Chapter 76: Transportation and Guilds There were also different modes of transportation in Eternia to make traveling time shorter and hassle-free. In the bustling cities and quaint villages of Ardanar, horse-drawn carriages rumbled through cobblestone streets. These elegant conveyances were adorned with intricate carvings and painted with vibrant colors, reflecting the artistic sensibilities of the humans. High above, in the realm of the celestial Angels, skyships sailed through the skies like majestic birds. Crafted from glistening crystal and adorned with intricate patterns, these vessels floated on currents of wind and magic. In the shadow-drenched lands of the Demons, eerie and ominous shadow coaches traversed the barren expanses. Pulled by spectral steeds, these carriages glided silently over the desolate landscape. Their inky blackness seemed to absorb light itself, embodying the sinister aura of the Abyssal Wastes. Elves of the Sylvan Glades embraced nature’s beauty, utilizing giant leaves and vines to create agile and eco-friendly conveyances. Leaf canopies, intricately woven and adorned with blossoms, served as both transportation and shelter. Elves skillfully guided these ethereal rides through the treetops, allowing them to seamlessly blend with the verdant surroundings. In the untamed wilderness of Wildermoor, the Beastfolk formed bonds with their animal companions. Riding atop the powerful backs of majestic beasts such as griffins, dire wolves, and even colossal turtles, they navigated rugged terrains and dense jungles. Deep within the heart of the Dwarven Expanse, intricate minecart networks intertwined with vast underground cities. Crafted with both engineering precision and artistic flair, these minecarts sped through tunnels, transporting both passengers and precious ores. Among the treetops of Crown Jade Woods, sprightly Sprites harnessed the power of wind and magic. Glider pods, resembling delicate seedpods, allowed them to gracefully glide through the air, following the natural currents. Across the boundless seas, grand intercontinental ships embarked on voyages between the major lands. These colossal vessels were marvels of engineering, equipped with ornate sails and opulent cabins. Passengers and traders embarked on these journeys, crossing treacherous waters and forming cultural connections between the continents. As Xin’s excitement surged, he imagined himself riding these various modes of transportation, each a reflection of its respective race’s culture and ingenuity. Upon his arrival outside the town gates, Xin’s attention was drawn to a conspicuous [Teleportation Crystal], a familiar sight. If activated, this crystal could teleport him instantly to Icy Hill if he ever needed to return to this town. Stepping into town, he made a mental note to mark this location as "visited" in order to keep his progress organized as he interacted with the NPCs in the area. Xin intended to fully explore and dominate the town before moving on, ensuring that no stone was left unturned. Navigating Eternia was akin to a perpetual treasure hunt, an ever-evolving landscape of discovery that continually unfolded as the years went by. The developers of the game were adept at keeping players engaged by introducing new realms and hidden enclaves, ensuring that the world remained a vast, uncharted expanse. Even after four years of the game’s existence, the notion of fully mapping out Eternia seemed as elusive as chasing shadows. With that thought in mind, Xin ventured forth. His avatar stepped into the virtual realm of Icy Hill, a place where Snow Angels HQ was located. The town’s entrance was like a portal from reality into a realm of fantasy, and the transition was seamless. The chill in the air nipped at Xin’s senses, a testament to the town’s name, and he could feel a frosty breeze brushing against his virtual skin. The architecture of Icy Hill was a masterful blend of quaint charm and enchanting elegance. Cobblestone streets wound through the heart of the town, lined with rows of quaint shops and market stalls, their signs bearing intricate designs that seemed to beckon passersby. The buildings, adorned with frost-kissed rooftops and elaborate ice carvings, exuded an otherworldly beauty. Light emanated from windows, casting a warm and inviting glow onto the snowy pathways. Amidst the flurry of activity, NPCs bustled about. Each is engrossed in their own tasks and conversations. Merchants touted their wares, displaying an array of goods that ranged from sparkling potions to finely crafted weapons. Nearby, a group of players congregated around a towering sculpture landmark, their avatars conversing with animated gestures and excited expressions. As Xin delved deeper into the heart of Icy Hill, his footsteps left faint imprints in the snow-laden streets. The town square, adorned with ice sculptures that seemed to capture the very essence of winter’s beauty, served as a focal point for both players and NPCs alike. He marveled at the details, from the delicate crystalline patterns etched into the ice to the subtle play of light that danced across its surface. Venturing onward, Xin noticed a cozy inn nestled at the corner of a street. Its wooden façade exuded warmth, and the inviting scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air. Xin continued his exploration of Icy Hill, taking in every detail and nuance that the town had to offer. In Eternia, guilds enjoyed the freedom to establish their headquarters in any town of their choosing. The process was relatively straightforward –– secure an available lot, complete the necessary paperwork, and settle the required fees. Rental costs vary widely depending on the town’s location, ranging from a modest 50,000 gil to an exorbitant 100,000,000 gil a month. Analyzing the strategic placement of Snow Angel’s HQ within the remote expanse of the snow-covered Dwarven Continent, Xin was confident in asserting that the guild was likely paying minimal rent for their mountainous abode. Xin set his course directly for Snow Angel’s headquarters. Navigating the town was a breeze, thanks to the readily available map that greeted him upon his arrival. The urgency of the situation was crystal clear –– Snow Angel Guild had to challenge Doom Serenity at the earliest opportunity, driven by the looming time constraint imposed by the system. While the countdown to erasure still extended a month into the future, Xin believed that the mere possession of the formidable [Sunblade] and [Spellguard Shield] wouldn’t be sufficient to provoke Doom Serenity into accepting their challenge. Those items were more than mere weapons; they were [Artifact]-class treasures, rare and immensely powerful. Coupled with the advantageous circumstances of Snow Angels being a feeble and resource-deficient guild, the challenge seemed a tempting opportunity for Doom Serenity to secure an easy victory. However, Xin’s contemplation ventured into the realms of doubt. Would Tristan willingly embrace such a contentious challenge from his former girlfriend, especially considering his impending wedding plans with Tiffany? Accepting such an offer might cast them in a pitiable light, potentially inviting scorn and mockery from the populace. With a long exhale, Xin dismissed his uncertainty. There was only one definitive method to determine Doom Serenity’s response –– and that was by officially issuing the challenge. Right now.