The southern crater of the Mountain of Death was nothing but lava, flames, and the howls of beasts consumed by mana. Fiery geysers erupted intermittently from the ground, and red boulders floated in the mana-saturated air as if gravity had decided to abdicate. In this infernal furnace, two forces advanced in parallel.
On one side stood the Dominus Faction, disciplined, clad in metal armor, united like a seasoned legion. At their helm was Leonard von Arcadia, a martial figure draped in a black cape embroidered with gold. His sword of light swayed against his hip with every step. Beside him was Leo von Arcadia, his cousin, a longbow slung over his shoulder and a piercing gaze. As a member of the Arcadia family, he bore the characteristic blond hair and blue eyes. They resembled each other, though Leonard was more muscular.