Chapter 101: The Rose Quest

"Kurogami Masayuki, my elder brother, I must leave for a few days. Please stay at this academy and remember to take care of Mizuchi Haruka for me."

"Snow Sky-Dog, are you planning a vacation with Seraphina Frostwind? After her breakup with you, now she's back in love with you again?"

"Not quite yet, elder brother, Kurogami Masayuki! I'm trying to make that happen! This time my absence is also for that reason, Kurogami Masayuki."

"Where are you off to, Snow Sky-Dog? Are you going to buy 999 roses for her again?"

"Haizza, elder brother, you're almost right! But it's not that I'm going to buy roses, but I'm going to search for roses. I don't need 999 roses like before, this time only one rose will do! But it has to be her favorite type of rose. Haizza, elder brother, Kurogami Masayuki, this journey will be very difficult and dangerous, I'm worried I won't return here to drink wine with you anymore! All because her favorite rose is an exceptional type of rose, and the one who picks it must face tough challenges."

"What sounds overly complex, Snow Sky-Dog! So what rose are you going to pick, Snow Sky-Dog?"

"It's the 'Immortal Rose,' elder brother, Kurogami Masayuki!"

"What? Are you crazy, Snow Sky-Dog? That rose is guarded by a goddess who is half benevolent, half malevolent, and the most dangerous thing is that this goddess has extremely powerful magic! No one has ever passed her test. The challenge from this goddess, a goddess whose thoughts no one can guess, will be extremely harsh, dangerous, and difficult for anyone, even for the mightiest gods like our master. Snow Sky-Dog, what you're about to do is almost a self-destructive act. So, as your elder brother, I advise you to reconsider, Snow Sky-Dog!"

"Haizza, elder brother, I can't not do this! I also know this seems like a foolish and crazy act, but for Seraphina Frostwind, I voluntarily sacrifice everything I have, even if what needs to be sacrificed is the safety of this life! Seraphina Frostwind once swore that whoever brings her the 'Immortal Rose,' she will accept that person as her husband, regardless of whether that person is handsome or ugly. I'm not an ugly god, if I bring her that rose, then surely she will love me again! I know on this journey, safety is scarce, but the danger is extremely high, but I can't go, elder brother, Kurogami Masayuki!"

"Haizza, Snow Sky-Dog, if you succeed then Mizuchi Haruka will lose hope in loving you!"

"Why do you say that, elder brother?"

"The truth is whoever gives the 'Immortal Rose' to the girl they love, both will have an inseparable love!"

"Is that so, elder brother, Kurogami Masayuki?"

"Snow Sky-Dog, I think your future bride at the wedding can't be Mizuchi Haruka anymore! Maybe Mizuchi Haruka needs to undergo psychological therapy after you succeed in this journey!"

As Snow Sky-Dog listened to Kurogami Masayuki's warnings, his heart burned fiercely like a blazing fire. He couldn't diminish his determination; on the contrary, it flared even more intensely. For him, Seraphina Frostwind's love was the most important thing, even more important than his own life. If a rose could pave the way for them to be together, then nothing could stop their love.

"Elder brother, Kurogami Masayuki, I understand what you're saying. But in my heart, there is only one important thing, finding the 'Immortal Rose' and bringing it to Seraphina Frostwind. As for later, let's let time answer that question."

With those final words, Snow Sky-Dog decided to step out of the academy, quietly but determinedly. He knew that ahead lay many difficulties and dangers, but his heart was set on one singular goal: finding the 'Immortal Rose' to keep his love.

On the winding path leading to the ancient forest, Snow Sky-Dog walked slowly, lost in thought. The sunlight shimmered through the lush green leaves, creating interplays of light and shadow on his face. In his mind, the image of Seraphina Frostwind was ever present, her clear eyes, and gentle smile. The fear of imminent danger and difficulty seemed unable to overshadow his determination.

"Seraphina... the woman I love," Snow Sky-Dog whispered, his voice a vow amidst the quiet forest. "No matter how many dangers lie here, I will not hesitate. The 'Immortal Rose' will be the most precious gift for our love."

The ancient forest gradually unfolded before him, with its old trees, mossy rocks, and the sound of distant birdsong. Snow Sky-Dog didn't know that he was stepping into a strange and mysterious challenge. But he wasn't afraid, for his heart only knew the lofty goal he had chosen.

At that moment, a strange sound echoed from ahead. It wasn't birdsong, nor the wind, but an eerie presence from somewhere deep within the forest. Snow Sky-Dog stopped, his attention drawn to the source of that mysterious sound.

"Is someone here?" Snow Sky-Dog called out, his voice echoing in the serene forest. "Please, let me know, I come with no ill intent!"

No answer came, only the ominous silence surrounding him. Snow Sky-Dog closed his eyes, feeling an instinct guiding him. He continued forward, each step a resolute decision.

The world around him began to change, the dazzling lights like sharp blades, the shadows like dangerous coils. Snow Sky-Dog looked around, his heart pounding, but his will remained steadfast.

A particular section of the forest emerged before him, with red roses displaying their vibrant colors. "The Immortal Rose..." Snow Sky-Dog murmured, his eyes not leaving the exquisite beauty of those special flowers.

But as he drew closer, something strange happened. The petals seemed to unfold on their own, but instead of a sweet fragrance, a thick black smoke filled the air. Snow Sky-Dog paused, exhaling softly. "The challenge has begun..."

"We have been waiting for you," a bewitching female voice echoed from deep within the forest. "Come to me, brave one, seeker of the 'Immortal Rose.'"

Snow Sky-Dog had no choice; he stepped into that section of the forest, where secrets and dangers intertwined. The tears of Seraphina Frostwind, her warm smile, and unconditional love guided him on this unpredictable adventure...

Red roses began to fall from above, each one like a shield blocking Snow Sky-Dog's path. But he did not falter, for before he lay the lofty goal he had sought for so long. The unexpected shower of roses, each petal like a strange dance, blended with the seductive voice calling from a distance.

"We have been waiting for you, brave one," the female voice echoed again, alluring and mysterious. "But before you can obtain the 'Immortal Rose,' you must pass our three rose challenges. Each will demand that you trade something precious."

Snow Sky-Dog looked at the three roses before him, each one a different story. The first rose emitted a sparkling, pure light, enticing yet mysterious. The second rose was shrouded in darkness, alluring and enigmatic. The third rose blazed with fire, passionate and intense.

"Choose one," the cold yet captivating female voice commanded.

Snow Sky-Dog didn't hesitate. He chose the first rose, the pure light. As he touched it, light flooded in, and his heart felt refreshed, but at the same time, he felt the pain of heartache.

"Give it to the one you love," the female voice called out, her tone like a sacred hymn.

Snow Sky-Dog didn't need to think. He stepped out of that section of the forest, standing before the goddess with the rose in his hand. His eyes sparkled, his heart pounding for Seraphina Frostwind.

"Seraphina," he called, his voice trembling with joy. "This is my gift for you."

The atmosphere seemed to tremble, the roses stretching out before them like a path of glory. Seraphina Frostwind, with eyes brimming with happiness, stepped forward to meet Snow Sky-Dog. Two hearts came together, nothing dividing them, the space around them seemed to dissolve, leaving only the two of them, only love and the 'Immortal Rose.'

And in each other's embrace, Snow Sky-Dog and Seraphina Frostwind knew that they had overcome all challenges, and their love would be eternal, just like the 'Immortal Rose' in their hands. The stories of them, of the 'Immortal Rose,' and the perilous adventures, would continue to be told, with new pages, new chapters, and yet-to-be-told wonders in the future.