Indestructible Necklace

The Indestructible Necklace is the last known surviving remnant of the armor once worn by the Dead God Xula. Its protection is nearly absolute against penetration only when Leo moves the limited armor projection into position before impact.

History

Selection from the Black Serpents vault

The necklace is stored among the six Divine-rank treasures in the Black Serpents vault and initially appears to be an unremarkable rusted chain. Leo chooses it as his official reward after judging the surviving fragment of a divine armor set more useful than a conventional weapon. Antonio, who hopes Leo has selected something inexpensive, recognizes the retrieved item immediately and reacts with alarm at its value. Leo leaves the Serpents with legal custody under the terms of his vault selection, even as his separate portal scheme ends his standing within the faction. (Chapters 381–383 and 388–392)

Training an incomplete defense

During training under Charles, Leo discovers that the necklace can send its armor across his body rather than merely protect his neck and chest. Because the projection takes measurable time to travel, he practices shifting it while dodging, turning, and sparring until deliberate placement approaches reflex. Tests with Charles reveal its decisive limitation: blades cannot pierce the formed plate, but their kinetic force still transfers through it and can break the body beneath. Leo therefore treats the necklace as insurance against lethal penetration rather than permission to absorb every attack, a judgment confirmed when it blocks Dumpy's blades and corrosive spray during a later spar. (Chapters 435–436)

Abilities and properties

• The artifact projects a liquid-metal-like armor section that Leo can consciously direct to a chosen region, where it hardens into a fitted plate or covering. (Chapter 435)
• Travel time depends on distance: movement from the neck to an arm takes about 0.11 seconds, while reaching the feet takes about 0.22 seconds. The delay requires anticipation and trained timing. (Chapter 435)
• Once positioned, the armor resists cutting and piercing strongly enough that Charles cannot scratch it with a high-grade sword, and it also shields Leo's feet from Dumpy's corrosive spray. (Chapters 435–436)
• The armor does not cancel blunt-force transfer. A sufficiently powerful strike can break bones, knock Leo out, or otherwise injure him even while leaving the armor itself undamaged. (Chapter 435)

Ownership and custody