Zami stumbled back, his breaths shallow, his arms trembling from the overwhelming strain of his techniques. The battlefield was a symphony of destruction: scorched floors, shattered platforms, and cracks etched deep into the foundation of the Withering Spire. Shattered Dominion, still towering above him, showed no signs of fatigue.
Zami reached into his pouch and pulled out the remaining Essence of Life. He hesitated for a moment, staring at the small, glowing liquid—the last drop of vitality he had. There would be no more after this. Without hesitation, he uncorked it and spilled it over his battered arms.
The healing was instant, but excruciating. A hiss escaped through his teeth as the Essence burned into his wounds, knitting his flesh together with an unnatural sting. His muscles screamed, but he flexed his fists. They worked, albeit barely.
Shattered Dominion lowered his hand, the platforms surrounding them falling silent. His glowing, multi-eyed gaze bore into Zami as he spoke:
"You have proven your worth."
Zami straightened, his katana still glowing faintly from the flames of *Blood Cell Explosion* and the combined power of the shards.
"I have proven nothing," Zami said, his voice low, his body rigid despite the pain. "I've climbed your tower, faced your trials, and fought you. But worth isn't granted—it's taken. What do you want from me?"
Shattered Dominion tilted his head slightly, his glowing crown casting eerie shadows.
"You are the first to ascend this far, wielding the power of Karesh—the traitor entity. Yet even with his blessing, you have shown resilience beyond mortality. You walk the line between human and vessel, a paradox created by the revival curse. Tell me, Zami Agatoru, do you fight for survival, vengeance, or purpose?"
Zami tightened his grip on his katana. The flames sputtered and died as the strain of *Blood Cell Explosion* faded.
"I fight because I have no choice," Zami said, his voice steady. "This world left me with nothing but the blade and the creatures it feeds on. Survival isn't a purpose—it's a necessity."
Shattered Dominion observed him in silence, then slowly extended his hand. The ground beneath them rumbled as a massive staircase rose from the depths.
"Your conviction has been weighed," Shattered Dominion said. "Continue upward, Zami Agatoru. But beware—the higher you climb, the closer you come to understanding the truth of the entities. And that truth may break you."
With that, Shattered Dominion stepped back, his form fading into the light. The room grew silent once more, the flickering white flames of the torches casting long shadows.
Zami stood there for a moment, his hands shaking not from fear, but from exhaustion. He looked at the staircase, its endless ascent looming before him. He sheathed his katana, adjusted his cloak, and began to climb.
As he ascended, Karesh's voice echoed in his mind.
"You've survived. But remember, Zami... proving your worth here doesn't mean you're ready for what lies beyond."
Zami clenched his fists, determination burning in his silver eyes. He had no choice but to continue.