The armor revealed countless scenes to Cassian, each drenched in death and destruction, showcasing the deeds of those who had worn it before him. Cassian couldn't tell if it was a warning, a temptation, or both—an offer to wield the same devastating power. The killings weren't simple or ordinary; they were acts of overwhelming force. The visions displayed cities flattened in an instant, mountain-sized beasts slain effortlessly, and even larger, more unfathomable entities being brought down. These creatures were so massive and otherworldly that Cassian hadn't even considered their existence possible.
The armor wasn't just ancient—it was a relic of death itself, forged to annihilate on an unimaginable scale. And yet, for all its monstrous history, it had chosen him.
The reason for this connection became clear to Cassian. It wasn't random or coincidental. The armor was drawn to his Killing Domain, resonating with the same essence that defined his power. It recognized the raw, unyielding will to destroy that lay within him, and it had responded to that call.
As the visions ceased, the armor seemed to pause, as though it had a mind of its own, waiting for Cassian's decision. It stood silent, imposing, and still. Cassian didn't hesitate for even a moment. "I accept," he declared firmly.
In an instant, the scarlet endlessness dissolved, and he was thrust back into the real world. The massive armor was no longer in front of him, vanishing as though it had never been there. Cassian instinctively looked at his Warrior Circle etched on his hand, and his eyes widened. At the top edge of the circle, a blood-red mark resembling a droplet had appeared—a symbol of the armor's presence. It had become his.
The guardian, now visibly alarmed, hurriedly stepped closer. "You didn't go mad, did you? That armor... it has a way of driving people to kill without reason."
"I'm fine," Cassian replied calmly, though there was a trace of confusion in his tone as he added, "The armor has a strange name, though—Made to Kill. Do you know anything about it?"
The guardian furrowed his brow, equally puzzled, before shaking his head. "The name must have meant something different in the language of the time it was forged," he said. "I can't say for sure, but it's likely tied to the era it came from."
The guardian, still looking a bit uneasy, pressed further, "But are you absolutely sure it's not urging you to attack anyone once you're out of here? Just so you know, if it does, it's not my problem after that."
Cassian shook his head with a small smile. "I'm fine," he assured, though as the memories of the visions flashed through his mind, the smile faded. "Though…" he trailed off, his tone more serious, "it showed me scenes—its past wearers killing all sorts of beings, countless and different kinds."
"I'll make sure you only use it to kill those who deserve it," Cassandra said with a playful smirk, her excitement clear. "That aside, congratulations on getting a war armor!"
Cassian's smile widened as he asked, "Is it really a war armor?"
"Yeah, it is," Cassandra confirmed, her tone tinged with a mix of pride and mild jealousy. "Every war armor forms a unique mark when it's bound to a domain, like yours."
Remembering that she had been the one to spot the armor first, Cassian glanced at her apologetically. "Sorry—it all happened so suddenly. You didn't even get a chance to choose it."
Cassandra shook her head, her excitement shining through. "Don't worry about it. It couldn't have been me—the armor chose you. And from what you've said, it seems like it has a will of its own."
"I think so too," Cassian agreed with a smile. Then, glancing at the list of armors still in front of her, he added, "Let's see if there are any more of these things on the list." Turning to the guardian, he asked politely, "Elder, could you please bring out each one? With our domains, we might sense something that isn't mentioned in the descriptions, like I did with this one."
"I can do that, but before that..." the guardian said, pulling out a crimson sword. Cassian froze as his domain rippled, reacting to the weapon. Unlike before, he wasn't thrown into the scarlet endless or the tinted visions of carnage. Instead, his killing intent escaped his control, manifesting as scarlet flames flickering around his body.
The guardian's smirk widened, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Do you have any interest in this thing?" he asked, holding the crimson sword slightly forward, its edge gleaming with a dangerous allure. "From what I know, it's part of your armor. You'd want to complete the set, wouldn't you?"
Cassian could tell the guardian was baiting him, but he wasn't about to resist. Complete things were always better than incomplete ones. With a slight nod, he asked, "What do you want from me? Another one of your challenges?"
The guardian's smirk deepened as he shook his head. "I'll tell you later. First, let your friend pick her reward."
With that, the sword vanished, causing Cassian's domain to settle back into stillness. Cassandra, excited after witnessing him receive the war armor, wasted no time diving into her search. She eagerly scanned the armors as the guardian summoned them one by one, materializing each into tangible form.
She inspected each piece carefully, using her domain to test for even the slightest reaction. If her domain resonated with any of them, it could signify a war armor. Even if she couldn't use it herself, finding one could fetch an incredible price from someone who could.
Unfortunately, luck wasn't on her side—until she reached one of the top-ranked armors. It was the 8th on the list, and unlike most of the others, its description was completely blank except for three question marks. No details, no history, nothing.
When the guardian materialized it, both Cassian and Cassandra froze in surprise. Unlike Cassian's armor, which radiated an overwhelming killing intent like an endless ocean, this one exuded an entirely different presence. The sheer weight of its aura felt like being crushed under a mountain or pushing against an immovable force.