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 trudged through the empty expanse of Forsaken Hollow, his steps echoing faintly in the desolate silence. The battle had drained him to his core—his muscles screamed with every step, his mind foggy from exhaustion. He kept his hand on his katana, a small reassurance in a world that offered no safety.

His thoughts wandered to the shattered shard of Silent Agony, the pieces left behind in the wake of his final strike. A shard of such power… broken. Did I waste it? Or was it the only way to sever the agony's grasp on this place?

He shook his head, his white hair swaying with the motion. His mind shifted to the vessels that remained: the Shattered Dominion in the Withering Spire, a being whose presence could warp reality itself, and the Eternal Hunger in the Void Nexus, the most ancient and powerful of them all.

*Am I truly ready for them?* he wondered, a cold realization creeping into his chest. *I've been pushing myself too far. The battles, the pain—it's all adding up. How much longer can I endure this?*

"Karesh," he called out, his voice steady but low. "Do you think I should keep going? Or should I stop… rest?"

For a moment, there was no reply. Then Karesh's voice came, calm yet carrying a faint edge of concern.

"You're human, Zami, no matter how much you've surpassed your limits. Rest is not a weakness. If you collapse, who will finish this journey?"

Zami let out a soft exhale, the weight of those words settling over him. He scanned the hollow, searching for a safe place to stop. The remnants of Forsaken Hollow offered little shelter—a ruined chamber here, a crumbling structure there. Yet the eerie stillness of the place suggested it might give him the time he needed.

His silver eyes scanned the area, the faint glow of bioluminescent plants casting shadows across the broken terrain. Finally, he found a small alcove carved into the stone, partially concealed by tendrils of purple vines. It wasn't ideal, but it would do.

He stepped inside, easing himself onto the ground with a wince. His cloak, tattered and dirtied from countless battles, provided little comfort against the cold stone, but he didn't care. For now, he could rest.

As he leaned back, staring at the faintly glowing ceiling of the hollow, his thoughts turned inward once more. The image of the Shattered Dominion loomed in his mind, its warped reality a daunting challenge. And beyond that, the Eternal Hunger—a name that sent a chill down his spine.

Rest now, he told himself, because when I rise, I'll need every ounce of strength to face what's ahead.

His silver eyes drifted shut, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, Zami allowed himself to sleep.

The Path to Rest