Two different limits
| Limit | What it controls |
|---|---|
| Deployment slots | The Cobun you take at the start; the nine-slot formation is three groups of three. |
| Battle control capacity | The total you can control after Chorus join during an adventure; the v1.1.9 HUD can show MAX 18/18. |
The 18-unit control capacity is not 18 plus your nine starting units. At capacity, buying another Chorus does not create an extra slot above that limit.
What to check at Support Desk
Return to Rataport → Support Desk and distinguish starting / deployable Cobun upgrades from Melodium upgrades. The former concerns the squad you leave with; the latter concerns control capacity after recruiting during a run.
Read the unlocked upgrade’s description, Donut cost and Chocolate cost before buying. In a new adventure, check the starting formation and the battle HUD separately so you can see which limit changed.
An upgrade is not listed
Support Desk adds functions as conditions are met. Check your available Quest Board objectives and claim completed rewards: some later objectives only appear after earlier rewards are collected.
Do not treat a price for one upgrade tier as the total cost of reaching 18. Starting-squad upgrades and control-capacity upgrades are separate purchases.