CHITIN

Centuries after humanity vanished, insects evolved into humanoid civilizations while retaining the terrifying traits of their species. There is no magic—every extraordinary ability comes from exaggerated insect biology. Beetles possess monstrous strength and armor, mantises lethal reflexes, fleas explosive legs, dragonflies near-perfect vision, and ants incredible strength and coordination. Every few years, the strongest fighters enter The Molting, a brutal underground tournament beneath the ruins of the human world where killing isn’t required—but isn’t forbidden. Cairo, a young worker ant born without the instinct to obey his colony, learned to survive by fighting alone. Unknown to him, he carries the blood of Kain, the Black Fang, a legendary Bullet Ant who mysteriously disappeared. Now Cairo enters a world of fighters evolution designed to kill. No magic. Biology is the weapon.