Chapter 38: The Challenge of Snow Sky-Dog

At the Academy of the Divine Beings

Snow Sky-Dog, Mizuchi Haruka, and Kurogami Masayuki sat in their room when suddenly a dove flew in and perched on Snow Sky-Dog's shoulder. Clutched in its tiny feet was a small piece of paper. Snow Sky-Dog gently retrieved the paper from the dove's feet. Then, he discreetly glanced at Mizuchi Haruka with a bashful look. Kurogami Masayuki had observed all of this since the moment the dove entered the room.

"What does it say on that paper, Snow Sky-Dog? Another love letter from Seraphina Frostwind, perhaps?" Kurogami Masayuki asked, but perhaps he had already guessed what was written on the piece of paper.

"Brother, is there anything that can escape your keen eyes in these three worlds? You're right! This is a letter from Seraphina Frostwind! She writes that she wants to meet me to ask for my help with the trouble she's facing with the wretched Ryujin Tetsu. She says that for the past few weeks, Ryujin Tetsu has been bothering her. She says she's reluctantly agreed to date him at the restaurant where she and I often dine. She also says that every time she meets Ryujin Tetsu, his eyes are filled with despicable desires, roaming all over her body even though she dresses modestly. In the letter, she says his eyes are filled with sinister intentions as if he wants to 'devour' her. Every time they meet, Ryujin Tetsu always shows his desire for her. He uses sweet but insincere words to seduce her and to sow discord between her and me. I know Seraphina Frostwind is a faithful girl, but if this continues, I wonder how much longer she can endure Ryujin Tetsu's psychological attacks."

"Snow Sky-Dog, let me give you some advice. They say to defeat a snake, you must crush its head; to catch the enemy, you must capture their leader. Whatever you do, focus on the crux of the matter to avoid wasting efforts in vain. The key issue here is Ryujin Tetsu. If you can defeat him, if you can make him fear you, then I'm sure Ryujin Tetsu will 'release' Seraphina Frostwind." Kurogami Masayuki spoke with an extremely calm and indifferent tone, then casually sipped a glass of cold water.

"It's easier said than done, brother! You also know that my elemental power is that of ice and snow. I belong to the 'frost' school. Ryujin Tetsu's specific power is that of steel. He belongs to the 'metal' school. My ice and snow can't do anything against his iron and steel. What do you suggest I do now?" Snow Sky-Dog spoke with melancholy and frustration.

"In that case, you should seek the help of our master. He might be able to assist you!"

"How so? Brother, you're not kidding me, are you?" Snow Sky-Dog spoke with a hint of dissatisfaction. Perhaps he thought Kurogami Masayuki was teasing him.

"Do you remember the task from last time, the task that all three of us completed together, Snow Sky-Dog?" Kurogami Masayuki asked, his eyes keenly observing Snow Sky-Dog's facial expressions and body language.

"Yes, I remember, brother! It was the task to find the four soul gems. In that task, you defeated a very powerful youkai, while I recovered the four soul gems from the sea dragon youkai's hands." Snow Sky-Dog said, his tone and facial expression are exceedingly calm.

"According to the unwritten rule of the Academy of the Divine Beings, whoever contributes the most to the completion of a special task, an 'S-rank' task for the head of the academy, our master, the Water Ancestor of the Divine Beings; that person will receive a reward from our master."

"Last time, both you and I defeated the rebellious youkai. You defeated the lion youkai, but didn't obtain the four soul gems! I let the sea dragon youkai escape but managed to snatch the four soul gems from that youkai. So between you and me, who made the most significant contribution to completing this 'S-rank' task?" Snow Sky-Dog asked Kurogami Masayuki, his voice not carrying the probing nature of Kurogami Masayuki's psychological inquiry but instead showing straightforwardness and sincerity.

"The one who had the most significant role and contribution to that task is undoubtedly you, Snow Sky-Dog! That's the truth and fairness. I'm not competing for our master's reward with you, Snow Sky-Dog!"

"Thank you, brother, you're kind!" Snow Sky-Dog replied, flashing a smile as radiant as the aurora borealis.

"Don't celebrate too soon; there are still seven magical artifacts waiting for the three of us to retrieve for the world of the divine beings. I will strive to compete with you and Mizuchi Haruka!" Kurogami Masayuki declared straightforwardly.

At this point, Mizuchi Haruka couldn't stay silent any longer; she spoke up:

"So, what is the reward for the one who plays the most crucial role in completing the 'S-rank' task, brother?"

"It's anything our master can provide, except for seizing the eight magical artifacts as one's possessions!" Kurogami Masayuki replied, his eyes showing extraordinary determination and courage, befitting that of a mighty deity. Perhaps, in this academy, he was the most desired recipient of the academy's special favor.

"If that's the case, then Snow Sky-Dog can ask our master to possess another specific magical power to defeat the wretched Ryujin Tetsu," Mizuchi Haruka suggested, her eyes reflecting her intelligence and shrewdness.

"You're right, Mizuchi Haruka, I commend your intelligence, shrewdness, and acumen!" Snow Sky-Dog said, a statement of affirmation coupled with the flattery of an admirer to a beautiful girl.

"In that case, Snow Sky-Dog must undergo a test in the 'chamber of trials' of the academy!" Kurogami Masayuki warned Snow Sky-Dog of the complex nature of the challenge that Snow Sky-Dog was about to face.

"What is the chamber of trials, brother?" Snow Sky-Dog asked, extremely curious.

"It's a chamber used to test the strength of the soul along with the great effort of the students. In the history of this academy, few have passed this trial!" Kurogami Masayuki answered, his voice filled with uncertainty and concern.

"That's not a problem; I'll overcome the challenge in that chamber alone. Don't worry about me, brother!" Snow Sky-Dog spoke with an extremely strong and confident tone.

Mizuchi Haruka and Kurogami Masayuki both looked at Snow Sky-Dog with encouraging eyes. They believed that Snow Sky-Dog would overcome any challenge. Under the encouragement of his two close friends, Snow Sky-Dog showed determination and readiness to face any difficulty.

"Thank you both," Snow Sky-Dog said, his tone contemplative. "I won't disappoint you."

With faith and determination, Snow Sky-Dog stepped out of the room, ready to face the next challenge. Mizuchi Haruka and Kurogami Masayuki looked at each other, still harboring concerns, but also with trust that their friend would overcome all obstacles.

Meanwhile, in a distant place, the wretched Ryujin Tetsu was plotting his dark plans. Evil was brewing beneath the guise of sophistication and grandeur. A great challenge awaited Snow Sky-Dog, and perhaps the mysteries would be revealed as he entered the chamber of trials.