The land itself screamed.
When Pyraxis shed his humanoid form, the transformation shook the scorched plain like an earthquake. His molten armor shattered outward, melting into rivers of lava. Firestorms erupted into the sky, dyeing the clouds crimson. What rose in his place was not a man — it was a colossus. A titan of living fire, hundreds of feet tall, his chest glowing like the heart of a volcano.
"Behold!" the giant roared, voice echoing like thunder in a burning canyon. "I am Pyraxis Unbound, Flame Sovereign of the Legion!"
The ground split, rivers of magma cutting off Zephyr's companions from one another. Each was trapped in their own trial. The air itself became suffocating heat, every breath searing their lungs.
Zephyr stood firm, sword gripped in trembling hands, lightning storming around his body. His cloak was ash, his armor cracked, but his gaze burned brighter than ever. "Then I'll strike you down as you are. Storms don't fear fire."
