Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

The system responded instantly, its voice laced with arrogance. [Obviously, genius. Took you long enough to notice.] There was a mocking edge to its tone, as if it was mildly amused by how slow Zeus had been to catch on.

Zeus frowned but didn't bite back. He was too busy following his train of thought. "Hold on," he muttered under his breath, "isn't Lucy's Divine Scripture the Volcanic Dragon Core Divine Scripture?"

There was a brief pause from the system, almost as if it were surprised Zeus had connected the dots this time.

[Yeah, it is… So? What of it?] The system's tone was now curious but still carried that shameless arrogance, as if it was waiting for Zeus to make another obvious point.

Zeus's lips slowly curled into a smirk as the realization fully hit him. "Her special physique… it's the same type as my main body's one," he said quietly, excitement building in his voice.

The system, now catching on to his line of thinking, groaned in mock disbelief. [Oh, great. You're finally piecing it together. Took you long enough.]

Zeus ignored the mocking tone, his smirk only growing deeper. His mind was racing, piecing together the significance of what he'd just realized.

"My main body has the Void Physique, right?" he mused aloud, his voice becoming more animated as his idea took shape. "To make it perfect, I had to learn the Void Core Divine Scripture. That's how I reached the next level."

[Yes, yes, you're a genius, keep going...] the system interrupted with a sarcastic drawl, clearly amused but impatient. [So where's this going?]

Zeus's eyes sharpened, locking onto Roxana once more as a new plan crystallized in his mind. "So, for Roxana, with her Volcanic Dragon Physique, it's the same deal. She'll need the Volcanic Dragon Core Divine Scripture to fully realize her body's potential."

There was a brief pause from the system. Then it chuckled, almost in disbelief. [Wait, wait, wait—are you saying what I think you're saying?] Its tone had shifted from sarcasm to a kind of wicked curiosity, sensing the layers of cunning behind Zeus's words.

Zeus chuckled softly, his voice low and brimming with confidence. "What I'm saying is… Roxana could be exactly what Lucy needs." His eyes gleamed with a sharp glint, the thrill of a new plan building in his mind.

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His smirk deepened, dark with the satisfaction of the pieces falling into place. "Roxana could be Lucy's perfect teacher. Imagine that—a master with the same power guiding her every step."

The system, never one to be out-schemed, scoffed loudly. [Oh, brilliant. Are you actually thinking about blackmailing Roxana?]

Its tone was heavy with mocking disbelief, layered with a touch of concern. [Do you even understand how dangerous that is? She's an 8-star cultivator, genius. She could flick her wrist and turn you into dust without breaking a sweat.]

Zeus waved off the concern with a casual flick of his hand, unbothered by the system's theatrics. "Of course not. I'm not that reckless." His voice remained calm, but the excitement in his eyes betrayed him.

"There's no need for blackmail. We're in the perfect place for this." He glanced around the arena, his gaze lingering on the elders seated above.

"If Roxana decides to take Lucy as her disciple during this test, it's the ideal outcome. She'd be Lucy's private teacher. With someone like Roxana backing her, no one would dare lay a finger on her."

The system went silent for a moment before letting out an exaggerated sigh, as if it were reluctantly impressed. [Hmm... that could work.] Its tone was still thick with sarcasm, but there was a hint of amusement there.

[But let me guess—you're planning to use the Volcanic Dragon Core Divine Scripture as bait, aren't you? Oh, I know you've already thought this one through. You always think you're so clever.]

Zeus's lips curled into a knowing smile, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "I'll figure that out later. The important thing is to get Roxana interested in Lucy first. The rest will fall into place when the time is right." His tone was smooth, almost too casual for someone about to pull off such a dangerous gamble.

The system let out a mocking laugh. [Oh, of course. Just wing it like always, huh? Classic. What could possibly go wrong with a plan like that? It's not like she's one of the most dangerous people in the academy or anything...] The sarcasm was dripping from every word, but there was a begrudging sense of approval beneath the mockery.

Zeus shrugged, unfazed by the system's teasing. "Relax. I know what I'm doing." His voice was calm, his confidence unwavering. "If it works, Lucy will have the best protection anyone could ask for. And Roxana will never even know she's being played."

[Oh, I can't wait to see this blow up in your face,] the system snickered. [This is going to be so entertaining. You trying to manipulate her? Please. But hey, if you pull it off, I'll give you credit. You might actually be more cunning than I thought.]

Zeus chuckled, his eyes still focused on the elders. "Just watch. This could turn everything in our favor."

Meanwhile up in the high seats, Roxana Volcaria sat among the other elders, her arms crossed and her posture relaxed, though her expression remained unreadable.

She had been largely uninterested in this year's batch of disciples—none had sparked her curiosity, and she had mentally checked out of the event. Her mind wandered, thinking of more important matters than observing yet another round of hopefuls trying to prove their worth.

But then, something shifted.

Her gaze snapped toward the arena as if drawn by an unseen force. Her eyes zeroed in on Lucy, standing tall among the other disciples. There was something about the girl—something raw and untamed.

Roxana's sharp instincts flared as she narrowed her eyes, studying the disciple with renewed interest. She leaned forward slightly, her fingers tapping thoughtfully on the armrest of her chair as she observed Lucy closely.

Her gaze didn't linger on Lucy for long before it drifted to Zeus, standing not far from her. An intense glare followed as her piercing eyes locked onto him, her instincts flaring again. Roxana's brow furrowed, her mind working quickly. Something about that boy felt... off.

There was something beneath the surface with Zeus—something she couldn't quite put her finger on. It wasn't just his power, but a presence, a certain control that piqued her interest.

Roxana smirked, the corner of her mouth lifting into a faint, amused grin. Her sharp eyes gleamed as her suspicions grew, but so did her curiosity. She leaned back in her seat, arms still crossed, but her focus now entirely on the pair.

"This should be interesting..." she murmured, her voice barely audible, though the excitement in her tone was clear.