Chapter 81: The Gastronomic Showdown

"Who shall be the first to partake in my challenge?"

"What is the nature of the first challenge, 'The Great Youkai General of Wolves,' Okami Tatsuya?" Mizuchi Haruka's gaze swept across the vast room. She noticed two large dining tables, both adorned with white tablecloths resembling snow. Above them, candles emitted a pleasant and romantic fragrance. Most importantly, both tables were laden with an abundance of food. The dishes were enticing, emitting aromatic scents that tantalized the senses.

"The first challenge for you all is an eating contest. Each of you will nominate a deity to participate. We will also select a contender from our side. Each will consume the food before them, and the one who finishes first will be the victor."

"Is it really that simple? Unbelievable! My elder brother, Kurogami Masayuki, and my beloved, Snow Sky-Dog, let me take on this challenge. Trust in me; in matters where I am not proud, in eating, I dare claim supremacy. None in all three worlds can surpass me in an eating contest!" Mizuchi Haruka's greedy eyes scanned the array of dishes on the table. They were all her favorites: roast duck, beef steak, braised goose, lobster in wine sauce, tuna soup, assorted seafood hot pot, spicy seasoned seafood, grilled pork ribs, sautéed rabbit meat, and fried squid with fish sauce. Mizuchi Haruka felt exhilarated by the prospect of this challenge, deeming it too easy (or so she thought).

"Truly, Mizuchi Haruka, the beautiful goddess, your assertion is too presumptuous, underestimating your opponent and lacking caution!"

Mizuchi Haruka's gaze shifted toward the source of this voice. When her eyes met a youth with fiery red skin, she felt a strange unease. She couldn't fathom why she felt apprehensive in the presence of the towering figure with fiery red skin before her. Nevertheless, summoning all her courage and pride, she retorted to the young man:

"I care not who you are, nor your prowess, but I shall surely defeat you. I will humble your arrogance and conceit!"

"You speak well, Mizuchi Haruka, but I doubt your words! Nonetheless, I won't argue further, for I wish to commence the contest now. Let us begin immediately, Mizuchi Haruka, the beautiful and enchanting goddess, the Goddess of Spring and Flowers!"

Internally, Mizuchi Haruka thought, "Though his challenge seems to challenge my confidence, he's adept at flattering women like Snow Sky-Dog. But even so, I will exert myself to win. As the first deity to partake in 'The Great Youkai General of Wolves' Okami Tatsuya's challenges, I cannot afford to lose, lest it disappoint my elder brother, Kurogami Masayuki, and my beloved, Snow Sky-Dog. Mizuchi Haruka, persevere! Mizuchi Haruka, strive with all your might; you cannot be defeated by that fiery-skinned youth in the furnace!"

Thus, the showdown began between Mizuchi Haruka and the towering youth with fiery red skin. Mizuchi Haruka swiftly seized the roast duck and took a huge bite at the meatiest portion with lightning speed. She chewed and swallowed the meat rapidly. She could hear the youkai in the room cheering unanimously.

"Well done! Keep going; you're truly outstanding!"

Encouraged by the praise, Mizuchi Haruka increased her eating pace exponentially. Moments later, she finished the roast duck, leaving only bones behind. As she reached for the grilled pork ribs, she heard Snow Sky-Dog performing strange movements, attempting to convey something to her. However, the din of the youkai drowned his voice. The youkai continued their loud praises for someone participating in the challenge.

"You're doing great! Keep it up; you're almost there!"

Mizuchi Haruka mistakenly thought these praises were for her, until Kurogami Masayuki suddenly shouted, "The youkai in this room aren't cheering for you! Look at your opponent, Mizuchi Haruka!"

Glancing at her opponent, Mizuchi Haruka was dumbfounded by the sight before her: the towering youth with fiery red skin had devoured over twenty plates of food without any regard, including those made of silver—how could he eat silver? Furthermore, he was consuming the table itself along with its white tablecloth, candles, plates, and utensils—all while Mizuchi Haruka had only finished the roast duck.

"Hey, you, what kind of creature are you?" Mizuchi Haruka exclaimed angrily, part question and part curse.

"The Great Youkai General of Wolves," Okami Tatsuya interjected, "Mizuchi Haruka, do not be so enraged! This young man embodies the purest essence of every flame in all three worlds. He is 'Fire Tiger' Kaji Takumi. Mizuchi Haruka, though you have exerted yourself impressively, even I, the most discerning in this castle, am surprised and commend you. However, today, you have been defeated! All three of you deities, return to your chambers in this castle. Tomorrow morning, Kurogami Masayuki will continue with my second challenge."

Mizuchi Haruka stood there, feeling empty and disappointed. She realized her overconfidence had led her to lose touch with reality. Despite her efforts, she couldn't surpass Fire Tiger—a being endowed with extraordinary strength from fire.

Exiting the room filled with food and praises, she felt like a loser. Yet, within her, there was a hint of admiration and respect for Kaji Takumi—a being who demonstrated unbeatable strength. It sparked a new desire within her—to understand him better, to comprehend his power.

The three deities felt uneasy and dissatisfied, but they complied with "The Great Youkai General of Wolves," Okami Tatsuya's command in silence.

They quietly returned to their chambers within the castle of "The Great Youkai General of Wolves," Okami Tatsuya. Before retiring, Snow Sky-Dog addressed Kurogami Masayuki and Mizuchi Haruka:

"Mizuchi Haruka, do not despair over today's events! You have done exceptionally well! Obtaining the fifth magical artifact out of the eight most powerful artifacts across all three worlds from 'The Great Youkai General of Wolves,' Okami Tatsuya, was never going to be easy. But I have a feeling that in the end, we will succeed! Now, my divine companions, rest well, and may you have a peaceful sleep. And Kurogami Masayuki, strive in tomorrow's challenge, whatever it may be! I have faith in you, keep pushing forward!"

"Fear not, Snow Sky-Dog, I will give it my all!" Kurogami Masayuki replied, his confidence shining through his eyes. The door to their chamber closed shut, they each climbed onto their respective long and spacious beds, and they slept soundly as if they had never tasted the bitterness of failure.

This event was just one piece of the colorful narrative, heralding a new journey full of surprises and challenges for the characters. Mizuchi Haruka, after this failure, would undergo new experiences and learn from her mistakes, while Kaji Takumi might continue to be a mysterious and impressive figure in the next chapters of the story.