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 leaned against the jagged wall of his cavern, gazing into the dim glow of the fungi clinging to the stone. His body still bore the marks of his last battles, but his mind was elsewhere, wrestling with a question that seemed impossible to answer.

The entities Karesh spoke of—beings of unimaginable power, creators of the monstrosities that plagued this world. How could he, a mere mortal, ever hope to reach them? Let alone stop them?

He clenched his fists, his mind replaying every encounter he'd had since arriving in this colony. The monsters, the shards, the vessels—it all tied back to the entities. They were gods in all but name, and he had been fighting their creations for what felt like an eternity.

"Karesh," he said, breaking the silence.

The creature stirred, its voice low and weary. "You call for me so often these days. What is it now?"

Zami didn't respond immediately, staring at the flickering shadows on the cavern wall. "I've fought their offsprings. But I can't reach them, can I? They're untouchable."

Karesh was silent for a moment. "Not untouchable. But unreachable for someone like you."

Zami's jaw tightened. "Someone like me? I've survived things no one else could. I've killed creatures that would drive others to madness. Don't tell me I'm not capable."

"It's not about capability," Karesh replied. "It's about access. The entities exist in a plane beyond this one. The vessels are the closest you'll ever come to them in this world."

Zami took a slow breath, forcing himself to remain calm. "Then I'll find the vessels. All of them. If that's the only way to weaken their hold, then that's what I'll do."

Karesh's tone was cautious. "You've already encountered two shards—fragments of vessels. You've seen the power they hold, the way they corrupt those who come near them. Do you truly think you can gather them all?"

"I don't need to gather them," Zami said. "I just need to destroy them."

Karesh let out a low hum. "Destroying a vessel isn't as simple as breaking a shard. Their essence lingers, seeping into the world even after their physical form is gone. But if you're determined to pursue this path, I can guide you. To a point."

Zami's eyes narrowed. "What's the catch?"

Karesh chuckled softly. "No catch. Only a warning. The vessels are not defenseless. They are protected by guardians—beings far more powerful than anything you've faced before. And the more vessels you destroy, the more the entities will take notice of you."

"I don't care if they notice me," Zami said firmly. "If they see me as a threat, that means I'm doing something right."

Karesh sighed. "Stubborn as always. Very well. If you truly wish to find the vessels, I'll help you. But don't say I didn't warn you."

Zami nodded, his resolve unwavering. "Where do I start?"

"There are traces," Karesh said. "Places where the vessels' influence is strongest. You've already encountered two—one worshipped by the humanoid creatures outside the fortress, and one on the Bone Monarch's throne. There will be others, scattered throughout the colony. If you learn to sense their presence, you'll find them."

Zami closed his eyes, focusing on the faint hum of energy that still lingered in his body from his encounters with the shards. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it was there—a thread of power connecting him to something far greater.

"I'll find them," he said, opening his eyes. "And I'll destroy them."

Karesh's voice was quieter now, almost somber. "Be careful, Zami. The path you've chosen is fraught with dangers even you can't anticipate. But if anyone can walk it, it's you."

Zami stood, his injuries protesting with every movement. He wasn't fully recovered yet, but that didn't matter. He had a purpose now—a goal that burned brighter than anything else.

The vessels were out there, hidden in the depths of the colony. And he would find them, no matter the cost.

Path of the Vessels