Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

"This is delicate work," Lucas muttered to himself, beads of sweat forming on his brow. He could feel the weight of what he was doing—the gravity of dividing something so fundamental.

[Well, you're not exactly splitting firewood here,] the system chimed in, its tone dripping with arrogance. [But don't worry, I'm here to ensure you don't mess it up.]

Lucas rolled his eyes at the system's shameless self-praise but remained silent, focusing on the task. Once the soul was successfully split, Lucas took a deep breath and gave the instruction, "Put it into the divine mask, Lucas."

[Oh, finally decided to trust me with something important, huh?] the system responded, mockingly. [Alright, let the genius do what he does best.]

Lucas smirked at the system's tone but didn't respond. He felt a strange mix of confidence and irritation—confidence because he knew the system would handle it flawlessly, and irritation because of its constant need to boast.

The system took the fragmented piece of Lucas's soul with an air of practiced ease, almost as if it were showing off, and seamlessly fused it with the divine mask Lucas.

[See? Smooth as silk. Only someone of my caliber could make it look this effortless,] the system remarked, its tone dripping with self-satisfaction, practically basking in the glow of its own accomplishment.

Lucas sighed, feeling the strange, dual sensation as if he were both awake and asleep simultaneously. It was a disorienting experience, like standing in two places at once. He rubbed his temples, trying to process the unusual feeling.

[Oh, confused, are we?] the system teased, its voice carrying a hint of mockery. [That's just the divine mask Lucas still in a state of automatic slumber. Nothing to worry your mortal mind about.]

Lucas rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Alright, so how do I wake it up?"

The system responded with a casual air, as if the answer were the most obvious thing in the world. [Just put it on the golem,] it said, with a tone that suggested it was surprised Lucas hadn't figured that out on his own.

Nodding, Lucas followed the system's guidance. He carefully retrieved the divine mask Lucas, feeling its weight in his hands, and approached the humanoid golem. His movements were deliberate, almost reverent, as he placed the mask onto the golem's face.

The moment the mask settled into place, something incredible happened. The golem's lifeless form began to stir, its features shifting and coming to life.

Lucas felt a jolt of awareness, as if a part of his consciousness had suddenly awakened. He blinked, and it was like seeing through two pairs of eyes at once, each perspective perfectly aligned yet distinctly separate.

"This is pretty amazing," Lucas marveled, turning his head slightly to observe the golem from one angle while simultaneously viewing the room from another.

[Of course, it's amazing,] the system chimed in, thoroughly enjoying its moment of triumph. [But then again, everything I do is extraordinary. You should be used to it by now.]

Lucas chuckled, shaking his head with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "You really don't miss an opportunity to gloat, do you?" His voice was light, but there was an undercurrent of fondness for the system's shameless nature.

[Why would I?] the system shot back, almost as if it were shrugging off the question. [When you're as flawless as I am, it's only natural to make sure everyone knows it.] The system's tone was so unapologetically proud that Lucas couldn't help but smirk.

Lucas then turned his attention to the golem Lucas, now fully animated and standing before him. He studied it for a moment, noting how eerily perfect the resemblance was.

"Wait and live with Lucy," he instructed, his voice firm but gentle, ensuring that the clone would take on his role seamlessly.

The golem Lucas nodded, its movements smooth and natural. When it spoke, the voice was indistinguishable from Lucas's own. "On it," it replied, with a calm, almost robotic precision.

Lucas smiled, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. He knew that his sister would be safe and that the clone would play its part flawlessly, keeping up the façade while he attended to other pressing matters.

"Good," Lucas said, the word filled with quiet confidence. He watched the golem for a moment longer, reassured by how well the plan was coming together.

With everything in place, Lucas moved with purpose. He reached for the divine mask Zeus and donned it, the transformation taking hold instantly.

His body shifted, and the familiar power surged through him as he became Zeus once again. Without a second thought, Zeus turned and swiftly left the golem Lucas behind, his mind already focused on the next stage of his plan.

Meanwhile, at the mission center, Lucy stood before the mission board, her eyes narrowing in concentration as she meticulously examined the list of available tasks.

Her hand hovered just inches from the parchment, fingers lightly tracing over the descriptions as she weighed her options, her posture straight and confident. Each mission was carefully considered, her focus unbroken as she sought the challenge that would push her limits.

However, in the shadows of the bustling center, a group of individuals began to converge on her position. Their movements were slow and deliberate, like predators stalking prey.

Shoulders tense, they exchanged subtle glances, their intentions clear in the cold calculation of their eyes. One of them clenched his fists, knuckles cracking softly, while another adjusted his stance, shifting his weight as if preparing to strike.

As they closed in, their gazes remained fixed on Lucy, their steps silent and purposeful, waiting for the opportune moment to make their move.