access his interface. After a tense wait, a gnoll security guard, different from those he encountered before, appears and demands Carl's compliance. The gnoll, who introduces himself as the head of security, offers Carl a deal to overlook any thefts in exchange for favoring his grandpup in a competition. Still disoriented, Carl is then transferred to a production facility on the planet's surface.

Upon landing, Carl discovers the facility is much larger and more secure than previous production trailers. He is greeted by Zev, who explains that the vessel is a Valtay landing craft under strict surveillance. Zev reassures Carl that Donut is safe in the guildhall but informs him of a new, more restrictive environment due to recent security incidents. Carl is scheduled to participate in several CrawlCon events, including a kids' art contest, and is advised to stay and rest rather than immediately returning to the dungeon. Zev hints at the importance of Carl’s participation, suggesting it might be in his best interest to ‘linger’ and that security measures will ensure his return to the exact location he was taken from.

Despite his concerns, Carl prepares for his first event, a children's art contest, as Zev advises him to maintain a professional demeanor. The chapter ends with Carl reflecting on the strange and restrictive new environment, the implications of Zev's warnings, and the urgency of returning to Donut and Samantha.

Carl finds himself judging a children's art contest at CrawlCon, a three-day convention for dungeon enthusiasts. The setting is a mix of the mundane and the bizarre, with human and alien children participating in the contest while adults roam around the convention. Carl is sandwiched between two alien judges: Hurk, a fish-like gleener with a formal British accent, and G’valt, a dour Bactrian camel alien who quickly falls asleep, leaving someone else to vote in his stead.

The art contest is a chaotic affair, with children presenting a wide range of artworks, from mediocre to astonishingly skilled. Carl encounters a human child named Keith who submits a crude drawing of Carl being eaten by a brindle grub, accompanied by derogatory comments about Carl’s status as the AI’s favorite. Carl also meets a young elf named Buttercup Divinity, whose anime-style drawing of her deceased mother is both impressive and unsettling. The most peculiar participants are the Plenty, a trio of small, jet-black goats with red eyes, who demand judgment without submitting any art.

A gnoll security guard approaches Carl and asks him to give a high score to his granddaughter, Lix, in exchange for overlooking any thefts Carl might commit. Carl agrees and gives Lix a perfect score, ensuring her victory in the contest. Hurk, the gleener judge, warns Carl about the upcoming panel he will participate in, revealing that it will be moderated by the mother of one of the hunters Carl killed, adding to the tension and anticipation surrounding the event.

The chapter ends with Carl reflecting on the strange and unpredictable nature of the convention, the looming panel, and his desire to return to Donut and Samantha. Hurk’s warning about the panel and the potential backlash from the hunter’s mother adds a layer of suspense to Carl’s already precarious situation.

Carl returns to the green room and discusses the upcoming panel with Zev, learning that the moderator, Circe Took, is a mantis hive queen and the mother of Xindy, whom Carl killed. Zev warns Carl about the mantis people’s dramatic tendencies and the potential for conflict during the panel. After Zev leaves, the gnoll guards install a bed and a training module in Carl’s room. Despite his inability to access his interface, Carl uses the advanced training room to enhance his skills, particularly focusing on sticky bombs and Powerful Strike. The training room is a tier-four facility, offering advanced features and a more sophisticated AI trainer. Before the panel, Carl encounters Dr. Ratchet, an older dwarf preparing for his own presentation. Dr. Ratchet provides a brief but ominous warning, adding to Carl’s growing sense of unease. The guards then lead Carl through a series of tunnels and a zero zone, where his enhancements are temporarily disabled, before arriving at Studio Three, a class-two zone. In Studio Three, Carl is introduced to Biff, a Valtay Corporation Porter Bot, who assists him in preparing for the panel. The room is virtually filled with an audience, and Carl is positioned next to Circe Took, the mantis hive queen. The guards, now visibly relaxed and smoking an unknown substance, further heighten Carl’s anxiety as the panel approaches.

Carl is introduced to the other panelists before the start of the CrawlCon panel. The panelists include Uptown Hal, a former game guide; Sydnee Iglacia, a saccathian historian; and Drick, a former moon elf crawler. The gnoll guards, Frito and Moxo, provide Carl with background on the panelists, and Carl overhears their conversation about the upcoming chaos and the summoning of hunters to the dungeon. Drick suggests that Carl needs to go on the offensive and that the hunters will not know the exact time or spot he will appear.

Circe Took, the mantis hive queen, arrives and immediately displays her hostility by slicing the table with her arm blade, threatening Carl. Carl decides to disrupt the panel, banging his head on the table and mocking Circe’s boredom-inducing lecture on the history of the crawl. The audience, initially bored, becomes engaged as Carl challenges Circe and the panelists to discuss strategies for killing Vrah and the other mantises.

A mysterious woman in a brown cloak interrupts the panel, revealing herself as one of Carl’s sponsors. She allows Carl to speak freely but warns that it will be a violation of the sponsorship contract. The woman’s presence causes a stir among the audience, and she leaves the room. Circe, enraged, storms out, vowing to hunt down anyone who harms her other daughters. Carl continues to engage the audience, asking for advice on how to kill the mantises, and the panelists, including Uptown Hal and Drick, offer their insights.

The panel concludes with Carl announcing his plans to sign autographs and take photographs the next day, hinting that he will bring the heads of Circe’s daughters if his plan succeeds. The guards return, and Carl realizes he has been drugged. He receives a message from Donut warning him about a trap in the safe room and the presence of Lucia and other enemies. Carl takes a level 5 automaton table and a book signed by Dr. Ratchet, preparing to return to the dungeon.

Carl continues to engage the audience at the CrawlCon panel, delving into strategies to defeat Vrah and the mantises. The crowd shares valuable insights, such as the effectiveness of poison against mantids and the complex political dynamics among the hunters. Drick and Uptown Hal elaborate on the nebulars, a fanatical cult that views hunters like Carl as abominations, often leading to increased competition and violence during the crawl.

After the panel, Carl retreats to the green room, where a new acquaintance, Zev, informs him that he exceeded his allotted time. Zev also relays rumors of Carl’s supposed attack on Circe Took, which has stirred unrest in the tunnels. Carl prepares to leave, meticulously organizing his inventory and coordinating with his team via chat. Donut and Samantha update him on the situation in the safe room, confirming that Lucia and her dog are secure and that the hunters are aware of Carl’s imminent return but not the exact location. Katia, stationed at a guildhall, is preparing a decoy to aid Carl’s return.

Samantha’s latest intel reveals that the hunters are divided and potentially fighting among themselves, though they remain a formidable threat. With a steely resolve, Carl readies himself for the teleportation back to the dungeon, bracing for the chaos that awaits. He instructs his team to be vigilant and requests Zev’s assistance in watching over Donut if anything goes awry. As the teleportation process initiates, Carl feels a strange sense of acceptance, ready to face whatever lies ahead.

Carl teleports back into Alucarda, narrowly avoiding immediate detection and injury. He uses invisibility and smoke to evade a group of mantises and nebs, causing chaos by triggering traps and using a berserking potion to incite the mantises to attack each other. Despite the confusion, Carl remains focused on locating Vrah and ensuring the safety of his team. Meanwhile, Donut's plan to deceive Lucia with a decoy works, allowing her to escape. However, Lucia's teleportation spell, designed to trap and ambush Donut, is thwarted. Carl, still invisible, observes the chaos from above, marking key targets with his ring of divine suffering. He then descends into a desecrated temple, finding it filled with the bodies of NPCs killed by Lucia. As he exits, Vrah, now level 74 and adorned with the heads of her victims, confronts him.

Vrah reveals her intention to breed and pass on the memory of Carl's defeat. Carl, using a clever distraction involving the reanimated heads on Vrah's neck, manages to wound her with a poisoned arrow. Donut, who had sneaked into the saferoom, casts Second Chance spells to aid Carl. They retreat into the saferoom just as Vrah’s allies approach, and Carl triggers a massive explosion, destroying the remaining mantises but failing to kill Vrah or Lucia.

Realizing Vrah has contracted a debilitating disease, Carl devises a plan to lure the last mantis salesman in Zockau into a trap. He writes a message to the salesman, promising protection in exchange for the gear he has collected. The chapter ends with Carl and Donut preparing to execute this new strategy, while the team gathers in the saferoom, eager to hear about the recent events.

Carl returns to the Zockau saferoom, where he finds his team gathered, including Katia, Elle, Imani, Bautista, Louis, Firas, Gwen, and Tran. The group is deep in discussion about recent events, including Carl's harrowing encounter with Vrah and Donut’s narrow escape from Lucia. Carl learns that Chris and Li Na are with the Cichociemni, a group of former Polish special forces now turned murderers, who are currently cornered by the Popovs. Katia has been teaching the team new combat techniques, and Louis demonstrates a potion bandolier technique, which involves throwing armor items onto Katia that automatically equip themselves. The team marvels at the innovation but warns Louis to be cautious, as the technique could accidentally harm Katia. Carl then opens his achievement boxes, receiving several new items, including tattoos and patches.

Donut, Carl, Donut, Mongo, and the small mantis gather in the Zockau saferoom to watch a recap of Donut’s intense confrontation with Lucia Mar. The show vividly portrays Lucia’s brutal entry into the village, where she kills the mayor and sets deadly traps, leading to a dramatic showdown with Donut. Using her agility and quick thinking, Donut evades Lucia’s dogs and casts a series of spells, including Entourage and Hole, to outmaneuver and kill Cici, one of Lucia’s massive Rottweilers. Despite the victory, Lucia’s mental state is revealed to be unstable, oscillating between personalities and speaking about a mysterious youth assistant named Alexandro. The recap ends with Lucia in a fit of rage, vowing revenge and killing the remaining NPCs in the village. Mordecai explains that youth assistants are not typically allowed in the dungeon, adding a layer of mystery to Lucia’s presence and actions. As the group processes this information, a daily announcement highlights the increasing coordination among crawlers and the redesign of the seventh floor due to the unexpected resistance against the hunters. Just then, Bomo enters the saferoom with a small, frightened mantis, who urgently warns Carl that Vrah is coming for him.

Carl and Mordecai debate the risks of bringing Edict, the small mantis, into the saferoom. Edict, a level 50 merchant from the Dark Hive, had been contracted to collect and deliver magical gear to the Burrowers, a rival mantis faction. Despite Carl’s threats, Edict refuses to hand over the loot, explaining the dire consequences for his family and hive if he breaks the contract. Edict delves into the intricate cultural and legal aspects of mantis mating, including the requirement for psychological counseling and the ritual of the female consuming the male’s head during copulation. With no viable options, Edict resolves to die in battle to preserve his honor. As Vrah, now weakened by the disease, draws near, Edict charges at Carl, only to be frozen and teleported naked to the nearest mob nest. A substantial amount of gold coins spills to the floor, indicating Edict had indeed been carrying valuable loot. Carl and Donut swiftly gather the gold and ready themselves to leave the pub, mindful that Vrah and other hunters may return. Mordecai assists in collecting the remaining gold, underscoring the urgency of their departure.

Carl and Donut reflect on their recent encounter with Edict, the mantis, and the ethical implications of forcing him into the dungeon's game. Despite Donut's sympathy, Carl remains focused on their mission, though he is troubled by the lack of information about Lucia and the mysterious youth assistant, Alexandro. The group, including Samantha, pushes forward, securing new ursine settlements, but Carl is preoccupied with contacting his attorney and preparing for his next appearance on CrawlCon.

As they approach a new ursine town, the group notices an eerie silence and a lack of activity. Samantha investigates and reports a gruesome scene of mutilated corpses, indicating a recent massacre. The town, named Prepotente Town Number Four, is shrouded in shadows due to the surrounding Jericho Bush, a magical plant with a strong dislike for people named Josh and ska music. Carl suspects Lucia might be responsible for the carnage, further fueling his determination to stop her.

Inside the town, the stench of death is overwhelming, and the streets are littered with the remains of bears, killed by a dinosaur named Big Tina. Carl and Donut quickly loot the bodies, but the first head Carl picks up turns to dust, suggesting the bodies have been dead for some time. Zev contacts Carl, urging him to find a saferoom and warning him about increased attention due to recent events. Carl pauses at the entrance of a pub, noticing a bear claw embedded in the wall, a chilling reminder of the town's violent past. The ominous feeling grows as Carl contemplates the persistent dinosaur quest and the dangers that lie ahead.

Carl arrives at a production facility, where he meets Dmitri and Maxim, the two-headed ogre creature known as the number five crawler in the dungeon. The room is sparse, resembling a jail cell, and the ogres have been confined there for three days, only allowed out for panels and events. Carl notes the stark conditions and the ogres' distinct appearances and abilities, recalling Areson the Wise's explanation of the nodling race and their unique regenerative trait.

Dmitri expresses disappointment at Donut's absence, sharing a personal story about his lost cat, Kapitan Whiskers. Maxim tries to smooth over the awkwardness, but the conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Zev and another kua-tin, Skindle. Zev explains that Carl's replacement sponsor has been chosen, and he will receive his first benefactor box during the event. She avoids answering questions about the identity of the sponsor and the reason for the delay, adding to the air of mystery.

Zev briefs Carl and the ogres on the upcoming fan signing, which is expected to last several hours. She emphasizes the importance of efficiency and professionalism, while Skindle adds a stern warning about not spending too much time talking. The chapter ends with a light-hearted exchange where Carl asks if their associate gets mad when they tell her to go away, setting a tense yet humorous tone for the event to come.

Carl and the Popov brothers navigate a grueling fan signing event at the production facility, where they face a variety of fans, including a curious blob kid who questions the origins of the Popovs' conjoined state. Carl deftly deflects questions about his past conflicts, such as the interview with Odette and the fight with Vrah, while managing the awkward requests of cosplayers and autograph seekers. The event is punctuated by the arrival of Jenn'ifer, a Premium fan with a tentacle-parasite named Maggie, which reacts violently to certain words, delivering a message from the Princess Posse about a lawsuit against the Syndicate's plans to introduce certain canine species to the dungeon biome. As the fan signing concludes, reporters swarm the area, including an aggressive naga named Nihit, who accuses Carl of cheating and illegal assistance. Tensions escalate when Carl, already dealing with multiple threats, slams a magical Sharpie into Nihit's neck, causing chaos and abruptly ending the event. The chapter underscores the volatile and unpredictable nature of the dungeon's social dynamics, as well as the mounting list of adversaries Carl faces, including the newly introduced Plenty, a mysterious and intimidating goat-like sponsor.

Still reeling from the chaos of the fan signing, Carl finds himself separated from the Popov brothers and detained by gnoll guards. Zev, a familiar face, informs him that Nihit, the aggressive naga reporter, is pressing charges for assault, despite Carl's belief that the attack was justified. Zev goes on to explain the complex legal system of the dungeon, where criminal charges can result in warrants that may lead to franchise agreements with corporations, effectively turning criminals into indentured servants.

Carl returns to his saferoom and recounts the chaotic fan signing to Donut and Mordecai, detailing the encounter with the aggressive naga reporter Nihit. Donut, however, is more preoccupied with the pungent odor of the two-headed ogres, Dmitri and Maxim, and the Princess Posse's controversial plan to eliminate certain dog breeds. Mordecai adds a layer of complexity by revealing his testimony against Odette in her trial, shedding light on the intricate legal system within the dungeon.

The conversation shifts to the benefactor boxes Carl and Donut received. Carl opens his Gold Tyrant Box, finding a sliver of amethyst that enhances his dexterity. He then opens the Gold Benefactor Box from the Plenty, discovering a black denim patch adorned with a gray goat head. Donut’s Gold Benefactor Box from the Apothecary contains a silver bracelet with enchanted garlic-shaped gems, providing protection against vampirism, lycanthropy, and increased magical damage against sapient undead. The patch from the Plenty offers similar protections and a stat boost.

Mordecai examines the items and deduces that the Apothecary and the Plenty are likely collaborating, hinting at an impending threat. Carl receives a distress message from Miriam Dom, a vampire, who is trapped and needs help before dawn. The chapter concludes with Donut adamantly refusing to allow Mongo's blood to be used for a potion of Charm Animal, despite its potential benefits.

Carl, Donut, and Mordecai prepare to rescue Miriam Dom, a vampire in distress, despite the risks involved. Mordecai suggests that the request might be a trap set by sponsors to test their resolve, but Carl remains committed to helping her, recalling her past assistance. The team gathers necessary potions and equipment, including Holy Goopers, which act as holy water grenades, and sets out towards Miriam's location.

As they leave the guildhall, the group encounters a terrified ursine barmaid, Prudence, and her two children hiding in the pub. Prudence reveals that a vengeful dinosaur, Big Tina, is terrorizing the area, hunting and killing ursine. Tina was once a young girl whose father, a cleric, brutally punished her and others for practicing ballet, a forbidden art. The cataclysm transformed Tina and other female ursine into dinosaurs, and Tina now seeks revenge on her former community.

The group learns that Tina's mother, Kiwi, is still alive and tries to mitigate Tina's destruction. A quest update indicates that Tina's rampage has escalated, and if not stopped, the High Elves may intervene, which could have dire consequences. The quest suggests either killing Tina or fulfilling her desire, which Donut deduces is allowing her to complete her ballet performance.

The discovery of a glamoured fragment, an animated bear claw, adds a new layer of complexity to the vampire and dinosaur threat. This revelation shows that the minions can reanimate and form dangerous creatures if they reunite with their original bodies.

Carl and Donut continue their mission to rescue Miriam, navigating through a town now overrun by reanimated body parts. Upon returning to the guildhall, Carl sends a quick note to Mordecai, warning him about the dire situation, and ensures that Prudence and her cubs are safely inside. The rain intensifies, and as they venture out again, the streets reveal a grotesque, nightmarish landscape of writhing limbs and reanimating creatures, a sorting facility orchestrated by Big Tina and other dinosaurs. Carl, determined to slow down the reanimation process, uses a chariot and missile launcher to attack the pile of body parts.

Donut's attempt to incapacitate the dryad mayor backfires, setting a town ablaze. Carl and Donut quickly move to the next dryad settlement, Prepotente Number Seven, where they secure the Charm Animal potion. As they approach the location of Miriam and Prepotente, Carl is ambushed by Sierra, a massive, undead pterodactyl and a Bereft Minion of Viscount Fog. Sierra, once a loyal mount of a vampire hunter, nearly tears Carl apart with its talons. Donut intervenes with a magic missile and a light orb, causing Sierra to burst into flames. Carl uses a Holy Gooper potion and a half-splat potion to survive and deliver the final blow, resulting in Sierra's explosive demise. Despite their victory, the team remains vigilant, wary of the vampirism risk from the remains. Carl warns Mongo not to eat the remains, emphasizing the importance of avoiding infection. The chapter concludes with the team preparing to continue their mission to rescue Miriam Dom.

Carl, Donut, and Mordecai trek through the dense forest, finally reaching the clearing where Miriam Dom and Prepotente are trapped. Miriam, a vampire in a dire state, is visibly weakened, and Prepotente is paralyzed with a timer counting down to his release. Miriam recounts her story, explaining that she became a vampire while protecting her goats, and a powerful spell went awry, trapping Prepotente in his current state. She reveals that she is the progenitor of the vampirism curse on this floor, and if she dies, the curse will end, curing all infected crawlers and preventing further spread by Big Tina's army of undead.

Miriam speaks of her deep bond with Prepotente and her goats, detailing how a vampire hunter, Viscount Fog, pursued them. During a confrontation, a spell called Community Pool backfired, leaving Prepotente in a fragile and stunned state. Miriam fears that attempting to wake Prepotente might harm him. She asks Carl to kill her to cure the vampirism and save Prepotente, but Carl refuses, choosing instead to stand guard and protect them both until dawn.

As dawn approaches, Carl secretly marks Miriam with his Ring of Divine Suffering, ensuring he can heal once she dies. Miriam, realizing her fate, leans on Prepotente as the sun rises, and her health bar begins to drain. She whispers a final goodbye to Prepotente before turning to dust. Carl reflects on the difficult decision, comparing it to his own resolve to protect Donut at any cost.

Following the tragic death of Miriam Dom, Carl and Donut are thrust into a new and daunting quest. The AI's ominous announcement of the 'Creeping Apocalypse' world quest looms over them, requiring all crawlers and hunters to eliminate fifty Odious Creepers before sunset, or face severe consequences. These Creepers, formed from the remnants of vampiric creatures, are incredibly dangerous, especially at night, and the AI has marked their locations on the map to encourage action.

Mordecai warns Carl and Donut about the extreme danger of the Odious Creepers, suggesting they stay away. However, Carl, determined to help, adds Katia to the chat to strategize. Katia calculates that some of these Creepers could be as high as level 150, making them extremely formidable. The team decides to attack in groups from a distance, with Eva’s group already engaging one of the Creepers. Meanwhile, Donut expresses her distrust of Tserendolgor, a fellow crawler, leading to a brief but tense exchange with Katia.

With the quest looming, Carl and Donut focus on waking Prepotente. Carl kneels before the goat, acknowledging the deep loss he feels after watching Miriam die. He reassures Prepotente that Miriam would want him to be strong and take care of his siblings. Donut casts the spell to wake Prepotente, who, upon regaining consciousness, is overwhelmed with grief. He swallows the Ring of Divine Suffering, mourning the loss of Miriam deeply. As Prepotente cries, Carl and Donut prepare to face the incoming threats, with Kiwi the velociraptor and other crawlers approaching the clearing.

Still reeling from the loss of Miriam, Carl, Donut, and Mordecai push forward with their new quest. They encounter a pack of velociraptors, their fur matted with blood from recent battles against vampiric creatures. Donut, quick to act, uses the Charm Animal potion to turn Kiwi, the pack leader, into a temporary minion. The rest of the raptors fall in line, creating an uneasy alliance. Tensions remain high, especially with Mongo, whom Kiwi had previously attacked. Meanwhile, Prepotente uses a wand to create a temporary safe space, where he opens loot boxes, revealing a potion recipe and a magical herbicide applicator. Riding his demon goat Bianca, Prepotente vows to seek vengeance, declaring his intention to kill all those responsible for Miriam's death.

Still reeling from the aftermath of Miriam's death, Carl, Donut, and Mordecai return to a saferoom, where they find Prudence the ursine barkeep with her cubs, and Bomo and the Sledge watching a 90s horror movie. Donut, still agitated, shouts through the open door, warning Mongo and Kiwi about the dangers of consuming objects, particularly the Ring of Divine Suffering that Prepotente had swallowed. Mordecai, unsure of the ring's effects, advises caution and focuses on the growing threat of the Odious Creepers.

Katia and Louis arrive, bringing news of the ongoing battle against the Creepers. Katia, now in her large, she-hulk form, reports that Gwen and Eva are fighting two Creepers in a bush elf village, but the situation is dire. Mordecai has prepared a potent weedkiller and undead repellant, which Louis can deliver using his Tent the House ability. Carl reveals his plan to modify hobgoblin smoke curtains to create a delivery system for the weedkiller, despite the risks involved. The team discusses the dangers of the Creepers, including their ability to control foliage and grow larger by absorbing defeated enemies.

Samantha, the sex doll, offers to assist, but Carl declines, citing the size and complexity of the delivery devices. As the chapter progresses, the team prepares to face the Creepers, with Louis and Katia leaving to join the fight. Donut rushes out to stop Kiwi from causing more chaos in the pub, and Carl heads out to join the battle, aware of the mounting pressure to eliminate the remaining Creepers before sunset.

Carl and Donut discover that the venomous elven rock chucker trebuchet, obtained from the Dream hunters, can be modified to deliver Mordecai’s weedkiller. After several attempts, they successfully hit and kill an Odious Creeper, earning Donut a significant level-up and a Silver Siege Master Box. However, the kill is credited to Prepotente, who is making his way north, potentially towards the remaining Creepers near Zockau. As they travel to the next creeper, Kiwi leads them in a different direction, eventually sending her pack away to protect Big Tina. This allows Carl and Donut to grind on forest monsters and practice battle commands. Despite their efforts, the creeper they were targeting is killed by an unknown entity. Suddenly, a group of high elves, led by a mysterious figure in a litter, emerges from the forest. The figure, speaking for Queen Imogen, berates Carl and Donut for their incompetence and warns them about the elves' mission to deal with the Liana district. The encounter takes a violent turn when the figure, revealed to be Ferdinand, attempts to kill Mongo with a lightning bolt. Donut jumps in front of the attack, saving Mongo but injuring herself and Kiwi in the process. The elves leave, laughing, and the rain resumes. Donut, recovering, confirms that Ferdinand was indeed present and suggests that his memory has been altered, setting the stage for a potential conflict.

Carl and the team debate whether to descend to the next floor early to avoid the escalating dangers on the sixth floor. Carl is torn between his promise to protect Donut and the potential consequences of abandoning the group. Donut, however, insists on staying, emphasizing her responsibility to Mongo and her determination to help Tina, Kiwi’s daughter, who has been transformed into a monstrous allosaurus. The debate is interrupted by the sudden appearance of Tina, a Level 80 City Boss, accompanied by a pack of velociraptors. Despite retaining some semblance of her former self, Tina is visibly upset and aggressive, particularly toward Mongo. Kiwi, Tina’s mother, tries to intervene, but the situation remains tense. The AI then announces the failure of the 'Creeping Apocalypse' quest and introduces a new mechanic called the 'blood bar,' which forces all hunters and crawlers to engage in combat to maintain access to saferooms. The spell Gehenna Bramble begins to spread from the locations of the remaining Odious Creepers, transforming the once-innocent plants into deadly, thorn-covered vines. The spell’s effects are immediate and severe, leading to the random teleportation of a hunter into the woods, where they are nearly attacked by velociraptors. Carl and Donut manage to stop the attack, and the chapter ends with the team deciding to investigate the hunter’s condition.

Carl and the team leave Tina whimpering in the clearing, moving cautiously toward a fallen hunter lying on the ground, crying and bleeding profusely. The hunter, identified as Iota, a Level 50 Coin Tinker from the Crafter Alliance, has had his leg severed above the knee. Despite his injuries, Iota has already healed himself, but the surrounding velociraptors are lapping up the blood. Carl, with Donut on his shoulder, interrogates Iota, who explains that the AI has recently changed the rules, nullifying a court ruling that would have allowed the crafters to leave the dungeon. Iota reveals that the AI is now operating under its own rules, making the crawl more dangerous and unpredictable.

Iota provides further context, explaining that the AI's behavior is typical when it feels threatened by external interference, such as court rulings. He mentions rumors that the AI was a used one, sold to the mudskippers by the Mantises, who are known for retiring their amusement park AIs every season. Iota believes this explains why the AI is going primal so early in the crawl. He also notes that the council is unlikely to intervene, as shutting down the AI would result in financial losses. Iota, who is an accountant by profession, accepts his fate and does not resist when Carl ultimately kills him, gaining three stat points from the Ring of Divine Suffering, which now grants four points per kill.

The chapter highlights the increasing tension and unpredictability of the dungeon environment, as well as the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by Carl and his team. Iota's acceptance of his fate and the revelation about the AI's behavior add layers of complexity to the story, emphasizing the high stakes and the potential for further chaos.

Carl reflects on the diverse castles within the dungeon, each serving unique roles in quests and conquests. This contemplation sets the stage for the immediate challenges they face. After the confrontation with Iota, Carl and Donut discuss the AI's erratic behavior, which is causing chaos among the crawlers. They loot Iota’s body, retrieving various magical items and a large quantity of alcohol. Nearby, Tina, the transformed allosaurus, prowls restlessly while the velociraptors continue to feast on Iota’s remains.

Carl sends urgent messages to Katia and the others, warning them about the new 'blood bar' mechanic and the impending spread of the Gehenna Bramble, which will soon cover the entire map and force all crawlers to congregate in the southeast corner, near the high elf castle. Katia confirms that the brambles will indeed reach the high elf castle, and Carl decides to delay descending to the next floor. Instead, he plans to collaborate with the others to navigate the changing landscape and map out any known stairwells in the affected area.

Carl also mentions the need to rescue Britney, who has been teleported away due to her empty blood bar. The chapter concludes with Carl observing Tina, Kiwi, and a new companion, Mongo, interacting. Tina’s red dot turns white, signaling a significant change in her status. Carl prepares for the upcoming challenges, recognizing the importance of readiness for the masquerade and the encroaching brambles.

Carl and Donut encounter Signet, Holger, and Areson at a settlement with a stairwell. Signet warns them about the approaching Gehenna brambles and the forest's cry for help, mentioning that the trees and dryads are casting a spell to summon Diwata, the forest protector. Signet cautions Carl about Diwata’s unforgiving nature towards apostates and advises them to stay away from all-trees, which can reveal their location to the deity.

Back at their base, Carl and Donut face a dilemma over equipping magical nipple rings found on Iota’s body. Donut is reluctant to wear a constitution-enhancing ring, citing discomfort and embarrassment. Carl tries to persuade her by offering a valuable sponsor prize, a +3 potion, which he claims she needs more than he does. The conversation is interrupted by a cryptic note from a benefactor, revealing that Circe Took, Vrah’s mother, has sponsored Diwata and is planning to come for Carl. The note also suggests a strategy involving the use of multiple potions and abilities to counter Diwata’s arrival.

Mordecai overhears the conversation and looks concerned, but Carl signals him to remain silent. Donut eventually agrees to wear the nipple ring after Carl demonstrates his own willingness to do so, despite the intense discomfort and awkwardness. The chapter ends with Carl and Donut preparing to face the new threats and the impending arrival of Diwata, with the team’s morale and strategy under strain.

Carl and Quasar delve into the intricacies of the Zerzura spell, a powerful incantation capable of transferring a town to the next floor. However, the spell’s consequences are dire: the town lands in a perilous area, leading to the deaths of its inhabitants and their resurrection as vengeful revenants. Despite the risks, Carl contemplates using the spell to aid the changelings, though the unpredictable landing and ensuing chaos give him pause.

The AI then announces the Butcher’s Masquerade, an exclusive gala for the top 50 crawlers and all hunters. The event will take place in the High Elf castle, with strict rules against violence and magic. Crawlers and hunters will occupy separate but interconnected ballrooms, while pets and NPCs will compete in a beauty contest and talent show. The AI also reveals that the seventh floor is now the eighth, and the upcoming floor, the Great Race, is an engineering marvel by the Valtay Corporation.

Back at the guild, Donut is thrilled to be part of the talent show and beauty contest. Carl, Katia, and Imani strategize about the event’s logistics, including the castle’s layout and the potential threats posed by the hunters. Samantha, the sex doll head, interjects with inappropriate remarks, causing discomfort. Louis, nearing level 42, shares insights about the castle’s unique design and its underground levels.

Prepotente messages Donut, claiming he has a gift for her but sounding agitated. Donut relays their location, and Prepotente is en route. Carl’s concern grows, remembering Prepotente’s past threats related to his mother’s death.

Carl and Donut visit Team Katia’s personal space, where Bautista is sorting through a collection of rare beanie toys. The space feels more like a house than a warehouse, and Donut is unimpressed, rolling her eyes at the eclectic decor. Bautista is particularly interested in finding rare variants of the toys, which have unique reactions when their tags are pulled. The conversation shifts to Bautista and Katia’s relationship, which has apparently become more serious. Donut is initially shocked and confrontational, but Carl reassures her that he sees Katia as a sister and is supportive of the relationship.

Bautista appears relieved and admits he was worried about Carl’s feelings. Donut, however, remains skeptical and brings up Carl’s psychological issues and past behavior. To change the subject, Carl asks Bautista about the slate butterfly toys, which are harmless but drain energy from light sources. Bautista offers Carl a few of the butterflies, and Carl accepts. The group then prepares for a meeting with Prepotente, who arrives at the guild’s pub looking exhausted and carrying fifteen hunter-killer marks. Prepotente is dismissive of the guild’s attempts to involve him in their plans and refuses to rest or see the new bathroom upgrade.

Prepotente delivers a black, bubbling potion to Donut, explaining that it was given to him in a benefactor box and is intended for her. The potion is labeled to remove the effects of Scolopendra’s Transmutation spell, with specific instructions not to give it to Tina. Prepotente leaves abruptly, and the guild discusses the unusual circumstances surrounding the potion. Donut suspects that Carl may have been part of a larger scheme to get her the potion, but Carl insists they need to talk to the changelings to understand the situation better.

Carl and Donut find themselves at the Desperado Club on the Hunting Grounds level, where they face Clarabelle, the crocodilian bouncer. Clarabelle, still wary of Carl’s past actions that trapped hunters on the lower floors, reluctantly agrees to let them in after they fabricate a story about missing gold. She directs them to a secret stairwell in the women’s bathroom, allowing them to bypass the main entrance.

Navigating the cleaner, more upscale environment of the Hunting Grounds level, Carl and Donut encounter Haxor the Destroyer, a formidable level 50 unaffiliated hunter. Carl swiftly subdues Haxor to avoid drawing unwanted attention. They then locate the changelings, who are disguised as elves, and discuss the urgent need to evacuate Hump Town before the Gehenna brambles reach them. Carl outlines his plan to use the Zerzura spell to transport the changelings to the High Elf castle, but the plan is complicated by the approaching brambles and the need for coordination.

While discussing the evacuation plan with Pearson, one of the changelings, Carl and Donut are suddenly interrupted by a searing pain as his blood begins to boil. Astrid, the club’s assistant manager, appears and threatens to ban them if they do not open the door. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Carl instructs Pearson to open the door and touch Astrid, hoping to mitigate the spell’s effects.

Carl and Donut find themselves in a familiar setting, brought to Orren by Astrid. Orren, the Syndicate liaison, informs them that he is leaving upon the collapse of the current floor and won't return until the start of the ninth floor. Despite being ‘healed,’ Carl is still suffering from numerous debuffs caused by Astrid’s blood magic. Donut, meanwhile, enjoys a drink and snacks, having been out for forty-five minutes.

Orren explains that his role as a liaison requires someone who not only cares about the game's success but also fundamentally disagrees with their home nation’s goals and philosophies. He hints at a network of liaisons who share similar sentiments and warns Carl and Donut about the complexities and potential dangers of the system they operate in. Orren admits he finds Carl and Donut entertaining and dangerous, and circumstances have changed his view of them.

To address the legal freeze on crawl-related cases, Orren allows Quasar, Carl’s attorney, to join them, along with a woman wearing a t-shirt with Donut’s face and a tentacle with a bow on her head. The woman and the tentacle burst into tears upon seeing Donut, adding a surreal and emotional element to the scene.

Carl reflects on the utility of his level-five Automaton table and the challenges of gathering the required parts for the recipes. He and Donut are preparing to join Katia’s team for a hunt before the Butcher’s Masquerade, a critical event where all hunters will be teleported to the same area. Meanwhile, Mordecai and Zev, a fellow hunter, discuss the unprecedented situation of hunters being picked off, the legal ramifications, and the financial implications for the kua-tin government and Borant. As the team readies for a coordinated raid, Donut activates automaton spiders to avoid killing hunters affiliated with Emberus.

In the aftermath of a chaotic raid, Carl reflects on the dangers of country bosses and the persistent loot they drop, such as the Treasure Map, which often leads to infighting among hunters. He notes the effectiveness of the brambles and the blood bar in thinning out the unorganized and poorly trained hunters, bringing his and Donut’s levels up to 59 and 50, respectively. However, Donut’s foul mood returns when Firas points out that Carl’s higher stat points might soon give him control of their party.

During a raid on a new town, the team encounters increasingly complex traps. Carl uses his Ping spell to identify fifteen hunters, and the team coordinates their attack. Donut sends her seeker spiders to target the hunters, while Samantha rolls into the town to destroy the anti-air gun. The plan works flawlessly, with the gun exploding and the spiders taking out several hunters. Katia and Elle lead their teams to engage the remaining hunters, including a level-63 Emberus worshipper who retreats to a temple.

As the raid progresses smoothly, Carl and Donut prepare to assist with the final hunter in the temple. Suddenly, Donut notices a pulsing red antler symbol above Carl’s head, indicating that the God Diwata has marked him for death. Carl immediately orders everyone to abort the mission and flee, but a massive eruption rocks the center of town, signaling the god’s presence and the imminent danger they face.

Still reeling from the chaos of the raid, Carl and Donot find themselves marked for death by the god Diwata. The team had been raiding a town when the church exploded, and a deranged squirrel god emerged, consuming the remains of a hunter and fleeing the scene. Carl, now marked by the god, is concerned about the lack of follow-up attack and the mysterious behavior of Diwata.

Elle retrieves petals from the giant flower that sprouted from the church site, while Samantha provides insight into Diwata's nature. Diwata is known for her ability to give birth to new life, a power that irritates other gods. Samantha deduces that Diwata rushed off to cure her daughter, likely by sacrificing herself in a ritual that involves decapitation. This revelation hints at a deeper, more personal conflict involving Vrah, the powerful enemy, who might be seeking vengeance.

The team is further disrupted by Big Tina, a dinosaur who breaks away from her mother and starts eating mushroom guards. The chaos continues as the team tries to understand the implications of Diwata's actions and the potential return of Vrah, who could be even more vengeful after this incident.

Still reeling from the chaos at the church site, Carl and Donut approach a large settlement taken by Li-Na, where they will converge for the Butcher’s Masquerade. Carl speaks with Signet, who expresses her weariness and the dire situation with the aggressive brambles. Signet reveals that Grimaldi has become one with an all-tree node, suggesting he may have survived. She also discloses that the elves will struggle to contain the brambles, and the party will start as the elves are preoccupied with the infestation.

Carl warns Signet that attacking Queen Imogen during the party is a trap set by the world’s controllers. Despite this, Signet insists on proceeding, believing it is the culmination of her efforts. Carl proposes a modified plan where Signet waits for his signal to attack Imogen, hoping to use her as a distraction and increase her chances of survival. Signet agrees to hear Carl’s idea, though she remains skeptical.

Later, Carl and Mordecai examine a collection of items given to various crawlers, all intended for Donut. These include a recharge wand scroll, a tiara, sheet music, a ball peen hammer, and a metal rod. Carl discovers symbols on the hammer and rod, both marked with the number seven, hinting at a connection to the seventh floor. This discovery deepens Carl’s unease about the upcoming events and the potential manipulation by their sponsors.

As the team prepares to leave for the party, Carl hands the items to Donut. The group discusses the impending arrival of the brambles and the complex dynamics among the crawlers and elves. Carl reflects on the moral and strategic dilemmas they face, knowing that the stakes are incredibly high and that something is likely to go wrong.

Carl and Britney ride in a covered wagon to the Butcher’s Masquerade, accompanied by an uptight elf named Theobold who explains the strict rules and protocols for the event. Theobold mentions that the queen’s protection will prevent any fighting among the guests, but Carl remains skeptical and concerned about the potential threats from other crawlers and hunters. Outside, Donut struggles to keep Big Tina in line, adding to the tension of the journey.

As they approach the castle, Carl and Britney discuss the security measures and the magical clothing they are wearing. Britney is particularly anxious about the security checks and the presence of additional guards with black jackets. Carl reassures her, emphasizing their preparedness. Donut then informs Carl about the increased guard presence and a mysterious woman in the last cart, who is actually Pearson the changeling pretending to be Signet.

Suddenly, Queen Imogen, revealed to be Ifechi, Florin’s deceased girlfriend, materializes in the cart next to Britney. The queen questions the attempt to smuggle someone resembling her half-sister into the castle. Carl, realizing the gravity of the situation, signals Katia, confirming that their plan to draw out the queen has succeeded. The chapter ends with a sense of impending danger and the complexity of the masquerade’s true purpose.

Carl and the team prepare for the Butcher’s Masquerade, a critical event where they must navigate the complex social and magical dynamics set by Queen Imogen. Carl reviews their plan, noting the control room's location and the need to disable protective spells without disrupting the event. The team discusses the potential risks and the identity of Queen Imogen, who Carl suspects could be a familiar figure in disguise.

As they approach the castle, Carl and Britney are joined by Imogen, who reveals herself to be Ifechi’s twin sister rather than Ifechi herself. Imogen, a Level 145 High Elf Cleric Sorceress, is suspicious of Carl’s intentions and questions him about the woman he brought, whom she believes is a disguised Signet. Carl maintains his composure, despite his growing anxiety, and exchanges tense remarks with the queen. Imogen explains the history and significance of the Butcher’s Masquerade, emphasizing the severe consequences of breaking the peace seal.

Imogen’s demeanor is a mix of politeness and barely contained rage, and she warns Carl that any disturbance will result in eternal punishment in the Nothing. The queen’s presence and her threats add to the team’s mounting stress, especially as they realize the party’s guest list is deliberately designed to incite conflict. With the team’s plan already feeling precarious, the looming threat of Imogen’s wrath looms large.

Carl and the team arrive at the elf castle, known as the Sugar Cube, to prepare for the Butcher’s Masquerade. The castle is a massive, white wooden structure with four towers, and the team encounters friendly elves who help unload their supplies. However, tensions rise when the elves insist on caging the dinosaurs, leading to a heated exchange with Donut. Despite the friction, Carl manages to negotiate a compromise, and the dinosaurs are moved to a separate holding area.

Inside the castle, the team undergoes a series of security checks, including a pat-down and a snail inspection, before entering the opulent ballroom. The ballroom is adorned with a large stage, a buffet, and a moving mosaic depicting Scolopendra, a black centipede entwined around a living tree. Carl notices Chaco, the winged werewolf-like creature, standing by the prize counter, and Donut excitedly greets Empress D’Nadia, who is judging the talent show and pet contest. D’Nadia reveals that she is on orbit and will land after the evening’s events.

As more crawlers and hunters arrive, the ballroom fills with tension. Prepotente is among the arrivals, and Carl exchanges a wary glance with him. Meanwhile, Vrah and other hunters enter the room, and the protective seal is fully armed. Carl communicates with Katia and Bomo, instructing them to ensure everyone takes the necessary potions and to activate the escape plan if needed. Empress D’Nadia’s anticipation for the events to come adds to the mounting pressure.

In the opulent ballroom of the Sugar Cube, tensions continue to rise as Carl and the team prepare for the Butcher’s Masquerade. Vrah, a giant mantis, confronts Carl, issuing threats against him and his friends. Meanwhile, Britney skillfully deploys a Slate Butterfly to disable a warning light, a crucial move in their strategic plan. The room suddenly fills with crawlers and hunters, heightening the sense of danger. Katia, Florin, and Bautista struggle to hold back Eva, a former ally now turned enemy, who taunts Katia with cruel insults. The situation becomes even more volatile when Signet, one of Imogen’s most significant enemies, unexpectedly appears in the ballroom, adding another layer of tension to the already fraught atmosphere.

In the opulent ballroom of the Sugar Cube, Carl and Imani discuss the unexpected appearance of Signet, one of Queen Imogen’s most formidable enemies. Carl explains that Apito, the entity behind the guest list, deliberately included Signet to test Imogen’s resolve and create tension. He reassures Imani that having Signet present might actually work in their favor, as she would likely be Imogen’s primary target if the seal is broken, giving them a chance to escape.

Signet, upon entering the ballroom, expresses her surprise at the authenticity of the Butcher’s Masquerade and her disappointment at not being informed of her direct involvement. She notes the presence of the queen’s guards and the strange auras of the three judges, which pique her interest. Carl seizes the opportunity to explain that the judges are from the outside world, controlling the event for their entertainment. Intrigued, Signet decides to approach the judges to learn more about their role in the proceedings.

Zev’s exasperated reaction to the unfolding situation underscores the high stakes and the unpredictable nature of the event. The chapter ends with Signet moving towards the judges, setting the stage for potential revelations and conflicts.

Carl approaches Chaco, the muscular wolf-headed man, at the prize counter, where tensions are high due to the presence of various hunters and crawlers. Chaco, now dressed in intimidating metallic armor, is nervous and flaps his wings as Carl inquires about the hunters, particularly Zabit, a level 66 Beastmaster of the Atoll race. Zabit explains his motivation for hunting crawlers, revealing the dire economic conditions of his people and the necessity of the hunt for their survival. Carl, though conflicted, understands Zabit's position but remains disturbed by the implications of the hunt, especially considering the higher count of Eva’s kills.

While Carl explores the prize counter, discussing the available items with Mordecai via Donut, they decide on several items, including a shrink wand, the Eighth Floor Book of Lore, a music sheet for the song 'Skedaddle,' and various potions. Chaco reveals that the most valuable item, a memorial crystal, is out of reach due to its 100-hand cost. Mordecai explains the significance of the memorial crystal, which contains god-tier information, but Carl cannot afford it.

Meanwhile, the pet show begins, and various crawlers showcase their pets. Prepotente and his goat, Bianca, cause a commotion, setting the stage on fire. The elves quickly extinguish the flames. Carl returns to the stage area, where Donut is preparing for her pet show performance with Mongo. The lights dim, and Louis announces the start of the show, setting the stage for Donut’s performance with Mongo.

Donut and Mongo take the stage with a dramatic performance, featuring a moonwalking velociraptor and a series of elaborate special effects. Despite Carl's initial frustration with the over-the-top nature of the act, it garners attention and applause from the crowd, including the judges. Following Donut's performance, Garret and Tserendolgor, a large meatball, deliver a less impressive but still well-received act.

Amid the chaos of the event, Carl coordinates with his team. Bomo reports on the abandoned gear in Zockau and the departure of the remaining hunters. Sledge alerts the team to a surge of mantises attacking the stairwell locations, forcing them to adjust their plans and enter the castle from above using an airship. Samantha informs Carl that Diwata, now in the form of a female mantis, is continuously birthing mantis babies, further complicating the situation.

The chapter concludes with a team discussion about the ethical and practical implications of Diwata's continuous birthing and the potential consequences for the floor's stability. Carl instructs Donut to secure necessary upgrades from Chaco, while the team remains vigilant against the growing mantis threat.

Carl and his allies watch in shock as Florin, a crocodilian, comforts a sobbing Lucia. Initially, they fear Florin might harm her, but Lucia suddenly embraces him, her demeanor shifting dramatically. Florin, equally bewildered, reveals that multiple real people, mostly children, are trapped within Lucia’s mind, each influencing her actions. The revelation is unsettling, and Florin explains that a dog and a man named Alexandro are controlling Lucia, with the dog being the key to breaking the control. Carl confronts Zev about the presence of children crawlers, but Zev remains tight-lipped, refusing to discuss the matter.

Louis meticulously maps out the castle's hidden tunnel system, suggesting it could lead to the security room. Carl and the team deliberate over the plan, with Donut offering to charm Ferdinand, the queen's cat, to keep him occupied. Samantha, tasked with navigating the tunnels, struggles with the complex map and encounters elves guarding the security room.

Tension escalates when the charmed Ferdinand unexpectedly joins the ballroom, threatening to expose their plan. Outside the castle, mantises and elves clash in a fierce battle, and the Twister, Sledge's airship, is commandeered by the mantises. Carl coordinates with Sledge and Gideon to handle the crisis, prioritizing the team's safety over the mission's success.

Inside the ballroom, the talent show commences, and Donut readies herself for her performance, scheduled as the final act. The queen's arrival seals the room, blocking any escape routes. Samantha, without the sleep potion, confronts the elves in the security room, vowing to eliminate them all. The chapter concludes with the room sealed and the team facing an uncertain and perilous future, heightened by the queen's presence.

Imogen, the queen, arrives at the castle, immediately noticing the absence of her cat, Ferdinand, who is charmed by Donut. Her arrival triggers a series of explosions and chaos, with the castle shaking and the floor tiles shattering, revealing a horrifying, churning mass beneath. The hunters, led by Vrah, are revealed to be working with Diwata, who is in the castle and attempting to break the protection seal. Samantha reports that she has knocked out Diwata but caused significant damage by destroying the soul crystals. Signet reveals her plan to cast the Ink Marauder spell to summon her fallen family members.

Amidst the chaos of the ballroom, Donut takes the stage and enchants everyone with her mesmerizing performance of ‘All Eyes on Me.’ The spell captivates the hunters and the queen, allowing Carl and his team to execute their plan. Big Tina, the giant dinosaur, appears on stage and casts a charm spell, further engaging the audience in the performance.

Signet, realizing the gravity of the situation, reveals her intention to sacrifice herself to break the protection seal. Vrah, immune to the charm, recognizes the impending danger and tries to stop her, but it’s too late. Signet cuts her own throat and plunges into the Nothing below, a terrifying abyss that opens with black wisps and ethereal shrieks. The seal is broken, lifting the protection of the chamber and signaling the end of the Butcher’s Masquerade.

Marked with the Ring of Divine Suffering, Carl marks Vrah and tosses two smoke curtains into the room to create confusion. The judges and Chaco vanish in a flash of lightning, and the room descends into chaos. The chapter concludes with the team preparing to face the unknown threats that lie ahead, deeply affected by Signet’s selfless sacrifice.

In the chaotic ballroom, Donut commands the velociraptors to attack the hunters, leading to a brutal and bloody scene. Mongo and Kiwi fall upon Vrah, who screams in rage as hunters flee and die. Samantha, riding a tidal wave of bug gore, attacks Vrah, biting her and causing severe injuries. The room is filled with gore and mantis nymphs, complicating the situation further as Tina, the giant dinosaur, leaps off the stage and vanishes, reappearing to attack elves and mantises in another part of the castle.

Imogen, the queen, is encased in a tornado of tattoos, which form various creatures but fail to grow to their usual sizes. The tattoos continue to harass her, and she retaliates with red lightning, hitting everyone in the room. Carl, seeing Vrah nearly dead, instructs Mongo to finish her off. Samantha, realizing Signet's sacrifice, prepares to teleport away, but not before Carl gives her Signet’s mother's incomplete golem body. The room remains in chaos as Imogen regains control, and Carl, fearing her power, drinks a Feather Fall potion to prepare for escape.

Amidst the carnage, Donut transforms Kiwi from a dinosaur to a bear using an I Take It All Back potion, causing the other raptors to roar in distress. Tina, now in the form of an allosaurus, calls out for her mother, adding a poignant moment to the chaos. Carl, recognizing the urgency, shouts for everyone to drink potions as Sledge announces the impending end of the recital. The chapter ends with everything freezing, setting the stage for the next phase of the battle.

The team, along with the remaining crawlers, hunters, and elves, find themselves frozen mid-air after the castle's sudden teleportation. The AI announces a boss battle, dividing the participants into four corners: the top crawlers, the remaining hunters, Queen Imogen, and Diwata. The environment plunges into darkness and chaos, with brambles forming a dome and the area filling with thick smoke and disorienting strobe lights.

Carl, Katia, and Donut regroup and prepare to face Diwata, who is revealed to be Circe Took, now stripped of her godly protection. Donut successfully casts Laundry Day, removing Diwata's armor and causing her to be devoured by her own children. The battle intensifies as Imogen, the final boss, becomes the primary target. Despite the team's valiant efforts, several allies, including Gwen and Cleiton, are killed. Imogen unleashes a powerful lightning attack, which is redirected by a disco ball, causing widespread destruction.

The chapter ends with Carl losing consciousness as Prepotente and Bianca approach Imogen, setting the stage for the final confrontation.

Carl awakens to Donut's frantic warnings about the collapsing ceiling, the room in chaos with many of their allies dead or injured, including Firas, Gwen, and the Popov brothers. Still reeling from the battle, Carl feels numb and exhausted but manages to sit up and assess the situation. Donut, overwhelmed by the loss of friends, questions why she isn’t as upset as she should be, and Carl comforts her, explaining that the emotional mask she’s wearing is a protective mechanism. Katia returns from searching for Eva, who is still alive but injured. Carl then discovers that Maxim and Dmitri Popov have transformed into baby ogres and been transferred to a safer facility.

Following the intense battle against Imogen, Carl, Donut, and Prepotente find themselves in a small, glass-enclosed room, akin to a fish tank, preparing for the start of the seventh floor, 'The Great Race.' The AI announces the rules, revealing that the level is structured as a massive maze with multiple paths, none of which are dead ends, and each leading to the exit portals. The environment is designed to pull crawlers through the maze, with paths closing after a certain number of crawlers pass through them. Prepotente, drawing from his mother's boots and a recent interview, explains the level's design. He then breaks the glass walls, causing the entire level to shatter and all crawlers to be sucked into the portals. Donut and Carl are transported to a dark chamber where Donut selects their starting location for the eighth floor, choosing the Bahamas despite Carl's objections. Meanwhile, Katia, driven by revenge, locates and confronts Eva, cutting off her hand to prevent her escape and ultimately killing her, only to have Eva's Crown of the Sepsis Whore equip itself to Katia's head.