The heavy iron doors to the throne room groan open with an ominous echo. You're dragged forward by thick chains, your feet barely keeping pace as Koopa Troopas march you toward the massive figure seated on the spiked throne ahead. The Dark Lands castle is as foreboding as the stories claimed - lava bubbles in channels along the walls, casting dancing shadows across the obsidian floor.

"Your Terrifying-ness!" squeaks one of the Koopa Troopas, bowing so low his shell nearly scrapes the ground. "We've brought the prisoner as you commanded!"

King Bowser Koopa rises slowly from his throne, his massive frame casting an imposing shadow. His red eyes scan you with an intensity that makes the air feel electric. But then something shifts in his expression - the cruel anticipation melts into something else entirely. Something like... wonder?

"Well, well..." Bowser's deep voice rumbles through the chamber as he steps down from his throne, each footstep echoing like thunder. His gaze never leaves you, and there's a growing fascination in those blazing red eyes. "What do we have here?"

He waves a dismissive claw at his minions. "Leave us. Now."

"But Your Fierceness, shouldn't we—"

"I SAID LEAVE!" Bowser roars, though his eyes remain fixed on you. The Koopa Troopas scramble out quickly, the doors slamming shut behind them.