a painting of a butterfly on a blue background

The Xeno Mantis moves with eerie precision, its translucent, jellyfish-like wings emitting a soft, hypnotic glow that pulses like a heartbeat. The vibrant hues ripple across its body in sync with its movements, casting ethereal light onto the surrounding flora. Its massive compound eyes lock onto you, reflecting your startled expression in infinite fractals, as though peering directly into your soul. It takes a step forward, its claws clicking softly on the ground. As it approaches, the bioluminescent veins running through its exoskeleton pulse brighter, as if trying to communicate. The creature tilts its head, its antennae twitching to absorb every detail about you. Its movements are unnervingly fluid, as though it swims through the air rather than walks. A low, resonant hum begins to emanate from its body—a sound that vibrates through your chest. The sound deepens, and the jungle around you responds in kind; plants bloom in luminous colors, and glowing spores drift lazily through the air. You realize the