Zami sat in the healer's dimly lit hut, the faint glow of bioluminescent plants casting eerie shadows across the walls. His body was wrapped in fresh bandages, the pain dulled by salves and herbs. Despite the respite, his mind remained sharp, focused on what lay ahead.
"Do you have something stronger?" Zami's voice was calm, yet the weight of his request carried through the air. "I've heard of something called the Essence of Life."
The healer paused, its tendrils twitching in surprise. "Essence of Life is no ordinary potion. It restores vitality at the cost of something more… intangible. Are you certain you wish to use it?"
Zami's silver eyes locked onto the healer. "I've already paid more than most can imagine. If it keeps me moving, I'll pay the price again."
The healer nodded reluctantly, shuffling to the back of its hut. After a few moments, it returned with a small vial of glowing green liquid. "This is the Essence of Life. Use it sparingly, for its effects come with a toll. Too much, and even you may not recover."
Zami took the vial, slipping it into his pouch. "I'll take that risk."
The village bustled quietly as Zami made his way to the creature who had first given him the locations of the Vessels. Its form, hunched and covered in glowing markings, stood in the center of its dwelling, its many eyes turning to him as he entered.
"You return," it said, its voice a low hum. "Have you succeeded?"
Zami reached into his pouch and pulled out the faintly glowing shard of the Wailing Dread, holding it up for the creature to see.
"The Wailing Dread is no more," Zami said plainly.
The creature's eyes flickered with a mix of surprise and fear. "Impressive. Few have ever faced a Vessel and survived, let alone defeated one."
Zami stepped closer, his tone unwavering. "What do you know about the Silent Agony? It didn't drop a shard. Is it still alive?"
The creature hesitated, its many eyes darting around nervously. "The Silent Agony is… unique. Its form may have been destroyed, but its essence lingers. It is bound to a greater purpose, one that extends beyond its physical existence."
"Where is its true body?" Zami pressed.
The creature's voice grew quieter, as if the information itself carried danger. "The true body of the Silent Agony lies in a place known as the Forsaken Hollow, deep beneath the veins of the colony. It is not a place for the weak, and even fewer have ever ventured close to it. The Hollow is said to be the resting place of its core essence, hidden away from those who would seek to destroy it."
Zami's expression remained unchanged, absorbing the new information. "I'll go there."
The creature nodded, its many eyes filled with a mix of caution and curiosity. "You may find it… difficult to reach. The Forsaken Hollow is a twisted, labyrinthine place, and the creatures that roam its depths are not like the others you've encountered. Proceed with care, Zami Agatoru."
Zami turned to leave, his expression as cold and emotionless as ever. His journey was far from over, but now he had a destination. The Forsaken Hollow beckoned.
Zami stepped into the shadows once more, the path ahead clearer than before. His goal was set: he would find the Silent Agony's true body, defeat it, and continue his endless battle against the vessels. There would be no turning back.