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

The chamber doors groaned open once more, revealing Silent Agony. Its grotesque form remained imposing, tendrils writhing and mouths sneering. The numerous eyes scattered across its body glimmered with malice.

Zami stepped inside, his katana resting firmly in his grip. His eyes flicked briefly to the Bone Monarch's shard, which he had tucked into his sash. It glowed faintly, pulsing as if alive.

Silent Agony's voice slithered through the air. "You return, even after failure. Do you enjoy the futility of this game, little human?"

Zami said nothing, his focus sharpening. His breathing slowed as he triggered *Adrenaline Surge*. His muscles tensed, veins bulging as the artificial rush flooded his body.

The creature moved first, its tendrils lashing out like a storm of whips. Zami countered with *Arrow Flow*, spinning out of the way while slashing at the tendrils in one fluid motion. The black ichor splattered across the floor, but more tendrils replaced the severed ones almost instantly.

Pivoting on his heel, he transitioned into *Hawk Drop*, leaping high and crashing down on one of the creature's larger tendrils. The impact cracked the stone beneath it, and the tendril recoiled violently. Zami followed with *Precision Strike*, aiming for the cluster of eyes near its center.

Silent Agony screeched, the blow landing true, but its retaliation came swiftly. A burst of dark energy erupted from its core, throwing Zami backward. He slammed into the wall, coughing as the air was forced from his lungs.

"I've killed you before. I'll do it again," the creature hissed, tendrils writhing.

Zami steadied himself, clutching his katana tightly. He glanced down at the shard, its glow intensifying. A thought crossed his mind—a desperate gamble.

Charging forward, Zami feinted a slash to the left, then transitioned into *Hidden Strike*. His katana flicked to the right, slicing through another tendril. He used the momentum to close the gap, striking with *1-In Various Punch*. His free hand delivered a relentless barrage of blows to the creature's torso, ichor spraying with each hit.

Silent Agony roared in anger, its mouths snapping hungrily. Zami dodged a tendril swipe and activated *Exploding Blood Cells*. Flames engulfed his blade, and he swung it in a wide arc, carving through multiple tendrils. The flames licked at his arm, searing his flesh, but he pressed on.

"I'll die anyways," Zami muttered, his voice low and resolute.

He reached for the shard as he moved. Clutching it tightly, he hurled it toward Silent Agony's core. The shard struck, embedding itself in the creature's body.

For a moment, there was silence. Then the shard erupted with energy, sending waves of light and force through the chamber. Silent Agony screamed, its tendrils flailing wildly.

Zami didn't waste the opportunity. With his remaining strength, he unleashed *Night Sun*, his fists hammering into the creature's core in rapid succession. Each blow carried the force of his will, driving the shard deeper into its body.

Silent Agony shrieked, the combined onslaught overwhelming it. But the creature wasn't done yet. In a final act of defiance, its tendrils lashed out, piercing Zami's torso and limbs. Blood sprayed as he fell to his knees, his vision blurring.

As darkness consumed him once more, Zami watched the shard pulsate within Silent Agony's body. He smiled faintly. "This time… I'll make it count."

Zami awoke, gasping for air. He stood once more before the chamber, the memory of his last attempt vivid in his mind. The shard's reaction had given him hope, a glimmer of a plan.

Adjusting his grip on the katana, he muttered, "Again."

He pushed open the doors, stepping into the chamber to face Silent Agony once more.

Shard of Defiance