"Mage, we never explored what my world was called, but we always named it Diablo," Bul-Kathos said, taking a fierce swig from his potion flask filled with liquor, speaking to the Ancient One with a hint of confusion.
"About that world—Diablo—can you tell me more?" The Ancient One sat directly on Harrogath's snowy ground, straightforward and unpretentious.
"Hah, mage, you've earned my respect. Li-Ming always clings to her 'noble' mage airs, and we never got along. Your magic's not as strong, but you're far more approachable." Bul-Kathos perked up from his gloom, addressing her.
"Want to know my world? Follow me." He rose slowly, heading toward Harrogath's only completed structure.
The Hall of Elders housed the first Immortal King's illusion and Diablo's miracle—Kanai's Cube. Bul-Kathos suspected Malthael's presence on Harrogath was tied to this artifact.
The Ancient One, barely settled, rose again. Humbled by Bul-Kathos's power, she shed her initial arrogance, recognizing the might of this mysterious barbarian.
They walked Harrogath's broad, rugged paths, lined with hardy trees and unfinished structures, a stark, barbaric style new to the Ancient One.
"Here." Bul-Kathos stood before the Immortal King's throne, gesturing to the Cube radiating strange power. He didn't face the Ancient One, as the first Bul-Kathos's illusion, a pre-recorded vision, appeared, recounting barbarian lore and the Cube's tale, visible only to newcomers.
His purpose wasn't the illusion but Kanai's Cube—a marvel that transformed mundane materials into legendary gear, altered properties, enchanted items, or imbued legendary powers onto people. It wrought impossibilities, except those tied to life itself.
It could seal memories into gems, conveying information more vividly than words. The Ancient One sensed no power in the illusion, but the Cube's might rivaled the Time Stone, sparking fleeting greed she quickly quelled.
"Your willpower impresses me. Li-Ming was far less composed seeing the Cube," Bul-Kathos said, tossing a fist-sized octagonal ruby into the Cube, infusing it with memories of his world.
The Ancient One, watching, felt the gem's potent energy—capable of amplifying her magic's destructiveness, though not transforming her strength. She now regarded Bul-Kathos seriously. Power marked an individual; wealth revealed a world's depth. His casual disregard for the gem spoke volumes, fueling her curiosity.
Bul-Kathos didn't bother pouring his entire battle-filled life into the disposable memory gem. Most memories reeked of demons' stench, but his vast experience—forging, techniques, knowledge—held immense value. His world-topping smithing skills alone could drive seekers of power mad, let alone his hard-earned expertise, too weighty for a stranger like the Ancient One.
He infused only memories of Harrogath, Sescheron Fortress, and defeating Hell's demon lords with fellow Nephalem—enough for a basic understanding. It also served as a show of force, deterring distractions, much like the Ancient One's initial intent.
The gem, unremarkable to him, was likely a rare treasure here. In his long battles, such gems were mere numbers in his inventory. Like Nephalem lifespans, their storage capacity was a mystery—endless gems, gold, and materials piled without burden, a rule of their world.
Nephalem were greedy, lured into demonic traps by shiny chests or red-glowing gear, losing reason. Yet, this greed fueled their strength, chasing not wealth but the power it brought, ultimately toppling demon lords for fleeting peace—shattered by Malthael.
In moments, Bul-Kathos finished filtering and infusing memories. The gem leapt from the Cube into his hand. "Mage, touch it with your mind to learn what you seek." He tossed it toward the Ancient One.
(End of Chapter)