The Hollow Moth: Reincarnated as a Caterpillar

I'm in that strange white void again.

Same as last time—empty, silent, endless. That weird gas still floats lazily through the air, and the mound is right where I remember it, sitting far off in the distance like it's waiting for me.

I take a moment to look around and check everything.

Still the same.

No sound. No sky. No ground. Just that unsettling, still nothingness stretching forever.

I reach out and touch the gas.

Like before, the white turns to black, and those strange floating images appear—visions of abilities I feel like I understand, even if I don't know how. It's all exactly the same.

Unchanging. Repeating.

I stare at it for a while longer… then close my eyes.

And that's when I wake up.

The first thing I see is Goldy's big, round face staring at me, way too close for comfort.

"Ah—" I flinch back instinctively. "What the hell, Goldy?"

Goldy tilts her head, antennae twitching. "You're making weird faces in your sleep. Did you have a nightmare?"

I blink, still processing everything. "Something like that…"

I stare at Goldy, still groggy from waking up. Since when do caterpillars even have faces?

The thought makes me snort internally. Sure, they have eyes, mandibles, and all that, but calling it a face like a human's? That's just weird.

Shaking off the lingering haze of sleep, I stretch my tiny legs. "It wasn't a nightmare, just… something strange. I'll figure it out later."

Goldy wiggles slightly, her golden body shimmering under the dim dungeon light. "Weird dreams, huh? Maybe you're evolving soon!" she says, her telepathic voice still carrying that childlike excitement.

I pause. Evolving…? That dream does show something about my abilities. Maybe Goldy has a point.

Shifting slightly on my silk bedding, I still am not quite used to how my body feels after waking up. I turn to Goldy, who is still staring at me with that weirdly expressive caterpillar face.

"Hey, Goldy," I start, tone curious but casual. "I had this dream… but it wasn't the usual one. It was a white space, completely empty, except for this weird gas floating around. And when I touched it, I saw stuff—like my own abilities. Ever had something like that?"

Goldy perks up, wiggling in excitement. Oh! You had that dream! she replies through our psychic link. Yeah, yeah, everyone gets it! It's like a dream that tells you how strong you are.

I narrow my eyes. "That's it? No fancy explanation? No deep mystical meaning?"

Goldy shrugs—or at least, feels like she does through the link. Dunno the details. It just happens! Some get it early, some later. I had mine a while ago. It's useful, right?

I hum in thought. "I mean, yeah, it's kind of helpful… but it feels weirdly important. Like there's more to it."

Maybe there is? Or maybe you just think too much, Goldy teases. Anyway, what'd you see?

I smirk. "That I'm already way cooler than you."

Goldy gasps dramatically."Rude!"

I can feel the pout through our psychic link.

"Well, I don't know much about it," she admits. But Mother probably does! If you're really that curious, you should ask her.

I sigh. "Figures. Everything weird seems to go back to her one way or another."

Goldy wiggles in agreement. "Well, she is the Queen. She knows a lot. Oh! Maybe it means you're gonna evolve into something cool!"

I snort. "Pfft, you wish I'd evolve first."

Goldy gasps. Excuse you! I am a Royal Child, thank you very much! Besides I'd already evolved twice!

I roll my eyes. "Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourself that. I'll catch up sooner or later. Anyway, I'll ask Mother. No point overthinking it now."

With that, I crawl my way to Mother's area, feeling the familiar roughness of the dungeon floor beneath me. Goldy trails behind, but even without looking, I can feel her impatience pressing against me like an annoying itch.

"Can you be patient for once?" I sigh, flicking my bristles slightly.

"I am being patient! Goldy huffs through the psychic link. You're just slow!"

I scoff. "You're the older one here. Shouldn't you be the patient and wise one?"

Goldy wiggles, which I'm pretty sure is the caterpillar version of puffing up. I am wise! I just don't like waiting!

I roll my eyes and keep moving. Sometimes, I wonder who the real big sister is here.

Just as we're about to reach Mother, a powerful thud shakes the ground in front of us. A halberd strikes deep into the earth, its gleaming blade reflecting the dim dungeon light.

I freeze. Goldy tenses beside me.

Standing before us, wings partially spread and golden chitin gleaming like polished armor, is him—the King Mothkin. Our father.

His presence is suffocating. The sheer weight of his aura presses down on us like an unseen force, making my bristles stand on end.

"What business do you have with the Queen?" his voice resonates through the air, deep and commanding. His compound eyes lock onto us, unreadable yet piercing.

Goldy, despite her usual confidence, hesitates. I can feel her unease through our link.

I swallow and speak up. "I need to ask Mother something important."

His grip on the halberd doesn't loosen. "Important?" he echoes, his gaze scrutinizing me.

I hold my ground. "Yes. About a dream."

The King Mothkin studies us for a long moment, his gaze unwavering. Then, with a slow, deliberate movement, he pulls his halberd from the ground and steps aside.

"Very well. You may pass."

Goldy lets out a small breath of relief beside me, but I know better than to relax just yet.

Before we can move, his wings flare slightly, and his presence grows heavier. A dark, looming shadow stretches over us as his voice drops into something even colder.

"But know this—" he says, his tone sharp as a blade, "if you try anything foolish in the Queen's presence, I will not hesitate to strike you down myself."

A chill runs down my spine. There is no doubt in my mind—he means every word.

I force myself to nod. "Understood."

Goldy stiffens but manages a quick, "Got it, Father."

With that, we move past him, his piercing gaze lingering on our backs as we approach Mother.

As we move past him, Goldy lets out a small shudder. That was scary, she admits through our psychic link.

I can't help but snort. "Yeah, real scary. He's got the whole 'edgy warrior' thing going on. I bet he spends his free time brooding on the edge of a cliff, muttering about power and destiny."

Goldy tilts her head. "I don't really get what you mean, but... I agree?"

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Well of course you do, Goldy.

As we finally reach Mother's area, we are met with a massive, huge tent-like structure woven from shimmering golden silk. The way it drapes down from the ceiling and coils elegantly around the walls makes it look almost regal—fitting for a queen.

Just as I'm taking it all in, the entrance shifts, and Mother emerges, her radiant form as imposing as ever. Her large wings flutter slightly, sending a faint breeze through the space.

"Ah, my childrens," she greets us, her voice smooth yet commanding. "What brings you here?"

"I have some questions," I say, getting straight to the point. "Something about the white space thingy in my dream."

Mother's antennae twitch slightly as she gives a knowing nod. "Ah, that thing." Her tone is calm, as if she has explained this countless times before. "It has many names, but most commonly, it is known as Lucid Reflection or The Realm of Reflection."

She folds her wings slightly as she continues, "It is a dream where one can self-evaluate their skills and abilities. It also serves as an indicator of your evolution progress."

I stare. So, basically, it's like a status screen but in dream form? Convenient.

"It was once created by a god—Aritheon, the god of statistics and calculations—thousands of years ago."

I almost choke on nothing. The god of what now?

Statistics and Calculations? That's got to be the most boring ass sounding god I've ever heard of. What's next? The god of bookkeeping? Divine Lord of Spreadsheets?

Mother continues, unaware of my internal commentary. "Back then, people had to learn a spell and cast it in order for Lucid Reflection to appear in their dreams. However, because it was cast so frequently, generation after generation, the spell eventually became ingrained in one's soul. Now, it manifests naturally in dreams."

She tilts her head slightly before adding, "Of course, if you still learn the spell and cast it manually, you can enter Lucid Reflection at will… but you'll become unconscious immediately, which is why it only activates when you're asleep."

Huh. So, self-evaluation magic became so routine that it turned into a biological feature. That's… actually kind of cool.

"Thanks for explaining, Mother."

"No problem," she replies smoothly, but then her tone shifts slightly. "Now then, have you made your decision yet?"

I blink. "Decision?"

"Whether you will go your own way or follow your royal brood," she clarifies, glancing at Goldy.

Ah. That. Right.

I haven't really thought too hard about it since earlier, but... for now, the easiest path is clear.

"I'll stick with Goldy for now," I say. "Not forever or anything, just... for now."

Goldy practically radiates excitement through the psychic link, like a kid who just finds out they're getting ice cream.

"Very well then," Mother says with a nod before turning her attention to Goldy. "And you? Do you wish to stay with the colony, or will you lead your own brood?"

Goldy perks up at the question, practically beaming through the psychic link. "I wanna lead my own brood!" she declares with enthusiasm. "That way, I can grow faster and stronger!"

I'm not surprised. If anything, this is the most Goldy answer possible. The little caterpillar might act like a grade-schooler, but she has ambitions the size of a dragon—and the management style of a black company CEO with a caffeine addiction. If she has a tiny suit and a clipboard, we're all doomed.

Mother's tone grows serious, as if the weight of her words is something to be taken to heart. "Very well, Royal Child," she says, addressing Goldy. "I respect your decision." She turns her gaze back to both of us, her voice lowering as she speaks again. "However, heed this warning—this Labyrinth may hold countless monsters, but they are predictable. You can avoid them if you judge their strength well enough. What you must fear are the unpredictable elements."

I raise an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. What could she mean by that? Then she says it, and it hits me with a chill I don't expect.

"Humans."

Mother's gaze sharpens, her tone grim. "They are not bound by instinct like the monsters of this Labyrinth. They come with tools, with strategies, with cruelty wrapped in smiles. Some come to conquer. Others come to collect. And those who seek royal silk?" She pauses, her antennae twitching. "They'll flay a brood alive for just a thread."

I freeze for a moment as the reality of her words settles in. Humans. They exist after all, and they are far from friendly to our kind. The way she describes them makes me shudder—hunting, kidnapping, and killing us for our precious silk. The royal silk that seems so prized in the world outside.

"If you see one, run. If they can be outnumbered, kill them." Mother continues.

I can't help but think of the humans I've heard of back in my old life. But to think they're out there, hunting creatures like us... It's hard to even wrap my head around the idea. But Mother is right. This world has its own dangers, and if humans are as dangerous as she says, then survival comes first. It's as simple as that.

I nod to myself, making a silent vow to stay cautious. Humans are unpredictable, and if I have to fight to protect myself, I will.

The way Mother speaks about humans, it's as if she has some deep-seated hatred for them. And honestly, who can blame her? After all, if they're as dangerous as she says, I'd want to be wary of them too. Still, I make sure to keep that part of my thoughts to myself. The last thing I need is Mother finding out I was once a human.

Good thing I don't say anything about that past life of mine, I muse, suppressing the urge to snicker. If she knew, it would probably be the last time I was allowed anywhere near her. Or at least, that's how I imagine it going.

For now, it's better to let her think of me as just another one of her brood. After all, I don't exactly have a choice in this new life.

Mother begins to speak again, her voice calm but heavy with meaning. "This Labyrinth—"

"Wait, hold on—Labyrinth?" I cut in before Mother can move on to another topic. "You mean to tell me we're actually inside a giant dungeon this whole time?"

Mother turns her gaze toward me, her antennae twitching slightly. "That is correct. This place is known as the Great Labyrinth of Syrrath. We are currently in the 3rd Zone, The Glowing Cave."

I blink. "Third Zone? So, how many zones are there?"

"There are 13 primary layers, meaning 13 major zones," she explains. "However, there are also extra zones, hidden areas, and secret zones scattered throughout the labyrinth. Some are well-documented, while others remain undiscovered."

I take a moment to process that. "Huh. So basically, this place is even bigger than I thought…" I mutter, rubbing my head with one of my little stubby legs. A massive underground death maze filled with monsters? Great. Just great.

"Indeed," Mother continues. "And the deeper one goes, the more dangerous it becomes. Only the strong can survive beyond the deeper zones."

I sigh. "Of course it works like that," I grumble. Wouldn't be a proper death trap if it didn't have a difficulty spike.

Mother continues, "I usually linger around the 5th to 6th Zone, but since it's my laying cycle, I need to move to the upper zones. I generally move between the 3rd and 6th Zones, as I have established territories for our colony in those areas."

I process that for a moment. "So basically, this entire dungeon is your personal backyard?"

"In a way, yes," she responds.
"The 3rd Zone, the Glowing Cave, is where monsters are weak enough for a group of hatchlings to fend for themselves. The 4th Zone, the Dark Cave, is usually a transitional place for caterpillars evolving to the cocoon stage, and its environment is also optimal for cocoons—its complete darkness enhances spatial senses, making it an ideal place to develop our latent psychic abilities.
The 5th Zone, the Green Abyss, is where moths and Mothkin further cultivate their strength and usually serves as the transitional stage for cocoons into moths and Mothkin. Then the 6th Zone, the Sunken Ruins, is where the peak challenge themselves and so on for deeper zones. It's where the strongest Moths and Mothkin push their limits. I sometimes visit the 6th Zone from time to time for a cleaning session myself."

I nod along, taking mental notes. "So, third for hatchlings, fourth for cocooning, fifth for training… Got it."

Then her last words finally sink in.

Wait. Back up.

"Hold on," I say, giving her a flat look. "Did you just casually drop 'cleaning session' in the same breath as talking about a death gauntlet for overachievers?"

Mother simply nods, entirely unbothered.

I can only stare.

Of course she does. Because why wouldn't the strongest being in the colony consider a life-threatening endurance test to be the equivalent of a spa day? Meanwhile, the rest of us are out here struggling to get past level one.

My mind, against my will, conjures the image of Mother in a bath towel, lounging in a hot spring like some kind of elegant noblewoman—except, y'know, still a massive, terrifying moth. Does she… use her own wings as a loofah?

I shake the thought away before it can settle in too deep.
"Right. Okay. Makes total sense," I say, voice laced with sarcasm. "The Sunken Ruins—where the strongest go to prove themselves or where Mother goes to exfoliate. Love that for us."

Then she casually adds, "As for my own strength, I am strong enough to navigate the 7th and 8th Zones without issue, struggle on the 9th floor and might not survive on the 10th floor."

I nearly choke on nothing. Wait, what?

So she's just been babying us in the 3rd to 6th Zones while she's actually powerful enough to roam way deeper? Great. Just great. I have a feeling that if she really wants, she can squash everything in these upper zones like an overpowered endgame boss just chilling in the newbie area.

I tilt my head. "Then, what exactly is in the deeper floors?"

Mother's expression doesn't change, but there is a brief pause before she answers. "That is something you would be better off not knowing."

...Oh. That's not ominous at all.

Goldy, ever the curious one, pipes up. "But isn't it good to know what's ahead so we can prepare?"

Mother turns her many eyes toward her. "Knowing something does not always mean being prepared for it."

That sends a small chill down my spine. Okay, so either it's something so horrible she doesn't want to talk about it, or she just thinks we'd die the moment we even think about stepping foot down there.

Goldy, however, isn't convinced. "So, you're not going to tell us anything?"

Mother simply replies, "No."

Alright. Message received.
Some things are better left unknown.

With that, I figure I'm done with my questions—for now.

"Thanks for explaining, Mother. I'll be going now."

Mother gives a slight nod. "Go on, then. Stay sharp, my childrens."

Goldy and I turn to leave, and as we step out of the golden silk-covered area, I see our other broodmates waiting for us. Some are idly shifting around, others are chatting through their little psychic links.

One of them notices us and calls out, "Took you long enough!"

Goldy puffs up slightly, trying to look important. "We were getting valuable information!"

I roll my eyes. Yeah, and also getting threatened by Father.

I turn to Goldy. "So, what now?"

Goldy perks up, antennae twitching. "For now, we'll explore around the 3rd Zone and then press on to the 4th Zone. But before that—" she turns to the rest of our brood. "What do you all think?"

The response is almost instant.

"Whatever you decide, Royal Sister!"

"We'll follow you, Royal Sister!"

Goldy seems satisfied, nodding as if she expects this answer. Of course, she does—she is our Royal Sister, our leader.

Meanwhile, I have my own thoughts.

Pressing deeper means going farther from the surface, away from the moonlight I might need for my so-called Lunar Ascension. But going to the upper floors means dealing with the possibility of humans. And from what Mother says, humans are dangerous—hunters of our kind.

If I want to survive, if I want to be ready for whatever is up there… then going deeper and getting stronger is the best choice.

I look at Goldy. "Alright, then. Let's press on."

Goldy grins. "That's the spirit!"

And just like that, our small brood of thirteen sets off, deeper into the labyrinth.

Goldy, beaming with energy, waves her front legs excitedly. "Alright then, let's go!"

With that, she turns and begins leading the way, her movements full of enthusiasm. The rest of our siblings follow without question, their tiny bodies crawling over the rocky terrain with ease.

I sigh internally. How does she have so much energy?

Still, there is no turning back now. With a final glance toward Mother's golden silk-covered domain, I follow after Goldy, ready to face whatever awaits us in the depths of the labyrinth.

End of Chapter 7