Chapter 89

Carl and the group monitor a mysterious broadcast showing a map of the Iron Tangle, then a countdown timer announcing "The Parade begins soon" with mandatory viewing in seventy-five minutes. Meanwhile, Carl examines Donut's new Gatekeeper spell and begins preparing gear, sewing patches onto his jacket while the group opens loot boxes and makes preparations.

The chapter opens with the mercenaries gathered around screens displaying what appears to be a tunnel node map of the Iron Tangle. The view suddenly shifts to show Earth, zooming into the Pacific Ocean near the Juan de Fuca Ridge, then displays a long street paved with yellow bricks bordered by endless grassland. A countdown timer appears announcing "The Parade begins soon. Viewing is mandatory" with seventy-five minutes remaining. Carl questions Zev about the source; Zev confirms it's appearing on every screen except the center system. Donut receives a paperback spell book called Tome of Gatekeeper, an Advance Reader Copy for the 12th floor that removes targets' class abilities temporarily. Carl attempts to learn what an OI entity is by asking Mordecai, who cannot respond fully because he is now inhabiting the table that Samantha is sitting on. Carl opens his reward boxes but finds nothing exceptional. Donut begins opening her boxes, including a legendary one for spotting the shadow mimic early. Carl retrieves items from his inventory—a patch, gun, sewing kit, and holster—and uses the table to sew a Lucky Shot patch onto his jacket above the Midnight Epicure patch. Donut criticizes his sewing technique and patch placement. Donut discovers she received an upgrade for Mongo's saddle called Legendary Steed that allows adding a cart without weight penalty. As Jurgen announces that the flowers have finished blooming, Donut mobilizes everyone to stop watching the broadcast and move to the garage to work on decorations.