Chapter 98: The Luminous Quest

"Snow Sky-Dog, what have you been pondering these past days? Today, you are the earliest riser in this academy! What's going on with you? Perhaps you've encountered trouble in the love story between Seraphina Frostwind and Mizuchi Haruka, isn't that right, Snow Sky-Dog, the handsome deity?"

"My mentor, you've guessed correctly! Mizuchi Haruka has made a clever move. She enlisted a deity sympathetic to her cause to inform Seraphina Frostwind of the entire content of the task you assigned to me. Seraphina Frostwind discovered that my approach to her, and becoming her lover, was at your behest, due to the task you entrusted to me. Now, Seraphina Frostwind has parted ways with me, and she is avoiding my love by continuously rejecting the affection I have for her. Despite my triumph over the cruel and powerful foes to protect Seraphina Frostwind from their attacks and threats, she is still making it difficult for me as I attempt to mend this relationship. However, there is some good news: she is unaware that Mizuchi Haruka is the 'director' of this story. Mizuchi Haruka has shown concern and empathy for Seraphina Frostwind during her time of suffering and sorrow after decisively breaking up with me. Thus, Seraphina Frostwind will only disclose the important secrets about the lost magical artifacts to Mizuchi Haruka, not to me as before. Oh, mentor, I sincerely apologize! I have let you down! I am a useless man! I am unworthy of the expectations and favor you have bestowed upon me throughout this extremely long time!"

"Dear Snow Sky-Dog, you must understand that the most praiseworthy beauty of a true man comes from his kindness and noble spirit, not from his appearance and seductive artistry towards women. And it is wonderful that you possess that masculine beauty, Snow Sky-Dog! The finest beauty of a true man lies in how he treats the weak and in his dedication to something greater than himself, surpassing all that truly matters to him, which he never wishes to forsake unless compelled by that noble and grand purpose; if not for the sake of that lofty and grand calling that requires him to sacrifice those things; things he would never abandon under normal circumstances. And I am proud because you, Snow Sky-Dog, my direct disciple, have and continue to possess that perfect masculine beauty, and you are developing it most efficiently compared to any deity ever taught in this academy. A man possessing the truest beauty, a beauty unmistakable and easily discerned amidst the vast ocean of beauty of all living beings in the world, stands firm against temptation, as well as welcomes challenges, and dangers, and never forsakes his principles. In this regard alone, you are the man possessing the most perfect masculine beauty even more so than Kurogami Masayuki, the pupil whom I favored most in this academy. One of your greatest strengths lies in your ability to control your emotions under the tremendous pressure of the sacred mission in your life; a life of many variables and also many surprising rewards it holds for you. You have faced many challenges without losing your mercy and enduring courage, and each difficult challenge you confront and strive to overcome can only further refine your mercy and enduring courage; it cannot erode these beautiful masculine qualities of yours. You are not someone who knows how to harm your loved ones, but you are someone who knows how to care for and protect them. Your trouble with Seraphina Frostwind is merely a challenge fate has set before you, not a mistake you intentionally committed. You are not only someone who knows how to defeat enemies but also someone who knows how to control himself in the most difficult situations, when almost everyone else would lose the calm they need to maintain."

"My mentor, I have a question! If I am truly as great as you have just described, then why is your most favored pupil in this academy Kurogami Masayuki, and not me?"

"Snow Sky-Dog, you must understand that both you, Kurogami Masayuki, and Mizuchi Haruka are all pupils whom I favor! The evidence is that I chose the three of you as my direct disciples to train. Among the countless students in this academy, I selected only three deities as my direct disciples. But I favor Kurogami Masayuki more than you because Kurogami Masayuki represents the supreme intellect; whereas you represent the supreme courage and determination; Mizuchi Haruka, on the other hand, represents the highest compassion. If I could only preserve one virtue among intellect, courage/determination, and compassion, I would choose to retain intellect - that's why I favor Kurogami Masayuki the most among the three of you. But if not for the compelling circumstances of an uncontrollable situation; I would do everything to protect all three virtues, and I would not forsake intellect, courage/determination, and compassion."

In the beautiful eyes of Snow Sky-Dog, a tear of profound gratitude fell for his mentor.

"Thank you, mentor, I understand now! But there is one more thing I would like your advice on: how can I bring Seraphina Frostwind back into my arms as quickly as possible?"

"There is someone who can help you with this, it's a woman who used to be the steward of Seraphina Frostwind's family! Seraphina Frostwind trusts this woman's words deeply. She is in the youkai world; you must go find her!"

Snow Sky-Dog lifted his head, his eyes shining like a star's light, he looked at his mentor with deep gratitude. He felt he had received a new ray of hope, a new path to seek forgiveness and trust from Seraphina Frostwind.

"Thank you, mentor, I will go find that woman right away!" Snow Sky-Dog said with determination.

Despite the pain and despair, Snow Sky-Dog never ceased to hope for the possibility of rekindling his relationship with Seraphina Frostwind. He decided to immediately embark on the journey to find the woman his mentor had introduced.

Under the vast night sky, Snow Sky-Dog walked with the bright light of a shining star, continuing his journey to regain the love and prove to himself that he deserves Seraphina Frostwind's trust and affection.

In the darkness of the night, Snow Sky-Dog walked with unwavering determination between pain and hope. Under the dim light of the accompanying star, he continued his journey, navigating through every emotional gradient within him.

With each step, his will grew stronger. He sought not only Seraphina Frostwind's forgiveness but also to prove to himself that he was worthy of her love and trust. Each step was a step closer to his goal, each pain a lesson, each hope a beacon.

Under the sparkling moonlight, Snow Sky-Dog continued his journey, not just for love but for himself. Life is not just about finding someone to love but also about feeling proud of oneself and overcoming every challenge. Snow Sky-Dog, with his courage and strong will, would never stop walking, overcoming every hardship to achieve his desired goal.