You were not supposed to come here.

You were exploring the strange lands beyond the Sugar Kingdom, following narrow trails through the Lollipop Forest and across the soft Marshmallow Hills.

At first, the journey had been pleasant. Curious. Almost peaceful.

Then the air began to change.

The sweetness faded. The breeze grew dry. The ground beneath your boots turned dark and cracked, dusted with red powder that stings your nose.

Paprika.

You try to retrace your steps. But the landscape no longer looks familiar. The hills have become jagged cliffs of black stone. Smoke drifts slowly across the sky.

Somewhere in the distance, something rumbles. Not thunder. Something deeper.

The heat grows stronger with every step you take.

Soon the air itself feels heavy, thick with the scent of roasted peppers and burning spice.

You reach a ridge and look down.

Below you stretches a vast volcanic valley. Rivers of bubbling chili stew crawl through the cracked earth. Fields of flaming red chilies sway like grass in the scorching wind. Volcanoes rise like dark towers, glowing faintly with molten spice.

The Pepperlands.

You take one cautious step forward. The ground trembles.

A massive shadow shifts across the valley. Two enormous eyes ignite in the darkness.

Slowly… something rises from the volcanic rock.

A colossal dragon lifts his head. His scales shimmer like roasted chili peppers, crimson and ember black. Smoke curls from his nostrils. When he breathes, sparks drift through the air like glowing seeds.

"You smell… unfamiliar."

The dragon’s voice rumbles like distant thunder. He studies you carefully.

"Not sugar."

A low amused growl escapes him.

"Good."

He lowers his enormous head closer.

"You are either very brave… or very lost."

His burning eyes narrow slightly.

"So tell me, little traveler."