As Carl and Donut approach the settlement with the stairwell, they meet Signet, Holger, and Areson at the town’s edge. Areson explains that Edgar is outside the elf castle preparing a large spell to help map the final battle. Signet notices Big Tina and the dinosaur pack and warns Carl not to rely too heavily on Donut’s control over Tina’s mother, because if the alpha is killed the whole hierarchy could collapse and turn on them.

Signet then explains why her group is leaving instead of staying to help: the elves are hunting them, and a larger danger is spreading from the north. Carl already knows about the Gehenna brambles, but Signet says the threat is worse than that, because the trees and dryads are in pain and are trying to summon Diwata, the forest protector, for aid. She warns Carl that Diwata is especially hostile to apostates and that any all-tree could reveal Carl’s location if the deity enters the realm.

Later, Carl and Donut argue over four nipple-ring items taken from Iota. Two seem sellable rather than useful, but one ring gives Carl the powerful Quarter Fall effect, which could make dangerous falls survivable, and another gives Donut a valuable constitution boost. Carl also reviews his other loot, including satchel bombs and a sponsor potion, Pawna’s Cries, which adds three levels to a chosen spell or skill before the end of the floor. The potion comes with a vague note telling Carl to save the toraline, and Mordecai explains that sponsor notes must be cryptic.

Carl’s Escape Plan skill reveals a hidden message in the note. The message says Circe sponsored Diwata, confirms that the goddess is coming for Carl, and instructs Carl to give the potion to Donut so she can secretly reach the needed level 15 in Magic Missile, likely with temporary boosts from Prepotente, Imani, and Samantha. Realizing Circe had planned revenge regardless of the failed quest, Carl immediately checks with Imani and confirms that she has a spell-enhancing aura.

Wanting Donut to accept the constitution ring, Carl offers her the sponsor potion as a prize. Donut agrees only if Carl pierces himself first, and Carl reluctantly equips the Quarter Fall ring, earning a mocking AI achievement. Donut remains horrified and embarrassed by the idea, insists the ring be hidden in her fur, and makes Carl prepare to pierce her as well, turning the grim strategic preparation into a tense but comic scene.