Precision and Fury

The vast expanse of the colony stretched before Zami, its familiar gloom heavy with the scent of decay. He stood atop a ridge, his gaze locked on a group of humanoid creatures patrolling a narrow pathway below. They were fewer in number than the previous group, but their movements were sharper, more coordinated—elite compared to the rabble he had faced earlier.

Zami adjusted his stance, taking in the environment. The terrain was uneven, with jagged rocks and shallow crevices providing ample opportunities for ambushes or quick escapes. His injuries from the earlier battles still burned, but his determination outweighed the pain.

"This time," he murmured, tightening his grip on his katana, "I'll test them with everything I have."

---

Zami descended silently, his presence masked by the colony's shadows. When he was within range, he made his move.

The first creature turned just as Zami exploded forward with *Adrenaline Surge*, his body a blur of speed. His katana pierced through the creature's chest, the sound of its shriek echoing across the pathway.

Two others lunged at him with crude blades. Zami ducked under their swings, twisting into *Arrow Flow*. His body spun like a whirlwind, his kick smashing one creature into the ground while his katana arced through the other's neck.

The remaining creatures advanced cautiously, their weapons raised. Zami smirked, sheathing his katana. "Let's see how you handle this."

He darted forward, closing the distance with *Hawk Drop*. Leaping high into the air, he delivered a devastating low kick that shattered the kneecap of the nearest foe, leaving it writhing in agony.

Another creature came at him from the side, its spear thrust aimed at his ribs. Zami sidestepped and countered with *1-Inch Punch*, his fist driving into its chest with enough force to send it flying into a nearby rock wall.

Three more charged him at once. Zami met their assault with *Multi-Kick*, his legs a blur of motion as he delivered a flurry of strikes. Two fell instantly, their skulls cracked and bodies crumpling to the ground. The third staggered back, dazed and bleeding.

Zami pressed his advantage, using *Tendon Lock* to disable the creature. His hands moved with surgical precision, snapping its tendons and leaving it helpless on the ground.

The last two creatures hesitated, their confidence waning. Zami advanced, his expression cold.

With a sudden burst of speed, he closed the gap and unleashed *Razor Sharp Hands*. His fingers, stiffened like blades, slashed through the first creature's throat, blood spraying across the darkened ground.

The final creature roared in defiance, swinging its axe with wild abandon. Zami dodged effortlessly, his movements a masterclass in precision.

He analyzed its attacks, his mind locking onto its weak points. Then, with *Precision Strike*, he drove his fist into the creature's exposed side. The force of the blow shattered its ribs, and it collapsed, gurgling as its life drained away.

---

The pathway was silent once more, littered with the bodies of the fallen. Zami stood amidst the carnage, his chest rising and falling with exertion.

"You're pushing yourself too hard," Karesh's voice echoed in his mind.

Zami wiped the blood from his hands, his expression unreadable. "I need to be ready. There's no room for hesitation in this place."

He retrieved the shard from his satchel, its faint glow casting eerie shadows on his face.

"Is this the shard from the Bone Monarch?" he wondered aloud, turning it over in his hands. "Or the one from the creatures outside the fortress?"

Karesh was silent for a moment before replying. "It doesn't matter. Both shards are pieces of a larger truth. The question is—are you prepared to uncover it?"

Zami clenched his fist around the shard, his resolve unwavering. "I'll do whatever it takes."

He slid the shard back into his satchel and turned toward the horizon. The next stage of his journey awaited, and he would meet it with every ounce of strength he had.