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 was silent, save for Zami's ragged breathing. The shattered remains of Silent Agony's tendrils dissolved into the shadows, leaving behind an oppressive emptiness. He glanced down at his hands, trembling from exhaustion and covered in his own blood. The shard embedded in his dagger pulsed faintly, its energy subdued but still ominous.

Zami slid the dagger into its sheath with deliberate care, then reached into his tattered cloak for the small leather pouch he carried. He pulled it open and tucked the Bone Monarch's shard inside, the object settling with a faint hum against his other supplies. The weight of it felt heavier than it should, as if it carried not just power but an unsettling presence.

The moment he secured the pouch, a sharp pain shot through his chest. Zami doubled over, coughing violently. Bright red droplets spattered onto the stone floor, their vivid color stark against the cold, dark surface. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, grimacing at the metallic taste that lingered.

"Too much strain," he muttered to himself, his voice hoarse. The *Flow State*, combined with the relentless use of his techniques, had pushed his body far beyond its limits.

Karesh's voice broke the silence, his tone calm yet tinged with concern. "You're lucky to even be breathing, Zami. You pushed yourself further than I thought possible."

Zami leaned against a crumbled pillar, sliding down until he was seated on the floor. He tilted his head back, closing his eyes as he tried to steady his breathing. His body screamed for rest, every muscle and joint aching with a deep, bone-deep fatigue.

"I didn't have a choice," Zami replied after a moment. "It was either push through or die."

Karesh chuckled darkly. "And yet, you did both. I warned you about the cost of the *Flow State*. It's not something you can wield without consequence."

Zami didn't respond. He knew Karesh was right, but the cost didn't matter—not when the alternative was failure. He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling, the faint glow of the shard in his pouch a reminder of what he had gained—and what it might cost him later.

His fingers brushed against his belt, finding the small vial of healing liquid he had crafted from the colony's herbs and fungi. He uncorked it and downed the bitter mixture in one gulp, wincing as the sharp taste burned his throat. It wouldn't heal his wounds entirely, but it would buy him time to recover.

Karesh spoke again, his voice softer this time. "You've come far, Zami. But this path you walk… it's only going to get harder. The vessels are stronger than you realize, and the entities they serve… they are beyond comprehension."

Zami closed his eyes again, his breathing finally starting to steady. "Then I'll keep getting stronger," he said simply.

"And what will you do when even strength isn't enough?"

Zami didn't answer. He didn't have an answer. Not yet.

The silence stretched on as he sat there, resting against the cold stone. His mind raced with thoughts of the battles to come, the shards, and the entities that seemed so far out of reach. For now, though, he allowed himself a moment of stillness.

He would need it. The fight was far from over.

Blood and Rest