Chapter 72: Dawn Serenity

Kurogami Masayuki, are you once again the earliest riser in this academy?" The Water Master of the Divine Ones held a cup of ginger tea in his hand. Though he sipped the ginger tea slowly and peacefully, his eyes were fixed on the handsome face of Kurogami Masayuki. Since becoming a student of this academy, Kurogami Masayuki had become increasingly handsome, but behind that handsome face (masculinity not much inferior to the most handsome divine being in the academy, Snow Sky-Dog), lay a significant concern. This concern of Kurogami Masayuki was quite easy for a wise deity like his mentor to detect, as his mentor did not need to expend much time and energy to discern it.

"Yes, my mentor! I've come to your office today because there's conflict and turmoil in my mind that I find difficult to resolve. Truly, my mind and thoughts are in disarray, like a tangled thread! What I need most now is to unravel the confusion in my mind and thoughts. So I've sought you out, the wisest deity in all three worlds. Only you can help me gain a proper understanding of my issue, an issue that even I am unsure if my perception of it is right or wrong. I believe my entire issue revolves around thoughts, around perceptions. If I have a correct perspective on it, then the whole issue will be resolved, but indeed, it's quite challenging for me at the moment! If I don't resolve it quickly, then I fear I might not be able to fulfill the mission of collecting all 8 magical items with terrifying magical powers to the extent of destroying the empires of the deities; a task you entrusted to me along with two other deities with all your trust and great hope."

"Oh, Kurogami Masayuki, is it the thing you can't find the right answer to, the thing you're struggling to think through properly, the thing weighing on your mind and soul, is it related to Snow Sky-Dog, isn't it?"

"That's indeed the case, my mentor! Truly, there's nothing that can conceal the wisdom accumulated over many centuries, my mentor! I want to ask you, between Snow Sky-Dog, who is the mightier, more talented, and courageous deity, and me?"

"Snow Sky-Dog is an extremely promising seed for the world of the deities. In the future, this seed will grow into a giant tree, developing so strongly that it cannot be toppled. The balance and order of all three worlds greatly depend on his qualities, abilities, and virtues. But only you are my most beloved student! Snow Sky-Dog's qualities, abilities, and virtues might seem like a distant dream to other divine students in this academy, but he still can't compare to you. You are stronger, braver, and more talented than Snow Sky-Dog at least threefold."

"But my mentor, I still feel there's something in my mind that makes me not feel joyful!"

"The strongest ones have their internal conflicts and struggles. That's when, up until now, you've always triumphed with your extraordinary abilities. But someday, to defeat a truly formidable opponent, in a tense and dramatic battle; it will require you to resort to some stratagems to overcome them. This makes your warrior ego accuse you of cowardice. Or when you face difficulty with an opponent too strong, yet you still emerge victorious, but your superlative warrior ego still accuses you of fighting weakly and uselessly. Yes! Only the strongest ones feel that strange but immensely beneficial arrogance. And as you ponder upon it, ponder upon it, that peculiar yet developmental feeling, over a long enough period; your superlative warrior ego will be honed, ceasing its criticism and accusation. And you'll return to yourself but with a strength superior to before. This is called 'to become stronger, sometimes the strongest ones win but are not happy'. And after enduring such a crisis of self-growth for a relatively short time, you'll gain strength from self-awareness and maturity."

"But my mentor, Snow Sky-Dog is not my adversary, I and he have never fought each other, even in a few rounds. I don't see Snow Sky-Dog as an opponent, I see Snow Sky-Dog as my younger brother."

"Oh, Kurogami Masayuki, every true warrior deity, every true man in every world, and every age, feels overshadowed when someone receives too much praise, and too many admiring glances, to the extent that he thinks the glow of that person shines brighter than his own, but the truth is often not so! The truth is Snow Sky-Dog's glow can't shine as brightly as yours, it's just that you always think you need to exert more effort in any situation, so you fail to recognize that. You've defeated two dangerous foes, 'Steel Dragon' Ryujin Tetsu, and 'Demon Dragon' Kamui. When fighting them, you were indeed in difficult situations, yet you still triumphed over them. But even so, your warrior ego continues to question you about the aspects of your strength, effort, and responsibility. And you think Snow Sky-Dog has done better than you. That makes you have a bit of self-reproach. But the truth is, if another individual were in the same situation and challenges as you, no one could do better than you, not even Snow Sky-Dog. Kurogami Masayuki, it's not Snow Sky-Dog, you are the most outstanding student of mine!"

"Thank you, mentor, for your advice and encouragement," Kurogami Masayuki expressed his gratitude with a bow. "But now, I feel ready to face the next challenges."

The Water Master of the Divine Ones looked into the bright eyes of his student with a proud smile.

"Indeed, believe in yourself, Kurogami Masayuki. You have overcome significant challenges and matured every day. Remember, strength is not just about physical power, but also about spirit and patience."

Kurogami Masayuki sipped his ginger tea, feeling the warmth spreading through his body.

"I won't let doubt and worry lead my mind astray. Now, I will focus on my mission, and I will strive to achieve my goals."

"Exactly," nodded the Water Master of the Divine Ones. "And don't forget, there's always someone willing to stand by and support you. You're not alone in this journey."

Kurogami Masayuki felt a sense of peace flooding his heart as he looked into the warm gaze of his mentor.

"I understand, my mentor. I won't forget that. Now, let me begin my work."

Two figures sat in silence, beholding the dawn scene over the distant sea. In that tranquil moment, they felt the strength of their bond and the determination within each of them. The road ahead might be challenging, but with faith and perseverance, Kurogami Masayuki would overcome every obstacle, becoming a stronger and more mature deity.

Under the shimmering dawn, Kurogami Masayuki rose from his seat, the warm traces of ginger tea still lingering on his lips. He gazed out into the distance, where the vast sun rose amidst colossal silver clouds, painting a magical picture of warm golden hues. In the gentle light of dawn, his thoughts seemed illuminated, swirling around in his mind. Each step, each challenge, was an opportunity for him to grow, and to understand himself and the world around him better.

The support and encouragement from the Water Master of the Divine Ones infused Kurogami Masayuki with determination, making him realize that nothing could prevent him from becoming the best version of himself. In the darkness of the long night, he had learned to create light, from patience and belief.

Kurogami Masayuki is no longer worried about internal conflicts or doubts about his abilities. He stepped out of the office, carrying with him determination and gratitude, ready to face any challenge. On the path to becoming a powerful deity, he knew there would be more obstacles and difficulties ahead, but with his steadfastness and belief, he would overcome them all.

Amidst the serene atmosphere, Kurogami Masayuki walked with confidence and determination. Beside him was the unwavering support from the Water Master of the Divine Ones, like an invisible source of strength, always protecting and supporting him. And under the beautiful canvas of the new dawn, a new journey began, promising valuable rewards and precious lessons.