Chapter 77: Snow Angels HQ Upon reaching the designated location of Snow Angels, Xin’s gaze fell upon a modest hut that stood before him. Nestled amidst the rugged embrace of the snow-capped mountains of the Dwarven Continent, the headquarters of Snow Angel Guild stood as a solitary haven against the frigid elements. Constructed from sturdy, weathered timber, the hut exuded an air of quaint charm, its exterior walls coated in a thick layer of frost that seemed to accentuate its hardy spirit. The roof, pitched at a steep angle, sported a thick layer of snow as if it had borrowed nature’s camouflage to seamlessly blend into its snowy surroundings. Stacks of chopped firewood were neatly arranged near the entrance like a design. Xin gazed up at the two-story headquarters, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Could this structure adequately accommodate a hundred guild members? Or perhaps there was a stipulation, a rule dictating that the dimensions of the building determined the guild’s recruitment capacity. Driven by curiosity, Xin delved deeper into the matter, and his assumptions proved correct. Beyond land rentals, guilds had the option to commission the system to construct a custom-designed headquarters, an endeavor that hinged solely on the depth of their pockets and their desired occupancy. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚 A larger, more opulent establishment, capable of housing up to five hundred members max, came with a weighty price tag. Moreover, embellishments like individual bedrooms, pools, bars, and the likes could be integrated, albeit for a substantial fee. Flexibility wasn’t an issue either, as guilds could expand their headquarters for additional capacity. Xin deduced that Snow Angels could probably accommodate no more than two hundred individuals. As Xin approached, the scent of burning wood and the faint melody of crackling flames wafted through the air. A cozy warmth emanated from within, offering a stark contrast to the frosty exterior. The entrance, framed by intricately carved wooden arches, beckoned like a portal to another world. Three figures stood just outside the door, a trio as diverse as Eternia itself. Among them was a red-haired Elf, her tresses cascading in graceful waves over her crimson robes. A Sprite, draped in pristine white attire, stood beside her. And then there was Xiaxia, her golden locks glinting like the sun, an unmistakable aura of strength enveloping her armored form. Xin’s gaze swept over them, recognizing Xiaxia immediately, even in her altered guise. Her armor was a telltale sign, a distinct presence that set her apart from the rest. Observing Xiaxia, Xin couldn’t help but notice the absence of the confidence and commanding presence that should naturally accompany a guild leader. There was a hesitancy in her demeanor, a subtle uncertainty that seemed to whisper of defeat before the battle had even commenced. Xin mused to himself, recognizing that Xiaxia needed a resurgence of spirit after the impending confrontation. He held onto the hope that, following the upcoming battle, she would find within herself the strength to reclaim the mantle of leadership that she should possess. The trio possessed a beauty that would have drawn the eyes of many players, but the guild’s frailty had proven a deterrent. Players came and went, unwilling to invest their time in a guild struggling to find its footing. Recognition flashed in Xiaxia’s eyes as she locked gazes with Xin, but she caught herself before any words escaped her lips. Their agreement held strong –– no real names, no blatant exposure of his true identity. Xin was to be their concealed weapon, a hidden asset to be revealed when the time was right. "L-Lord . . . Schrodinger . . ." Xiaxia’s voice wavered, the new title carrying an unfamiliar weight. It was as if the moniker refused to roll off her tongue effortlessly, demanding a certain formality that she wasn’t accustomed to. There was something really wrong about that name that she seemed hesitant to utter it. It was like she couldn’t call him lord or just Schrodinger –– it had to be LORD SCHRODINGER. "Whoa. So it’s true that you chose a cat!" Scarlet exclaimed, her eyes fixed on Xin. "I thought you were just messing around." "What’s wrong with being a cat?" Xin responded calmly, his expression unwavering. Scarlet struggled to hold back her laughter, biting her lip. As she looked at Xin, she couldn’t help but notice how different his avatar was from his real self. Shorter in stature, slightly darker skin, with black hair, cat ears, and a tail, he emanated an air of lethargy –– he was undeniably adorable. "You look cute," Marry chimed in, her straightforward smile unfiltered by social norms. She sometimes spoke her mind without hesitation. "Thanks," Xin acknowledged. He felt no offense in being called cute; after all, Lord Schrodinger was quite similar in that regard. The overweight cat might be lazy and grumpy, but his cuteness more than made up for it. Putting an end to the lighthearted banter, Xiaxia stepped between them, shielding Xin from her friends. "Let’s head inside and discuss our strategy," Xiaxia directed, her tone serious. Scarlet and Marry’s expressions shifted to match the gravity of the situation. They gestured for Xin to follow them, and together, they made their way indoors to deliberate their battle plan. Upon crossing the threshold into the guild’s sanctuary, Xin’s senses were instantly enveloped in a warm and comforting embrace, akin to being welcomed home after a long journey. The interior exuded an intimate charm, despite its compact and unadorned nature. Rough-hewn wooden beams elegantly crisscrossed the expanse of the ceiling, their sturdy surfaces adorned with carefully arranged garlands of dried flowers and glistening crystals. These crystals caught the soft ambient light that filtered through the room, causing it to dance and refract, casting a gentle, enchanting glow. Dominating the heart of the space was a circular table. Its surface bore the scars of countless conversations and gatherings, while the array of mismatched chairs surrounding it seemed to hold the whispers of laughter that once graced this haven. Faded tapestries adorned the walls, their intricate designs hinting at tales of valor and adventure –– remnants of Snow Angel’s past glories, which, while perhaps not legendary, had left their mark. On another wall, a modest collection of weapons and armor was well arranged, serving as both a practical display and a touch of aesthetic embellishment. These arms were unremarkable, appearing akin to the standard equipment bestowed upon new players upon their first foray into the game. In a corner, a hearth crackled with a gentle blaze, its warm light casting flickering shadows that seemed to move in rhythm with the guild’s very heartbeat. Positioned nearby, a cauldron hung above the flames, though it was currently unattended and void of any bubbling concoction. The absence of a dedicated crafter was evident, a sign of the guild’s current state. Xin’s query pierced the quiet ambiance, breaking the spell of observation. "Is this place usually empty?" Xiaxia, moving with a sense of familiarity, brushed past Xin and settled herself at the worn table. "Not always." A playful grin adored Scarlet’s lips as she took her place beside Xiaxia. "Back when that Jerk was still hanging around, this place would be bustling with fifty players or more." Marry’s optimism was radiating like a beacon as she chimed in with a cheerful smile. "Nevertheless, we still have each other, and now you. I have no doubt that we can navigate this challenge just as we always have." With collective gazes fixed on Xin, a silent invitation hung in the air, urging him to join them at the table. The time had come to delve into strategic discussions, plot their path forward, and prepare for the daunting task ahead –– the issuance of a challenge to Doom Serenity was now sent.