After their brief debate about Judgment Day ended, Hao turned his lips to his friend and inquired, "Hey, man, can I crash at your place tonight?"

"Ahm..." Mentos scratched his head while a look of concern became evident across his face as Hao explained his predicament. "So you're asking if you can stay at my place? Mate, you know you're my best friend, but..."

"Come on," Hao begged. "I'm afraid the Imperial Hounds will be crawling all around my apartment tonight."

“What about the guild?”

Hao viewed around Mentos' cluttered abode filled with salvaged Kem Ores and an assortment of scrapped metal. "I know it's a risk, but I can't just crash at the guild. There's enough space there, but they might be looking for me."

"Then what about your girlfriend's place?" Mentos suggested, a cheeky grin spreading across his face.

"Ciara is not my girlfriend," Hao retorted, clearly annoyed.

"I didn't say a name," Mentos laughed. "How did you know I was talking about her?"

"She's just a good friend of mine," Hao explained, trying to dismiss the teasing.

"Friends with benefits," Mentos continued, nudging Hao playfully.

Hao's face flushed with irritation. "Quit it already, Mentos. Even if she would agree to put me up for the night, I couldn't put her life at risk like that."

"Then what about the old lady, are you two still not speaking to each other?" Mentos inquired, referring to Hao's mother.

Hao dreaded the thought of thinking of his uncouth mother. "I can't stand to breathe the same air as that woman for a minute."

"Is she still keeping up with her promiscuous behaviour and sharing her box with every banana it comes across?" Mentos was brimming with curiosity.

Hao nodded his head, unwilling to elaborate.

"Damn, she's over a hundred and she's still not satisfied with men? She's clapping more cheeks than I am right now," Mentos chuckled.

Hao changed the subject, eager to move on. "I don't even want to think about that. I just need somewhere to lay low for a while. Will you help me out or not?"

"You're welcome to use my place, but what if the Imperial Hounds show up? Are you certain they don't know about our relationship?"

"I'm positive," Hao reassured him. "During my time at the Imperial Storehouse, I didn't mention you."

"Damn, I don't know if I should be happy or offended. Aren't we best friends, Hao?"

"We are, but what does that have to do with anything?"

"Never mind," Mentos sighed. "You can stay here for a few days, but you better find another place soon.” Turning around he added, “I'm stepping out to go check on something."

Before Mentos left, Hao grabbed his arm. "Remember not to run your mouth to anyone about Judgment Day."

"I'm no fool," Mentos replied, patting Hao on the shoulder. "I don't want to be headless before the peak of my youth."

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After Mentos left, Hao traced his hands over the X-Class sword—Judgment Day. The coldness of its scabbard felt powerful and foreboding beneath his fingertips. Despite the warning from his friend and the explosive incident with the Disque Port, Hao couldn't shake the feeling that this sword held the key to unlocking his potential as a Blade Master. He calmed his mind, imagining the incredible power that Judgment Day might bestow upon him. Yet, deep down, a voice nagged at him, whispering the dangers of meddling with a cursed artefact.

No matter the danger, Hao thought, ‘I will uncover the secrets of Judgment Day, and become the most powerful Blade Master that Crossblades has ever seen.’

***

A new day arrived rather quickly, washing over the streets of Portal Bay like a tidal wave. Pedestrians and merchants alike filled the streets, their spirited chatter and laughter creating a noisy web that echoed through the twisting pathways. Sword-Gliders and Skyships zipped by overhead, adding to the symphony of the city's lively heartbeat.

The waves were rushing over Katana Creek, a powerful reminder of the forces that shaped this world. At Mentos's abode, where Hao was resting, the morning rays pelted off the metallic roofing, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow on the walls. Inside, Hao was sprawled around the table with his face pressed firmly against Judgment Day. Vibe Edge was clenched in his left hand, a reassuring presence even in his sleep.

“Ha… good morning…” Mentos emerged from his bedroom, yawning and rubbing his eyes. Upon seeing Hao's prone form, he couldn't help but chuckle. "Oi, mate, you're gonna get a crick in your neck sleeping like that," he teased, nudging Hao's shoulder with his foot.

“Mhm…” Hao grumbled incoherently and slowly stirred the sleepiness away.

As he groggily sat up, Mentos made his way to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. His culinary skills were impressive, honed from years of living on his own and making do with whatever ingredients he could scrounge up. He deftly chopped vegetables and tossed them into a sizzling pan, the aroma of the dish spread across the room and rousing Hao from his stupor.

While waiting for the food to be ready, Hao decided to take a shower. He slouched towards the bathroom, Vibe Edge still firmly in hand as if it were an extension of his own body. In the bathroom, he carefully removed his clothes and stepped under the warm spray of water, using Vibe Sense to guide him through the process of washing both himself and his sword. The water cascaded over his slim framework, washing away the grime and fatigue from his body.

“Ha… that was refreshing.”

After his bath, Hao stepped out of the shower and went directly to the mirror. His reflection revealed his slender yet muscular form, each muscle well-defined and sculpted. Additionally, the mirror portrayed the hollow sockets where his eyes had once been. Born blind, his useless eyes had been removed by his mother a few years prior due to a rapid infection that threatened his health. Hao's hand gently traced the scars that remained before he replaced the blindfold and began to dry off his sword.

"Hey man, hurry up," Mentos banged on the door, interrupting Hao's reverie. "Come remove Judgment Day from the table so I can set the plates and eat in comfort. I don't want to touch that thing." His voice held a note of apprehension, for the sword's reputation preceded it.

They ate together, the meal was a delicious combination of flavours that Mentos had expertly crafted. After finishing their breakfast, Hao prepared to leave. He adjusted the sword on his back, now concealed and ready for the journey ahead.

"I'm going to the guild to check their archive for any information that can help me unsheathe this thing," Hao explained to his friend. "See you later, Mentos."

With that, Hao dashed outside, leaping over the railing with a grace that belied his blindness. His feet hit the ground with barely a sound, his agile form darting forward. After covering a few more metres, he hailed a Beast-Drawn Carriage for a lift.

The Beast Carriage was a sturdy, wooden cart pulled by a powerful, six-legged creature known as a Hexalope. Its sleek, muscular form and thick, leathery hide made it well-suited for navigating the busy streets of Portal Bay.

Hao climbed aboard the carriage, the driver nodding in acknowledgement as the Hexalope snorted and began to pull the cart forward. The Beast Carriage weaved expertly through the bustling crowds, picking up speed as it carried Hao towards his destination.

From his vantage point atop the water tower near his dwelling, Mentos watched Hao's retreating form, his brow furrowed with worry. The consequences of tampering with Judgment Day were not to be taken lightly and Mentos couldn't stop thinking that they were both stepping into dangerous territory. But despite the unease gnawing at him, he knew Hao was determined to uncover the secrets of the sword and become the most powerful Blade Master. And for now, all he could do was support his friend and hope for the best.