Sword Pop Culture LitRPG Ch.3

 

Chapter 3 - The Imperial Storehouse

 

The flashback began to unfold, showing Colgate and Hao Vee standing in the grand halls of the Imperial Storehouse, their expressions portrayed a mix of curiosity and suspicion as they viewed each other warily. Little did they know, that fateful encounter would set them on a path of deception, betrayal, and a thrilling chase through the dangerous Wranglers district.

The Imperial Storehouse nestled deep within the heart of the Imperial City, was a magnificent and awe-inspiring structure. A massive ornate building that stretched out for miles was adorned with gold and silver accents and decorated with intricate carvings that depicted the rich history of the empire. The Storehouse held a crucial responsibility: it was the custodian of priceless relics, rare artefacts, and ancient weapons. Its significance was immeasurable as it represented the power and wealth of the empire, as well as the rich cultural heritage passed down through generations.

In the flashback, Colgate was regaling Hao with the history of the Imperial Storehouse as they walked through its vast halls. It was then that he introduced Hao to Diana, who was immediately intrigued by Hao's mysterious allure. Despite his youthful appearance and the unusual wrap covering his eyes, Hao exuded a quiet confidence that caught Diana's attention.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Diana asked about the wrap around Hao's eyes. In response, Hao revealed that he was blind, although he chose not to go into specifics. The revelation of his blindness actually increased Colgate and Diana's trust in him, as they reasoned that he wouldn't be able to covet the priceless items within the Storehouse since he couldn't see them.

Hao was there to repair a broken relic, a sword that was not an X-Class weapon but was still considered a rare and valuable artefact. The relic had been damaged during transport by a careless rookie, and Hao's expertise as a Blade Engineer was needed to restore it.

While they escorted Hao to the storage room where the relic was kept, Diana inquired about how he became a Blade Engineer at such a young age, despite his blindness. Hao didn’t say much, only that he was naturally talented.

“It’s this way.” They brought him to the table which hosted the relic. The sword was truly a masterpiece, one that enticed Hao’s curiosity immensely.

After inspecting the damaged relic, Hao informed Colgate and Diana about the cost of repairs and the time it would take to complete the restoration, given the relic's age and the need for delicate handling. He had been entrusted with this important task because he was personally recommended by a prominent figure in the field of Blade Engineering - Master Lin Shao, the Chief Blade Engineer of Imperial City.

Master Lin Shao was a revered and accomplished individual in the realm of Blade Engineering. His unparalleled skills and vast knowledge had earned him the prestigious position of Chief Blade Engineer, making him responsible for overseeing the maintenance and preservation of the countless relics and artefacts housed within the Imperial Storehouse. It was his recommendation that ultimately led Hao to the Storehouse and set the stage for the events that would follow.

When Hao started working on the damaged relic, Colgate and Diana couldn't help but be impressed by his dexterity and focus. Although he was visually impaired, Hao's hands moved with utmost precision and care, guided by his heightened sense of touch and an innate understanding of the blade's structure.

During the course of his work, Hao shared bits and pieces of his life with Colgate and Diana. They learned that he had been blind since birth and that his extraordinary sense of touch and vibration had enabled him to become a highly skilled Blade Engineer. His unique abilities caught the attention of Master Lin Shao, who took him under his wing and mentored him in the art of Blade Engineering.

As time prolonged, Colgate and Diana spent more time with Hao, growing increasingly fond of him. They admired the dedication, kindness, and unrelenting passion he displayed for his craft. Hao, in turn, enjoyed their company and began to trust them as well. They developed a camaraderie that went beyond their professional roles within the Imperial Storehouse.

After painstaking work and unwavering attention to detail, Hao finally completed the restoration of the damaged relic. The sword looked as though it had never been harmed, its beauty and power fully restored. Colgate and Diana were in awe of Hao's abilities, and their trust in him solidified even further.

Once the relic was safely returned to its rightful place in the Imperial Storehouse, Hao's job was complete. Colgate and Diana, believing Hao's blindness to be an assurance of his loyalty, asked him to stay and work with them at the Storehouse. They reasoned that someone with his talent and unique abilities could be an invaluable asset to their team, helping to preserve the countless items that represented the heart of the empire.

However, they were unaware that Hao had other plans. Unbeknownst to them, Hao's time in the Imperial Storehouse had given him access to crucial information, which he would later use to steal the coveted X-Class sword.