Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

Elder Darius Armist, with his imposing figure and piercing gaze, rose from his seat. The soft murmurs quickly faded, replaced by a heavy silence that seemed to press down on the arena. His voice, sharp and authoritative, cut through the air.

"As per the results of today\'s test," he began, pausing briefly to let the weight of his words settle, "the seventh to tenth-ranked outer disciples are disqualified."

There was a visible shift in the lower-ranked disciples\' postures. Hopes shattered, faces fell as the reality sank in. A few of them still clung to a flicker of hope, eyes darting toward the elders, waiting—praying—for someone to take pity on them.

Elder Darius\'s expression remained stern. "None of you were able to inflict damage on the testing stone, and as such, you are not eligible to become inner disciples."

One of the lower-ranked disciples, still clinging to hope, took a hesitant step forward, voice shaking. "But, Elder... does that mean there\'s no chance at all?"

Darius\'s gaze softened for the briefest of moments, though his voice stayed firm. "If any elders wish to take you under their wing and train you, you may still become inner disciples through their guidance. But that decision lies entirely with them."

The disciples\' eyes, which had brightened momentarily, once again scanned the elder seats, searching for even the smallest sign of interest. But the elders remained quiet, their faces impassive, uninterested.

A heavy silence filled the air. The realization hit hard. No elder, not even those of lower status, had shown any intention of taking them in. Shoulders slumped, and their eyes lowered to the ground in defeat.

One disciple let out a shaky breath, his voice barely a whisper. "We weren\'t good enough…"

Another muttered under his breath, "I thought... maybe..."

They all bowed their heads in silent acceptance, understanding that their journey, at least for now, would not follow the same prestigious path as those who had succeeded. Their dreams of rising through the ranks alongside the academy\'s elites now seemed distant, almost unreachable.

Elder Darius cleared his throat and continued, "Now, for the sixth-ranked disciple, Cedric Valen. Step forward."

Cedric, his chest puffed out and eyes gleaming with confidence, strode toward the center of the arena with long, assured steps. His demeanor radiated self-assurance, as though he already knew the outcome. Elder Darius watched him approach, his gaze steady, and nodded slightly, a gesture of acknowledgment.

"Your physical strength is commendable, Cedric," Elder Darius said, his voice even but with a hint of approval. "You have reached the level of a four-star warrior. As such, you are eligible to become an inner disciple of the Celestial Academy."

Cedric\'s face lit up with a smug smile, and he bowed deeply, his voice filled with satisfaction. "Thank you, Elder Darius. I am honored."

Elder Darius straightened and scanned the row of elders seated before him. "Now, I ask: does any elder wish to take Cedric Valen as their disciple?"

Before the last word even finished leaving Elder Darius\'s mouth, Elder Aric Valen leaned forward in his seat, his sharp eyes gleaming with pride.

"I will take him in," he declared, his voice firm and filled with the unmistakable weight of familial pride. His gaze locked onto Cedric, as if reinforcing his claim.

Cedric barely suppressed a smirk as he glanced up at Elder Aric, clearly expecting this. There was no surprise in his expression—only satisfaction. He gave a sharp bow in Elder Aric\'s direction, his smirk widening as he straightened. "Thank you, Elder Valen. I won\'t disappoint you."

Elder Aric nodded, his expression was one of calm confidence, as it was already as expected that Cedric could only join him as his kin in this academy.

Cedric turned on his heel and walked back to his place, his movements smooth and controlled, radiating the arrogance of someone who believed his future was already secured.

Next, Elder Darius turned his attention to the fifth-ranked disciple. "Julian Margrave, step forward," he announced, his voice carrying authority.

Julian walked to the center of the arena with measured confidence, a calm smile playing on his lips. He moved with the grace of someone who knew exactly how much control he had, both over himself and his abilities. As he stopped before the elders, Elder Darius gave him a nod, acknowledging his efforts.

"Your wind-based abilities are remarkable, Julian," Elder Darius said, his voice tinged with approval. "Your control over your power is well-developed for your level. You have reached the rank of a four-star warrior and are thus eligible to become an inner disciple of the Celestial Academy."

Julian bowed deeply, his voice steady with respect. "Thank you, Elder Darius. I am honored."

Elder Darius shifted his gaze toward the other elders seated above. "Now, which of you wishes to take Julian Margrave as your disciple?"

As expected, Elder Sylph Margrave raised her hand with quiet confidence, her expression composed yet warm. "I will take him," she stated, her voice carrying a subtle note of pride. It was a claim not just of talent, but of kinship.

Julian bowed once more, this time directed at Elder Sylph Margrave. "Thank you, Elder Margrave," he said, the calm smile never leaving his face as he stood tall, clearly satisfied with the outcome.

His expression was one of quiet triumph as he returned to his place among the other disciples, knowing he had met expectations.

Elder Darius wasted no time as he called the next name. "And now, Caius Arcturus."

Caius stepped forward, still exuding the same confidence that had carried him through the test earlier. His posture was straight, his chin slightly raised, and there was a distinct gleam of pride in his eyes.

Elder Darius gave a slight nod of approval. "Your thunderous sword strike was powerful, and your cultivation has reached the four-star warrior level. You are eligible to become an inner disciple."

Caius gave a sharp, practiced bow, his eyes filled with anticipation. He knew what was coming next.

Elder Darius didn\'t even need to ask the question. Before he could speak, Elder Thorne Arcturus leaned forward, his voice booming across the arena.

"I will take him," he declared, his tone firm, carrying the authority of one who would not be challenged on this decision. There was no mistaking the pride in his voice as he claimed Caius, his own kin.

Caius, clearly pleased with the outcome, gave another bow. "Thank you, Elder Arcturus. I will strive to uphold the family name." His words were sharp, calculated, and brimming with confidence as he returned to his place, his steps just a bit more purposeful.

Finally, the arena fell into a hushed silence as all eyes turned toward Zeus. The crowd seemed to lean forward in anticipation.

Even the elders, both the top-ranking and the lower, had their attention fixed on him. Everyone knew that Zeus was different—his presence carried an aura that was hard to ignore.

Elder Darius\'s gaze fell on Zeus, his expression unreadable, but there was a sense of curiosity in his eyes. "Zeus, the third-ranked outer disciple. Step forward," he announced.

Zeus smirked as he stepped forward, his movements confident and deliberate. The weight of the moment wasn\'t lost on him, and he welcomed it.

The eyes of the crowd, the elders, even the other disciples, were all focused on him now. He knew this was his moment, and it was about to get interesting.