《The Hollow Moth》


 Where Am I?

    Darkness. Silence. An overwhelming pressure wraps around me, suffocating, crushing. My body¡ªno, my entire existence¡ªfeels different.


    Where am I?


    The last thing I remember¡­ The bus. The trip. Tessa laughing about something stupid. Teach telling us to settle down. Then¡ªchaos. The sound of earth splitting. Screams. My own voice lost in the avalanche of stone and dust. And now¡­ nothing.


    Something is pressing against me, hard and unyielding. I can¡¯t move properly. My limbs¡ªor whatever I have now¡ªpush against the walls trapping me. It cracks. Light pierces through the fractures. A final shove, and the shell shatters around me.


    I fall forward, gasping for breath. Cold air rushes into my lungs. My body feels strange¡ªlighter, smaller. I look down.


    Six legs.


    What.


    What is this?


    Panic surges through me as I scramble to move. My legs¡ªmy many legs¡ªtwitch and stumble over each other. I collapse onto the ground, breathing heavily.


    I need a mirror. A reflection. Something.


    The ground is damp and uneven, stone and dirt beneath me. A puddle. I crawl toward it, dread settling deep inside me. I look down.


    A caterpillar. I am¡­ a caterpillar.


    No. No, no, no. This isn¡¯t real.


    I try to scream, but no sound escapes¡ªjust a strange clicking noise. My breathing¡ªif I even breathe anymore¡ªquickens. My mind races.


    Reincarnation? Like in those stories? That¡¯s ridiculous.


    But the proof is right in front of me. I am the proof.


    Deep breaths. Focus. Freaking out won¡¯t change anything.


    I scan my surroundings. A cavern? No¡ªmore than that. Jagged rock walls stretch into the darkness. Stalactites drip water from above. The air is thick, damp, and smells¡­ wrong. There¡¯s something else here. Something alive.


    Footsteps.


    Not human.


    Something big.


    I press myself against the damp stone. Instinct? Maybe. The vibrations in the ground grow stronger. My body tenses. Then¡ªmovement from the shadows.


    A massive centipede emerges, its many legs clicking against the rock. Its mandibles twitch. It stops. Sniffs the air. Turns its head toward me.


    It sees me.


    No.


    I scramble back, my tiny legs barely cooperating. The centipede moves fast. Too fast.


    Run. Run. Run.


    I don¡¯t think. I just move. My body is slow, clumsy, but instinct pushes me forward. The centipede lunges, its mandibles snapping shut where I was a second ago.


    I don¡¯t want to die.


    I push forward, my tiny body slipping through cracks in the rocks. The centipede slams against the stone behind me, letting out a screech of frustration. It can¡¯t follow. I keep moving, deeper into the darkness.


    Eventually, the sound of the centipede fades.


    I collapse.


    I don¡¯t know where I am. I don¡¯t know what I am supposed to do.


    But one thing is clear.


    I¡¯m alive.


    For now.


    Darkness stretches endlessly ahead. My tiny legs ache, but I don¡¯t stop. I can¡¯t stop. If I do, I¡¯m dead.


    Just keep moving. Just keep¡ª


    The sound of clicking legs echoes through the tunnel behind me.


    Oh, come on.


    I whip around, and there it is. The centipede. Bigger than before? No, just my paranoia making it look worse. But still, those mandibles are not something I want to be introduced to up close.


    It pauses, antennae twitching, then surges forward.


    "Wow, persistent, aren''t you? I guess they do have stalkers in this world too"


    I brace myself, but before it can reach me¡ª


    Movement. From the walls. The ceiling. The ground itself.


    Caterpillars. Like me.


    They drop from above, crawl out from cracks, and scuttle forward with eerie coordination. The centipede halts, sensing the shift.


    Then they attack.


    Bristles stab into its carapace, thin but sharp. It screeches, flailing, trying to shake them off. Mandibles clamp onto its legs, its back, its face. It thrashes, but for every caterpillar it crushes, more take its place.


    I watch, frozen.


    That was¡­ fast.


    The centipede collapses, its body twitching as the caterpillars overwhelm it.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Then they start eating.


    Yep. That¡¯s happening.


    I stare at the wriggling mass of my ¡°kind,¡± devouring the centipede like it¡¯s an all-you-can-eat buffet.


    One of them turns to look at me, mandibles clicking.


    I raise what I think is a front leg in surrender.


    "Hey, no need to share. I¡¯ll just¡­ let you guys enjoy."


    I back away as they continue their feast, the centipede¡¯s body already torn open. The smell of fresh meat¡ªsurprisingly not disgusting¡ªfills the air.


    Okay. New rule: Do not piss off the locals.


    Anyway, I tried to go about my way but my legs feel like they weigh a ton. I try to move, but nope¡ªnothing. My whole body just flops onto the ground like a wet noodle.


    "Oh, great. Guess I¡¯m officially part of the floor now. Living the dream."


    I lay there, unmoving, watching as my fellow caterpillars continue their little murder feast. Good for them. I¡¯d clap if I had hands.


    Maybe it¡¯s exhaustion from running for my life. Or maybe my body just sucks. Either way, I¡¯m not going anywhere for a while.


    Then¡ªmovement.


    Not another centipede, thankfully. A caterpillar. But not like the others.


    This one¡­ looks different.


    Its body is golden, the color rich and metallic, laced with soft gray accents. Its bristles, unlike the others, have glowing red tips, pulsing faintly in the dim cave light.


    Okay. Fancy.


    It stops in front of me, staring. I stare back. A silent standoff.


    Then, without a word¡ªor whatever bug communication we¡¯re supposed to have¡ªit pushes a piece of flesh toward me.


    Centipede flesh.


    Ah.


    I glance at the half-eaten corpse. Then at the chunk of meat. Then back at the caterpillar.


    "Wow, thanks. Exactly what I wanted. Mystery dungeon bug sashimi."


    It doesn¡¯t react. Just waits.


    I sigh¡ªor at least, mentally sigh.


    "Right. Either I eat, or I starve."


    I eye the meat. I don¡¯t want to eat it, but my body is screaming for energy. I sigh again.


    "Fine. Bon app¨¦tit, I guess."


    And I take a bite.


    The moment my mandibles sink into the flesh, a sudden flash¡ªlike a shockwave¡ªrips through my head.


    A voice, distant yet overwhelming, echoes inside me.


    "Eat¡­ Be¡­ Strong".


    My whole body tenses. My vision blurs, twisting, distorting. The cave, the feasting caterpillars, the golden one in front of me¡ªall of it flickers for a split second, like reality itself is unstable.


    I snap my head up, heart¡ªno, whatever organ I have now¡ªpounding.


    The golden caterpillar hasn¡¯t moved. But now, as I truly look at it, its eyes¡­


    They¡¯re glowing. A deep, unnatural purple.


    Chills¡ªnot from the cave¡¯s cold, but something far deeper¡ªcrawl down my spine.


    Okay. That¡¯s definitely not normal.


    I swallow, the taste of raw centipede still lingering.


    "Alright, I¡¯ll bite¡ªwhat¡¯s your deal, glowing bug?"


    No answer. It just stares. Waiting.


    The voice still lingers in my mind, like an imprint burned into my thoughts.


    Eat. Be strong.


    I glance at the remaining chunk of meat. Then back at the golden caterpillar.


    It gave this to me on purpose.


    ¡­What exactly did I just sign up for?


    I stare at the golden caterpillar for a moment, then at the half-eaten chunk of centipede flesh in front of me.


    "Well¡­ uh, thanks, I guess."


    It doesn¡¯t respond. Not that I expected it to. But still, it¡¯s weirdly considerate for a creature in a murder dungeon. Unlike the others, which went straight into devour mode, this one actually shared.


    I glance at the swarm still feasting on the centipede. Are they¡­ my siblings? I mean, we look alike¡ªexcept for Goldy here, who¡¯s clearly built different.


    Wait. Goldy?


    I pause. Then nod to myself. Yeah. That fits.


    "Alright, Goldy, you¡¯re officially the least horrifying thing I¡¯ve met since waking up in this nightmare. Congrats."


    Goldy blinks at me, its bug eyes are unreadable.


    I sigh and take another bite of the centipede. It¡¯s¡­ not terrible? Chewy, slightly bitter, but weirdly satisfying. My body already feels a bit stronger. Maybe that creepy voice had a point.


    I glance at Goldy again.


    Something tells me sticking with this one might not be a bad idea.


    I let out a satisfied sigh¡ªwell, the mental kind¡ªnow that my stomach, or whatever caterpillars have, is full. Okay. That was weird, but at least I won¡¯t keel over from starvation.


    Now, time to figure out this whole ¡°being a caterpillar¡± thing.


    First test: mandibles.


    I crawl up to the centipede¡¯s remains and give it an experimental chomp. My mandibles sink in with ease¡ªsharp enough to tear flesh, but not exactly knife-grade. I glance around and spot a small rock nearby.


    Alright, let¡¯s test this.


    I bite down.


    Clink.


    Nope. Not happening.


    "Right. Not a rock-chewing kind of bug. Got it."


    Next test: flexibility.


    I stretch, trying to twist my body¡ªand suddenly, my bristles flare out.


    Whoa.


    I wiggle a bit more, and the spikes retract. Then extend again. Huh. That could be useful.


    But when I compare mine to my siblings'', I notice something. Some of them¡ªespecially the bigger ones¡ªhave this weird sheen on their bristles. Almost like¡­ venom?


    I glance at Goldy. Its bristles glow faintly at the tips, that same eerie red, but there¡¯s no obvious sign of venom.


    "Okay, so some of us get poison, and some of us just get to be pokey."


    I poke a rock with my bristles. Nothing happens. Just a rock getting stabbed by a slightly annoyed caterpillar.


    Great. So, I¡¯m all bark and no bite.


    But then I look at Goldy again.


    "Wait¡­ are your spines venomous?"


    It just stares at me, unblinking.


    "Cool. Love the mystery."


    I sigh. Maybe I¡¯ll find out later. For now, at least I know what I¡¯m working with.


    As my siblings finish their centipede buffet, they start moving out, wriggling deeper into the dungeon in a coordinated mass.


    I stay put, hesitating.


    This is the tricky part. Do I follow them or go my own way?


    I glance around the dark, rocky cave. It¡¯s not exactly welcoming. The only real safety I¡¯ve had so far was with the swarm.


    But then again¡­ I died on that bus. Which means my classmates did too.


    And if I reincarnated, then¡­ could Tessa be here too?


    The thought grips me hard. If she¡¯s out there, lost and alone in this hellhole, then I need to find her. I owe her that much.


    But.


    I glance at the caterpillars ahead, their spiky bristles swaying as they move. This species¡ªmy species¡ªis carnivorous. They hunt, they fight, they survive by sticking together.


    If I go alone, I might as well just lie down and accept my second death now.


    I let out a slow breath.


    "Alright Murder Grubs, looks like I''m tagging along."


    With that, I push myself up and crawl forward, slipping into the swarm.


    If I¡¯m lucky, I¡¯ll find Tessa along the way.


    And if I¡¯m really lucky, I¡¯ll figure out how to survive long enough to make sure we both get out of this.


    As the swarm moves, I notice something weird.


    Goldy is in the front.


    Not just moving, but leading.


    The other caterpillars are following it without hesitation, like it¡¯s some kind of alpha grub.


    "Okay, what the hell? Are you secretly royalty or something?"


    Goldy, as usual, doesn¡¯t respond. Just keeps wriggling forward with that eerie, quiet confidence.


    And then, to make things even weirder, I notice how they¡¯re moving.


    Not just along the ground.


    But along the wall.


    They¡¯re literally climbing up and sticking to the rough surface, gliding across it like it¡¯s nothing.


    I watch, fascinated¡ªand also a little annoyed.


    "Well, I¡¯ll be damned. I don¡¯t know how to do that yet."


    I glance at my own stubby legs, then at the wall.


    Alright. Time to test my limits.


    I push forward and try to follow.


    One way or another, I will figure this out.


    Turns out, my lovely siblings don¡¯t believe in waiting.


    They just keep moving, no hesitation, no looking back.


    "Wow. Real heartwarming family dynamic we got here."


    I glare at the wall, then at my stubby legs. Fine. If they can do it, I can do it too.


    I press my underside against the rough surface and try to crawl up. At first, I slip. My body feels awkward, like I¡¯m fighting against gravity itself.


    But then, instinct kicks in.


    My legs adjust, gripping in a way I didn¡¯t even realize they could. My underbelly secretes something¡ªsticky, but not exactly wet¡ªand suddenly, I¡¯m clinging to the wall like I¡¯ve been doing it my whole life.


    Well. That was easier than expected.


    I take a step. Then another. Slowly, I start moving sideways, just like the others.


    "Alright. Look at me. Wall-climbing pro in the making."


    But now I¡¯ve got another problem¡ªI¡¯m falling behind.


    The swarm is already ahead, their dark forms blending into the rocky shadows. Goldy is still in front, leading the way like some kind of majestic golden overlord.


    If I don¡¯t pick up the pace, I¡¯ll really be on my own.


    I grit my mandibles and push forward.


    No way am I getting left behind.


    Oh, come on.


    Just when I thought I was getting the hang of this, they all start climbing up.


    And now, we¡¯re on the ceiling.


    Upside down.


    I freeze, my tiny legs gripping onto the rock for dear life.


    "Are you guys serious? This is a thing we¡¯re doing now?"


    No response. Just the silent, unwavering march forward.


    I take a shaky step. My grip holds. Another step. Still good. Slowly, I force myself to move, trying not to focus on the fact that gravity exists.


    At first, it¡¯s like walking on a tightrope¡ªevery step feels like I could just slip at any moment. But then, like before, my body adjusts. The secretions from my underside increase, making my grip more stable.


    Okay. I think I got this.


    After what feels like an eternity of nerve-wracking crawling, the swarm finally stops.


    I take a moment to breathe, only now realizing how much I¡¯d been concentrating on not dying.


    And that¡¯s when I finally look around.


    ¡­Oh.


    Oh, that¡¯s not good.


    Unlike the cramped corridor we were in earlier, this place is huge. The ceiling stretches out above an enormous, open void. The floor¡ªif it even exists¡ªis too far down to see. Just endless darkness below.


    I swallow.


    If I fall¡­ yeah, I¡¯m done.


    "Fantastic. Just one slip and I¡¯m caterpillar pancake."


    I glance at Goldy, who, as usual, seems completely unbothered by the horrifying drop below us.


    "Of course you¡¯re fine with this."


    I take a deep breath.


    Okay. I need to stay calm, stay still, and not think about falling.


    Whatever we¡¯re waiting for, I just hope it doesn¡¯t involve letting go.


    As I stay there, gripping onto the ceiling for dear life, I notice something odd.


    The bigger caterpillars, including Goldy, start¡­ secreting silk.


    Thin, sticky strands stretch from their bodies, latching onto the ceiling and weaving together into what looks like a makeshift hammock. One by one, they settle in, curling up as the silk holds them securely in place.


    All of them spin the same whitish silk¡ªexcept, of course, for Goldy, who just has to be different. Instead of white, it spins golden silk, shimmering even in the dim dungeon light.


    "Of course. Because why wouldn¡¯t you have premium, luxury-grade silk?"


    But as I keep watching, realization dawns on me.


    They¡¯re not waiting for something.


    They¡¯re resting.


    "Oh. It¡¯s snoozy time."


    That¡¯s actually¡­ kind of nice? For a bunch of scary flesh-eating caterpillars, anyway.


    There¡¯s just one problem.


    I have absolutely no idea how to make silk.


    I shift uncomfortably, glancing at my own body. No silk strands. No weird secretion. Nothing.


    "¡­Well. This sucks."


    As I awkwardly cling to the ceiling, wondering if I¡¯m just supposed to stay like this all night, another caterpillar crawls up to me.


    It stares at me for a second before casually spitting out some silk, sticking it to the ceiling, and weaving a small, temporary bed right next to me.


    Once it¡¯s done, it backs away and curls up in its own silk nest, as if this was the most normal thing in the world.


    I blink.


    "Oh. Uh. Thanks, I guess?"


    No response. Just peaceful silence as the swarm settles in.


    I glance at my borrowed silk bed, then at my aching legs.


    Yeah, okay. I¡¯ll take it.


    Carefully, I crawl onto the silk, testing its strength. It holds firm.


    With a relieved sigh, I curl up, finally able to rest.


    Even if I¡¯m not the fittest in this whole survival thing, at least I¡¯m not completely alone.


    End of Chapter 1

 Chapter 2: The Dream

    Darkness fades into something familiar.


    A warm afternoon, golden light spilling over pavement. The scent of brewed coffee and the faint traces of cigarette smoke.


    Tiara Arissa, otherwise known as "Tessa" in front of me.


    She¡¯s bouncing on her feet, hands clasped together in front of her chest, eyes practically sparkling as she looks at me.


    "Nur! The caf¨¦ has a new frappe! Let¡¯s goooo!"


    I sigh, but there¡¯s no real annoyance behind it. "Didn¡¯t you just have one yesterday?"


    "Yes! But this is new! And it¡¯s limited-time! And¡ª"


    Before she can launch into a full-scale speech about the importance of trying every seasonal drink, we hear voices up ahead.


    Three figures, dressed in school uniforms¡ªdespite not having stepped foot in class all day.


    Zafi, the calm and reasonable one, walking with hands in his pockets, cigarette lazily balanced between his lips. He exhales a cloud of smoke, watching us approach with his usual unreadable expression. I always cover my nose when I near him. Rude you say? In my defense, the cigarette stinks you know? And I can''t stand stinky smells, ugh.


    Kai, the crafty one, grinning like he just pulled off something ridiculous ¡ª creepy, always. Which, knowing him, he probably did. He likes to prank people¡ªharmless ones, in my opinion. He also scam people. Scamming is bad? That¡¯s reserved for the bad guys. Which is what he do, scamming bad people. The kind who deserve to be made fools of. He also have this annoying habit of flipping his coin. Once again, ugh


    Then there¡¯s Reza. Short-tempered, always on the verge of picking a fight. If he had his way, every minor inconvenience would be solved with fists¡ª violent guy, icky. Despite the constant trouble, he get little to no consequences. Why you ask? Because Kai is always there, hand on his shoulder, holding him back. It¡¯s not that Kai won¡¯t fight¡ªhe just chooses his battles. When he does get violent, it¡¯s against other delinquents, or people who actually deserve it. Even then, he never lets Reza go too far. Youth, friendship ¡ª very touching.


    The three of them glance our way as we cross paths.


    Kai smirks. "Well, If it isn¡¯t the Ice Queen."


    I roll my eyes. "Don¡¯t call me that."


    He only grins wider¡ªnever fail making himself looking like a creep.


    Ever since that one day, when Tessa and I ran into them after school, we¡¯ve been crossing paths more and more. Hanging out, sometimes.


    It still doesn¡¯t make sense to me.


    Me, Nur Azriana, the so-called "Ice Queen," somehow ended up spending time with delinquents.


    Other students had their own theories.


    Maybe my cold personality fit in with them. Maybe I was secretly dangerous. Maybe they liked me because I didn¡¯t get scared of them.


    They were all wrong.


    It wasn¡¯t me.


    It was Tessa.


    Her weird quirks, her endless energy, her way of making friends in the most unexpected places.


    I glance at her, still rambling about the new frappe, completely oblivious to how much she changes people just by existing.


    Yeah.


    That¡¯s what happened.


    "Hey, you guys should try the new frappe too!" Tessa beams, practically bouncing in place.


    Zafi''s eyes widen slightly. "Really?" Then, as if catching himself getting too excited, he quickly smooths his expression back to his usual cool demeanor. "I mean¡­ yeah, that could be nice."


    Kai chuckles while flipping his coin. "Well, I don¡¯t mind. Freezing my brain with sugar sounds like a good time."


    Reza groans. "Ugh, seriously again? That¡¯s lame."


    Tessa clasps her hands together, giving him the biggest, most hopeful puppy-dog eyes I¡¯ve ever seen.


    Reza clicks his tongue, looking away. "Tch. Fine. But if it sucks, I¡¯m blaming all of you."


    Zafi claps a hand. "That¡¯s the spirit. C¡¯mon, let¡¯s go before Tessa explodes."


    Tessa lets out a victorious cheer, already grabbing my arm to drag me forward.


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    I sigh. "I knew this would happen."


    Kai smirks. "Oh, come on, Nur. Loosen up. It¡¯s just a drink."


    "That¡¯s exactly why this is ridiculous."


    Zafi exhales a laugh. "And yet, here you are."


    ¡­Yeah. Here I am¡ª a victim of a social interaction.


    Following Tessa and the three delinquents to go drink sugar together.


    I don¡¯t even like frappes.


    The caf¨¦ is buzzing with soft chatter and the hum of an espresso machine. The scent of roasted coffee and sweet syrup lingers in the air.


    Zafi sets the tray down, distributing the frappes. He takes one, swirling it in his hand. "So this is the allegedly legendary new frappe, huh?"


    Tessa nods eagerly, already sipping hers. "Mmh! It¡¯s so good!"


    Kai lifts a brow. "Tastes like diabetes."


    "That¡¯s the point," Tessa says matter-of-factly.


    Reza takes a tentative sip, then immediately scowls. "Ugh. It¡¯s too sweet."


    Zafi chuckles. "You say that, but you¡¯re still drinking it."


    "Tch. I paid for it, didn¡¯t I?"


    Kai leans back in his seat, stirring his drink lazily. "So, Ice Queen, what do you think?"


    I glance down at my frappe. I didn¡¯t even want one, but Tessa had been so insistent. I take a small sip.


    Cold. Sweet. Overly sugary.


    I set it back down. "It¡¯s¡­ fine."


    Tessa gasps. "Fine?! Just fine? Nur, how could you?!"


    Zafi laughs. "Guess not everyone has a sweet tooth like you, Tessa."


    Tessa pouts, slumping against the table dramatically. "No one understands my love for frappes¡­"


    Kai grins. "Nah, we get it. We just don¡¯t care."


    Reza snorts. "For once, I agree with him."


    Tessa huffs, taking an exaggerated sip of her drink. "Y''all just uncultured."


    I shake my head. "This is ridiculous."


    Zafi smirks. "And yet, here you are."


    ¡­Yeah.


    Here I am.


    Kai leans back, propping his feet against the chair next to him while flipping his coin. "Oh yeah, did you guys hear? Azrai¡¯s gonna represent the school in that big soccer tournament next month."


    Zafi nods. "Yeah, not surprised. That guy¡¯s practically built for it."


    Tessa claps her hands together. "Ohh, Azrai¡¯s playing? That¡¯s amazing! He¡¯s so cool!"


    Reza scoffs. "Tch. Of course, it¡¯s him again."


    Kai smirks. "Jealous?"


    Reza glares. "Hell no. Just sick of hearing his name everywhere."


    I take another sip of my drink. "Ughh that so called Mr. Perfect again."


    Zafi chuckles. "I mean, can you blame them? He¡¯s smart,kind, athletic, good-looking¡ª"


    "Basically, he¡¯s got the main character buff," Kai adds, while grinning looking like a creep, yer again.


    I sigh. "And yet, somehow, he stucked with us mortals. What a shame."


    Tessa giggles. "Come on, Nur, don¡¯t be mean. Azrai''s really nice!"


    "Sure," I drawl. "In that polished, ¡®I-was-born-to-be-liked¡¯ kind of way."


    Zafi raises a brow. "You sound bitter."


    "I just think it¡¯s funny how life handed him the protagonist package while the rest of us are stuck grinding for basic stats."


    Kai laughs. "Damn, Ice Queen¡¯s got a point."


    Reza crosses his arms. "Whatever. I don¡¯t care about that guy."


    Tessa hums. "Still, I kinda wanna watch the tournament now."


    Kai waggles his brows. "Because of the game or because of Azrai?"


    Tessa puffs her cheeks. "The game, obviously!"


    Zafi grins. "Mhm, sure."


    I sigh. "I already regret this conversation."


    Reza snorts, arms still crossed. "You sure complain a lot for someone who¡¯s basically him with skirts"


    I blink. "Excuse me?"


    Zafi chuckles. "He¡¯s got a point. If we¡¯re talking about natural talent, you¡¯re pretty much at the top when it comes to looks."


    Tessa nods enthusiastically. "Yeah! You¡¯re easily the most beautiful girl in class! Maybe even the whole school!"


    I roll my eyes. "Great. Truly a life-changing achievement."


    Reza smirks. "If you dropped the whole Ice Queen act, you¡¯d probably be just like him¡ªworshipped by everyone, showered in praise."


    I scoff. "That sounds exhausting."


    I''d tell them there¡¯s a reason I¡¯m not like him¡ªor why I never ended up as Mr. Perfect himself¡ªif it didn¡¯t mean exposing myself to the world. But alas, that¡¯s just how things are.


    Kai grins. "Yeah? Then why¡¯d you turn him down?"


    I frown. "What?"


    Kai leans forward, elbow on the table. "Azrai... He totally tried to hit on you once, remember?"


    Zafi nods. "Oh yeah. I do remember that."


    Tessa gasps. "Wait, wait, when was this?!"


    Kai chuckles. "Sometime around few months ago. He asked her out, and guess what our dear Ice Queen said?"


    Tessa stares at me with wide eyes. "What did you say?!"


    I take another sip of my drink. "I told him I wasn¡¯t interested, shocker right?"


    Reza laughs. "Pfft! Damn."


    Tessa pouts. "But why?! He¡¯s so nice!"


    "Exactly," I deadpan. "He¡¯s too nice. Too perfect. Also I sense something off about him. I don¡¯t trust it


    Zafi smirks. "So, What if he was a little less perfect?"


    I narrow my eyes. "What are you implying?"


    Kai wags a finger. "That maybe you do have a type."


    "I hate this conversation," I mutter.


    Reza chuckles. "Yeah? Well, it¡¯s your fault for being so fun to mess with."


    Tessa sighs dramatically. "Nur, you¡¯re hopeless."


    I lean back in my chair. "And yet, somehow, here I am."


    Kai stretches lazily, swirling what¡¯s left of his drink. "Oh yeah, speaking of people who somehow always land on top¡­ Mei got a new boyfriend the other day."


    Tessa gasps. "Wait, really?! Who?!"


    Zafi raises a brow. "Another poor soul caught in her web, huh?"


    Reza snorts. "That girl¡¯s got more exes than I have patience."


    "Mei, huh?" I tap my fingers against my cup. "Figures. She always manages to land on her feet, no matter what."


    Kai grins. "That damn woman, I swear"


    Tessa tilts her head. "Why you say it like that?."


    Zafi smirks. "Well, she is kinda like Kai, y¡¯know. Sneaky, always getting out of trouble, never runs out of favors."


    Reza leans back. "Yeah, everyone always says they¡¯d make a perfect match."


    Tessa nods rapidly. "Ohhh, yeah! People do say that!"


    I glance at Kai. "So? When¡¯s the wedding?"


    Kai groans, rubbing his temples. "God, no. Do I look like I have a death wish?"


    Zafi chuckles. "You sure? It¡¯s not like you can outmaneuver her. You¡¯re evenly matched."


    Kai shakes his head. "And that¡¯s exactly why I¡¯m staying the hell away. Getting involved with her is like playing a rigged game¡ªyou think you¡¯re ahead, but she¡¯s already ten steps in front, letting you believe you¡¯re winning just so she can crush you when it counts. At least that¡¯s how it goes for a regular person anway. Me? Just the thought of constantly looking over my shoulder is already exhausting."


    Tessa giggles. "Wow, sounds like you really thought this through."


    I smirk. "Almost like he¡¯s been burned before."


    Kai clicks his tongue. "Hell no. I just have the self-preservation instinct some guys lack."


    Reza smirks. "So what you¡¯re saying is¡­ you are scared of her."


    Kai drawls. "Yes, Reza. I fear for my very existence."


    I chuckle. "Smart man."


    For a moment, there¡¯s silence¡ªthen I realize.


    They¡¯re all staring at me.


    Zafi blinks. "Wait¡­ did you just chuckle?"


    Reza squints. "No way."


    Tessa gasps dramatically. "Nur! Did you just laugh?!"


    Kai points at me, grinning like he just won the lottery. "Oh-ho, she totally did!"


    I blink. "What?"


    Zafi smirks. "You never laugh."


    Reza crosses his arms. "Not unless it¡¯s at someone¡¯s misery."


    Tessa clasps her hands together. "But that was a real laugh! You actually enjoyed that!"


    Kai flips his coin again, catching it with a knowing smirk. "Looks like the Ice Queen does have a soft spot after all."


    I scoff, taking another sip of my drink. "You¡¯re all imagining things."


    Reza smirks. "Nah, we heard it."


    Tessa leans closer, beaming. "Do it again!"


    "Absolutely not."


    Zafi chuckles. "Guess we just found something rarer than a blue moon."


    Kai nods sagely. "A Nur laugh. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime event."


    Tessa nudges my arm. "Aww, just admit it! You love us!"


    I roll my eyes, setting my drink down. "I tolerate you."


    They all laugh, and despite myself, I can¡¯t help but feel¡­ warm.


    Their voices blur together, laughter and teasing mixing into a comfortable hum.


    Tessa leans forward. "Okay, okay, but seriously, if you had to date someone from our class, who would it be?"


    Zafi smirks. "Bet it¡¯s someone unexpected."


    Reza scoffs. "Yeah right, like she¡¯d ever answer that."


    Kai flips his coin. "Or maybe she already has someone in mind?"


    I roll my eyes. "Not happening."


    Tessa pouts. "Boo, no fun."


    Their voices start to feel distant, like a radio slowly turning down.


    Zafi¡¯s voice fades first. "We should do this again¡­"


    Reza¡¯s next. "Next time, I¡¯m picking the place¡­"


    Kai¡¯s smirk lingers as his words stretch into nothing. "Guess we¡¯ll see, huh?"


    Tessa¡¯s voice is the last thing I hear. "What about you Nur¡ª"


    And then¡ªsilence.


    I blink. Darkness.


    Then warmth. A soft, sticky surface beneath me. A faint glow above.


    I¡¯m awake.


    I let out a long sigh. "Of course, the first nice thing I experience in this bug life has to be a dream."


    Shifting on the weird sticky silk, I stretch my tiny, wiggly legs. "Great. Back to reality. No frappes, no teasing idiots¡ªjust me, a bunch of caterpillars, and a whole lot of struggling to not get eaten."


    I pause.


    "¡­Still."


    I don¡¯t want to admit it.


    But I miss Tessa...


    Those 3 idiots? Nah no wayy. Alright maybe just maaybe a tiny bit? Yeah a tiny bit


    End of Chapter 2

 Chapter 3: First Battle

    As I stir, so do the others. One by one, my siblings begin to twitch and wriggle, shaking off their rest.


    Goldy is the first to fully wake, its glowing eyes flickering to life. Then, without hesitation, it lets out this piercing screech¡ªa sound that makes my insides coil up.


    Oh, great. That can¡¯t mean anything good.


    The others react immediately. Thirteen of them, including Goldy, all snapping to attention.


    Then Goldy shifts its position¡ªoh no. No way.


    It¡¯s crouching.


    Like it¡¯s about to jump.


    "Wait, hold on¡ªare we seriously doing this?"


    I glance down at the abyss below. Yeah. Still looks like a one-way trip to being a splat on the floor.


    "I know I¡¯m new here, but shouldn¡¯t we¡ªI don¡¯t know¡ªthink this through? Maybe stretch first?"


    No one listens. Figures.


    Oh. Oh. That is big.


    As I look down, something massive emerges from the darkness¡ªa manta ray-like creature, its enormous wings gliding effortlessly through the air.


    "You have got to be kidding me."


    Goldy doesn¡¯t hesitate. The moment the thing passes beneath us, it jumps.


    And just like that, the others follow, one after another, leaping off the ceiling like it¡¯s the most natural thing in the world.


    "What. The. Hell. Are they insane?!"


    I stare at the abyss, then at my siblings, now falling.


    Okay. Think. I could stay here, be alone, probably starve¡ªor I could throw myself into the unknown like a complete idiot.


    Yeah. No choice.


    "Oh, screw it¡ª!"


    I leap.


    For a split second, there¡¯s nothing but air rushing past me. Then¡ªimpact.


    Not on stone. Not on death.


    But on something firm, yet soft.


    I land safely. Right on the manta thing¡¯s back.


    "Well¡­ that just happened."


    For a second, I brace myself, expecting my siblings to start tearing into this thing like they did with the centipede.


    But¡­ nothing.


    No biting. No stabbing. No murder grubs antics.


    "Wait, we''re not attacking it?"


    I glance around. My siblings are just sitting here, latched onto the manta-ray thing¡¯s back like it¡¯s a totally normal ride.


    "Okay, what?"


    Then, as the creature glides forward, I finally get a good look at the floor below.


    And oh.


    Monsters. A lot of them.


    Big ones, small ones, some that look like they could crush me just by existing too close.


    Powerful, terrifying creatures roam the ground¡ªtough exoskeletons, massive claws, glowing eyes, and enough muscle to turn anything smaller than them into paste.


    No wonder my siblings stuck to the ceiling before.


    "Yeah, okay. That explains a lot."Stolen novel; please report.


    As we glide through the cavern, Goldy suddenly starts moving¡ªheading straight for the edge of the manta-ray thing¡¯s back.


    "Oh no. Oh no no no¡ª"


    Of course, the others follow without hesitation.


    "Seriously? Again?"


    I watch as they crawl toward the very edge, their little legs gripping the creature¡¯s leathery skin.


    "Are we jumping again? Is that what¡¯s happening?"


    I hesitate. I just got used to this whole "not falling to my death" thing, and now we¡¯re already moving to the next reckless stunt?


    Goldy reaches the edge first, its glowing red bristles standing out even more against the dark void ahead.


    I gulp.


    "Whatever¡¯s about to happen, I am not ready for it."


    The manta thing glides forward, carrying us through the massive cavern until the space ahead starts narrowing.


    Goldy doesn''t hesitate¡ªonce we reach the tighter passage, it moves first, peeling itself off the creature¡¯s back and latching onto the nearby wall.


    The others follow without a second thought, clinging to the rough stone like they¡¯ve done this a thousand times before.


    "Oh, I hate how natural they make this look."


    I glance down¡ªfar, far below, the horde of monsters still roam, completely unaware of us.


    "Right. Definitely not staying here."


    I crawl forward, legs gripping tight as I reach the edge¡ªthen, with a deep breath, I push off and latch onto the wall.


    I cling there for a second, waiting to see if I actually stick.


    ¡­Okay. I''m good.


    "Whew. Still alive."


    We move along the wall, inching forward in a single file. Goldy leads, of course¡ªbecause why wouldn¡¯t the shiny, glowing one be the first into danger?


    The rough stone under my legs feels uneven, but I focus on keeping up. Falling now? Not an option.


    Then, without hesitation, Goldy disappears into a hole in the wall.


    "Oh, here we go again."


    One by one, my siblings follow, slipping inside without hesitation. No stopping, no questioning, just go.


    "What if there¡¯s something in there? What if it¡¯s a dead end? What if¡ª"


    I reach the entrance. The darkness inside swallows my siblings whole.


    "Ugh. Fine."


    I grit my mandibles and crawl in after them.


    As I crawl through the hole, the space around me tightens. The rough stone walls press closer, forcing me to move carefully.


    "Well, at least I¡¯m not dangling over a monster pit anymore. Progress."


    It¡¯s darker here, but not pitch black¡ªtiny cracks in the walls let in a faint glow from somewhere beyond. Goldy is up ahead, leading the way as usual, its glowing bristles making it easy to follow.


    Compared to the giant open cavern from before, this place actually feels safe. No massive monsters lurking below, no terrifying leaps onto flying creatures. Just a cramped, narrow passage that probably won¡¯t kill me.


    "Okay. I can work with this."


    Goldy climbs up again. Of course.


    And, of course, everyone else follows like it¡¯s the most normal thing in the world.


    At this point, I don¡¯t even question it¡ªI just follow along, sticking to the ceiling without hesitation.


    Then I feel it.


    A faint tremor, rippling through the stone. It¡¯s subtle, but definitely there.


    "¡­Okay, that¡¯s new."


    The vibrations continue, steady but growing stronger. Something¡¯s moving. Something big.


    "Great. Just when I was starting to feel safe."


    "Oh. Just ants. Giant ants. But still, not some horrifying dungeon boss. I¡¯ll take it."


    Goldy signals three of my siblings, and they turn, flexing their bristles. I recognize that stance.


    Then¡ªshhk!¡ªspiky bristles shoot out, striking two of the ants. One flinches, the other staggers.


    "Oh, nice. Ranged support. That¡¯s handy."


    Goldy doesn¡¯t waste any time. It jumps. The others follow.


    13 of us versus 8 of them. Two already injured.


    "Yeah, I like those odds."


    I brace myself. "Guess it¡¯s fighting time."


    I jump in. No point in sitting this one out.


    The two siblings with me¡ªonly slightly bigger than I am¡ªdon¡¯t look like the heavy hitters. Not like Goldy or the others.


    "Great. Looks like we¡¯re the junior varsity team."


    The ant lunges at one of them¡ªfast.


    But the other sibling moves first, blocking the strike.


    "Nice teamwork."


    The ant hesitates for just a moment. That¡¯s all I need.


    I lunge, mandibles open, and crunch.


    One of its legs comes clean off.


    Pain flares through my body as I crash against the rough cavern wall.


    "Okay. Ow."


    I shake off the impact. Nothing feels broken¡ªjust some scratches and bruises. Could¡¯ve been worse.


    The ant, now down a leg, turns its attention back to my siblings. It¡¯s still moving, still dangerous.


    "Alright, you overgrown picnic ruiner, round two."


    I push myself up, ready to jump back in.


    Smart. One holds the line while the other goes in for the kill. It¡¯s a coordinated effort, something I wouldn¡¯t expect from a bunch of caterpillars.


    But the ant¡¯s still putting up a fight. Even with a missing leg, it¡¯s quick, snapping its mandibles at any opening.


    "Guess I should even the odds a bit more."


    I lunge forward, aiming for another leg. If I can cripple it further, this fight¡¯s as good as won.


    The ant thrashes, but with one leg gone and another barely holding, it can¡¯t shake me off.


    I bite down at the joint between its head and thorax, my mandibles sinking in. It¡¯s tough¡ªway tougher than I expected¡ªbut I keep grinding, sawing through the tough exoskeleton.


    The ant screeches, its movements turning frantic. It tries to snap at me, but my siblings keep it occupied.


    "Almost there... just a little more."


    With one final bite, I break through. A gush of thick, bitter-tasting fluid spills out, and the ant¡¯s movements slow¡­ then stop completely.


    I glance around. The fight¡¯s over. My siblings have already finished off their ants, and not a single one of us got taken out.


    "Huh. That went better than expected."


    Then my eyes land on Goldy¡ªstanding victorious over a single ant it apparently took down by itself. Of course.


    "Oh wow, what a surprise. Goldy, the golden, glowing, freakishly strong caterpillar, wins its fight solo. Truly shocking, much small, such stonk."


    I sigh, shaking my head. "Seriously, what are you? Some kind of final boss larva?"


    I narrow my eyes at Goldy, curiosity creeping in. "Wait¡­ how did it even take that thing down?"


    I was too busy dealing with my own ant to notice. The others had to work in pairs, and even I needed backup, but Goldy? Not a scratch.


    "Did it just maul it to death with brute force? Or maybe¡­ poison?"


    I recall those glowing red spines. "Are they even venomous? Or was it just for show? Or is it just a lightshow?


    I glance at the corpse of the ant it took down, trying to spot any clues. "Damn it, now I kinda wish I saw it in action. Would¡¯ve been a good learning opportunity."


    As I tear into the ant¡¯s flesh, its weirdly rich taste spreading through my mandibles, Goldy suddenly approaches.


    Its eyes flicker again¡ªdeep purple, almost glowing. And just like before, a voice echoes in my mind.


    "You-¡­ Stronger-¡­ Ca-... Spe-..."


    I freeze mid-bite, staring at Goldy.


    "Okay, that¡¯s creepy," I mutter, swallowing my food. "You really gotta do the whole spooky telepathy thing?"


    Goldy just keeps staring at me, unmoving.


    "Tch. Fine, fine. I¡¯ll take the compliment, I guess." I huff, going back to eating. "But seriously, you gonna tell me what¡¯s up with you one of these days?"


    With the feast over, my siblings waste no time moving forward again. No rest, no hesitation¡ªjust relentless crawling ahead like a well-oiled machine.


    I sigh, wiping off the last bits of ant from my mandibles. "Man, you guys really don¡¯t take breaks, huh?"


    Goldy, as expected, leads at the front, moving with that same quiet confidence. The others follow without question, their bristles twitching as they navigate through the tight dungeon tunnel.


    I shake off the lingering soreness from the fight and push forward. "Guess I¡¯m sticking with you guys for now. Let¡¯s see where this crazy bug train takes me."


    After all that fighting, I was starting to wonder if these guys ever stopped¡ªbut finally, what I perceived to be an eternity later, Goldy finally makes the call. The group slows down, and just like before, my siblings begin climbing up toward the ceiling, finding a safe place to rest.


    I¡¯m not gonna lie, I¡¯m feeling it. My body aches, my bristles are worn, and moving is starting to feel sluggish. That deer-thing we fought gave me a real nasty hit, and those water-shooting salamander larvaes? Annoying as hell. I glance at the others¡ªseven of us, including me, are in pretty bad shape.


    "About damn time," I mutter, dragging myself up the wall after them. "Thought you guys were just gonna keep going till we dropped."


    Goldy doesn¡¯t react, just does its thing¡ªspinning that fancy golden silk again, making a secure spot on the ceiling. The rest of the group follows suit, setting up their makeshift sleeping spots.


    I try to spin silk again. Nothing. Of course.


    "Figures," I sigh. But before I can even think about it, one of my siblings¡ªone of the smaller ones¡ªcrawls over and starts weaving a bed for me. Just like last time.


    I stare for a second, then sigh again. "Yeah, yeah. Thanks." I mutter, settling in.


    As exhaustion takes over, my mind starts to drift. I can¡¯t help but wonder¡ªhow long can we keep this up? And more importantly¡­ where the hell are we even going?


    Sleep pulls me under fast, the exhaustion from all the fighting catching up to me. The silk bed is surprisingly comfortable¡ªsoft but firm enough to keep me secure on the ceiling. As my body relaxes, my mind starts to drift again, slipping into another dream.


    End of Chapter 3