Chapter 95: Doom Serenity VS. Snow Angels Hell’s Mountain loomed on the horizon like a colossal titan. The name alone was a foreboding invitation to the treacherous terrain that awaited the warring guilds. It was a landscape that defied convention, a fusion of volcanic fury and nightmarish grandeur. As Doom Serenity and Snow Angel positioned themselves for battle, the atmosphere itself seemed to pulse with an air of tension. The Mountain’s rocky slopes, charred and jagged, sprawled across the battlefield like the gnarled teeth of some ancient, wrathful creature. The ground beneath was uneven and unforgiving, a chaotic terrain marked by uneven fissures and treacherous drops. The air held a lingering scent of sulfur, a reminder of the Mountain’s fiery temperament. Columns of smoke curled from crevices, and the sky was a canvas of swirling hues –– deep oranges and fiery reds –– casting an eerie glow upon the combatants. The distant rumble of subterranean unrest underscored the atmosphere, a constant reminder of the volcanic heart that pulsed beneath the surface. Rivers of molten lava snaked their way through the craggy expanse, their glow casting a sinister illumination. The very ground beneath their feet felt as though it held an ancient grudge, unforgiving and treacherous, demanding caution with every step. Massive rock formations jutted out sporadically, creating both natural vantage points and unpredictable obstacles. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞 The cliffs that bordered the battlefield were formidable, their sheer drops a testament to the merciless environment. Cavernous openings yawned amidst the stone, each promising shadows and hidden recesses that could be exploited for tactical advantage. The sky above was a swirl of heat, a canvas that seemed to absorb the light and trap it within, shrouding the entire battlefield in a sense of foreboding. The occasional burst of fiery embers punctuated the sky as the volcano vented its anger. Hell’s Mountain was a harsh battleground, a nature’s unyielding fury. Its stark beauty was one of the contrasts –– fiery molten rivers against the cold stone, treacherous drops against craggy outcroppings. As Doom Serenity and Snow Angel prepared to clash in this inhospitable realm, the stage was set for a war that would be as much a test of wits and strategy as it was of skill and strength. Amidst the unforgiving environment, the battle for supremacy would unfold, leaving its mark upon the fiery heart of Hell’s Mountain. Tristan’s exhalation was heavy with disbelief as he surveyed Snow Angel’s small contingent, his voice dripping with ridicule. "Xiaxia, you must be joking. Is this your grand army? A dwarf and a cat? I expected a bit more from you." Tristan was too full of himself to notice that Lord Schrodinger and Hilda didn’t have a level beside their names. No one noticed it. Xiaxia’s response was laced with unshakable confidence. "Oh, don’t you worry. I’m pretty sure that we could give you one hell of a fight." Tiffany’s laughter echoed with mockery. "With the Five of you? What are you going to do? Pray that we drop dead?" "Maybe you should do that, because you’ll need prayers in this fight," Scarlet retorted. As the leaders and vice leaders stood face to face, the tension between the two guilds crackled in the air. The tradition of the pre-war handshake had an edge to it, the polite gesture underlined by the rivalry that was about to unfold. Between them stood Artemis, the system overseeing the event, poised to initiate the battle. "Didn’t I tell you that numbers are one of the factors that determines victory? Have you learned nothing at all?" Tristan asked with false concern. Xiaxia’s gaze remained unwavering. "Oh, I remember." Tiffany’s smirk remained intact, a mix of amusement and condescension. "We’ll see about that. Just don’t be too disappointed when this is over." Tristan’s gaze shifted briefly over his shoulder, taking in the strategic formation of Doom Serenity. Their lineup exuded balance, with two healers, three mages, and a formidable array of damage dealers. The hint of a smirk tugged at the corners of Tristan’s mouth, and the glint of pride in his eyes was as bold as a blazing sun. Tristan exuded an air of false sympathy, and shook his head with a hint of mock regret. "You know, it’s almost a shame. I’m not usually a fan of massacres. How about a deal? I’ll hang back and keep my hands clean. How does that sound?" Tiffany’s laughter echoed like a melody, reverberating through the ranks of Doom Serenity. They laughed amongst themselves. Xiaxia’s irritation was a barely concealed ember, smoldering beneath her calm facade. She was well-acquainted with Tristan’s penchant for vanity and ego, but this display tested even her patience. It was a relief that the tedious exchange was finally nearing its end. The sweetness in Xiaxia’s smile held a razor’s edge as she responded, "That sounds like an excellent plan. We’ll hold you to your word." Tristan was taken aback by Xiaxia’s smile, and he forgot how to breath for a second there as red crept over his face. Tiffany’s elbow met Tristan’s side, an unspoken signal to regain his dignity. He composed himself with a restrained cough. His cheeks dusted with an embarrassed flush. Hell’s Mountain echoed with Artemis’ announcement, signaling the final moments before the impending clash. Tiffany’s casually waved with a bright smile that squinted her eyes. "Best of luck." Scarlet’s retort was a gesture more eloquent than words –– a single, defiant middle finger that rose in the air, aimed squarely at Tiffany’s face. As the countdown dwindled, the two guilds adjusted their positions, increasing the distance between them as if the anticipation could be measured in hundred meters. Among Snow Angel’s ranks, Xin and Hilda stood toward the rear, a strategic vantage point that allowed them to assess the competition. Hilda’s voice cut through the charged air. "So, that’s our adversary?" Xin’s nod was affirmative. "Yes." A tinge of disappointment was evident in Hilda’s sigh. "Can’t say I’m impressed." Xin didn’t comment. With a five hundred plus level, there’s not much enemies that would pose a challenge to her.