The chamber of the Wailing Dread loomed before Zami once more. Every step felt heavier as he entered, the oppressive air thick with the remnants of his previous battles. The crystalline chamber glimmered faintly under the dim, eerie light of vines and glowing plants, casting fragmented reflections of his determined silhouette.
The Wailing Dread stood motionless, its multiple arms shifting beneath its dark cape, the fractured blue crystal eyes glaring down at him. Despite the visible cracks and damage from their countless encounters, the vessel remained as imposing as ever.
"You're persistent," the Wailing Dread said, its distorted voice a mixture of mockery and respect. "But persistence will not rewrite your fate."
Zami's blank expression betrayed no emotion. His silver eyes, shadowed by black bags, bore into the vessel. "Let's see how many times you can say that."
---
**The Assault Begins**
Zami launched himself forward with unparalleled speed, closing the distance in an instant. He opened with a **Multiple Slash**, his katana striking in rapid, fiery arcs. The blade, infused with **Blood Cell Explosion**, roared with crimson flames as each strike tore through the Wailing Dread's cape, exposing its crystalline form beneath.
The Wailing Dread retaliated with a flurry of scythe swings, the crystalline blades spinning in a deadly dance. Zami entered **Flow State**, his perception sharpening as the world slowed. He deflected the scythes with precise parries, redirecting their deadly arcs back toward the vessel's arms, creating more cracks in its crystalline structure.
As the Wailing Dread released phantom serpents from its cape, Zami drew his dagger—crafted from the rib of a toxic beast he had slain years ago. The blade glistened with a faint green hue, its venom potent enough to paralyze even the most resilient creatures.
Zami dodged the serpents with agile movements, using *Arrow Flow* to spin through the air and strike from above. The dagger found its mark, embedding itself into one of the Wailing Dread's crystalline arms. The toxin seeped into the cracks, causing the arm to shudder and fracture further.
The Wailing Dread howled in pain, its distorted voice echoing through the chamber.
Zami pressed his advantage, targeting the weakened arm with a devastating *Hawk Drop*, shattering it completely. As the Wailing Dread staggered, he delivered a precise *Stab Technique* to its exposed torso, the blade piercing deep into its core.
The Bone Monarch's shard, embedded in his katana's hilt, pulsed with dark energy, amplifying the strike. The impact sent a shockwave through the vessel's body, causing its form to fracture further.
Chains erupted from the Wailing Dread's cape, aiming to ensnare Zami. He dodged swiftly, using the environment to his advantage. Pillars crumbled and crystals fell, each one a potential weapon in his relentless assault.
With the Wailing Dread momentarily disoriented, Zami unleashed his ultimate attack. Combining *Multi-Strike*, *Blood Cell Explosion*, and the power of the Bone Monarch's shard, he delivered a barrage of strikes with both his katana and dagger.
The crimson flames of *Blood Cell Explosion* engulfed the chamber, each strike igniting the air with destructive energy. Zami pushed his body beyond its limits, his movements a blur as he transitioned seamlessly between techniques.
His dagger slashed through the vessel's phantom serpents, the venom spreading through its body, while his katana struck with unrelenting force.
The final strike of the combo—a synchronized stab from both weapons—drove deep into the Wailing Dread's core. The combined power of the Bone Monarch's shard and Zami's overwhelming force caused the dagger to shatter in his hand, the shards embedding into his flesh.
Blood dripped from his hands, his grip faltering as pain coursed through his body.
The Wailing Dread staggered, its form barely holding together. Crystals fell from its body, shattering upon the chamber floor. Its distorted voice wavered.
"You… are relentless," it said, its tone filled with both anger and admiration. "But even you… have limits."
Zami stood motionless, his breathing heavy, blood dripping from his wounded hands. Despite the immense pain and exhaustion, his silver eyes burned with determination.
"This ends now," Zami said softly, his voice low and steady.
The Wailing Dread's body began to glow, its fractured form preparing one final, devastating attack.
Zami's grip tightened on his katana, his gaze unflinching.