Chapter 80: The Youkai's Challenge

The mysterious woman led Snow Sky-Dog and Kurogami Masayuki to a grand, imposing castle. As the two gods stepped into the castle's grand hall, they were shocked to see Mizuchi Haruka standing there, seemingly waiting for them.

"Mizuchi Haruka, you're here too? How long have you been at this castle?"

"Snow Sky-Dog, there's no need for such a surprise! The woman who brought you both here also sought me out and requested my presence at this castle several days ago."

"Mizuchi Haruka, Snow Sky-Dog, can either of you tell me why we are here in this castle this afternoon?" Kurogami Masayuki scanned the vast hall with a hint of surprise mixed with the innate skepticism of his wise mind.

"Kurogami Masayuki, Snow Sky-Dog, and Mizuchi Haruka, all three of you gods are present in my castle this afternoon to face a series of challenges I have set for you!" A powerful voice resonated from afar, as a youkai general clad in golden armor strode towards the throne-like seat of the youkai world. He sat upon it, silently observing the expressions on the faces of the three young gods. He was a wolf youkai, his eyes radiating the authority of a ruler.

"Who are you?" Kurogami Masayuki asked with a cautious gaze.

"He is the mighty and wisest wolf youkai in all three worlds. He is the one that all gods, youkai, and demons in the form of wolves aspire to be as strong, wise, powerful, and wealthy as him. He is the only youkai who can fight the Asura King without being defeated, and without receiving any injuries on his sturdy body from the powerful attacks that could cause severe damage inflicted by the Asura King. He's also the youkai who 'gifted' the Asura King with an incurable wound in the center of the steel-like chest of the Asura King in a battle with no winner or loser, a battle that shook all three worlds with the astonishing news spreading everywhere. He is 'The Great Youkai General of Wolves' Okami Tatsuya." Snow Sky-Dog replied to Kurogami Masayuki while observing "The Great Youkai General of Wolves" Okami Tatsuya with utmost admiration, the young wolf god's admiration for the famous youkai general evident in his gaze - strength, power, wealth, beauty, fame, status, respect, and admiration - the seasoned youkai general had all of those. "'The Great Youkai General of Wolves' Okami Tatsuya, do you possess the fifth magical artifact among the 8 magical artifacts that hold the terrifying magical power in all three worlds? And is the reason you want to challenge us because you want us to prove to you that we deserve that magical artifact from you, isn't it 'The Great Youkai General of Wolves' Okami Tatsuya?"

"Snow Sky-Dog, you're indeed a clever god!" "The Great Youkai General of Wolves" Okami Tatsuya bestowed upon Snow Sky-Dog a look that acknowledged the young god's capabilities. "But before we begin the challenging tasks I have prepared for you, I want to ask you a question: Do you love Seraphina Frostwind with the utmost sincerity in your heart, Snow Sky-Dog?"

"'The Great Youkai General of Wolves' Okami Tatsuya, I can only tell you that I will do my utmost to choose the woman I love most between Seraphina Frostwind and Mizuchi Haruka; and I will try not to hurt either of these two women; I will take full responsibility if one or both of these women suffer pain because of me. If the truth is that I cannot ensure what I have just said to you, I am ready for you to strike me a thousand blows!"

"Snow Sky-Dog, you're quite something, my son! You are much like me when I was young, perhaps because our true forms are both wolves. Very well, I trust your words! I have no objections to your love affair with Mizuchi Haruka and Seraphina Frostwind anymore! However, I must tell you this, Seraphina Frostwind is the daughter of the previous King of Youkai, and I am one of his most loyal courtiers. He has shown me what grace, love, and respect mean. I am grateful to him, so I hope you will remember and act as you have said, Snow Sky-Dog!"

"Yes, 'The Great Youkai General of Wolves' Okami Tatsuya! I will remember and ensure the reality of what I have just said to you."

Okami Tatsuya's words fell like a warning, reminding Snow Sky-Dog of responsibility and compassion. In a moment of silence, the atmosphere in the grand hall became solemn, but everyone's gaze was filled with admiration and respect for the calmness and decisiveness of the youkai general.

Snow Sky-Dog responded with certainty, his gaze expressing willingness and determination in his promise. His words were not just a commitment but also evidence of loyalty and respect for those around him.

Okami Tatsuya nodded in agreement, his gaze reflecting satisfaction and trust in Snow Sky-Dog. It seemed that at that moment, an important piece of the challenge had been set, not only about physical strength and magical power but also about responsibility and compassion.

In the end, Snow Sky-Dog, Kurogami Masayuki, and Mizuchi Haruka all realized that this adventure was not just about overcoming challenges but also about finding noble virtues within each of them. With Okami Tatsuya's guidance, this journey promised to take them through challenges and profound discoveries about themselves and the youkai world.

Each step of the three gods echoed in the halls of the castle, like notes in a hidden symphony containing discoveries. Their hearts beat strongly, filled with excitement and readiness to face every challenge.

Behind the castle's doors, secrets awaited, and new adventures would be discovered. A new chapter of the adventurous and marvelous journey was about to begin, and perhaps, it would not only be about winning challenges but also about exploring oneself and the world around.

In the fading light of the afternoon, Snow Sky-Dog, Kurogami Masayuki, and Mizuchi Haruka stepped into the unknown future, ready to face every difficulty and uncover every mystery. Their journey had only just begun, and new pages would be written, with new encounters, new relationships, and challenging battles.

And behind it all, the formidable youkai general, Okami Tatsuya, sat on his golden throne, like a mentor witnessing the development of his young disciples. With his skill, he created challenges not only to test strength but also to delve into their compassion and intelligence.

With courage and determination, they would overcome every obstacle, rise above every challenge, and go further in their journey. Because in this vast world, those who seek truth and compassion will always find each other and find their way, wherever it may lead.