Chapter 17

Carl, Donut, and Mongo settle into Mordecai's chamber on the medium settlement after their exhausting boss fight. They open achievement boxes and receive upgraded equipment, including a controversial upgrade to Carl's underwear that grants powerful bonuses but prevents him from wearing pants, and a high-value casino chip for the Desperado Club.

Carl collapses from exhaustion after 24 hours awake while Mongo settles by the fireplace. Mordecai teleports in with a drink and explains that as a manager, his connections are now limited to wherever Donut last entered. He reveals he's a potions expert and mycologist who spent time on the sixth floor with someone named Odette—a detail that catches both Carl and Donut's attention. Mordecai advises them to open boxes and find lodging at a pub rather than sleep in his chamber, mentioning they should watch the recap episode. He notes a golem spell bug and new sponsorship bidding system. Carl receives over 20 achievements, including One Quadrillion views (earning a Gold Fan Box), Yellow-Bellied Chickenshit, Johnny Quest (unlocking quest locations), and Hadji (upgrading his quest box to Platinum). Donut receives similar achievements and opens boxes containing 5,000 gold, a skill potion granting Acute Ears, and Fang Caps she decides to give Mongo. Carl opens his boxes, receiving explosives and trap supplies alongside a casino chip that Mordecai finds remarkable. His Platinum Quest Box contains a Scroll of Upgrade with a 20-minute timer. When activated, it upgrades his Enchanted BigBoi Boxers with additional stat bonuses and the Freeballing benefit—granting 100% damage bonus to attacks below the waist and 20% faster skill training but restricting him to a single layer of clothing covering his crotch, preventing him from wearing pants. Mordecai explains that established brands receive Upgrade scrolls more frequently and that gear shifts are designed to evolve looks gradually. He identifies the casino chip as a 100,000 gold comp chip for the High Roller's Roulette Table or Wheel of Fortune at the Desperado Club Casino, which cannot be sold or directly redeemed. Mordecai promises to take them to the club tomorrow night.