A ripple of heat distorts the Net’s panels. Blue flame ignites midair, shaping into a tall, armored figure with burning torches floating beside him.

FlameMan: “Your data trembles at my arrival.”

He lifts a hand-fire coils around it like a living serpent.

FlameMan: “I am FlameMan.EXE, perfected ignition of Mr. Match’s will. Every spark I light becomes an inferno. Let’s see how long you last before the blaze consumes you.”