Hao boarded the Ramp-Train, an open-bordered mini-train designed to make travel across the vast institution easier. The Ramp-Train glided smoothly on its tracks, with rails along the sides for passengers to hold onto. It was akin to a futuristic transport system, combining both function and style for the users.
Hopping off the Ramp-Train as it came to a halt, Hao marvelled at the impressive structure before him. The guild's archive was a magnificent building that held vast knowledge and wisdom within its walls. Over the ages, the Blade Engineering Guild had accumulated a wealth of information on sword crafting, techniques, and the history of Crossblades. They had built their own empire of vital knowledge that served as a beacon to those who sought to master the art of blades.
No one could enter the archive without a Registered Sword Access (RSA). The RSA was a unique identification system, allowing only those with authorised swords to gain entry to the archive. Approaching the imposing door that separated him from the interior of the archive, Hao unsheathed Vibe Edge and stabbed it into a slot at the side.
A mechanical voice responded, "Hao Vee, Level 7 Blade Engineer. Access granted."
The door was no ordinary entrance; it was comprised of mystical components that recognised a person's RSA. Moreover, it was equipped with scanners that would scan those seeking entry as they stood within a circular marking on the floor. Hao stepped forward into the circle alongside other people, and the scanners began to croon with energy. In a flash, they were transported to the inner part of the archive.
Upon entering, Hao found himself in a vast chamber filled with scholars dressed in elegant robes, moving about in quiet reverence; a place he was quite familiar with. The atmosphere was serene and peaceful, ideal for deep study and contemplation. High-rising shelves lined the walls, populated with a variety of S-Catalogues ranging from common to extremely rare and sometimes legendary!
Accessing the S-Catalogues wasn't free, and reasonable Blade Tokens were required. However, discounts were available for those with special passes or privileges. These privileges were granted to guild members based on their level of progress. For instance, a Level 1 Blade Engineer seeking access to higher tier information would pay more Blade Tokens than a Level 3 or 4 would. The system incentivised growth and development within the guild, rewarding those who honed their skills and contributed to the collective knowledge.
Hao took a deep breath, eager to delve into the wealth of information that lay before him. He knew that he had much to learn about Judgement Day, and the archive was the key to unlocking that knowledge.
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Thus, Hao Vee set off to explore the archive, his mind awhirl with curiosity and anticipation. "Now, where do I find what I'm looking for?" he wondered aloud. His main interest was to find vital information about unsheathing X-Class swords. During his search, he ran into a familiar person, a worker in the Directory Department. This woman was very tall, dressed in white, and had a regal air about her. Hao had become acquainted with her due to his many visits to the archive, where he spent countless hours studying. He decided to call her Ms Elysia.
"Hi, Ms Elysia," Hao greeted her with a friendly nod.
"Hello, Mr Vee. What brings you here today?" Elysia asked, raising an eyebrow of curiosity.
After a brief conversation, Hao inquired, "Can you direct me to where I can find up-to-date information on X-Class components?"
"X-Class components?" Elysia was shocked to hear this. She thought for a while before responding, "I'm not sure this archive has that specific type of information, it sounds very daunting but I haven't vetted every single S-Catalogue, so something similar could be here. Information relating to super rare swords can be accessed up there on the 41st Shelf-Section-Ab1." She pointed to a floor way up top, surrounded by a glass frame and illuminated by a soft, ethereal glow. "Seeing that area is above your level, you will need to pay more Blade Tokens to access whatever information you find."
"Yeah, thank you," Hao replied, preparing to leave.
"Hold up," Elysia interjected, her curiosity piqued. "Why are you seeking out that type of S-Catalogue? You wouldn't be trying to craft a legendary weapon, are you?"
Hao didn't respond; he only chuckled slightly and walked away. He navigated his way to a lift that would take him to the floor which hosted the 41st Shelf-Section-Ab1. As he entered and the door was about to close, a hasty girl ran inside.
"Hold the lift!" she shouted.
Hao held the door open for the slender girl with long ginger hair. She was very talkative, expressing her gratitude to Hao and introducing herself as a new student. She eagerly offered her hand for a handshake, but Hao tried to ignore her. Unfazed, she kept on chatting away like a parrot.
"Thank you for holding the lift! I'm Lanor Finican, by the way. I just started studying here, and I'm so excited to learn about all the different swords and their history. This place is so huge, isn't it? It's easy to get lost if you don't know where you're going!"
As Lanor continued to chatter, she suddenly caught sight of Hao's X-Class sword positioned on his back. "What do you have there?" she asked, reaching out to touch it.
"Keep your hands to yourself, lady," Hao warned sharply. When the lift stopped, he walked out right away.
"Huh, what's his deal?" Lanor eyed him from behind, puzzled.
"What a weird girl," Hao whispered to himself as he tried to locate the shelf.
Hao searched the floor until he located a particular S-Catalogue titled "Mysteries of the X-Class: Unleashing the Power Within." For an S-Catalogue so important, no one was allowed to leave the archive with it. Thus, after paying the staff for access, Hao spent more Blade Tokens renting a private reading booth where he could study without being disturbed. He settled into the booth, ready to uncover the secrets of the X-Class swords that had piqued his interest.