Heavenly Bonds

Chapter 6: Return in Glory.

"Let's quickly return, my two friends!" Kurogami Masayuki spoke to Snow Sky Dog and Mizuchi Haruka in a very soft voice.

"Hopefully, we won't encounter any more youkai! Unexpected battles like that are more than enough," Mizuchi Haruka complained. Deep within her eyes was a look of weariness and concern.

"What are you afraid of, flower princess? With me and the big brother protecting you, no youkai would dare to bully my beloved," Snow Sky-Dog teased Mizuchi Haruka with an expressive voice and a charming smile.

"You stop it right there, snow wolf! We didn't come to this forest for sightseeing! All you seem to know is to charm women. Is seducing women the only thing you're good at? Besides women, is there anything else your mind can hold?" Kurogami Masayuki raised his voice, perhaps still unsettled since killing the lion youkai.

"Don't be angry, big brother! The snow wolf is just joking a bit, big brother doesn't need to be angry like that! The three of us are not only close friends but also understand each other deeply. You shouldn't be like that; it's easy to damage the harmony of our trio," Mizuchi Haruka intervened, her eyes sparkling like a garden of stars, conveying a familiar look.

"Sorry, both of you, I went a bit overboard! I also don't understand why I acted like that!" Kurogami Masayuki said in a very soft voice. His face reflected that his inner self was shifting in a positive direction.

Snow Sky-Dog stared intently at Kurogami Masayuki, his eyes shining with a profound understanding. He placed his hand on Kurogami Masayuki's shoulder, conveying his support and understanding for his older brother in the group.

"Big brother, don't impose unnecessary pressure on yourself! Each of us has to face challenges and deal with them in our way. Nothing is perfect. Sometimes, pride is just a wall hindering us from seeing the path ahead," Snow Sky-Dog said with a slight nod.

"But strength and responsibility go hand in hand, right, snow wolf?" Mizuchi Haruka spoke, light shining in her azure eyes.

"Exactly," Snow Sky-Dog replied with a meaningful smile. "Strength is not just for fighting but also for protecting and caring. Responsibility is not just a burden but also a motivation to move forward. We are not just independent individuals; we are part of a larger mission."

Mizuchi Haruka gently placed her hand on Kurogami Masayuki's heart.

"We are the protectors of the world of the gods. And in our group, each person plays an important role. Big brother, don't burden yourself too much. We've overcome a lot, and we will continue to overcome more."

"Thank you, both of you. I won't forget my mission. We will investigate and confront everything threatening this world. We are the protectors, and our mission is not over yet."

"Exactly!" Snow Sky-Dog laughed, retaining a positive and confident gaze. "And remember, strength is not just about muscles but also about the soul. Sometimes, sharpness and intelligence can be the most powerful weapons."

Mizuchi Haruka added, "Trust in yourself and our team. We will overcome all difficulties. Nothing is impossible when we are united and focused on our common goal."

Kurogami Masayuki looked directly at his teammates, determination, and belief flooding his eyes. "Let's go, protect this world, and not let any threat defeat us."

After the encouraging words from Snow Sky Dog and Mizuchi Haruka, the three young gods safely returned to the Academy of the Gods. Other students looked at them with curiosity and expectation. Among them, some admired your group, seeing you as outstanding knights. But there were also eyes full of envy and resentment, especially from the god who had been beaten by your group in the dining hall before.

The three young gods entered the teacher's room, where the Water Deity of the Gods presided. The room was very spacious, decorated with historical paintings of legendary battles and famous students who had graduated from here. The Water Deity of the Gods stood there waiting for them.

"Welcome back, Kurogami Masayuki, Snow Sky Dog, Mizuchi Haruka," the Water Deity of the Gods welcomed them with a gentle, compelling voice. "Report your mission!"

Mizuchi Haruka began recounting the adventure and the challenges the group had overcome. Snow Sky Dog and Kurogami Masayuki spoke about their achievements in the journey. The Water Deity of the Gods listened to each story with high concentration, appreciating what your group had accomplished.

"You have shown unity and courage; it is admirable," the Water Deity of the Gods said, his eyes brightening. "We can rest assured about the future when you become powerful and talented gods, taking on important roles in protecting the three worlds."

The Water Deity of the Gods, the presiding deity of the academy, known for his kindness and wisdom, stepped out from the dark corner of the room.

"You have done very well," he said in a gentle voice. "The world needs knights like you, those who dare to face danger and protect peace."

As the Water Deity of the Gods praised them, a sense of pride overwhelmed your group. However, not everyone in the academy welcomed them with heartfelt appreciation. There were envious glances from those who only saw others' success and thought that success made them failures.

Among them, the god who had clashed with your group in the dining hall stepped forward. His eyes were filled with envy and hatred.

"We will surely meet again," he whispered, his voice containing bitterness and darkness.

Snow Sky-Dog looked straight into the eyes of his opponent, a mocking smile on his lips.

"Make sure we meet again, and when we do, you might continue to get a taste of our blows. We are the protectors of the world, and no one can stop us."

Mizuchi Haruka sensed the tense atmosphere and spoke gently.

"Let them say what they want. We fight not just for ourselves but for a greater mission. Let them speak their minds; we just need to continue doing what we believe is right."

Your group left the teacher's room, stepping into their era. The adventure continued, and the world needed your group to keep peace and balance from being disrupted.