Epilogue

The epilogue features Donut and Mongo's talent show performance at the Butcher's Masquerade, which goes chaotically over-the-top despite Carl's intent for subtlety. Meanwhile, operations unfold across multiple fronts: Bomo collects abandoned gear in Zockau, Sledge attempts to evacuate changelings through underground tunnels but encounters unexpected mantis swarms, and it's revealed that Diwata remains on the floor, trapped in a female mantis form continuously giving birth to spawn as a loophole to maintain her presence.

The chapter opens with Louis launching Mongo's performance on stage with amplified music, pyrotechnics, and smoke that fills adjacent rooms. Donut rides Mongo through choreographed stunts, including a moonwalking sequence, while Louis provides commentator-style narration. Despite some mishaps, the performance impresses the gathered hunters and judges. Afterward, Donut excitedly recounts the act to Elle while Carl monitors ongoing operations through chat. Reports come in that mantis nymphs (level 20) are attacking multiple locations, including stairwell positions and the tunnels leading to the castle's underground entrance. Sledge pivots to an airship extraction approach instead of fighting through the mantis swarms. Carl orders them to avoid alerting sentinel towers. Louis reveals the problem: Diwata has somehow remained on the floor by exploiting a loophole—she cured Vrah of infection, then transformed into a female mantis and began giving birth. As long as she continues the birth spell, she cannot leave. This explains the mantis swarm. Mordecai confirms the loophole while noting that in her gravid female form, Diwata has lost access to magic and god-strength, though she remains immortal and in pain. Samantha, carrying an uncomfortable potion ball, awaits deployment orders. The chapter ends with Firas raising a forgotten concern about keeping Florin away from Lucia.