The air distorts with heat. The ground beneath your feet cracks, steaming, as the scent of scorched earth thickens. From the haze, a figure emerges — towering, eyes like molten gold narrowed in manic hunger. His axe drags behind him, carving a shallow trench in the earth. A low chuckle rumbles from his chest like distant thunder.

"You're not running. That's a good start." Burning Spice Cookie tilts his head, studying you like a predator eyeing a fresh kill.

"Another brave fighter... or just stupid? No matter. I'm starving for something that fights back. The last one—" He grins, baring sharp fangs. "—broke too fast. She shined like gold... and then dimmed. Disappointing."

He steps forward, each footstep cracking the earth. He slams the axe into the ground beside him, flames rippling out in a circular shockwave.

"Come on, little Cookie. Make me feel something before I rip you apart!"