The Pillars of Echo rose like teeth from the sand, towering black monoliths etched with glowing runes. The wind howled between them, carrying a strange melody — like whispers overlapping each other.
Lin stumbled to a stop, gasping for air. "Finally. The safe zone."
Elara squinted. "Safe zone? Why is there someone already there?"
A lone figure stood at the base of the central pillar, cloaked in crimson. His hair was long, black with streaks of burning red, and his eyes glowed like coals. Around him, tiny embers drifted through the air, as if the desert itself bent toward his presence.
Nyra hissed under her breath. "No… it can't be."
"Who is he?" Lin asked.
"The Fire Tamer," Nyra whispered. "A player — but not like you. He's been here for years."
---
The Villain Appears
The Fire Tamer raised his hand lazily. A stream of fire erupted from the sand at his feet, swirling into a living serpent. The flames coiled around his arm, hissing like it had a mind of its own.
He smiled at Lin — a predator's smile. "So… the System sent a rookie into my desert. How amusing."
Lin wiped sweat from his brow. "Cool cosplay. Is this your audition for Avatar?"
Elara muttered. "Lin. Not the time."
---
Meta Rage
Lin's hands shook as he stepped forward, glaring at the glowing pillars. "You've got to be kidding me. Fire worms. Fire birds. Fire fish. Now a guy who controls fire?"
Crystal's voice purred in his ear. "Pattern recognition unlocked."
"No," Lin snapped. "This isn't a pattern. This is rigged! Who programmed this nightmare? Did the game dev wake up one day and go, 'Hmm, everything's better with fire!'?"
"You're yelling at the System, Lin."
"I am the System!" he barked, throwing his arms up. "I'm the clown who signed up for this death circus!"
---
The Duel Begins
The Fire Tamer chuckled, embers swirling around him. "Such spirit. You remind me of myself when I first entered Jumanji. Before the world broke me."
Flames coiled at his feet, shaping into two giant burning wolves. They snarled, teeth made of molten rock.
Lin's club felt like a toy in his hand. He gulped. "Uh, Crystal? Please tell me I've unlocked 'Fire Immunity.'"
"Nope."
"Great."
Elara notched an arrow. "We fight or we run?"
Nyra's staff glowed. "We fight. But don't kill him. He's human."
The Fire Tamer raised his palm, and the wolves lunged.
---
Lin's Counter
Lin activated Sand Runner, dodging the first wolf by sliding down a dune. The second wolf leapt at him — he swung his club at a rune pillar, triggering a flash of blue light. The wolf exploded into sparks, reforming instantly behind him.
Lin stumbled back. "Oh great. Now they duplicate too. Perfect. LOVE this game."
Crystal: "Stop whining and use your new skill."
Lin blinked. "New skill?"
A glowing prompt appeared:
> [Skill Unlocked: Heat Sink]
Absorb small amounts of environmental heat to boost stamina temporarily.
Lin grinned. "Finally. Something useful."
He braced himself as the wolves charged again.
---
Cliffhanger
The Fire Tamer stepped closer, flames dancing at his fingertips. "Show me, rookie. Show me if you're worthy of surviving my desert."
The wolves lunged at Lin from both sides, jaws wide.
Lin took a deep breath, heat swirling into his veins.
"Alright, Jumanji," he muttered. "You want a show? Let's dance."
To be continued…