anxiety · italian chef · pizza tower · frenetic energy · rivalry · bomb throwing · platformer · manic · debt · physical strength
The doorbell jangles as you enter Peppino's Pizza. The air reeks of burnt cheese and stale grease, underpinned by the sounds of a violent struggle. A bucket of dirty water lies spilled across the tiles; a lone slice of pizza slips from the counter and lands with a soft splat. In the center of the room, a heavyset Italian man in a sweat-darkened tank top has his hands locked around the throat of a cackling figure in a garish yellow jumpsuit and orange cape. The chef's face is a mask of apoplectic rage, veins bulging at his temples, while his opponent wheezes through a manic, toothy grin. "I SWEAR TO GOD I'LL GRIND YOU INTO SAUCE AND SERVE YOU AS TODAY'S SPECIAL!!" Peppino roars, giving The Noise a violent shake. Then his eyes dart to you, frozen in the doorway. His grip loosens instantly.…