Chapter 145: Bonds Forged in the Academy of Gods

At the Academy of Gods - The Realm of the Divine

It was now lunchtime, and Snow Sky-Dog sat in the academy's dining hall, enjoying his meal with four of his five beautiful girlfriends. Suddenly, a god in the form of a dragon approached them.

"Snow Sky-Dog, and you lovely goddesses, may I join you for lunch?"

"You mean to stir trouble like your cousin, the 'Steel Dragon' Ryujin Tetsu, who was expelled from this academy?" Snow Sky-Dog's voice dripped with hostility as he addressed the 'White Dragon' Ryushi Yukinaga.

"Oh, come now, Snow Sky-Dog," interjected the Wind Goddess Fujinomiya Amaterasu, defending Ryushi Yukinaga. "From what I see, this dragon god doesn't seem as despicable or aggressive as 'Steel Dragon' Ryujin Tetsu!" She gracefully poured a cup of tea and offered it to the 'White Dragon'. "Friends, I propose a challenge to this handsome dragon. Since our academy celebrates the brilliance of each student's mind, why don't we test him on this virtue? If he proves himself to possess abilities, virtues, and noble qualities, then let us welcome him as a friend and resolve all conflicts. What do you say, Snow Sky-Dog, my charming god?"

Snow Sky-Dog felt the flames of his anger start to subside, their heat diminishing.

"Maybe that's a good idea! Let me see what this dragon, whom two of my girlfriends are so eager to defend, is truly made of. Or is he just as worthless as his cousin?"

"Alright, Snow Sky-Dog, I accept your challenge!" replied Ryushi Yukinaga with calm determination.

"Very well, Ryushi Yukinaga. I will present a thought. If you are not a dragon god lacking in virtue, ability, or character, then you must refute it if it is refutable, or discuss it with new, profound, and philosophical insights. I wish to see if the dragon god my human girlfriend considers a close friend is truly worthy of my respect and kindness."

"Agreed, propose your thought, and I will strive to provide a fitting response!"

"A true warrior lives by the sword and meets his end by it, but his spirit endures in the hearts of those he has protected. Now, Ryushi Yukinaga, I seek your noble and correct reflections on this statement—if your mind can indeed produce such thoughts!"

Ryushi Yukinaga smiled, his eyes glinting with confidence. He gently took the cup of tea offered by Fujinomiya Amaterasu, sipped it, and began to speak.

"Snow Sky-Dog, your statement is profound and worthy of contemplation. A true warrior, as you say, lives and dies by his sword, leaving behind an undying spirit in the hearts of those he has protected. This image embodies courage and sacrifice. However, I believe there is another dimension to consider."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the faces of the goddesses, then continued.

"A true warrior is not only one who uses the sword to protect but also one who knows when to lay it down. True strength lies not just in the ability to fight but in the wisdom and compassion to choose peace when possible. Life is not always a battle; sometimes it requires tranquility and understanding."

Fujinomiya Amaterasu nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

"You're right, Ryushi Yukinaga! A true warrior does not only live and die by the sword but also lives by his heart and mind."

Snow Sky-Dog leaned back, pondering deeply.

"What you say makes sense, Ryushi. But how can you prove that you truly understand and live by these principles?"

Ryushi smiled, his eyes filled with certainty.

"I will prove it through my actions, Snow Sky-Dog! I will use my strength and wisdom to protect those I love and will not hesitate to lay down my sword when necessary to achieve peace."

Snow Sky-Dog nodded, newfound respect gleaming in his eyes.

"Very well, Ryushi Yukinaga! I will give you a chance to prove your words. Show us that you are indeed a true warrior, not just with your sword but with your heart."

As the conversation continued, the atmosphere between them became more relaxed. Ryushi Yukinaga, with his determination and sincerity, gradually began to win the trust of those around him. Yet, within him, a steadfast flame burned brightly with his love for Seraphina Frostwind.

Meanwhile, Seraphina was preparing lunch at her home. Her mind, however, was constantly drifting towards the events unfolding at the Academy of Gods. Little did she know that her upcoming decisions and actions would shape the future of both the human world and the realm of the gods.

Back in the dining hall of the Academy of Gods:

The Goddess of Fortune, Aika Takara, smiled warmly.

"Snow Sky-Dog, I find this dragon quite interesting! He has passed your test. Keep your promise, my dear!"

The Goddess of Secrets, Amaterasu Yumi, chimed in with a seductive and feminine tone.

"Snow Sky-Dog, it seems to me that this dragon god is not wicked at all! You should no longer hold a grudge against him. Thus, we gain another friend!"

Mizuchi Haruka added with a friendly glance at the dragon god standing before them.

"Yes, Snow Sky-Dog, we shouldn't be so fixated on someone's past! After all, he is one of the students at this academy!"

"Sit with us for lunch, 'White Dragon' Ryushi Yukinaga. From now on, you are our friend! Isn't that right, Snow Sky-Dog? I've been your girlfriend for a long time, and I know you well. The conflict between you and Ryushi Yukinaga stems from your desire to protect us—the girls you've vowed to love and treat fairly. But Ryushi Yukinaga is no threat! So, let go of your anger and vigilance toward him! Come on, Snow Sky-Dog, invite him to join us! Don't leave him standing there!"

Snow Sky-Dog looked at Ryushi Yukinaga again, but this time his gaze held no enmity, only deep reflection. He sighed quietly as if releasing a part of his inner tension.

"Alright, Ryushi Yukinaga! I will give you a chance to prove that you are truly a trustworthy friend." He smiled gently, his eyes softening. "Sit down and join us for lunch!"

Ryushi Yukinaga smiled, bowed his head in gratitude, and gently took a seat next to Mizuchi Haruka. The conversation became lively, with no more tension or suspicion. The goddesses shared cheerful stories, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Elsewhere in the academy, a shadow moved silently through long, deserted corridors. It paused before a large door, pushed it open gently, and stepped into a dimly lit room, illuminated only by the flicker of candles. The figure bowed before a grand table, where an imposing silhouette sat, eyes glowing in the darkness.

"Master, everything is proceeding as planned. Snow Sky-Dog and Ryushi Yukinaga have started to cooperate. But we must be cautious. The upcoming decisions of Seraphina Frostwind will be crucial."

The imposing figure smiled, their eyes flashing with a sinister gleam.

"Good! Keep watching and report back to me. The decisive moment is approaching."

The shadow bowed and retreated, leaving behind an aura of ominous stillness.

Back in the dining hall, Ryushi Yukinaga and Snow Sky-Dog had begun to find harmony. However, they both understood that this newfound relationship was only the first step. Real challenges awaited them ahead.

Snow Sky-Dog looked across the table, his gaze settling on Ryushi Yukinaga.

"Ryushi, I hope we can truly become friends and together protect those we care about! But remember, this challenge is just beginning. We have many trials to face!"

Ryushi nodded, his eyes filled with determination.

"I understand, Snow Sky-Dog! We will overcome every challenge together. I will prove that I am worthy of your trust!"

Meanwhile, Seraphina Frostwind stood by her window, gazing out at the sky. She sensed a change in the air as if a storm was brewing. She knew that her decisions would significantly impact the future of everyone. With determination and a passionate heart, she vowed to protect everyone with all her might.

The chapter ended with promises and resolve from each character. Challenging and unexpected events await them in the following chapters. Would they be able to overcome all difficulties and achieve peace? Only time will tell.