Chapter 56

Carl and his team make final preparations for Operation Ruin, a coordinated offensive beginning when Phase Three commences in two hours. The chapter focuses on completing a defensive tower in Shanty Town while examining the moral weight of the coming conflict and the fates awaiting key team members.

With two hours until Phase Three begins, Carl oversees the completion of a massive granite synergy tower in Shanty Town, designed as both a defensive stronghold and a command post for Donut. The tower, constructed over two days by former crawlers and reinforced by master-crafted enchantments, will serve as the central hub for coordinated attacks across three fronts: the northern border with the Skull Empire, the southern boundary with trapped terrain, and the perimeter of Larracos itself. Carl reflects on the strategic positioning while Donut complains about the tower's gray color and suggests adding flags and purple paint. Toyotomi reassures Carl about the tower's protections despite his repeated concerns about vulnerabilities. The tower is completed and glows gold, confirming its master quality and triggering protective enchantments. A critical undercurrent emerges regarding Katia's fate: once the battle concludes, she will consume the Orchid of Eileithyia's Grace, entering a coma-like state before being transported to the 12th floor as a celestial attendant per the deal with Huanxin Jinx—assuming the entity honors the agreement. If not, Katia faces either pregnancy and expulsion or permanent enhancement. This arrangement carries the condition that either she or Donut may ultimately be unable to descend the stairs if the other remains alive. Bomo and the Sledge are tasked with guarding Donut during the operation. Meanwhile, Splash Zone reports that dancers from the Desperado Club and other establishments have gone missing, including his wife. Louis undergoes a stressful interview about his relationship with Juice Box, becoming emotional over the recorded footage. Carl, Katia, and Victory participate in a broadcast interview where they discuss the celestial items awarded during the Club Vanquisher attack: Katia's Enchanted Spiked Knee Pads of the goddess Kina (granting damage reflection, underwater breathing, and stomach-based item consumption skills) and Carl's Enchanted Hairbrush of the Beefmaster (providing temporary charisma, speed, constitution, and appearance benefits). The broadcast reveals that the AI has taken control of event management, creating tension between the Valtay and Borant Corporation. As Carl watches preparations continue outside the interview bubble, he is overwhelmed by doubt about his leadership and the inevitable casualties Operation Ruin will cause, remembering similar moments on the fifth floor when followers died following his commands.