Chapter 70

Carl examines Prepotente's memorial crystal—a non-functioning item tied to the goddess Apito—and learns that similar crystals are failing across the system. The group discusses the interconnected mysteries of Geyrun's murder, the malfunctioning magical artifacts, and the role of various deities, while Samantha interrupts to reveal she has her own secret plan.

Carl holds the memorial crystal belonging to Prepotente, a necklace-style item that should charge from kills but remains inert at 0% charge. Prepotente explains that the crystal belonged to Osvaldo, who gave it to him despite being treated poorly for the theft. Donut chides Prepotente for his unkindness, invoking his mother's memory. Carl learns that Prepotente received a quest from the Midnight Epicure to obtain and hold the crystal, with instructions to use it when the time comes; the Epicure is not currently sponsored. Carl discusses his own quest regarding Geyrun's murder, connecting it to larger mysteries involving the memorial crystal, Scolopendra, and the AI itself. He theorizes that finding who murdered Geyrun is key to understanding why magical artifacts like the crystal and his Scavenger's Daughter patch are malfunctioning. When Prepotente takes the crystal back, Carl confirms Rosetta's hypothesis that no god messages arrive while holding it within the sanctuary. Samantha enters looking for the group, complaining about Grigori not being properly qualified and bragging that she too has a secret plan. Donut reveals Carl's plan involves leaving the party to manipulate immortals into killing each other—essentially a suicide mission that will separate him from Samantha. Samantha indicates her plan is similar in nature.