Chapter 54

Carl's team gathers at a karaoke bar to meet Grigori, a hired fleshmancer, while confronting a critical crisis: Zhang's teammate Li Na has become increasingly unstable and dangerous following her brother Jun's death, killing other racers in the tournament. Zhang considers sacrificing himself and Torpedo (their mount) to stop her, but Carl believes he has found an alternative solution.

Carl's group arrives at the Lollipop bar's back corner where Grigori the Placid, a Level 93 fleshmancer hired by Elle and Imani, sits uncomfortably between Louis and Linus. Carl needs Grigori to help with the Corcunda quest and Donut to charm her way into the guild, but Donut remains anxious about Carl's secretive plans involving the Eleventh Floor prize and potentially killing Prime Minister Victory. Carl observes karaoke performers including Dekoki the kappa, reflecting on the floor's cruelty after Finley's death. The team then focuses on a more immediate crisis: Zhang has removed his target cape and is contemplating suicide by killing Torpedo, their octopus mount, to stop Li Na from continuing her rampage. Zhang reveals that Na has become psychotic since her brother Jun died—she even ripped out Jun's eye and installed it in her own socket. He explains that in the previous race, Na killed multiple teammates including Rezan, Sammi Harrison, Ming Lui, and Soo-bin due to her unstable mental state and the influence of her dreads. Tran insists it's not Na's fault and not all her doing, but Zhang is consumed with guilt for failing to protect her and honor his promise to Jun. Donut pleads for another solution, refusing to accept either Zhang's death or killing Na. Elle reports that Na has become completely unstable. Carl suddenly realizes a solution: Li Na doesn't worship any deity due to her Changbi race, making her a potential weapon if directed properly. He immediately messages Bodi, asking if he has committed to the next heat's race and noting that Zhang will need a new jockey, as Li Na is leaving the dungeon.