Xsafron

In a world overshadowed by eternal darkness, monstrous creatures born from meteorite fragments have ravaged humanity, forcing survivors underground into a colony devoid of light. Among them is Zami Agatoru, a young man burdened by tragedy and destined for greatness. Once a promising warrior of his clan, Zami was the sole survivor of a monster attack that claimed his family and clan. Now, he dwells in the vast, oppressive underworld, facing unimaginable horrors while seeking redemption and purpose.  

Zami’s strength stems not from supernatural powers but from years of relentless training and a cursed ability: revival. Upon death, Zami revives moments before his defeat, retaining memories and honing his skills over countless lifetimes. This ability has allowed him to surpass human limits, evolving both mind and body into the perfect warrior.  

Armed with a black katana forged from an otherworldly stone and a toxic dagger he crafted from monster bones, Zami ventures deeper into the colony. He faces terrifying Vessels, avatars of powerful entities tied to the meteorites. Each Vessel wields devastating abilities, challenging Zami’s resolve and pushing him beyond his physical and mental limits.  

As Zami progresses, he unravels the colony's dark secrets: the origin of the meteorites, the true nature of the Vessels, and the essence of the creatures that worship these fragments. Along the way, he uncovers the deeper truth about himself and the entity that dwells within him—Karesh, a being tied to the meteorite’s power.  

Driven by the need to protect humanity and confront the Vessels, Zami faces impossible odds. From the Abyssal Cradle, home of the fearsome Wailing Dread, to the Forsaken Hollow, where the Silent Agony’s true body lies, and the Withering Spire, where Shattered Dominion warps reality itself, Zami battles creatures that defy logic.  

Amid this chaos, Zami grapples with his humanity. His stoic, emotionless demeanor hides a young man carrying the weight of loss and duty. Moments of quiet—crafting weapons, preparing food, or reflecting on his clan’s philosophy—highlight his depth and resilience.  

Through countless revivals, bloody battles, and grueling challenges, Zami inches closer to his ultimate goal: destroying the meteorite fragments and ending the monsters’ reign. But with each battle, the cost of his journey grows heavier, forcing him to confront the essence of sacrifice, mortality, and the question of what it truly means to be human.

No Path but the Void

Zami sat cross-legged in the dim light of his cavern, his breathing steady but his body still aching from the wounds he bore. The fight with the Bone Monarch had taken more out of him than he had anticipated, and the conversation with Karesh only added to his unease.

But he couldn't let it rest. Not now.

"Karesh," he called out, his voice firm.

The creature stirred within him, its presence manifesting as a faint hum in his chest. "You never let things go, do you?"

"Not when there's more to learn," Zami replied sharply. "You mentioned entities before. The ones tied to the meteors, the vessels. Did they create you?"

Karesh hesitated, his voice quieter when he answered. "In a way. The entities are ancient forces—beyond comprehension to most beings, even their own creations. They forged me, along with others, to act as custodians of their corruption. We were meant to ensure their influence spread, to break worlds and reshape them in their image."

Zami frowned, his hand gripping the hilt of his katana as if grounding himself. "But you said you severed your connection to them."

"I did," Karesh confirmed. "I wasn't meant to think for myself. But over time, I began to question their purpose. I saw the destruction they caused, the endless suffering. It became... unbearable. So, I broke free. At great cost."

"Then where are they now?" Zami pressed. "These entities—where can I find them?"

Karesh's voice grew colder. "They exist outside this reality, in a place beyond time and space. The vessels are their anchors, their means of reaching into worlds like this one. Destroying the vessels weakens their hold, but to confront them directly? That's something else entirely."

Zami leaned forward, his gaze fixed on the fire's flickering flames. "If they're outside this reality, then there must be a way to reach them. A way to stop them for good."

"You're bold, Zami," Karesh said with a hint of amusement. "But even if you found a way to reach them, what could you do? They're not beings you can kill with a sword or outwit in battle. They're primordial forces, older than the stars."

"I don't care how old they are," Zami said, his voice low and determined. "If they're the reason for all of this—the colony, the creatures, you being inside me—then I'll find a way to end them."

Karesh was silent for a moment, then spoke with uncharacteristic softness. "You've grown stronger than I ever thought possible, but you're still mortal. Your resolve is commendable, but don't let it blind you to the reality of what you face."

Zami's jaw tightened. "You keep saying things like that, yet you still haven't told me everything. What else are you hiding?"

Karesh's voice turned sharp. "There are things you're not ready to know, Zami. Truths that could break you, even with all your strength."

"Try me," Zami said, his eyes blazing with defiance.

But Karesh didn't answer. His presence faded, leaving Zami alone with his thoughts.

Zami exhaled slowly, his mind racing. The entities, the vessels, the meteors—it all pointed to something far greater than he had imagined. Something far more dangerous.

He stood, wincing as pain shot through his side, and began to prepare. If he was going to face whatever came next, he needed to recover, to train, to push himself even further. And when the time came, he would find a way to confront the forces behind it all.

Seeking the Origin