Chapter 118: The Divine Confrontation

"Snow Sky-Dog, why do you seem so complex today? Are you stressed? I rarely see you lose your composure like this, Snow Sky-Dog!"

"Kurogami Masayuki, something terrible is about to happen to me. It's making me incredibly tense! I feel so anxious thinking about the haunting and gloomy prospect ahead!"

"Is this about the beautiful woman again? Is it Mizuchi Haruka or Seraphina Frostwind?"

"It's Seraphina Frostwind, my elder brother! Perhaps she'll unleash her thunderous wrath upon me this afternoon. Haizza, elder brother, I truly dread facing this. It's such a daunting prospect!"

"Snow Sky-Dog, I understand. You don't need to explain further! Surely this is because some wretched deity in this academy has burned the book you took from Seraphina Frostwind's library without her permission. That precious book you clandestinely borrowed. Now, she's discovered you've taken it. Therefore, today she arranged to meet you somewhere to retrieve this book. But this book has already been burned. You're worried she'll show you just how terrifying women can be when angered! Am I right, Snow Sky-Dog?"

"You're correct, Kurogami Masayuki! If you want to mock me like before, go ahead!"

"I'll jest about other matters, but not this one! You're solely focused on our mission to collect the eight most powerful magical artifacts, lost across all three worlds. Our mentors entrusted us with this task. We must complete it. It's because of our team that you've run into trouble with Seraphina Frostwind. So, for this matter, I won't jest at you; instead, I'll show great empathy. Stay strong, Snow Sky-Dog. The afternoon is approaching. Use all your patience and soothing skills with Seraphina Frostwind, your 'deathly angel.'"

"Haizza, thank you, elder brother! What about Mizuchi Haruka, though? I haven't seen her all morning."

"I don't know either, Snow Sky-Dog. Ever since she read that old book, her demeanor has been mysterious and peculiar. Perhaps she's trying to ensnare your heart with some ancient enchantment, making you love only her. Haizza, Snow Sky-Dog, be cautious! Both Mizuchi Haruka and Seraphina Frostwind will present challenges in this love story! I've said all that needs to be said. Now, I'm off to have a drink!"

"Why spend so much time drinking, Kurogami Masayuki? Don't you have other amusements?"

"Don't you have anything else to do besides courting Mizuchi Haruka and Seraphina Frostwind?"

"If that's how it is, then I have nothing more to say to you! Go ahead, drink, but don't overdo it. You're the God of Light, not the God of Wine!"

"You jest at me again, Snow Sky-Dog! I won't converse with you anymore. Farewell. I wish you a less disastrous outcome when facing 'deathly angel' Seraphina Frostwind this afternoon."

"Kurogami Masayuki, go enjoy your drink! What will be, will be! We can't avoid these troubles while on this mission."

"Yes, I know! But for now, I want to momentarily forget those pressures and relax. Don't you want to join me?"

"I... no, thank you! I'd like some time alone. Perhaps I'll stroll in the flower garden and learn about new flowers."

"Oh, then enjoy your leisurely rest. We'll meet later. Goodbye, Snow Sky-Dog!"

"Goodbye, Kurogami Masayuki!"

As Snow Sky-Dog watched Masayuki leave the room, a heavy sense of anxiety still lingered in his mind. Seraphina Frostwind, with her haughty demeanor and sharp eyes, held his life in her hands. And Mizuchi Haruka, with her bright smile and warm gaze, was she truly as simple as she appeared? Snow Sky-Dog felt trapped between two worlds, two people, and two opposite emotions. But amidst the turmoil, he knew what he had to do. Yes, he would have to resolve the issue with Seraphina, but he wouldn't forget the budding relationship with Mizuchi. This confrontation wasn't just about external challenges but also about internal conflicts within his heart. Snow Sky-Dog grasped his determination and stepped out of the room, ready to face whatever challenges awaited outside.

Snow Sky-Dog stepped into the academy's flower garden and saw a goddess of stunning beauty and allure. He approached her and said, "Hello, beautiful goddess! Who are you? In this academy, I've witnessed the exquisite beauty of many goddesses, but I've never seen yours until now. You're truly enchanting, oh unnamed goddess! May I have the honor of knowing your name? You seem troubled and burdened with many thoughts. I can listen to you now!"

"Oh, Snow Sky-Dog, one of the most outstanding and renowned gods of this academy! Please don't concern yourself with my name! I can only say that I'm a goddess betrothed to one of your adversaries, 'Steel Dragon' Ryujin Tetsu."

Snow Sky-Dog was quite surprised but quickly regained his remarkable composure.

"So, what do you think about the three of us gods having caused 'Steel Dragon' Ryujin Tetsu to be expelled from this academy?"

"There's a cause for everything, handsome god! 'Steel Dragon' Ryujin Tetsu, whom I love, is a cruel deity. It's not difficult to understand why he was expelled from this academy! I used to love him for his adeptness in concealing his deceit and cruelty. But now, I've realized his despicable nature. And that pains me. Regardless, I've loved him. Now, I'm trapped in that love. I recognize that such a villain doesn't deserve my love. But even so, I've loved him! Thank you, Snow Sky-Dog, for conversing with me, and allowing me to express these feelings. I feel much lighter now! My mood has improved a bit! Snow Sky-Dog, because you've lessened my sorrow, I'll share something crucial with you: 'Steel Dragon' Ryujin Tetsu's father, the King of Dragons, won't stay silent or idle! He's planning vengeance against all three young gods!"

Snow Sky-Dog realized that the situation would become even more complicated if the King of Dragons indeed acted to retaliate against him and his companions. He felt the heavy burden of responsibility on his shoulders, and a sense of fear crept into his mind.

"I'm very grateful for you sharing this information with me," Snow Sky-Dog replied with gratitude. "I'll be more careful in the future."

The goddess chuckled gently, her gaze carrying a foreboding.

"Carefulness is never excessive, Snow Sky-Dog. But remember, every difficulty brings an opportunity. Sometimes, in darkness, true light is discovered."

The goddess's words made Snow Sky-Dog believe he could find opportunities in every situation, no matter how challenging.

"Yes, I'll remember your advice," Snow Sky-Dog said, turning back to the scenery ahead. But in his mind, the King of Dragons still lurked silently somewhere, waiting for the opportunity to strike.

The story continued, with dangers lurking from all sides, and Snow Sky-Dog knew he had to be prepared for every challenge ahead. The only thing he could do was to continue learning, growing, and facing the myriad challenges in the future.