Chapter 60: The Shadow Dance of Destiny

"Snow Sky-Dog, why have you come to my office today?" The Water Deity of the Gods, Snow Sky-Dog's master, posed the question to him.

"Master, I have some very important information to share with you!"

"What is it, Snow Sky-Dog? Please, tell me."

"Master, I bring you two pieces of news. One is good, and the other is very dire. Which would you like to hear first, Master?"

"First, tell me about the dire news. I prefer to hear about that before the good news."

"Why is that, Master?"

"Because in all three worlds, for a true warrior, for a true man, the obstacles he faces are always more noteworthy than his advantages. In the direst circumstances, if a warrior truly knows how to use the intellect in his mind, he can always gather all the advantages and strengths he has. For a true individual, he is never completely without an advantage, even when he finds himself in the direst circumstances. In the most disadvantageous situations, the advantage remains fundamental. Therefore, in every situation, what matters first is the difficulty. Because usually, the difficulty is also the problem. And the key to solving the problem, if it is not within the problem itself, lies in things closely related to the problem, or directly related to the problem, or both."

"Master, you are truly wise!"

"Now, tell me about the dire news first, Snow Sky-Dog!"

"Master, the dire news you wish to hear about is that in this rebellion of the youkai, there is the intervention of a force from hell. The leader of this force, who is involved in this youkai rebellion, is the one with the strongest magical power in hell, the King of Demons. I suspect that the King of Demons not only participates in this rebellion but also lurks in the shadows, manipulating the youkai. A demon commander from hell ordered to support the rebel youkai is a demon named Kamui."

"Kamui, I know that name! Before becoming one of the commanders of the army from hell, he was a disciple god of this academy!"

"Is that so, Master?" Snow Sky-Dog was extremely surprised by this very important information from his master. He asked his master in a voice expressing confusion.

"So, Master, what is the most important life view for Kamui?"

"I remember Kamui once said: 'I like the finest swords. Because they never betray me! If one day, my life is taken by one of the sharp swords that I love; it's not the sword betraying me, but I am not strong enough to use and possess that sword anymore; therefore, someone has taken the finest sword to take my life. A sword is simply a weapon to destroy others. They are not conscious beings. They do not betray and they only remain loyal to you when you are truly strong. Because of the special nature of the swords, I love them! The sharper a sword is, the more terrifying its destructive power; and the more terrifying its destructive power, the easier it is for me to be fascinated by its beauty - a beauty that emanates a soul of war'."

"Master, this life view of Kamui is truly terrifying! Why do you allow such wicked views to enter this academy?"

"Oh! Snow Sky-Dog, these views are not wicked. They still reflect some part of the truth of life. Kamui is wicked and cruel not because of this view, but because of how he applies it in reality!"

"Is it similar to the case of 'Steel Dragon' Ryujin Tetsu, Master?"

"That's right, Snow Sky-Dog! And let me tell you another important piece of information, Kamui is the cousin of 'Steel Dragon' Ryujin Tetsu. He is also a member of the dragon clan. His nickname is 'Demon Dragon' Kamui. Another piece of information for you, the King of Demons was also a student of this academy. I'm sure you're curious about the life view he considers most important, aren't you, Snow Sky-Dog?"

"You are right, Master! Please, tell me, I'm eager to hear it!"

"The King of Demons, when he was a student of this academy, once said: 'The breath of a wounded lion is even more terrifying than its roar!'."

"Master, as you said, these views still carry the essence of life truths. The most important thing lies in the one who applies them!"

"You are making progress in understanding, Snow Sky-Dog! If I say this, you will surely be surprised! Do you want me to tell you?"

"What is it, Master?"

"It is the life view that your girlfriend considers most important. Oh, but you have two girlfriends! But I'm not talking about the beautiful goddess Mizuchi Haruka. I mean Seraphina Frostwind, the human girl who holds all the secrets of the 8 most powerful magical items in all three worlds. Her most important life view is: 'Without honor, there is no family, and if there is no family, it means there is nothing! Snow Sky-Dog, what do you think of this life view of the girl you are trying to win over without hurting the heart of Mizuchi Haruka?"

"I... I... don't know what to say anymore, Master!"

"Well, then tell me about the good news you have for me today, Snow Sky-Dog!"

"The good news for you is that Seraphina Frostwind has completely trusted me! She has revealed many secrets about the 8 most powerful magical items lost in all three worlds!"

Listening to Snow Sky-Dog recount the important information he had received, the Water Deity of the Gods couldn't help but ponder. The looming shadow of a great conflict in distant realms began to form in his mind.

"The King of Demons and Kamui..." the Water Deity muttered to himself, "Two powerful forces from hell are integrating into the conflict among the youkai species. Unfortunately, we are being drawn into a fierce battle, Snow Sky-Dog!"

Snow Sky-Dog, with sharp thinking, recognized the challenges ahead. "Master, what should we do to stop them?" he asked, his eyes filled with determination.

The Water Deity pondered, "Firstly, we must understand our enemies. The King of Demons and Kamui are not easy to defeat. We need a solid plan, a strong alliance between youkai species, and useful individuals."

"But, Master, how do we connect with other youkai species?" Snow Sky-Dog asked, the name "Kamui" echoing in his mind, evoking a sense of unease.

The Water Deity stared at the clock on the table. "We don't have much time, Snow Sky-Dog. Go find those who can help us - those who have influence and power in the youkai world. Maintaining a close connection with them is the key to our success."

Snow Sky-Dog nodded, "I understand, Master. I will go find them immediately."

But right at that moment, Kurogami Masayuki entered the room.

"Wait, Snow Sky-Dog! Our master is tricking you! He's merely testing your intellect with a small prank! I understand our master very well. Gathering forces in all three worlds may be necessary, but it's not the key point of the issue. As I've told you before, in a confrontation, our master always stays one step ahead of his opponents at least one step, and at most, three steps. Regarding the King of Demons and Kamui, I think he already knows about their opposition to Heaven! That's why he tasked you with seducing Seraphina Frostwind to uncover the big secret she's hiding. Because in this battle, the most important thing is to collect the 8 magical items that are lost. If the rebel army doesn't have these magical items, they won't be strong enough to fight Heaven. Am I right, Master?"

The Water Deity smiled.

"Well done, Kurogami Masayuki, you are indeed my best student! I truly made no mistake in entrusting you with the task of protecting and caring for Snow Sky-Dog and Mizuchi Haruka!"

Kurogami Masayuki waved goodbye and left the room, leaving Snow Sky-Dog and the Water Deity with deep thoughts.

Watching Kurogami Masayuki leave the room, a strange feeling surrounded Snow Sky-Dog. He felt like he was sinking into a much more complex battle than he had imagined. Forces from hell were intervening in the world of gods, and he couldn't just stand idly by.

The Water Deity looked at Snow Sky-Dog, his gaze reflecting depth and solemnity.

"We must face reality, Snow Sky-Dog. The battle has begun, and there is no way out for us. We must prepare mentally and cope with what is about to happen."

Snow Sky-Dog nodded, realizing the heavy responsibility weighing on his shoulders. In his heart burned a flame of passion, determination, and unwavering will to fight.

"We will overcome all challenges together, Master," Snow Sky-Dog said, his voice ringing like the bell of a warrior ready for battle.

The Water Deity looked at his student with pride and trust.

"Be prepared for what's to come, Snow Sky-Dog. The battle is not over, and we are the ones who must lead to protect all three worlds."

With promises and determination, Snow Sky-Dog left the room, ready to face the dangers and challenges that the future holds. In his heart, the light of hope still shone, a source of constant encouragement in the journey to protect all three worlds.