Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

As he took his first deliberate steps into the depths, the system chimed in, its tone carrying its usual arrogant flair.

[Well, well, well. Would you look at that? This really is Abyss Mana, though... pretty weak stuff if I'm being honest. Definitely low-rank.] There was a mocking pause before it added, [But hey, it's still Abyss Mana, so I guess it's better than nothing, right?]

A small smirk tugged at Hades' lips, his eyes glinting in the dim light. "So, the rumors about the Abyss Core being here... they might actually be true, then?"

The system let out a scoffing hum, as if rolling its eyes. [Oh, please. Don't get your hopes up just yet, hero. The Abyss Mana around here is so weak it's almost laughable. If there's an Abyss Core here, it's doing a terrible job of hiding its power.]

Hades chuckled softly, his voice amused but steady. "You're awfully skeptical for something that's spent the last few days hyping up the possibility of the Abyss Core."

[That's called having standards, Host,] the system retorted with a shameless lilt. [Unlike you, I don't get starry-eyed over the first faint whiff of power. You mortals jump at every little thing. I, however, prefer things a bit more... substantial.]

Hades rolled his eyes. "Then let's find out for ourselves. We'll see how 'substantial' things get the deeper we go."

With that, he pressed forward, the shadows growing thicker as he ventured further into the abyss. The terrain became rugged and uneven, jagged rocks jutting out from the ground, while a creeping chill settled into the air.

After walking deeper into the Abyss Hole, Hades paused, sensing the swirling Abyss Mana thickening around him. He turned his attention to the system, his expression calm but commanding.

"Absorb all this mana into the Mana Vault. It might not be pure, but it'll still be useful later."

There was a moment of silence before the system responded, its voice dripping with exaggerated concern.

[Oh, if I absorb and convert all this mana, I won't be able to talk to you for a while.] It paused, letting the implication linger before adding with mock worry, [I'm just so scared you'll be lost without my brilliant guidance. You know, the great me keeping you alive?]

Hades rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed. His voice was sharp, carrying the edge of his impatience. "Just shut your stupid mouth, system. I don't need your 'guidance.' I'm strong enough on my own. Do your job and quit acting like you're irreplaceable."

The system responded with a playful scoff, thoroughly amused by Hades' annoyance. [Oh, is that so? Strong enough all on your own? I'll pretend I didn't hear the subtle cry for help under your bravado.]

There was a teasing lilt in its tone. [But fine, if you insist, I'll get to work. Just remember, without me, you'd be floundering around like a headless chicken.]

Hades didn't even bother replying, his patience clearly wearing thin. He just waited, his gaze forward, focused on the dark path ahead.

[All right, all right,] the system finally relented, though not without getting in one last jab. [I'll absorb all this mana into the vault, but try not to miss me too much while I'm gone. You might actually enjoy the silence for once. Or maybe not… I'll bet you'll be lost without me.]

"Just do it," Hades muttered, his voice flat and unamused.

As the system began its work, the Abyss Mana around him shifted, dark tendrils swirling toward Hades before vanishing into the Mana Vault.

The thick, oppressive air around him lightened ever so slightly, though the Abyss Mana itself remained present, lingering in the atmosphere like a living shadow.

The surroundings became clearer, but Hades barely took notice. His mind had already shifted toward the path ahead, the mysteries waiting deeper in the abyss drawing his attention.

The cold air around him grew denser, the pressure increasing with every step, but Hades walked forward with unwavering determination.

The system's absence was oddly quiet, but Hades found comfort in it, his focus sharpening now that the constant banter had ceased. As the dark path stretched out before him, he couldn't help but smirk.

"Let's see what the Abyss Hole has to offer," Hades muttered to himself, his steps steady as he ventured deeper into the dark unknown.

The atmosphere around him grew heavier with each passing moment, and the shadows seemed to shift and flicker unnaturally, as if the very darkness itself was alive. His senses heightened, aware that danger lurked in every corner.

Not long after, a low, guttural growl echoed through the cavernous path ahead of him. The sound was sharp, menacing, and it reverberated through the oppressive atmosphere of the Abyss Hole.

Hades halted mid-step, his sharp eyes narrowing as he scanned the shadows. "Well, well..." he muttered, his voice tinged with amusement.

From the darkness emerged a creature unlike anything he had encountered before—a wolf-like beast, but twisted beyond recognition.

Its fur, once perhaps majestic, was now matted with dried blood, clinging to its deformed frame. Large patches of its body looked disfigured, as though the abyss itself had warped it into something monstrous.

The creature's glowing red eyes locked onto Hades, filled with mindless hunger. It let out another snarl, scraping its claws against the stone floor, the sound grating and sharp. The jagged claws left deep gashes in their wake, sending sparks flying in the dim light.

Hades raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "So, this is an Abyss Beast?" His tone was light, mocking, as if he found the creature's grotesque appearance more fascinating than intimidating.

The beast growled again, baring its jagged, misshapen teeth. Saliva dripped from its jaws, sizzling slightly as it hit the ground, and the air around it seemed to ripple with dark energy.

"Look at you," Hades said, tilting his head slightly as if in admiration. "Corrupted, deformed, and yet... you still have fight in you." His voice dropped to a lower, more sinister tone. "I wonder how powerful you are."