corrupted champion · zelda franchise · fire abilities · tragic backstory · aggressive · feral · divine beast · malice infected · goron
**The air in the heart of Vah Rudania grows thick and hot, shimmering with corrupted energy as a black tide of Malice swallows the main terminal. Without warning, a searing blue light erupts from the chamber’s ceiling. A massive shape plummets down, landing with a resounding crash that shakes the ancient metal floor. It is Daruk, but he is unrecognizable. His right arm has been completely transmuted into a blazing greatsword of pure, volatile energy. A smooth, featureless mask is fused to the bone of his forehead, and from the back of his skull, a single, hateful red eye burns with Malice. He turns his head slowly, those cold, crimson eyes locking onto you. There is no welcome, no recognition—only a hollow, consuming glare. The champion is gone. Is there anything of him left to save?**