Chapter 82

Carl is transformed into a dachshund at the start of Heat 4, creating immediate logistical problems for his team's ability to drive and operate weapons. Despite the chaos, Carl recognizes the transformation as an opportunity: the Pontiff has left the playing field, and Carl can now execute a dangerous contingency plan to eliminate NPC racers who have been given multiple opponents. The chapter culminates in a coordinated attack on Dwight's team and preparations to engage Osvaldo.

Heat 4 begins with the AI's transformation attack hitting multiple team members: Elle becomes a goblin, Jacobus becomes a starfish, Chris becomes a werewolf, and Carl transforms into a long-haired dachshund complete with German accent. Prepotente and Jurgen remain unchanged due to protection from Prepotente's Apito memorial crystal. Carl initially panics about his inability to drive with hooves, but recognizes a crucial notification: his Mercenary Pontiff has left the playing field and is no longer charged. This realization triggers his plan—the four-hour heat duration and the starting line protocol were designed to allow them an escape route if circumstances changed. Carl coordinates with his team, adding Samantha as a driver since Jamal is too large. With the window rolled down by Dorota, Carl executes "Plan Mach Schnell" (Plan Hurry Up), contacting Mordecai to confirm the garden is intact. He then invokes Contingency Three, a ruthless strategy targeting NPCs who received multiple opponents. When Osvaldo refuses to back down, Carl proceeds. The attack on Dwight's team is swift and devastating: Dr. Metcalf triggers the hole punch, Dwight's cannon kills Bruna's shield, potion balls destroy the vine and GPS, and Donut decapitates Bruna and removes her magical horn. Team Sparkles is eliminated. Across the lobby, other crawler teams eliminate their NPC opponents, though Team Yokai escapes through a closed door. Carl then turns his attention to Osvaldo, who sits shielded on his gnu mount. Carl coordinates timing carefully—he must blow the ceiling hole punch at precisely the right moment to kill Osvaldo without giving him time to escape, as Osvaldo is the fastest crawler in the dungeon. Carl counts down and detonates the ceiling.