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 moved through the fractured landscape, each step carrying him over the remnants of what was once his home. The trees stood as jagged, broken spires, their charred remains clawing at the sickly gray sky. The air was heavy, not with the staleness of the colony but with the memory of a world that had crumbled under its own weight. Every shadow cast by the fragmented light seemed to stretch unnaturally, whispering secrets he couldn't quite hear.

As he moved, the feeling of being watched grew stronger. A familiar tension built in his chest, not fear—he no longer knew fear—but the sharp awareness of a predator in his midst. His silver eyes flicked to the edges of his vision, where a figure danced between the jagged remains of the forest.

With practiced precision, Zami's hand moved to his katana. He unsheathed it halfway, the faint glow of its etched symbols cutting through the gloom. The blade's hum resonated with the air around him, as if ready to bite into whatever sought to challenge him.

The shadow moved closer, stepping into the dim light.

Zami's grip on his katana tightened for a moment, but as the figure came fully into view, he paused. A child. A young girl, no more than ten years old, stood before him. She was small, her head barely reaching Zami's hips. Her pale skin almost glowed in the dull light, a stark contrast to her shoulder-length black hair. Her black eyes, deep and empty, met his with an unnatural stillness. Small, sharp horns jutted from her head, and her nails and teeth were pointed, almost feral.

She wore a simple white robe, its edges frayed and dirtied from the harsh terrain, and she was barefoot, her delicate feet coated in dust and grime. Despite her fragile appearance, something about her presence unsettled him.

Zami's katana slid back into its sheath with a deliberate motion. He studied the girl carefully, his voice carrying a rare hint of concern.

"Are you a human?" he asked, his tone low but steady.

The girl didn't respond. Her expression remained blank, her black eyes unblinking. She shifted slightly, tilting her head as if to study him in return, but no words came from her.

Zami frowned. His silver eyes scanned her form, searching for any signs of threat. Her silence reminded him of the creatures he had faced in the colony, their primal intelligence hidden behind blank stares. Yet, she wasn't entirely like them. There was something...different.

"You're not talkative, are you?" he muttered, more to himself than to her.

The girl simply stood there, her gaze unwavering. The wind stirred, rustling her robe and carrying with it the faint scent of ash. Zami didn't move, his instincts warning him to tread carefully.

After a long silence, he took a cautious step forward. The girl didn't react, only continuing to watch him with her dark, emotionless eyes. The weight of her gaze was heavier than it should have been for someone so small.

"Why are you here?" he asked, his voice steady but sharper.

Zami exhaled, glancing around the ruined landscape. The shadow of her presence lingered in the edges of his senses, an odd pressure he couldn't quite place. She wasn't attacking, yet she wasn't retreating either.

"Stay if you want," Zami said finally, turning away from her. His voice carried no malice, only a cold acknowledgment of her existence. "But don't get in my way."

He began to walk again, his senses remaining alert for any sudden movement. The girl didn't follow immediately, but he could feel her presence lingering, like a faint echo in the back of his mind.

As he moved deeper into the desolate land, he wondered if she was truly a child or something more. The world outside was no better than the colony, and if this was a test, it was unlike any he'd faced before.

The World Outside