Chapter 81

Scolopendra, the dungeon AI, unleashes the first of nine catastrophic attacks on all crawlers and NPCs within the dungeon. Carl and his group are hit by a Transformation spell that turns Carl into a quadruped animal while others scramble to survive the sudden assault. The attack is temporary but unpredictable, with eight more attacks to follow at random intervals over the next 30+ hours.

Carl's group realizes that their careful plans have been destroyed in an instant. Elle reports that the Tracksuit Troika claimed to be taking a deal but never received a notification, suggesting deception. Scolopendra, the dungeon AI, announces itself with a furious tirade directed at various powers including Prime Minister Victory, Eris, Odette, General Yuhtan, and Carl himself. The AI describes itself as nature incarnate—inevitable and all-powerful—and announces a nine-part quest called "The Nine-Tier Attack." The first attack will be temporary and survivable, with only a 20% chance of affecting unprotected individuals. There will be at least 30 hours between attacks unless Scolopendra is directly confronted. A large wheel appears in the apartment complex lobby, displaying nine unknown symbols. It lands on an ox, triggering the first attack mechanism. Secondary wheels appear before Carl, Donut, Jamal, and Samantha (whose unexpected presence confuses Carl). Three spin green for safety, but Carl's lands on red. The system identifies the attack as "Beast of Burden Sin: Transformation," a level 20 spell. Carl is transformed into a quadruped animal, losing consciousness briefly before waking to find himself smaller and with heightened senses. Several equipped items are unequipped due to his new form. Donut has also been transformed, growing much larger. Samantha, unaffected, comments on preferring this transformation to a previous kangaroo form and attempts to pet Carl.