Chapter 113: The Enigma of Midnight Sunlight

"Snow Sky-Dog, have you not received any letters from Seraphina Frostwind recently?" Kurogami Masayuki inquired, yet his indifference was apparent, reflected in his countenance.

"Kurogami Masayuki, my elder brother, I have indeed been awaiting the letters from Seraphina Frostwind these past days. However, I have waited a long, and no letter has reached me! Perhaps she has roasted the messenger pigeons she often employs to deliver letters to me!" Snow Sky-Dog chuckled, a beautiful smile adorning his face. Alas, that smile, radiant as the sunrise after a night of darkness reigning over the world, held no sway over Kurogami Masayuki's mind. Perhaps because Masayuki was a man, not Seraphina Frostwind, nor Mizuchi Haruka. (Were Snow Sky-Dog facing not Masayuki but these two girls, his enchanting smile might act as the love spell's glamorous allure, rendering its 'victims' powerless against its irresistible charm, akin to a love potion without an antidote.)

"Snow Sky-Dog, you're playing 'dull' again! Surely Seraphina Frostwind is vexed with you for some reason! Haizza, the life of yours, the life of a handsome god ranking among the most handsome gods in the World of Gods is truly tiresome and vexing. Every few days, you squander considerable time on dalliances with beautiful maidens, only for them to grow upset over some trivial matter. Then, you spend no small effort soothing their tantrums. Haizza, Snow Sky-Dog, I wonder how potent your powers would be if you dedicated that time to diligent study like I do. How formidable would your strength become?"

"Haizza, Kurogami Masayuki, you're merely a bookworm! It's no wonder Mizuchi Haruka spends so much time with you, yet ultimately, she sees you as her brother. Kurogami Masayuki, you're also handsome and talented. But all the goddesses of this academy whisper to each other of your indifference towards women."

"Snow Sky-Dog, say what you will, I have no time to indulge in your trivial talk! However, it has been too long since we embarked on our mission to retrieve the lost magical artifacts, Snow Sky-Dog! When I inquired about Seraphina Frostwind's letters, it was to gather information on the sixth magical item we must retrieve. She is our team's informant. If she withholds such valuable information from you, then she must provide it to Mizuchi Haruka! Yet, until now, I have heard nothing from you or Mizuchi Haruka regarding this matter."

"Fret not, elder brother! I have obtained information on that magical item. It's called the 'Lantern of Seven Starry Life-Taking Towers.'"

"What? Truly? I've heard this item holds immensely potent dark magical power. So, where is it?"

"Hades."

"Are you serious, or jesting, Snow Sky-Dog? Do you mean to suggest we venture to Hades to recover this magical item?"

"Indeed, elder brother!"

"Have you indulged in the allure of women so much that you've lost your inherent discernment, Snow Sky-Dog? Hades is notorious as a place one ventures into but never returns from. If we cannot return, what then?"

"I swear, if I don't go to Hades, I won't become a god!"

"Enough, Snow Sky-Dog! I don't want to hear your philosophical discourse anymore!"

"Elder brother, there have been those who returned from Hades!"

"But only a few, Snow Sky-Dog!"

"And three young, mighty gods like us will inscribe our names on that list, Kurogami Masayuki!"

"Haizza, Snow Sky-Dog, your ideas border on madness! Yet, our team has never failed to follow your suggestions. This time will be no different. As the captain of our team, I will heed your proposal. But be cautious, if we cannot return permanently from Hades, I will spend all my time down there arguing with you! I wager you'd prefer not to stay in Hades longer than I, as you'd want to return to enjoy the sweet embrace of the beautiful maidens! So, I have no objections to your plan! I'm off to the academy tavern for a drink!"

"Hold on, Kurogami Masayuki, my elder brother! Where is Mizuchi Haruka? I haven't seen her in the academy all morning! Recently, she's been quite mysterious!"

"How would I know! She's probably wandering in some desolate place trying to find a love charm that would make you love only her! Haizza, Mizuchi Haruka, my sister, your love for this snow wolf has truly wearied you. But perhaps you've never thought so! Snow Sky-Dog, be cautious, women aren't merely gentle rabbits with soft fur! Moreover, Mizuchi Haruka is a beautiful and formidable woman. Therefore, you're in deep trouble loving multiple girls simultaneously, with Mizuchi Haruka being one of them in your love triangle. I've said enough, haven't I? Well, I won't say more. I'm off to have a few drinks!"

"Don't drink too much, Kurogami Masayuki, you'll get drunk!"

"Don't mock me, Snow Sky-Dog!"

Kurogami Masayuki departed, leaving Snow Sky-Dog to climb into bed to sleep. He attempted to drift into a peaceful slumber with pleasant dreams. (Quite unlike preparing for a god descending into Hades to battle the 'Guardians of the Underworld.')

Kurogami Masayuki exited the room, while Snow Sky-Dog lay still on the bed, his eyes wide open. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting glittering rays upon the bed's surface. In his mind, thoughts of the dark magical artifact stirred. Hades, where darkness engulfs any hope of life. Yet, within Snow Sky-Dog's heart, an unquenchable desire burgeoned. He could not sit idly by and wait any longer.

Rising from the comfortable bed, Snow Sky-Dog stepped out into the academy's central area. The morning sunlight bathed the entire academy, creating a vibrant and fresh ambiance. Yet, within Snow Sky-Dog, an unsettling feeling persisted.

Mizuchi Haruka was nowhere to be seen. While not unusual, an eerie sensation seemed to pervade his mind. Events felt more tangled than usual, and Snow Sky-Dog sensed himself teetering on the brink of a new adventure.

Gazing up at the azure sky, Snow Sky-Dog felt a peculiar sensation, as if a promise were whispered from a distant place. He looked toward the vanished Mizuchi Haruka, yet within his heart, a longing stronger than ever sprouted.

The wolf within him incessantly stirred, its voice echoing within Snow Sky-Dog, yearning to conquer the challenges set forth by Hades. A new adventure was about to commence, and Snow Sky-Dog was determined to fight to the end.

But where would this battle lead? The story continues, with an unwritten conclusion.