am-books Chapter 112 A Living Decoy
Chapter 112 A Living Decoy
He blinked, his round toddler eyes widening. "Eh?" he managed to utter, his babyish voice almost comically high-pitched.
The Queen leaned forward, her many legs shifting as she made her point clear.
Mikhailis's mouth fell open. This... this sounded risky. Beyond risky, actually. He was being used as live bait! The Queen's voice continued to reverberate through his mind, steady and unwavering.
"Ehhhh?" This time, the pitch was even higher, disbelief clear in his squeaky voice. He could feel his tiny heart hammering against his ribs. Being bait was not exactly on his list of things he wanted to do today—or ever, for that matter.
Mikhailis let out a sigh, his little shoulders sagging. He didn't like this plan one bit, but the Queen was right. If they were going to be attacked either way, better to control the situation rather than be caught off guard. Still... the idea of being bait was terrifying.
I'm just a baby right now! And not just any baby—a clone baby! How am I supposed to do this? he thought, his eyes growing large and teary. But there was no other choice.
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He shivered slightly, feeling the cool wind on his exposed skin. He was a toddler, wearing only a small tunic-like garment that barely covered him. Being at the center of all these soldiers, fully aware that he was literally the bait, wasn't exactly comforting.
"E-Eh?" he stammered again, looking at the imposing soldiers. They were formidable, certainly, but they were also all he had between him and the approaching attackers. He glanced around, his eyes wide, trying to take in the sight of the defensive formation.
They had positioned themselves with strategic precision—rows of soldiers, with Scurabons in the middle and Fire Scarabs on the outskirts, ready to act as both distraction and support.
The Hypnoveil stood at a slightly elevated spot, the tiny plant on its back glowing faintly, its hypnotic leaves rustling in the wind.
Mikhailis let out a shaky breath, his teeth chattering slightly. I can do this, he tried to convince himself.
I trust the Queen. I trust the soldiers.
Still, the fear gnawed at him. He knew how fragile his current form was—how easy it would be for a powerful monster to break him.
The Queen's voice echoed in his mind, calm and commanding.
The Queen's voice echoed in his mind once again, her tone filled with calm determination.
Mikhailis nodded weakly, his tiny body slumping in his seat. He watched as the soldiers pushed the remaining attackers back, their mandibles snapping and their legs striking with precision. The wolf, still under the Hypnoveil's control, snarled as it lunged at the centipede, driving it away from the defensive line.
Slowly, the attackers began to retreat, disappearing back into the shadows of the forest. The soldiers held their ground, their bodies tense as they watched for any signs of another attack. But the forest was silent once more, the only sound the soft rustle of leaves in the wind.
Mikhailis let out a shaky breath, his body relaxing as the tension began to fade. They had done it. They had repelled the attackers. He looked around at the soldiers, their armored forms standing tall and proud. He felt a deep sense of gratitude towards them, towards the Queen, for protecting him.
The Queen approached, her massive form towering over him. Her eyes glinted with a mix of pride and determination.
she said, her voice gentle but firm.
Mikhailis's eyes widened, his tiny body tensing once more.
"E-Eh?!" he stammered, his voice breaking.
T-Then won't my life constantly be in danger?!
The Queen's gaze softened, and she nodded slowly.
Mikhailis swallowed hard, his eyes wide with fear and determination.
This... this is my life now, he thought, his tiny hands trembling.
Constant danger, constant threats... but I will grow stronger. I have to.
He took a deep breath, his gaze hardening as he looked up at the Queen.
But will I survive, I wonder... Rodion. Help me~