Chapter 91

An epilogue spanning multiple scenes: Agatha, a rare species agent stranded in Wenatchee, prepares for the early dungeon season initialization by lighting a barrel fire to attract emergency responders; Princess Formidable argues unsuccessfully in an emergency Syndicate Council meeting to activate the failsafe and destroy the system before the AI's control becomes absolute; and Tipid, commanding the massive freighter Homecoming Queen, coordinates the boarding of fifty thousand former crawlers who will enter the dungeon as mercenaries for the newly-formed 'Princess Posse' team.

Agatha receives an emergency message that the Borant System Government is initiating the Earth season early, with the collapse beginning in just under two hours. She has lingered in the small town of Wenatchee rather than relocating to a population center, and now faces potential death if no dungeon entrance generates. She reveals herself to be a rare ancient species, neither Apothecary nor Valtay, whose goal is recruitment of the 'system AI' before the mantid scientific advancements make it impossible. She learns that her teammate Parvati (now calling herself Alexandro) has infiltrated a Borant transport in Mumbai after killing an agent. Agatha lights a barrel fire, calculating the timing to attract staff from the nearby Meadowlark Elder Care facility where she has formed a quiet attachment to workers named Brandon and Chris.

In a parallel scene, Princess Formidable argues passionately before the Syndicate Council emergency session to activate the failsafe and destroy the system, believing the AI has become too dangerous and is holding the galaxy hostage. However, Prime Minister Glory and other council members refuse, citing the catastrophic economic and social consequences, the hundreds of millions of credits and powerful figures already in-system, and their belief that the Valtay solution is viable. Formidable is muted by a decorum sanction when she continues protesting. She observes the massive freighter Homecoming Queen in orbit, belonging to Long Haul Biological Waste Management Solutions.

Tipid, aboard the Homecoming Queen, rewatch the footage of Carl's successful eighth-floor escape. He and his fellow Crest Rosetta await confirmation to board into the system. Tipid reveals that the ship contains fifty thousand former crawlers, all hidden inside and now registered as mercenaries for the 'Princess Posse' team under the AI's approval. As they receive clearance and begin their approach, Tipid reflects on his certainty that he would always die in the dungeon, and he and Rosetta clasp hands as they prepare to descend, knowing they are returning to their fate.