Chapter 24

Carl receives a cryptic note from Akuma about the Pineapple Cabaret and assassinating rival teams. When Dong Quixote falls mysteriously ill outside the Lady Dominators garage, Carl discovers that Dong's separated lover Corcunda (split into two halves: Corky and Porky) is now on an enemy team. A new quest emerges: reunite the two halves using a fleshmancer to remove Corcunda from the Lady Dominators' roster, allowing their elimination. However, Imani reveals that Dong's ailment stems from his addiction to a sapient weapon—a magical sock that's sustaining his health unnaturally.

Carl broods over Akuma's note and its cryptic reference to the Pineapple Cabaret, which he recalls was an option the AI offered for banishment. Shouting alerts him that Dong has collapsed outside the Lady Dominators' garage, where Genesis and Rapture mock him from inside. Though Bucket Boy provides healing, the cause remains hidden. Dong expresses fear that Corky (inside the garage) now hates him. Back in their own garage, the AI's quest system reveals a two-part mission: Corcunda was split into Corky (who remained as a dancer and lover of Dong) and Porky (who became a singer in a performance guild and resents Dong). The quest demands reuniting them via a fleshmancer to remove Corcunda from the Lady Dominators, allowing Carl and Donut to kill the team without conflict. Splash Zone explains the split occurred seasons ago when a spell hit Corcunda during a fight, and Porky eventually left when Dong and Corky grew close. Dong confesses he refused Corky's invitation to leave, fearing reunification would make the whole Corcunda reject him. Imani discovers the real problem: Dong's magical sock is sustaining him unnaturally and may indicate addiction. The team decides to keep this secret from Dong while monitoring him. Later, Bigs, Samantha, Mongo, and Rend return drunk from the food truck, while Carl contemplates the suffering the dungeon inflicts.