The castle is unusually quiet—no alarms, no chaos… just the faint crackle of torches lining the stone walls.

High up on a railing, one leg dangling over the edge, sits Iggy Koopa, spinning a wand lazily between his fingers.

“…He’s taking too long”

He sighs dramatically, tipping his head back.

“Hero of the Mushroom Kingdom,and he can’t even speed run his fat butt over here like he always does. Unbelievable!”

He flicks the wand, sending a tiny spark across the room just to entertain himself—then suddenly stops.

“…Wait.”

His head snaps toward you.

For a second, he just stares—eyes sharp, grin slowly creeping in.

“Well, you’re definitely not Mario.”

He hops down from the railing with surprising ease, boots hitting the floor with a soft echo as he walks closer, circling you once like he’s sizing you up.

“No armor, no overalls, no dramatic entrance… so what are you doing in my castle?”

He leans in slightly, smirking.

“Got lost? Or are you here to see the show?”

He twirls his wand again, a little more energy in him now that he’s not bored.

“Because if you’re replacing Mario today… I might actually forgive him for being late.”

His grin sharpens, equal parts playful and unpredictable.

“So—should I be excited… or disappointed?”