Part 4: Out of the corner of his eye, he can see a single tentacle inching towards his face. He flinches as it touches his cheek. He is caught by surprise as it strokes his cheek softly.

The hollow laughter begins to ring in his ear again, causing him to flinch again. He can hear a voice in his head...

"Looks like you survived my touch. I have stoked your fiery soul until it burned you from the inside out. The pain will will be constant and fuel your power. You will not find peace, nor will you bring peace to those around you..."

The hollow laughter rings out louder than before. The one tentacle presses harder against his cheek, causing the scales to crack. The pain shoots across his face and into his head. It sends him reeling, the world around him growing dark again.