Chapter 144: The Dragon's Confession

A Peaceful Morning in the Human World

As the sun cast its gentle golden rays across the quaint town, Seraphina Frostwind sat alone in a cozy café, cradling a cup of soursop tea instead of coffee. Her thoughts drifted to Snow Sky-Dog, her boyfriend. Snow Sky-Dog, a divine being, had five girlfriends, Seraphina among them. Yet, Seraphina's heart belonged solely to the handsome and flirtatious Snow Sky-Dog. Suddenly, her tranquility was disrupted by the unexpected arrival of another divine presence—a dragon god who approached her and sat beside her.

"Seraphina Frostwind, it's been ages! I've missed you!"

"Oh, 'White Dragon' Ryushi Yukinaga, it's been a long time! Where have you been? Why haven't you visited me?"

"Ah, Seraphina Frostwind, I refused a mission from my uncle, the King of Dragons. His task was to seduce you to avenge Snow Sky-Dog and uncover the secrets of the eight magical artifacts you possess. Furious at my defiance, he imprisoned me in the Dragon Dungeon. Yet, his love for me never completely vanished. After a period of confinement, I was eventually set free. Recently, our clan allied with the Academy of Gods. Thus, I was sent there by my uncle to study, representing the Dragon Clan. Upon my enrollment, the first thought in my mind was to see you. Seraphina Frostwind, you are exceptional. You awakened my conscience. Although I approached you with a nefarious mission, I found myself unable to harm you. My uncle has granted me the freedom to love you, and I am determined to win over your pure and innocent heart!"

"Ryushi Yukinaga, I am so glad you're free at last! Now you can visit and talk with me again! I know your love for me is genuine. However, my heart belongs to Snow Sky-Dog. For you, I can only offer sincere friendship. Please understand this, Ryushi Yukinaga."

"Seraphina Frostwind, I won't give up so easily!"

"That's your choice, 'White Dragon' Ryushi Yukinaga. But know this: all your efforts to win my heart will ultimately be in vain. I can only see you as a dear and good friend! Now, let's change the subject. It's been too long since we last met. Let's make this conversation pleasant. Tell me about the wondrous experiences of a dragon god like yourself or your views on life. Don't think of me as an inexperienced girl. Share with me your most profound and correct thought, 'White Dragon,' and we'll discuss it. Through this, we will lighten our hearts and enhance our understanding and wisdom."

Ryushi Yukinaga smiled, a beautiful smile like the sunset over the sea.

"If we focus too much on not losing, we easily fall into a defensive mindset. We cannot win if we only defend! What do you think of this perspective, Seraphina Frostwind?"

"Oh, dear Ryushi Yukinaga, your thinking bears striking similarities to Snow Sky-Dog, my boyfriend! Maybe that's why I enjoy our conversations so much. Your idea is intriguing, but I can see its flaws and limitations. Would you like to hear my unique viewpoint, combining various perspectives you might not have considered, Ryushi Yukinaga?"

"Tell me, Seraphina Frostwind, my lovely lady!"

Seraphina smiled softly but sharply, her eyes glimmering like stars in the night.

"Ryushi Yukinaga, I respect your viewpoint! However, to achieve victory, it's not always about aggressive offense. Sometimes, a resilient and smart defensive strategy can wear down the opponent, causing them to lose their calm and make mistakes. Imagine a rushing river; if you try to block it forcefully, you'll be swept away. But if you build small dams, bit by bit, you can control its power without confronting it directly."

Ryushi Yukinaga nodded, his eyes sparkling with interest.

"Fascinating, Seraphina Frostwind! You truly have a deep and comprehensive perspective. I never thought of combining the wisdom of defense and offense in that way!"

"That's how we should think," Seraphina continued. "In life and love, it's not always about fighting to win. Sometimes, patience and finding the weak points of a situation, exploiting them skillfully without causing harm to ourselves or others, is the key."

Ryushi Yukinaga leaned back, thoughtful.

"You're right, Seraphina! Perhaps I need to be more patient and less hasty in trying to win your heart. But remember, I won't give up! I will use my whole heart to prove this love is genuine!"

Seraphina smiled lightly, feeling a strange warmth inside.

"Ryushi, you are indeed a good friend! I hope we can always have conversations like this, whether or not you win my heart. Let's cherish these moments, for they are truly precious!"

Ryushi Yukinaga nodded slightly, his eyes full of respect and admiration.

"I hope so too, Seraphina! Conversations with you always open new and profound perspectives. I look forward to continuing this, for you help me understand myself better."

They sat in silence for a while, enjoying the peaceful and comfortable atmosphere of the café. Seraphina felt a weight lift off her heart, while Ryushi Yukinaga, even with his unrequited love, found a newfound serenity within himself.

After a while, Seraphina Frostwind stood up and said,

"Ryushi Yukinaga, I'm delighted you're free! And I'm glad you've become part of the Academy of Gods! There, I hope you can get along with Snow Sky-Dog, my boyfriend! The last time he fought you was just a misunderstanding, all because he wanted to protect me! As for me, I'll always see you as a kind and dear friend. I will never love you. Our relationship will remain at the level of friendship! You're a very kind, elegant, and handsome god. So, perhaps in the future, you'll find your other half! Now, I must head home to prepare lunch. Thank you, goodbye, and see you next time, 'White Dragon' Ryushi Yukinaga!"

Ryushi Yukinaga smiled gently, his eyes filled with calmness.

"Thank you, Seraphina Frostwind! I will remember your words. Until we meet again."

Seraphina left the café, feeling lighter after her talk with Ryushi. As she walked home, she thought about the future, about Snow Sky-Dog and their complex relationship.

Entering her cozy home, Seraphina suddenly realized her life would never be as peaceful as before. Strange events kept happening, and each of her friends carried their mysteries and stories. She couldn't help but wonder what she would have to face next. But no matter what, she knew she was never alone. She had friends, she had love, and most importantly, she had faith in herself.

Meanwhile, in a distant part of the Academy of Gods, Snow Sky-Dog was facing a new challenge. A familiar voice echoed in his mind.

"Snow Sky-Dog, you must prepare! Old enemies are returning, and this time they won't stop until they achieve their goal!"

He squinted, sensing the tension in the air.

"I will be ready," he whispered. "And I will protect those I love, no matter the cost!"

The chapter ends, hinting at fierce battles, untold secrets, and profound love that transcends all trials. Will Seraphina, Snow Sky-Dog, and Ryushi overcome the impending storms? The answers lie in the chapters that follow.