Chapter 44

Carl's team arrives at the Pit Stop in the Lost City of Upano and parks in their garage, where they discover Jamal has been stuck to the ceiling for hours due to fear of heights. After Donut comforts him and he comes down, Finley ventures into town to find a healer for Olga and Quemada, but is immediately run over and killed by another team's APV, taking Olga and Quemada with him.

Carl's team crosses a river defended by flying piranhas using their recharged shield and Donut's Fresh into Salt spell. They reach the Pit Stop at the Lost City of Upano, where a two-hour timer begins upon parking. The garage has flashing open, and Hedy has been waiting alone—the garage doors cannot be closed during pit stops, making her vulnerable. Olga and Quemada remain unconscious from Finley's sedative. Upon entering, they find Jamal stuck upside-down on the ceiling, having been there since before the race started. He admits he climbed up out of fear and existential anxiety about death and loss, unable to overcome his newfound terror of heights despite his past bravery as the original Jamal. Donut hovers up and comforts him, explaining that family supports each other through fear. Jamal safely returns to the floor. Finley then emerges with both unconscious companions—Olga cradled in his arms and Quemada secured in a special carrying strap on his jacket—announcing his intention to find a temple to heal them. He declares them his family and that he will protect them regardless of orders. He exits the garage and is immediately struck and killed by One Fine Pig's speeding APV, which runs over all three mercenaries, backs up, runs over them again, and speeds away. Carl receives notifications that Finley, Olga, and Quemada have all been killed.