Soon, after a hearty meal, the newly hatched sea locusts grew to the length of an arm. They swam in the dirty water, with scales and shells gradually hardening, sprouting several slender legs. The beginnings of wings appeared on their backs, but without enough nutrients, they couldn't fully develop.
Hunger, still hungry.
Following the scent of decay, it pounced, consuming the remaining corpses along with the bones, but it was still not enough. Driven by the sweet aroma, it crawled into a crack in the sewer.
There, it saw a tender face covered in grime and bewilderment.
A child curled up inside.
Food!
In an instant, it let out a joyous screech, eagerly pouncing forward. But immediately after, what its compound eyes saw was not terror, but the child's delighted smile.
Filled with joy.
The child grinned, revealing missing teeth.
Food!
Bam!
