Chapter 40

Carl must choose an adjutant from three remaining candidates while Odette announces her own entry into the dungeon as the sponsored goddess Nekhebit. The revelation upends Carl's expectations and forces him to make a quick decision among unfamiliar options with the help of his lawyer Quasar's guidance.

Odette reveals that she has sponsored the ancient Egyptian vulture goddess Nekhebit and will enter the dungeon herself, putting her show on hiatus. Carl realizes this was her plan all along and that the adjutant selection was partly a cover for her announcement. The crowd erupts in excitement. Odette describes Nekhebit's backstory of betrayal and revenge, noting the goddess is independent with no retainer to other deities but will have her own retainer. Carl is dismayed, fearing Huanxin will still demand he deliver on promises. Odette presents three adjutant candidates: Ripper Wonton, a quokka host known for firm but fair judging; Baroness Victory, a battle-experienced orc attorney and judge who is the half-sister of the deceased Queen Ugloo; and Drick, a Dream elf crawler with Valtay worm enhancement who recently passed referee exams. Quasar, Carl's lawyer, strongly opposes Ripper and Drick but enthusiastically endorses Baroness Victory. Carl questions whether choosing Baroness Victory, given her family losses to him, compromises her impartiality, but she asserts her professionalism and notes she sued to stay out of the game. Harbinger mysteriously vanishes without explanation mid-scene. Carl ultimately selects Baroness Victory as his adjutant.