Chapter 49: The Triumph of Courage: Kurogami Masayuki's Journey

"Is this the 'Chamber of Trials'?" Kurogami Masayuki gazed in astonishment at the scenery before him. It was indeed the majestic mountain where he had once fallen, where he had ended the life of a talented and loyal general. "Snow Sky-Dog was right! The scenery in this chamber evokes both nostalgia and dread for those who enter it! Haizza, Kurogami Masayuki, your most formidable enemy is about to claim your life, so you must be strong! No matter who the adversary is, you must defeat them! You can do it, Kurogami Masayuki. If your younger brother, Snow Sky-Dog, who possesses lesser abilities and qualities than you, can do it, then surely you can too. Rise, Kurogami Masayuki, for if your will is weak, you will not overcome this test! The challenge has only just begun, so elevate your fighting spirit and vanquish all adversaries, Kurogami Masayuki!"

"Kurogami Masayuki, I will compel you to retract all the words you just declared!" A voice, chilling to anyone who heard it, echoed from afar straight into Kurogami Masayuki's keen ears. As soon as he heard this haunting sound, he began sweating profusely, as if he were in a steam room. His legs trembled, and every nerve in his brain stretched to its limit. He turned his gaze towards the source of the terrifying voice. A warrior of imposing stature, enough to intimidate even a tiger, was steadily advancing towards him. This warrior wore extremely sturdy and heavy armor, with a face more sinister and cold-hearted than all the youkai in the world. In his right hand, stained with the fresh blood of his victims, was a wolf-toothed staff made of the finest load-bearing steel. This giant wolf-toothed staff was colossal, capable of smashing the skull of an elephant with a single blow.

"The Goblin Bearing Celestial Destiny, it cannot be so! Haven't you been in the realm of the dead for a long time? It can't be, it can't be! If my opponent is you, then I am sure to fail! Since I was a human, you, a bloodthirsty, battle-loving, ruthless warrior, have become a nightmare, a terror for all men of sword-wielding age, and I am no exception. You alone annihilated me and my 299 comrades. Our group of 300 warriors was a special unit, always tasked with the most difficult missions, but we never forgot that day. That day was a massacre, and you were the one who massacred us! We outnumbered you by 300 times, yet each of us fell and departed to the realm of the dead because you were too powerful, too swift, and too merciless. That afternoon, you used the giant wolf-toothed staff to slaughter us, you taught us what it means to be a warrior protected and blessed by not only the powerful gods but also the lords of the demon realm beneath hell. That afternoon, you shattered our arrogance! After you took my life, a kind deity, out of pity for me and out of respect for my fighting spirit, bestowed upon me immortality and magic along with the title of the Light God, since then..."

"Silence, Kurogami Masayuki, I have heard enough! Draw your sword and fight me, or you will not pass this test!"

"I surrender, you are too strong, spare me, I want to leave this accursed chamber!"

"If that's the case, then you will not be able to attend the wedding of the goddess you have long loved! What do you think about that, Kurogami Masayuki?"

"The goddess I have long loved? I don't understand what you're talking about?"

"Don't pretend in front of me, Kurogami Masayuki! You always said Mizuchi Haruka was just your younger sister, but in fact, you have loved Mizuchi Haruka since your first meeting. But you know Mizuchi Haruka only loves one god, Snow Sky-Dog, so you were determined and tried hard to make Mizuchi Haruka become Snow Sky-Dog's wife. Among all three worlds, you are the god who wants to attend Mizuchi Haruka's wedding the most!"

Kurogami Masayuki felt that the carefully concealed secret had been exposed. He gathered all his sincerity and courage to ask the ruthless warrior standing before him.

"Do you think I am a foolish god, The Goblin Bearing Celestial Destiny?"

"Haizza, I hate to say this, because in fact, I am now your enemy, but the truth is, you are noble, not foolish in the least! Now draw your sword and fight me! Live by your motto, the one you declared on the first day you stepped into the Academy of the Gods: 'Glory will come to warriors who speak words of courage, those words will guide the brave actions of a true man - a leading warrior.'"

"Thank you, skilled warrior, adept at taking others' lives! Now I will fight you. The Goblin Bearing Celestial Destiny, now I will defeat you!" Kurogami Masayuki unsheathed his sharp sword and charged into battle with The Goblin Bearing Celestial Destiny. The Goblin Bearing Celestial Destiny smirked, a smile that conveyed cruelty, and then he wielded the giant wolf-toothed staff, a weapon capable of inflicting terrifying damage; he also rushed into battle with Kurogami Masayuki with all his strength, speed, and combat skills.

Kurogami Masayuki and The Goblin Bearing Celestial Destiny faced each other in the chamber of trials, tension permeating the space. Both knew that this battle would not be easy. Though Kurogami Masayuki had momentarily lost his spirit, he had now regained his determination and courage. He was not just a warrior but also a lover of combat, of confrontation. He saw in his opponent a challenge, but also an opportunity to prove his worth.

The Goblin Bearing Celestial Destiny, with unmatched strength and supreme combat skills, was a formidable opponent. However, Kurogami Masayuki did not hesitate to confront the difficulties. He fought not only with physical strength but also with intellect and tactics. Each blow, each counterattack carried with it Kurogami Masayuki's unwavering determination and boundless will.

The punches and strikes, full of malice and heroism, of both warriors unfolded in the chamber. The echoes of weapon clashes and the roars of the two warriors reverberated in the room. Every minute and every second that passed was a new challenge, but also an opportunity for Kurogami Masayuki to demonstrate his value.

Gradually, the initial dominance of The Goblin Bearing Celestial Destiny began to diminish. Kurogami Masayuki not only surpassed the limits of himself but also those of his opponent. The strength of his will and relentless perseverance helped him defeat The Goblin Bearing Celestial Destiny, he had overcome this powerful and ruthless enemy.

In the end, after relentless efforts, Kurogami Masayuki emerged victorious. He stood in the chamber of trials, breathing heavily but with a face full of pride and gratitude. The battle had proven that willpower and determination could overcome any challenge, and Kurogami Masayuki had proven himself to be a true warrior, courageous enough to face any difficulty.

As silence returned to the chamber of trials, Kurogami Masayuki looked around, admiring the raw and powerful beauty of the mountain outside. He felt that he had undergone a journey full of hardships and challenges, but ultimately, he had overcome them all to stand at the pinnacle of glory.

However, in Kurogami Masayuki's heart, a small light of anxiety still lingered. He realized that this battle was just one of the minor challenges on his journey. There were still many obstacles and dangers awaiting him in the future. And something, a power he had never encountered before, lurked behind the shadows of the future.

Kurogami Masayuki knew that his journey was not over. There were still many battles, challenges, and discoveries awaiting him. He resolved not to rest, to continuously train himself to become a stronger warrior, one who could protect his loved ones and those he cherished.

With unwavering patience and determination, Kurogami Masayuki stepped out of the chamber of trials, ready to face whatever challenges the future held. And under the vast sky, with the sunlight shining down, he began a new chapter in his life, a chapter full of hope and potential.