Chapter 18

Carl and Donut successfully detonate the boiler of the giant steam engine, killing the neighborhood boss and reaching level eight. However, Carl is disturbed to learn that goblin babies were in the boss room and were killed in the explosion. As the other survivors approach, Carl and Donut flee the destroyed workshop before they can retrieve the neighborhood map, heading into unexplored territory to escape.

After the explosion, Carl and Donut recover from the shockwave to find the workshop destroyed and numerous achievement notifications. They've both reached level eight and gained bronze stars by their names. Donut reveals that the explosion killed not only adult goblins but also goblin babies, some wearing small jackets, along with elderly and pregnant goblins—details that deeply disturb Carl and make him feel complicit in killing innocents. The coal ignition has blocked access to the boss chamber, preventing them from retrieving the neighborhood map they sought. Carl notices white dots on his minimap (the other survivors) heading toward their location and realizes they must flee immediately before the group arrives and discovers what they've done. Carl leads them north into an unexplored quadrant, hoping to find passage to another artery and eventually stairs to escape the area. As they flee, Donut expresses enthusiasm about Carl's destructive capabilities.