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

Zami's eyes fluttered open to a dim, flickering light. His body ached, every muscle screaming in protest as he shifted slightly against the cold, rocky ground. The remnants of the battle were all around him: blackened shards of the heart's structure, faint wisps of dissipating energy, and the eerie stillness that had replaced the chaos.

He groaned, his mind sluggish as he tried to piece together what had happened. The destruction of the heart, the blinding explosion of the shard—he had done it. Silent Agony's source had been severed.

"Karesh," Zami croaked, his voice hoarse.

There was no response at first, only the oppressive silence of the now-empty chamber. But then, faintly, Karesh's voice broke through.

Zami blinked, sitting up slowly. "Why… couldn't you answer me earlier?"

Karesh's tone was unusually solemn. "The screams, Zami. The agony of countless souls. It was so loud, so overwhelming, that I couldn't speak. Their pain drowned out everything."

Zami sat there in silence, absorbing Karesh's words. The weight of what he had done, the torment that had fueled Silent Agony, pressed heavily on his mind. He glanced at the smoldering crater where the heart had been, a hollow reminder of the creature's power.

"So, in the end…" Zami muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper, "the agony wasn't silent."

Karesh said nothing, but his presence seemed to settle more heavily in Zami's mind, as if acknowledging the bitter truth in those words.

Zami pushed himself to his feet, every movement a struggle. He couldn't stay here; there was still more to do, and the colony held no mercy for weakness. He steadied himself against the wall, his katana sheathed but resting heavily on his hip.

"Let's move," he said, his voice gaining strength.

Karesh remained silent this time, a companion in the quiet aftermath of their shared battle. The only sound was the faint echo of Zami's footsteps as he left the ruined chamber behind, the weight of countless souls finally lifted but never forgotten.

The End of Silence