Bro, I'm not an Undead!

Chapter 1166: Warmoth's Treasury (2)



The guidance field had revealed to Replicus that the Warmoth's three dimensions - those unlocked by the three keys - were known to some degree by the inhabitants of the Null Verse. It seemed that some, probably the Four Authorities, knew aspects of what was inside. The guidance field had mentioned that in one of these dimensions, there was a valiant armour that even the Four Authorities sought for.

This and there was never reason to doubt it - was obviously true.

The Warmoth's Progeny was looking at this highly sought after armour right now.

Its size was immense.

The armour sat over a massive stool of dark metal, leaning against the wall at the end of the exhibition hall.

Replicus was forced to take a breath.

He had no words.

Without thinking, he used the Warmoth's Spine - which had been in his upper hand all this time, 'sheathed' - to increase his size so that he wouldn't need to feel so minuscule in this gigantic space.

It also helped him appreciate the masterpiece in front of him in a way different light to just a few seconds.

The only words that could finely describe the armour, were that it embodied both a humanoid shape and an inhuman one.

There was nothing else one could say that could explain its entire likeness very well.

Perhaps, one could reference the chilling darkness leaking from the visor on its helm, and the creepy, foam-like darkness shrouding it like soapsuds.

Replicus found that it was this darkness that caused the fibres of his existence to tremble as much as they did right now.

Serenity confirmed it as well.

"Be careful with your approach. Some of the greatest treasures from the Null Verse are extremely hostile to anyone but their owner. I'm sure you are aware of how magical objects can develop consciousnesses. That concept becomes especially treacherous with the grades of artefacts of this level," she warned.

The Warmoth's Progeny didn't offer a direct gesture to show that he had heard her. He merely gave another deep breath of appreciation.

His eyes remained glued on the treasure.

He could feel an immense sense of greed creeping within him.

He used the guidance field to check it immediately.

[???]

-???-

???

A nervous chuckle came from Replicus as he saw this.

Of course.

An item like this, desired by beings that were on par with Deities - the Four Authorities - it couldn't possibly be measured with the same criteria for mortal artefacts. It was way higher in league.

Replicus couldn't see its name and description either, a fact that pronounced additional feats of lacking in his overall power as well. This turned a bit sullen.

This reminded Replicus of the External Fragment of Realised Choices which he used to create Maximum Catalyst. It had refused to be appraised, choosing instead to introduce itself to him.

'Well...' Replicus said, frowning.

It seemed rising in strength in Aigas was inconsequential in the grand scheme of things.

The Warmoth's successor walked through the middle of the hall and did his best to finally tear his eyes from the armour and start looking at the other treasures displayed on both his sides.

Not all of them were huge. Some were small, some impressive-looking and others otherwise. Others bore familiar shapes, others ones he couldn't even begin to explain.

Strangely, quite like the scrolls on the Second Layer, the displays began from the bottom of the walls and rose up the high ceiling, and the higher one looked, the fiercer the presence he sensed from the items he saw. For the ones placed at the topmost rows, Replicus didn't even have to rely on his senses.

He saw faint or bold smoke-like, aura-like colours rising from them, affecting the space around them.

The Warmoth's Progeny used the guidance field to check some of their names, grades and descriptions.

Most reacted the same way as the grand armour at the end of the hall, refusing to be

appraised.

There were few, however, whose names appeared, along with portions of their descriptions, but never their grades.

Replicus clicked his tongue.

'Do you mean to tell me that all these things are beyond the Transcendent grade?' he asked himself in shock.

"Not necessarily," Serenity answered his thoughts. 'I believe most treasures at that level are uncomfortable being prodded and judged. They may simply reject to be appraised depending on how powerful and self-aware they are. This self-awareness can be brought about by the one who forged them. In this case, well...The same is true for living things. You just haven't met individuals who can actively resist being appraised yet."

'Really?' Replicus asked. He was astonished that this was a thing. 'Wait... Do you mean the Warmoth was aware of the Voice of Worlds and the guidance field?'

"Yes. It wouldn't be surprising. I'm quite sure that there are beings recognised by the Voice of Worlds on Aigas as well, but who just aren't bearers like you. Recognition by the Voice of Worlds isn't as rare a thing as you might think and it doesn't always come with a guidance field."

...

"I see..."

It appeared Replicus never quite understood the full functionality of the Voice of Worlds. Could anyone blame him though?

The wider reality outside of Aigas was rather convoluted and complex.

Replicus stroked his chin as he stopped and stared at a kite shield with four intricate jewels branded to its centre. It was made from a material similar to that which formed the paved pathway in the Empyrean Bosom.

He then turned to a black scimitar with a milky-white edge; a canary-yellow horned-helmet that produced a subdued hissing noise; a pair of serpent-shaped greaves with Ju`wtte crackling from their soles; a full set of armour that was open at the chest, as though inviting attacks upon its user; what looked like a cherry-coloured cloak with half a hood.

There was great variety in shapes and designs, but Replicus remembered Serenity's words and refrained from getting too intimate with the items just yet.

It could be dangerous.

The temptation remained, though. Replicus soon found himself once again looking at the

armour at the end of the hall.

He had travelled up to two thirds of the way to it by this point. He wanted to get closer and

inspect it some more without touching it.

But...

"Stay... away..." a voice hissed softly.

Replicus shook.

He knew at once.

It was the armour speaking.

"Stay... away... Jan`ind..." it said. "First... you must become HIS echo... Stay away..."