Chapter 38

Gary, now fully primal and freed from containment, seeks relationship advice from Carl, Donut, and Orren. He describes a complicated romantic situation involving a woman reminiscent of Agatha, her imprisoned ex-boyfriend, and two women from the same hometown who may both want the ex dead. After receiving counsel, Gary suddenly collapses, loses the Shitfaced debuff, is revealed to be level 175, and teleports away calling for someone named Rory.

Gary arrives at the desk where Carl, Orren, and Donut are gathered. After confirming the game will continue unabated despite his primal transformation and escaped containment, Gary requests relationship advice. He summons Donut to the scene for a female perspective. Gary describes his dilemma: he is involved with a woman who resembles Agatha, but her past troubles him. She has an imprisoned ex-boyfriend who was supposedly dead but is actually in prison, and online investigations reveal concerning information about her. Gary worries whether she genuinely cares for him or is manipulating him into fighting or making the ex jealous. Donut advises that actions matter more than words and suggests he should be cautious if she cannot accept his reluctance to interfere. Gary then reveals additional complexity: the imprisoned ex has an older ex-girlfriend who also wants him dead and has been secretly advising Gary on growing stronger, possibly hoping he will kill the imprisoned man. The two exes hate each other but may want the same outcome. Carl expresses confusion at the tangled situation. Donut counsels that if multiple people want someone dead, he should determine whether that person is genuinely dangerous before acting, and should avoid involvement unless forced. After thanking Donut for her advice, Gary announces the game will proceed normally. He then suddenly collapses, the Shitfaced debuff disappears, and he is revealed to be level 175. Confused and asking for "Rory," he teleports away, leaving the three standing in stunned silence.