Chapter 22

Two deities manifest in the temple: Yemaya, a siren goddess of rivers and life, and Eileithyia, a sponsored alien goddess of childbirth. Both reward the party with gifts and boons, but Eileithyia secretly communicates with Carl through a hidden message, revealing a complex political deal involving the Faction Wars and the Celestial Throne. Sister Ines abruptly departs after looting Anton's body, and Bomo is teleported away by Yemaya.

As the party backs away from the first goddess, Yemaya emerges from the fountain as a stunning siren with twin tails, granting temporary buffs to the group. She is revealed to be a Level 250 deity and retainer of Eileithyia, locked from sponsorship this season. Moments later, Eileithyia materializes—a hairy, six-eyed alien from a different pantheon, sponsored by Huanxin Jinx of Icon Industries. Carl learns that Yemaya's brother caused his slugpox condition intentionally. Yemaya presents mythical-quality cards to Donut and Sister Ines as tokens of gratitude for temple repairs. When Bomo expresses a wish to be reunited with his friend the Sledge, Yemaya immediately teleports him to the ninth floor, Larracos. Eileithyia grants the party floor-wide boons including protection from spiritual possession and increased healing and constitution. She then issues a surface-level quest to kill five spiders daily, but follows with a hidden deity message warning Carl not to discuss a secret political arrangement. The message reveals that Odette will offer to be the Faction Wars team Adjutact, and Eileithyia promises to secure votes to turn off team protections on the ninth floor if Carl accepts. She also hints at a larger plan involving reaching the twelfth floor and claiming the Celestial Throne, instructing Carl to seek a cure for his slugpox as a signal of agreement. Carl agrees by scratching his arm. After both deities depart, Sister Ines loots Anton's body and leaves the temple without explanation, heading back toward Havana. Carl sends an urgent message to Katia requesting a private meeting in a saferoom and instructs Donut to avoid being alone with Sister Ines.