Chapter 72

Carl conscripts Lucia after using a potion to weaken her mental connection to her dog Gus, but discovers she may harbor multiple personalities including one called Diah who claims children are trapped within her mind. As combat erupts outside the tower involving gods, Mongo the dinosaur, and Gustavo the rottweiler, Carl is caught between protecting his allies and the revelation that Lucia cannot be killed without catastrophic consequences.

Carl administers a potion to Lucia and forces her into conscription using the Under Orders spell. When she initially appears broken, Carl realizes she was feigning submission; her malice returns instantly. He discovers she has over 200 player killer skulls and is heavily protected by magic. During interrogation, a different personality—Diah—emerges, claiming to be trapped in darkness with others, only conscious when the dog Gus is far away. Before Carl can learn more, combat erupts as Donut pursues Gustavo 3 down the tower's chute. Carl is knocked outside where he encounters Harpocrates (a level 250 god now under Li Na's control via conscription) holding the ball containing the chaos goddess Eris, fighting against Yarilo (a god of lust under War Mage control). During the chaotic battle, Mongo the dinosaur is grievously wounded by Gustavo 3's Porcupine Defense spell and subsequent lightning attacks. Carl summons Rend the wrecking ball, accidentally positioning him to collide with Gustavo 3, killing the rottweiler. Lucia emerges in her hag form to heal the dying Mongo. However, her personality shifts again—she reveals herself as an agent of the Eulogist and warns Carl that he cannot kill her without causing the death of all children of Earth, before departing.