When the Great Air Fryer roared to life — a metallic dragon with a belly full of heat — all the vegetables of the Cutting Board Kingdom knew their time had come. Zucchini knights, pepper sprites, onion wisps, and the noble Parmesan snow all marched bravely into the swirling storm of olive‑oil winds and Italian‑herb hail.

Hours later, when the battle was done and the feast was claimed, only two tiny heroes remained.

Zuk, the green‑capped zucchini scout, stood proudly on the teal plains. His stem was a jaunty helmet, his round base a stout little body. He had survived by sheer stubbornness and a talent for rolling out of danger at the last possible moment.