The soft glow of the moonpetals bathed the forest floor in a gentle light, casting an ethereal glow around the leaf under which the bee larva rested. Her small body, still tucked beneath the large leaf, remained motionless as she continued to recover from the injuries she’d sustained during their last battle. He glanced at her one last time, ensuring she was safe, before crawling out from their makeshift shelter.

Hunger gnawed at him, relentless and insistent, pulling him away from the safety of the leaf. His body ached, the weight of the constant struggles taking its toll, but he knew he couldn’t rest until he found something to eat. The battles and close calls were exhausting, but without food, he’d be too weak to defend himself—or the bee larva—when the next threat inevitably came.

I just need something to eat, then I can focus on protecting her, he thought, his compound eyes scanning the forest floor for anything remotely edible.

The forest was quiet, an unsettling silence hanging in the air as he made his way toward a nearby patch of leaves. He moved cautiously, his instincts alert for any sign of danger, but the gnawing hunger in his gut made it hard to focus. He hadn’t eaten properly in what felt like days, and every moment spent searching for food was a risk.

He found a small, unassuming plant nestled beneath a thick tree root, its leaves a dull green, nothing special, but edible. He bit into it without hesitation, the bland taste doing little to satisfy his craving, but it was enough to quell the hunger—for now. As he chewed, his mind wandered.

Why can’t we get a break? The thought came unbidden, frustration bubbling up. Every time I think we’re safe, something else comes after us.

He’d been tossed from one fight to the next since the moment he woke up in this world. There had been no reprieve, no chance to rest. Even when they found a place that seemed secure, it was only a matter of time before another predator appeared, ready to devour them both.

What kind of world is this?

He bit off another piece of the leaf, chewing slowly, trying to ignore the growing irritation that churned in his chest. It felt like the universe was out to get him, throwing challenge after challenge in his path without a moment’s rest. His body was tired, his mind even more so, and all he wanted was a chance to breathe. A chance to eat without worrying about what was lurking behind the next tree.

I’m sick of it. I’m just... tired.

But as he swallowed the last bite of the leaf, that familiar tension filled the air again. The forest around him seemed to grow still, the rustling of leaves falling silent, the shadows shifting ominously. His instincts flared, a sharp warning that pierced through his hunger-driven haze.

Not again...

Before he could even turn to look, a sudden blur of movement caught his attention. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw it—a dark, sleek shape moving toward him with terrifying speed. His heart leaped into his throat as the predator lunged, claws extended, teeth bared.

A lizard-like creature, its body long and low to the ground, covered in dark, glistening scales. Its eyes gleamed with hunger, locking onto him with predatory focus.

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Are you kidding me?! his mind screamed.

The lizard pounced, and he barely managed to activate his Instinctive Dodge, his body jerking to the side just as the claws raked the ground where he had been standing. The air was filled with the sound of scraping claws and snapping teeth, the predator snarling as it missed its target by mere inches.

He skittered backward, his heart pounding, his thoughts a chaotic swirl of panic and frustration.

Why? Why does this keep happening?!

It was always the same. No matter where he went, no matter what he did, there was always something—something trying to kill him, something waiting to pounce the moment he let his guard down. He’d barely recovered from the last fight, barely had time to eat, and now this?

Can’t I just eat in peace?!

The lizard hissed, its forked tongue flicking out as it circled him, its predatory gaze never leaving his tiny, vulnerable form. It was faster than he expected, its movements quick and deliberate, each step calculated. This wasn’t some mindless creature—this thing was a hunter, and it knew exactly what it was doing.

Great. Just great, he thought bitterly. Another fight. Just what I needed.

He activated his fire magic, summoning a small burst of flame, but the lizard dodged effortlessly, its sleek body slipping between the shadows as it lunged again. He dodged to the side, barely avoiding the creature’s snapping jaws as it aimed for his legs.

This is ridiculous!

The lizard circled him again, its claws scraping the ground as it prepared for another strike. His mind raced, frustration and fear mingling as he tried to think of a way out. The last battle had drained him, and he wasn’t sure if he had enough strength left to take on another predator so soon.

Why me? Why is it always me?

He glared at the lizard, his mandibles clicking in irritation as it closed in for another attack. He could feel the heat of his fire magic building inside him, but it wasn’t enough. Not yet. He needed time—time to gather his strength, time to think—but the lizard wasn’t going to give him that.

It lunged again, faster this time, its claws outstretched. He barely managed to dodge, his legs scrambling for purchase on the uneven ground as the lizard’s sharp talons sliced through the air, missing him by mere millimeters.

What did I do to deserve this? he thought, annoyance flooding his mind. Why is it always one thing after another?

He sent another burst of fire at the lizard, hoping to drive it back, but the creature dodged again, its sleek body twisting through the air as it closed in on him.

Can’t I get a break?!

The lizard hissed, its eyes glowing with a predatory hunger as it prepared for another strike. It was relentless, its attacks swift and precise, each one coming closer and closer to hitting its mark. He could feel the frustration building inside him, his mind racing as he dodged again and again, his fire magic barely keeping the creature at bay.

I just wanted to eat!

He dodged another swipe, his body moving on instinct, but the lizard wasn’t giving him any room to breathe. It was faster than him, stronger than him, and it wasn’t going to stop until it had him in its jaws.

This is getting old.

The lizard lunged once more, its claws gleaming in the dim light, and he barely had time to react. He threw himself to the side, but the predator was relentless, its movements fluid and precise. He could feel the heat of its breath on his back as it closed in on him, and for a brief, horrifying moment, he thought it was over.

Why can’t I just get some rest?

The predator lunged, and he activated his Instinctive Dodge at the last possible second, skittering out of its path. But it wasn’t enough. The lizard was too fast, too determined, and it wasn’t going to stop.

This isn’t fair...