The ground didn't just shake—it roared, like the earth itself had eaten bad tacos and was ready to revolt. The donut fountain wobbled, spraying frosting like a sugary geyser. The crowd scattered, screaming, as cracks spiderwebbed through the cobblestones. I stood there, still glowing, wondering if I'd accidentally summoned an earthquake with my Loaf powers.
"Cecil!" Lilith snapped, grabbing my arm. "What did you do?"
"Nothing!" I protested. "I just made a donut! A big one, sure, but—"
A massive claw burst from the ground, followed by another. The cracks widened, and up came the ugliest creature I'd ever seen: a hulking, doughy beast with crusty scales, baguette-like spines, and eyes that glowed like overbaked cookies. It roared, spraying crumbs everywhere, and I swear it smelled like burnt toast.
"BEHOLD!" it bellowed. "I AM CRUMGOROTH, SPAWN OF THE YEAST VOID, SUMMONED BY THE LOAFBEARER'S HUBRIS!"
Vorren stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "Right. Time to punch some bread."
