Chapter 142: The Fall of the Cunning and the Rise of the Righteous

News of the Fire God, Hinokagami no Kami's, victory had enraged the three dangerous ruffians imprisoned in the dungeons of the Academy of the Gods. "The Deity of Deception and Cunning" Hokage Masayuki and his cohorts realized they were mere boars trapped by the cunning and experienced hunter. That night, the Shark God, Kaiyo no Kami, paid another visit to the three soon-to-be-tried conspirators.

"Kaiyo no Kami, you bastard! I should have never trusted you!" Hokage Masayuki spat, his voice a mix of anger and betrayal.

"Oh, Hokage Masayuki, just as you said, I am indeed a 'great traitor.' But whom I betray remains a mystery to you, oh grand 'Deity of Deception and Cunning'!" Kaiyo no Kami responded with a sly smile.

"Just you wait, Kaiyo no Kami! Once I get out of this wretched dungeon, you'll wish you were never born, Shark God!"

"Ah, look who's bristling like an angry porcupine! Aren't you the 'Deity of Deception and Cunning'? How could you be so easily deceived?"

"Shut up, you foolish shark! Surely a simple-minded brute like you couldn't have concocted such a diabolical scheme! Tell me, is it the 'Progenitor of the Gods' who devised this treacherous plot to trap us?"

Kaiyo no Kami sighed theatrically. "Well, Hokage Masayuki, you've hit the mark perfectly. Every action has its cause and effect, Masayuki! If you hadn't betrayed this academy or schemed to harm Snow Sky-Dog's team, you wouldn't be rotting in this dark dungeon. Had things gone differently, we might even be sharing a drink at some tavern right now. I once claimed to hate Snow Sky-Dog, but that was a lie to lure you into the trap! Snow Sky-Dog is celebrated at the academy as a handsome deity who charms women effortlessly. I find his cavalier treatment of women distasteful; he has five beautiful maidens as his girlfriends. This diminishes my respect for him. Yet compared to you, he's a paragon. Although he may flirt with many beautiful women, it's hard to condemn him. Each deity at this academy faces a unique test crafted by the fates they must overcome. The complex and ironic trials of love between Snow Sky-Dog and his lovely companions are his greatest challenge, one he must surmount to achieve ultimate happiness and life's true meaning. Hating him for his romantic entanglements would be as unjust as another deity resenting me for struggling through my destiny's trials. Hence, instead of hatred, I feel sympathy for him. But you, Masayuki, I cannot empathize with you! Your integrity is as soiled as a well-worn doormat. This academy sheltered you, taught you every magic you know, and honed your combat skills, your physical strength, and mental prowess. And you repay these gifts with betrayal and attempts to destroy them. You're a disgrace, Hokage Masayuki! Snow Sky-Dog and his two godly comrades are entirely different. They strive to fulfill every task the Progenitor of the Gods assigns, excelling in their studies, and aiding, and earning the goodwill of other students. That's their way of repaying the academy's kindness. I would never choose to ally with a vile and cowardly deity like you. Instead, I choose to side with the trio of gods. I choose to be a contributor to our headmaster, the Progenitor of the Gods, the guardian of this academy. That's my way of repaying the academy's generosity. Now, I'll end this conversation here. But because you were once a student of this academy, I'll share something crucial with you now. You and your ruffian companions won't remain here long. The Lord of the Gods will hold the greatest trial ever to judge your misdeeds. The lightest sentence for one of you is to be imprisoned in the ice river for ten thousand years. But for you, Hokage Masayuki, the mastermind behind this filthy plot, even this mildest punishment is not yours to receive. I've said all I needed to; I'm leaving now."

With those words, Kaiyo no Kami exited the dark dungeon, leaving the shadows to toy with the minds of the three wretched criminals.

The gloomy chamber fell into an eerie silence after the Shark God departed. Hokage Masayuki slumped to the ground, his eyes burning with rage and disappointment. His mind swirled with thoughts of betrayal and revenge, the bitter reality of his deception now glaringly clear.

"What do we do now, boss?" one of his two cohorts whispered, his voice trembling with worry and confusion.

Hokage Masayuki lifted his head, a spark of determination glinting in his eyes. "We can't just sit here and wait for death! We must find a way out and turn the tables."

"But how can we escape this dungeon when all the exits are sealed with the Progenitor of the Gods' magic?" the other accomplice asked, his voice laced with despair.

Hokage Masayuki smirked, a thin thread of hope shining in his gaze. "Nothing is impossible! We've overcome greater challenges than this before. The key is to keep our faith and fighting spirit strong."

That night, while everyone at the Academy of the Gods slept soundly, the three ruffians huddled together, plotting their daring plans. The silence of the dungeon was punctuated only by their determined whispers.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Academy, Hinokagami no Kami sat by a window, gazing out at the night sky. His recent victory filled him with pride, but deep within, he knew this was merely the beginning of a longer battle. He pondered if his choices were right and if the path he chose would truly lead to peace.

"Hinokagami no Kami, what's on your mind?" Mizuchi Haruka entered the room, her voice was gentle yet laden with deep concern.

"I'm just contemplating the future, what lies ahead," the Fire God replied, his eyes still fixed on the starlit sky.

"We've done well," Haruka said, placing a reassuring hand on her friend's shoulder. "But this war won't end easily. We must be stronger and more resilient than ever!"

"Yes," Hinokagami no Kami agreed, his eyes brightening with renewed resolve. "We'll keep fighting, not just for ourselves, but for everyone we care about."

With these words, the chapter closes, heralding a future filled with challenges and upheavals awaiting the Fire God Hinokagami no Kami and his companions. The battle between light and darkness will continue, with secrets yet to be unveiled and new trials waiting on the horizon.