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 steps echoed faintly against the barren terrain of Forsaken Hollow. The haunting cries that once filled the air were now replaced with an unsettling silence. The void left behind by Silent Agony's defeat was palpable, the agony-infused landscape now devoid of its tormenting presence.

He paused, scanning his surroundings. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, there was no immediate threat. No writhing tendrils, no wandering souls, no creatures lurking in the shadows. Just emptiness.

The realization settled over him like a heavy cloak. The Forsaken Hollow, a place that had been alive with anguish and hostility, was now eerily still. His silver eyes narrowed as he moved to a large, jagged rock jutting out of the ground. With a weary sigh, he lowered himself onto it, resting his katana across his lap.

Pulling the Wailing Dread shard from his pouch, he examined its smooth, crystalline surface. The shard shimmered faintly, its dark hue tinged with an ominous glow. Zami tilted his katana, the blade's edges marred by countless battles, and pressed the shard against it.

With careful, deliberate movements, he began sharpening the katana. The shard scraped along the blade's surface, releasing faint sparks that illuminated the dim surroundings. Each stroke of the shard brought a subtle clarity to the weapon, as though it, too, remembered the weight of the battles it had endured.

Zami's mind wandered as he worked. The silence of the Hollow seemed to mirror his own inner void. The battle with Silent Agony had been grueling, and though he had emerged victorious, the cost weighed heavily on him. His body ached, his exhaustion was mounting, and the loss of Silent Agony's shard in the heart's explosion still gnawed at him.

*How much more can I endure?* The thought surfaced unbidden, but he pushed it aside. There was no room for doubt.

As the katana's edge grew sharper, Zami paused, inspecting his work. The weapon gleamed faintly under the dim, unnatural light of Forsaken Hollow. It wasn't perfect, but it would suffice for now.

He slid the shard back into his pouch and stood, his katana resting comfortably in his grip. The silence around him felt almost oppressive, but he welcomed it. It was a rare reprieve, however fleeting it might be.

His gaze swept over the empty landscape. For the first time, he allowed himself a moment of stillness, taking in the quiet before the journey continued. Forsaken Hollow may have been subdued, but the challenges ahead loomed larger than ever.

Zami tightened his grip on his katana and began walking once more.

The Hollow's Emptiness