Endless Struggle

Zami stood once more at the precipice of battle, the Wailing Dread staring him down. The chamber had reset countless times, and yet the looming vessel appeared as imposing as ever. Its multiple arms stretched outward, the distorted mouth curling into a grin. The crystals embedded in its arms shimmered ominously, and its cape rippled with a sinister energy that seemed to mock Zami's every effort.

This was his seventh attempt.

"I'll kill you," Zami whispered, his voice low and steady, though his eyes betrayed the weariness of repeated failure.

The Wailing Dread tilted its head, amusement flickering in its blue crystal eyes. "You're relentless, I'll grant you that. But even a flame burns out eventually."

Zami didn't reply. He darted forward, unleashing a seamless combo: *Hawk Drop* to destabilize the ground beneath the Wailing Dread, followed by a *Pierce* aimed at its center. As his katana sped toward its mark, Zami transitioned into *Arrow Flow*, spinning to deflect the creature's counterattack.

The scythes clashed against his blade, the impact echoing through the chamber. Sparks flew as Zami redirected the scythes' momentum back toward the Wailing Dread. One struck its crystal arm, cracking it slightly, but the vessel retaliated immediately, releasing a deafening high-frequency sound.

Zami winced, blood dripping from his ears. He pressed forward regardless, igniting *Blood Cell Explosion*. His katana roared with flames as he executed *Multiple Slash*, a relentless barrage of strikes aimed at the creature's vulnerable points.

But it wasn't enough.

Chains erupted from beneath the Wailing Dread's cape, snaking around Zami's limbs. He twisted free using *Muscle Tension Break*, only to be met with a swarm of phantom snakes. Their translucent forms coiled around him, biting and tearing.

"Damn it," Zami hissed, slicing through the phantoms with *Razor Sharp Hands*. His palms bled from the strain, but he refused to falter.

With a desperate burst of energy, he activated *Flow State*. The world slowed around him, and every movement of the Wailing Dread became predictable. Zami weaved through the onslaught of scythes, chains, and phantoms with precision, each attack narrowly missing him.

He leaped forward, delivering a *1-In Various Punch* to the Wailing Dread's chest. The rapid strikes dented its crystalline surface, but the creature remained unfazed.

"You can't win," it rasped, spreading its cape wide.

Chains lashed out, wrapping around Zami's torso and pulling him toward the creature's maw. He struggled, but the chains tightened, the scythes spinning toward him.

And then, darkness.

Zami's eyes shot open. The chamber was as it had been before, the Wailing Dread standing tall and unscathed. His grip on the katana tightened, his body trembling—not from fear, but from frustration.

Karesh's voice echoed in his mind. "Even you have limits, Zami. This enemy is beyond anything you've faced."

"I don't care," Zami muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll keep dying. I'll keep trying."

He faced the Wailing Dread again. And again.

Each time, he employed every technique, every strategy. Combos flowed seamlessly—*Precision Strike* followed by *Adrenaline Surge*, *1-In Various Punch* chained into *Blood Cell Explosion*. He used the environment, striking with precision and ferocity. He deflected the scythes, countered the chains, and obliterated the phantom snakes.

But no matter what he did, the Wailing Dread endured.

Each revival brought him closer to the brink of despair, but Zami's resolve never wavered.

On his twelfth attempt, he stood before the creature once more, his silver eyes cold and unyielding. His body ached, his mind screamed for rest, but his heart remained steady.

"You're persistent," the Wailing Dread hissed. "But this is your limit. No mortal can overcome a vessel."

Zami didn't respond. He raised his katana, blood dripping from his hands, and charged.

This time, he wouldn't stop.