Chapter 58: The Divine Confrontation

"Wait a moment, elder! You said that each deity in the Academy of the Gods has a saying that reflects their life philosophy, is that correct, elder Kurogami Masayuki?"

"Yes, indeed, snow wolf! What do you want to convey through this fact, Snow Sky-Dog?"

"If that's the case, then I want to know the perspective that the wretch 'Steel Dragon' Ryujin Tetsu deems most important to him."

"Ah, so you want to understand our enemy's perspective, clever indeed, snow wolf! I recall that the scoundrel Ryujin Tetsu once said: 'Many pages of history glorify those who decapitate their enemies more than those who have their heads chopped off by others. But this fact cannot deter me from fighting in a fierce and enduring battle; even if my end is a head falling to the ground by another's hand; I still believe my outcome will be decapitating my enemy, and I will triumph after the final battle and I will be praised when the head of the enemy falls to the ground.'"

"This scoundrel has a truly terrifying statement! I don't understand why our master allowed him to become one of the students of this academy?"

"Perhaps because he belongs to the noble class in the world of the gods?"

Kurogami Masayuki and Snow Sky-Dog stand facing each other, their gazes mingling with curiosity and concern. In Masayuki's mind, the image of Ryujin Tetsu, a terrifying deity with a craving for victory and overconfidence, once again emerges. He recalls the early days when Ryujin Tetsu joined the Academy of the Gods, his communication always strong and unwavering, without hesitation.

"I once thought that the strength of the nobility was not the sole criterion that the Academy of the Gods evaluates," Masayuki murmurs to himself, his tone questioning his worthiness.

Snow Sky-Dog gazes intently at Masayuki, trying to understand his teammate's thoughts. His keen look makes Masayuki feel as though he is being examined by a philosopher.

"I believe our master saw something special in Ryujin Tetsu, something we couldn't recognize," Snow Sky-Dog expresses his viewpoint, "Or perhaps, he was highly regarded for his confrontational ability, a skill we need to learn."

"Confrontation..." Masayuki nods, but he cannot ignore the immense pressure from the profound meaning of each word. "Ryujin Tetsu is truly a formidable challenge, not only for myself but also for everyone around."

"But we cannot avoid challenges," Snow Sky-Dog emphasizes, "That's how we become stronger, by confronting what seems impossible. But in reality, we can overcome those if we surpass the greatest limits of ourselves; a limit that in normal conditions, we often think is insurmountable; a limit where our chance of success is less than 10%, but greater than 0%; a limit that only true and outstanding gods can overcome."

Masayuki ponders his teammate's words. He senses a glimmer of hope, a newfound patience and determination in his eyes. The long nights plagued with worry and fear seem to be transforming into a new spirit of resilience and perseverance. With his will reaching its peak, Masayuki tightens his grip on his sword, preparing for the next challenges on the journey to collect the 8 most powerful and ancient magical artifacts lost across all three worlds - the journey to defeat Ryujin Tetsu and others plotting to destroy the peace of all three worlds by seizing the 8 magical artifacts, items of immense destructive power from ancient magic.

"Haizza, elder, and Snow Sky-Dog, now that you two mighty gods are aware of the danger posed by 'Steel Dragon' Ryujin Tetsu, do you still look down on 'Steel Dragon' Ryujin Tetsu?" Mizuchi Haruka had remained silent for a long time after Snow Sky-Dog's words, her lover, and Kurogami Masayuki, her brother. Now she couldn't stay silent any longer, her words were rational and profound.

Kurogami Masayuki says nothing, remaining silent, but Mizuchi Haruka understands clearly what is happening in his mind. As for Snow Sky-Dog, he remains stubborn.

"Mizuchi Haruka, beautiful goddess, you need not worry so much! 'Steel Dragon' Ryujin Tetsu is a dangerous enemy, but he is not an overly terrifying nightmare for all three mighty gods like us. I am confident that I will surely deal with him and achieve the greatest glory in the battle against the rebellious youkai and the demons from hell. Mizuchi Haruka, you can rest assured, that I will collect all 8 magical artifacts of immense destructive power lost for our master, and then I will ask him to allow me to become the only god permitted to marry. And I will marry you, Mizuchi Haruka, the beautiful goddess!"

"Snow Sky-Dog, you are a stubborn snow wolf, and only know how to seduce women! I won't talk to you anymore!" Mizuchi Haruka snaps angrily, climbing onto her long, wide bed to continue sleeping.

"Mizuchi Haruka, beautiful goddess, it's almost lunchtime! Wake up and go to the dining hall to have lunch with us, beautiful goddess!" Snow Sky-Dog shakes Mizuchi Haruka's shoulder vigorously to prevent her from sleeping. Because, as he said, it is now noon, and it is not appropriate for her to sleep.

"Leave me alone, Snow Sky-Dog, I'm angry with you!" Mizuchi Haruka covers herself with her warm duck-down blanket, trying to continue sleeping.

Snow Sky-Dog looks at Mizuchi Haruka with hesitation, realizing that this girl is angry but he also sees the concern hidden behind her eyes. To soothe Mizuchi Haruka's anger, he decides to execute a subtle plan.

"Yes, you may be angry with me," Snow Sky-Dog says, but his tone carries a gentle and empathetic light, "but can you refuse a delicious lunch and an opportunity to meet our friends?"

Mizuchi Haruka startles, feeling somewhat surprised by Snow Sky-Dog's gentle and empathetic approach. She looks at him, her eyes enchanting but still somewhat skeptical.

"This is a good opportunity for us to discuss our next plan," Snow Sky-Dog continues, "We need to unite and prepare as best as we can to deal with every challenge. And lunch could be a chance for us to talk, socialize, and find solutions to every problem."

Snow Sky-Dog's words indeed make Mizuchi Haruka ponder. She realizes that she cannot continue in a state of anger, and everyone needs each other's support in such difficult times.

Finally, the girl smiles gently and gets up from bed. "Yes, you're right," she says, "we cannot continue arguing with each other. Let's go have lunch and discuss our next plan."

Snow Sky-Dog smiles and extends his hand to invite Mizuchi Haruka out of the room. All three gods head towards the dining hall, the sunlight from the windows illuminating the room, creating a warm and peaceful atmosphere for them, for the mighty gods are ready to face the upcoming challenges.

Throughout lunch, although not as angry as before, Mizuchi Haruka still maintains a certain distance from Snow Sky-Dog. She feels as though there is a thin wall between her and Snow Sky-Dog. But through meaningful conversations and bonding, she feels her heart gradually warming up, the shadows in her soul beginning to fade away.

While enjoying delicious food and sharing thoughts, they plan for the next challenges. Each one reminds themselves of their goals and responsibilities in the battle against the forces of evil and the danger posed by Ryujin Tetsu.

The conversation is lively and enthusiastic, but also full of trust and hope. In the unity and support of their teammates, Mizuchi Haruka feels stronger, and ready to face any difficulties and challenges.

With the spirit of unity and determination, they realize that only through the strength of friendship and belief in each other can they overcome all hardships and achieve their lofty goals. Facing the upcoming challenges, they prepare themselves, willing to sacrifice and fight for peace and justice in all three worlds.