Chapter 129: Trials of the Divine Warriors

Kurogami Masayuki, Snow Sky-Dog, and Mizuchi Haruka soared into the Human World with an air of urgency. After hours of traversing through immense silver clouds, leaving behind towering mountains and long rivers, they descended upon a ruined temple. The temple lay in a damp and shadowy forest. The three deities stepped inside, their eyes sweeping every corner of the temple's space, intent on finding its caretaker. They searched for a long time but found no one. Suddenly, Snow Sky-Dog fixated on a statue within the temple. The other two gods also turned their gaze to the statue, wondering which deity it represented in their divine world. To their astonishment, the statue began to move. Initially, the movements were weak, but gradually they grew stronger. After a while, the statue's movements caused a significant earthquake that shook the temple. The statue shrank and transformed, turning into a man clad in black priestly robes. His face, handsome yet emanating an aura of mystery and danger, greeted them.

"Young gods, welcome to this place where you seek the magical artifact known as 'The Lamp of the Seven Stars Seizing Lives'! I have awaited your arrival for a long time. However, before I bestow it upon you, I have three trials for you. Each of you will undergo a trial in a different layer of the underworld. If all three of you succeed, in defeating the demon lords of those infernal layers, the artifact will be yours. Should even one of you fail and become eternally trapped, the Divine World will never obtain 'The Lamp of the Seven Stars Seizing Lives'! Now, Mizuchi Haruka, the deity with the least magical power among you, step forward to face your trial."

Mizuchi Haruka advanced. Fear gripped her heart, a fear not easily overcome. Yet, she maintained a visage of courage and the bearing of a warrior.

"Tell me a new and profound idea that you hold dear!"

"If the heart and mind are not vigilant, the golden armor within our souls will be useless! In such a state, even a clumsy fool can deceive us, and the sting of a bee can throw us into panic, leading us to act foolishly and harm ourselves."

"Hmm, with such a notion... Descend to the third layer of hell, Mizuchi Haruka!"

Something thick as darkness enveloped Mizuchi Haruka. Countless grotesque black hands reached out to her, and soon she vanished. Kurogami Masayuki cried out in alarm:

"Mizuchi Haruka, my sister!"

"Do not worry, Kurogami Masayuki."

The man in black robes handed Snow Sky-Dog and Kurogami Masayuki two magical mirrors. Through these mirrors, they saw Mizuchi Haruka in the third layer of hell. She stood in a place of endless mud and ceaseless cold rain. Suddenly, she spotted a ferocious three-headed dog—Cerberus. Upon seeing Mizuchi Haruka, Cerberus lunged at her with all its might. Haruka transformed into her most powerful combat form: "The Diamond Colossus." She also activated her "Colorful Armament" spell. In an instant, Cerberus faced a diamond giant clad in a super-tough black metallic layer. Both combatants charged at each other, determined to defeat the other.

Mizuchi Haruka felt the immense power of the "Diamond Colossus" coursing through her. Her diamond armor gleamed, reflecting the lightning from the cold rainstorm, enhancing her majestic and formidable presence. With each step, the ground shook, and rainwater splashed, creating a grand and terrifying spectacle.

Cerberus roared, its three massive heads spewing streams of scorching fire, making the surrounding mud boil. Haruka stood unfazed, focusing her will, activating "Colorful Armament" to create a sleek black metallic layer that both amplified her strength and shielded her from Cerberus's powerful attacks.

"Only the strong and resolute can overcome this trial," Haruka thought, her determined eyes fixed on the three-headed beast. She charged with incredible speed, each step carrying the destructive power of a diamond warrior.

Cerberus fought fiercely, its heads striking with the intent to tear her apart. But Haruka, agile and prepared, dodged each attack, countering with powerful blows that echoed through the underworld.

One of Cerberus's heads spewed a fiery blaze, but Haruka, with her black metallic arm, deflected the flames. The intense heat made the air around her shimmer, but her armor held firm.

"I will not be defeated so easily, monster!" Haruka shouted, her voice filled with strength and determination. She poured all her power into one final punch, aimed at Cerberus's forehead. The impact shook the air, creating a deafening boom.

Cerberus howled in agony, its three heads writhing in pain. Finally, its massive body collapsed into the mud. Haruka, breathing heavily, felt a surge of triumph and pride. She had conquered Cerberus after a fierce battle.

"The world of the gods needs warriors who fight for righteousness and justice," Haruka whispered, her eyes gleaming with conviction. "And I, Mizuchi Haruka, will protect that world, undeterred by any challenge."

She stood tall, her diamond colossus form shining under the lightning. This victory was not just a step towards obtaining 'The Lamp of the Seven Stars Seizing Lives,' but a testament to her strength and resolve as a warrior goddess.

Exhausted but with eyes burning with pride and determination, Mizuchi Haruka emerged from the third layer of hell. Kurogami Masayuki and Snow Sky-Dog, anxious yet hopeful, felt immense relief as Haruka returned safely.

"Mizuchi Haruka, you did it!" Kurogami Masayuki exclaimed, embracing her with joy. Snow Sky-Dog's eyes sparkled like stars in the night, unable to hide his happiness.

The man in black robes appeared pleased.

"Mizuchi Haruka, you fought valiantly! Now it is evening. Rest here tonight in this ruined temple. Tomorrow, it will be Kurogami Masayuki's turn to face his trial."

With these words, the priest transformed back into a statue, leaving the young gods in the temple's tranquil space. Haruka gazed up at the sky through the broken roof, the faint light of stars flickering in the dark. Deep thoughts about the recent battle filled her mind.

"What enabled you to stand firm against Cerberus, Haruka?" Snow Sky-Dog asked, his voice filled with awe and admiration.

Haruka sighed, her tone reflective.

"It was faith in myself and our mission. When we believe, nothing can defeat our will, be it hellish beasts or any trial."

Masayuki nodded, contemplative.

"Tomorrow is my turn. I must prepare thoroughly. This trial is not just about obtaining 'The Lamp of the Seven Stars Seizing Lives,' but proving our strength and courage."

Haruka smiled, her eyes shining with determination.

"Indeed, we fight not just for ourselves, but for those we love and the world we protect!"

They sat together, silently reflecting on the past and what lay ahead. In each heart, a flame of will and determination burned brightly, ready for the trials to come. The ruined temple grew quiet, with only the gentle patter of rain and the dim light of night remaining.

In her sleep, Haruka dreamed of fierce battles, yet in each dream, she stood firm, unwavering, and strong. She knew the journey ahead would be challenging, but with determination and love for all three worlds, nothing could stop her.

As dawn broke, the first light of day pierced through the gray clouds, bringing hope and strength to the young gods. Their journey was far from over, but with every step, they grew stronger and more resolute, ready to face any challenge that awaited them.