AFTERWORD

Chapter 39

Chapter 37

Overview

Carl and his party enter the Chicken and Waffles diner to access hidden upgrades. They discover the upgrade imp has been killed by Akuma, a war mage, who has left a note demanding Carl come alone. When Akuma emerges from hiding, Elle responds with brutal violence, freezing his genitals and threatening further torture to force him to answer Carl's questions.

Summary

The group arrives at Chicken and Waffles, a 1950s-themed diner with neon décor staffed by flightless imps. Darla-Dean, the hostess, directs them to the upgrade counter hidden behind a jukebox. They discover the upgrade imp Hickster dead with his eyes burned out, killed by Akuma. A hastily scrawled note on a kiddie menu insists Carl come alone and demands he leave his party behind. Carl refuses to comply and opens a hidden door behind a poster, deactivating a disintegration trap. Akuma emerges from the darkness, sipping a purple milkshake. He reveals he called Carl here because Carl needs him, but grows angry about Carl bringing companions. Donut immediately casts Mute on him while Elle unleashes a violent response, freezing Akuma's genitals and threatening dental surgery by the reverse tooth fairy Jacobus. Elle establishes terms: Imani will cast an anti-magic shield that slowly damages Akuma unless removed, and Akuma must answer all of Carl's questions truthfully or face death. The party coerces Akuma into compliance through threats while the mercenaries cower in fear.

Characters

  • Darla-DeanFlightless imp hostess at Chicken and Waffles who greets the party and directs them to the upgrades area
  • DonutParty member who casts Mute on Akuma to silence him
  • LouisParty member who reads the menu and orders milkshakes and malts
  • PrepotenteParty member who orders multiple flavored sodas to go
  • SamanthaDoll-headed party member who appears unexpectedly, gossips with Louis about Finley, and later volunteers to crush Akuma's remaining testicle
  • ImaniParty member who warns about food buffs and debuffs, and casts anti-magic shield on Akuma
  • JacobusReverse tooth fairy who speaks Danish and threatens surgical intervention on Akuma
  • ErisMentioned as appearing before the diner; present but not actively participating
  • FinleyMentioned by Samantha as having attempted to seduce her
  • AkumaWar mage who killed the upgrade imp and called Carl to the location, now captured and tortured for information
  • FlorinParty member observing the confrontation and commenting on Elle's brutality
  • ElleParty member who violently attacks Akuma in response to his past betrayals, threatening further torture
  • CarlMain character and party leader who discovers the dead upgrade imp and confronts Akuma
  • OlgaMercenary demanding increased payment as the situation escalates