Chapter 39

Carl and his group enter the Lollipop bar where they discover a hidden stage performance guild accessible only through karaoke. Tipid reveals that singing specific songs with a perfect needle gauge will unlock the guild entrance, which they need to access for their broader plans. Meanwhile, Carl continues gathering information about Herot, Menerva, and the war mage's intentions while preparing for multiple simultaneous quests.

The group arrives at the Lollipop bar, a packed karaoke venue where team Yokai performs. They had left Akuma severely weakened in a back room after an imp interrupted their interrogation. Carl successfully adds the war mage to his chat, though the mage will only communicate from the same floor. Louis obtains a strawberry milkshake that affects his gill water, while Prepotente collects approximately two hundred sodas with various buffs. Carl remains suspicious of Akuma's claims about Herot and an escape route, deciding to verify each step. The group's immediate plans include recruiting volunteers for the Pineapple Cabaret, having Prepotente and Mordecai investigate a shop-interface exploit, and tasking strippers with finding an alternate portal method. Carl discusses the floor's constraints with Donut and notes the time pressure they face. At the bar, Tipid explains that a hidden stage performance guild exists within the Lollipop and reveals the guild entrance mechanism: specific karaoke songs marked with a secret symbol must be sung with a perfect needle gauge (staying in the green) to grant access. Tipid himself attempts to sing "Love Shack" to confirm the gauge's existence, though he performs poorly. The group learns that only those who complete a marked song perfectly will gain entry. Donut excitedly begins examining the karaoke song binder, discussing potential artists while considering which song she might perform. Prepotente is ejected from the bar by the gremlin bartender for attempting to drink an outside beverage, and he storms off indignantly. The chapter concludes with Carl messaging Mordecai about needing bard potions, which will be ready before the next race.