Artifacts

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About[]

Artifacts or Relics (遺物 (いぶつ) , Ibutsu) are items found in The Abyss by Delvers during their expeditions. While low class Artifacts have little to no use, the higher the grade the more extraordinary its effects are. Artifacts which are put in auction or unveiled to the rest of the world are given names in a foreign language.^[1] The Red Whistle Delvers at Belchero Orphanage often go into the 1^st Layer to search for Artifacts. Though what is found is usually of a lower grade, they can still be sold overseas for decent money. The money from these Artifacts benefits the orphanage.^[2]

They are believed to be the leftovers from an ancient civilization and their function can't be explained by modern technology, let alone imitated. Though they can be processed into other Relics, sometimes lowering their grade, and acquiring a different auction name.^[1]^[3] It is said that Relics with more complex shapes can be found the deeper one delves.^[4]^[5] Regardless of grade, some Artifacts have a changing pattern that is theorized by Nanachi to indicate how many times they can be used before they become dysfunctional.^[6]^[7]

Some Artifacts are rarer than others, which can raise the Artifact's grade.^[8] According to the Interference Units of the 6^th Layer, "Relics are sometimes where they were not before".^[9]

Classification[]

Fourth Grade Artifacts

Fourth Grade Artifacts are common Relics, usually found on the upper layers.^[10] They are regarded as insignificant or are of uncertain use and incapable of replacing existing tools.^[11]

Third Grade Artifacts

Third Grade Artifacts are described as being extremely valuable or useful. They can help with cave raiding.^[10]

Second Grade Artifacts

Second Grade Artifacts are very rare and usually have very specialized abilities.^[10] They introduce entirely new concepts and can change people's way of life.^[11]

First Grade Artifacts

The second most valuable class of Artifact that can be found. These are items that are extremely rare or versatile.^[10] They can change the balance of power between countries and are extremely useful when cave raiding in the deeper levels.^[11]

Special Grade Artifacts

The most valuable class of Artifacts that can be found. These are items that can change the world and disrupt the balance of power between nations.^[10] Retrieving a single one to the surface can guarantee a prosperous future for a whole city or vastly increase the military potential of a country, depending on its use. According to Jiruo, a Special Grade Artifact's value is so great that it can't be measured.^[12] Because these Artifacts are so valuable, they are the only kind that White Whistle Delvers are not allowed to keep for their own personal use.^[13]

Supreme Treasures of the Netherworld (Aubades)

This is not an official grade. The classification sprang up from the rumor that things that threaten the value of The Abyss are kept secret or destroyed rather than being auctioned off.^[10]