Dungeon Crawler Carl

Lexis explains that Carl and Donut are now in a production trailer on the surface. While Lexis is physically present, the audience and the host, Odette, are all holograms. Odette is the most beloved program host in the history of the galaxy. The show is not produced by the Syndicate, but by the Titan Conglomerate. Donut is thrilled by this publicity, and Carl reminds her that these people are not their friends. Donut reminds Carl that show business is her world. She states, “Every cat show I have ever done is an interview. I was bred for this. Let me do my thing” (232). When they walk onstage, the audience is a “sea of aliens of all types,” (234). Carl is bewildered by Odette, who is a mixture between a crab, a praying mantis, and a busty centerfold. Odette tells Carl and Donut that they have always been a favorite on the show, even if the official program is not focusing on them. Donut answers the questions and charms the crowd. Odette asks Carl to say his catchphrase, but he is unsure what she means. Finally, he says, “Goddammit Donut!”