Zami stood in the eerie silence of the chamber, his body battered and bloodied from the grueling battle with the Wailing Dread. Every breath felt like fire in his chest, and his limbs trembled under the strain. He leaned against his katana, staring at the cracked remains of his dagger and the Bone Monarch's shard, now embedded with faint traces of his own blood.
He took a deep breath, steadying his thoughts. As he sheathed his katana and limped toward the chamber's exit, his voice broke the quiet.
"Karesh, why didn't the Silent Agony drop a shard? He was a Vessel too. Did I… truly defeat him?"
For a moment, there was no response, only the faint hum of the shard in his pouch. Then, Karesh's voice echoed within Zami's mind, low and calculating.
"The Silent Agony… was different. Not all Vessels are tethered to shards as the Bone Monarch or the Wailing Dread were. Some are bound in ways that transcend physical remnants. You may have defeated his form, but his essence lingers. Whether you truly defeated him… remains uncertain."
Zami's silver eyes narrowed. "You knew this, didn't you? That killing him wasn't the end."
Karesh's tone grew colder. "What I know and what I tell you are not always the same, Zami. You survived him—this is what matters."
Zami scoffed but said nothing more. He adjusted his cloak, pulling it tightly over his wounded body, and began the slow ascent out of the chamber. His vision blurred from the blood loss, but his steps remained steady, driven by sheer will.
The Abyssal Cradle seemed darker than before, its oppressive weight pressing down on Zami as he retraced his steps. Every movement sent jolts of pain through his body. Blood dripped from his torn hands, leaving a faint trail behind him.
As he passed the crystal-lined paths and twisted architecture, he took note of every detail, committing it to memory. Despite his injuries, his mind worked tirelessly, analyzing every potential advantage the terrain could offer if he ever returned.
When he finally reached the outskirts of the Abyssal Cradle, the faint glow of bioluminescent vines greeted him like distant stars. He collapsed against a rock, his body screaming for rest.
He coughed violently, blood staining his lips. Yet, even in his weakened state, his mind wandered.
"Karesh… is there any way to know for sure if the Silent Agony is gone?"
Karesh's response was distant, almost reluctant. "If he returns, you'll know. Until then… prepare for what lies ahead. The Wailing Dread was but one trial. The Vessels are many, and each will challenge you in ways you cannot yet imagine."
Zami clenched his jaw, frustration mingling with exhaustion. He tore a piece of cloth from his cloak and began wrapping his bleeding hands. "If they're stronger than what I've faced so far… I'll need more than just preparation."
It took hours—perhaps days—before Zami reached the edge of the intelligent creatures' village. The sight of the dimly lit settlement, illuminated by lanterns and glowing plants, was a welcome relief.
The creatures noticed his arrival, their wary eyes following him as he limped through the streets. They murmured amongst themselves, their words barely audible to Zami's ringing ears.
Ignoring their stares, Zami headed straight for the healer he had visited before. The small hut was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of herbs and crushed plants.
The healer, a hunched figure with thin tendrils adorning its head, turned to him with a startled expression. "You look like death itself."
Zami smirked faintly. "I feel worse."
The healer gestured for him to sit, pulling out various salves and herbs. As the creature worked, Zami's thoughts drifted. The mystery of the Silent Agony, the challenge of the Wailing Dread, and the countless battles yet to come all loomed in his mind.
But for now, he allowed himself a moment of respite, knowing that the road ahead would only grow darker.