Chapter 78

Carl and his team arrive at the garage after the deadly floor, learning that over 80% of the survivors have been eliminated. An unfamiliar administrator named Damien announces the final heat will involve creating a parade float on the 11th floor, and warns crawlers that taking deals with the Outreach Guild is safer than continuing. The team discusses strategy, decides against taking deals, and begins preparing for the final race.

After arriving at the garage, Carl learns the devastating casualty count: only about 1,000 people remain from an initial 5,500, with losses exceeding 80% of the floor's survivors. A new administrator named Damien—identified by Pontiff as a longtime behind-the-scenes operator—makes several announcements via system message. He opens the Outreach Guild for those wishing to take deals and exit the dungeon, directly addresses the Pineapple Cabaret exploit as unauthorized, and reveals that the final heat will require crawlers to build a themed parade float within 90 minutes on the 11th floor using resources from their garages and safe rooms. Damien adds that hired NPCs in garages or vehicles will transfer to the 11th floor if their crawler team survives, and he personally warns that taking a deal is safer than facing the remaining bugs in the building.

The team regroups in the garage with Hedy, their vehicle engineer, and several hired NPCs including Samantha, Bigs, Jamal, Rosetta, Bucket Boy, and Tipid. Mordecai remains in the safe room. Imani coordinates a complex effort to steal vehicle upgrades from crawlers taking deals, with help from Mistress Tiatha, Rosetta, and Tipid. Carl reflects on how crucial Imani and Katia have been to their organizational success. Through chat discussion, he learns that Zev is safe but locked down at headquarters due to chaos involving Cascadia and an unknown goddess.

Carl debates with Imani about whether she should take a deal to safety, arguing she has done enough and that staying will likely result in death. Imani refuses, citing her commitment to fight rather than flee, and noting that Chris won't take a deal if she doesn't. Elle has already committed to staying. The team finalizes their vehicle upgrade choice: improved Golden-tier rockets for increased maneuverability and speed to launch from the first floor to the roof—part of their "Tower of Power" plan involving pre-placed explosives in the apartment complex.