Chapter 82: The Trials of the Youkai General

"Kurogami Masayuki, Mizuchi Haruka, have you both awakened already? I'm shocked by this! I thought I was the only one in this castle awake at 3 in the morning." 

"Snow Sky-Dog, this place is not an academy of the gods, nor is it my home. And I want to see what tricks the experienced 'The Great Youkai General of Wolves,' Okami Tatsuya, will play on us, three gods! Yesterday, I lost to the fire youkai. It was bitter indeed! I didn't expect him to be the soul of every flame. Before the eating contest began, I declared that in all three vast worlds, no one could eat faster than me; but facing the soul of every flame turned out to be an exception that truly made me uncomfortable. Though I felt a bit uneasy in my mind being defeated and unable to refute it, I truly admire the intelligence of 'The Great Youkai General of Wolves,' Okami Tatsuya. I couldn't have imagined that he would send the soul of every flame to compete with me. Tell me, in all three worlds, who can win against fire in an eating contest? Even though it was a cheat, the truth is the stratagem of this youkai general makes me acknowledge his high intelligence! Kurogami Masayuki, I'm sure in the challenge he sets for you today, he'll just use the same old trick! If that's the case, then we can hardly avoid disappointing our master! Haizza, though not facing the cruel forces in battles full of trials of 'ironclad determination' and moments of imminent danger when vicious enemies unleash all destructive powers and all means at their disposal to defeat us in thrilling confrontations; yet, indeed, the difficulty of this task has already made the three of us struggle hard!" 

Mizuchi Haruka sighed with frustration. Yesterday's defeat in the challenge with the Fire Tiger made her realize that day by day, the challenges in a series of missions to recover the 8 lost magical items that all creatures in the three worlds crave and desire to possess, are increasingly becoming more difficult and complex. 

"Mizuchi Haruka, you don't need to be so pessimistic! In my opinion, as you said, all three of us may find it hard to win in the strange and extremely difficult challenges that 'The Great Youkai General of Wolves,' Okami Tatsuya, has prepared for us. But I'm over 80% sure that we will retrieve the magical item we need, the item that 'The Great Youkai General of Wolves,' Okami Tatsuya, is keeping in this castle." 

"Why are you so sure about that, Snow Sky-Dog? Are you implying that we also have to cheat in the upcoming challenges? Or are you suggesting that we secretly steal that item and sneak away, right, Snow Sky-Dog?" 

"That's not what I mean, Mizuchi Haruka! What I mean is that 'The Great Youkai General of Wolves,' Okami Tatsuya, genuinely wants to give us that powerful magical item. Even if we lose in all the challenges he sets for us, we've made efforts that surprised him and made him acknowledge those efforts; then ultimately, he'll give us what we want!" 

"Why do you think so, Snow Sky-Dog?" 

"Mysterious creatures with the form and character of wolves like me possess eyes that can read important information in the minds of other creatures just by focusing on observing them. When I looked into his eyes, I didn't see hostility and greed in the mind of this youkai general, who rules over a vast territory of the youkai world. Instead, I saw hope, and an intention to test our abilities from this mighty and wise youkai general. So I'm sure that as long as we don't disappoint him with our effort and resilience in facing his challenges, I think even if we lose in those challenges, he'll still give us 'The Flaming Dragon Saber'!" 

"What? Did I hear you correctly, Snow Sky-Dog? Did you just mention the magical item named 'The Flaming Dragon Saber'? As far as I know, this magical item was formed from the soul of the Fire God. The magical power of the Fire God has been meticulously and systematically trained for at least ten thousand years; but when he used all his strength to successfully forge this weapon, he was also exhausted. And his soul merged into it. This weapon chooses its owner; those with impure souls and a lack of courage, when holding this sword, will be burned to ashes by its terrifying heat. And you want to say that all three of us are trying to retrieve this incredibly powerful magical weapon for our master?" 

"You don't need to be so surprised, Mizuchi Haruka! The truth is, all 8 magical items that we have to recover in a series of our missions all have an unbelievable story behind their formation." 

At this point, Kurogami Masayuki couldn't help but speak up because of his friends' extremely lengthy speeches. 

"Today is my match, my challenge, why are you both talking so much?" 

Mizuchi Haruka listened to Snow Sky-Dog with a serious look in her eyes. She didn't object but didn't completely agree with his viewpoint.

"Snow Sky-Dog, you're right about keeping our spirits optimistic and our efforts. But I can't believe that 'The Great Youkai General of Wolves,' Okami Tatsuya, will easily hand over such a valuable magical item as 'The Flaming Dragon Saber' to us. I believe that he's setting these challenges not only to test our abilities but also to challenge our courage and intelligence. In wars, it's not just magical power that matters but also strategy and spirit." 

Snow Sky-Dog nodded in agreement. 

"Yes, Mizuchi Haruka. We can't underestimate any challenge that 'The Great Youkai General of Wolves,' Okami Tatsuya, sets. But at least we understand that victory doesn't just depend on strong confrontation but also on understanding and wisdom in dealing with every situation." 

Meanwhile, Kurogami Masayuki looked intently at his two friends, a slight smile appearing on his lips. 

"You both are right, every battle doesn't solely rely on the power of weapons but also requires intelligence and patience. But let me win my match through my strength and skills. That's the only way for us to prove our worth." 

These words surprised and impressed both Mizuchi Haruka and Snow Sky Dog. In silence, they looked at each other with confidence and newfound determination. 

"In this meaningful moment of silence, a new page of the story will be opened, containing discoveries, adventures, and new challenges. Masayuki and his teammates will embark on this journey together, ready to face every hardship to achieve their ultimate goal." 

In the first rays of morning light filtering through the windows, the atmosphere in the castle's room became warmer and gentler. The air was full of vitality, yet it also carried a solemn tone, holding mysteries and excitement about the upcoming challenges. 

On Kurogami Masayuki's face, the light began to reflect, making his eyes sparkle. His heart was beating strongly, filled with a desire for victory, yet it also contained worries and emotions that weren't easily expressed. He had prepared himself mentally for the upcoming match, ready to face every challenge and difficulty. 

Mizuchi Haruka and Snow Sky-Dog exchanged glances, understanding that the upcoming showdown was not just a magical competition. It was an opportunity to demonstrate their courage, intelligence, and determination. Masayuki's two friends knew that he was not just fighting for himself but for their entire team. 

In their words and expressions, there was determination, trust, and hope for a positive outcome. No matter how difficult the battle was, they believed that Masayuki would overcome every challenge, bringing victory and pride to the whole group. 

In this meaningful moment of silence, a new chapter of the story would unfold, containing discoveries, adventures, and fresh challenges. Masayuki and his comrades would journey together, ready to confront every hardship to achieve their ultimate goal. 

With determined strides, they shall press onward, conquering every challenge, until, at last, victory and glory are theirs to claim.