Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

He turned to find Lucy gathering the last of her supplies, her expression focused and determined as she carefully checked everything.

Lucas watched her for a moment, admiring how much she had grown into her strength. Despite the fierce and powerful woman she had become, there was still a softness in her eyes when it came to him.

"Big sister," Lucas called out gently, his voice calm yet filled with the affection he always reserved for her. "Have you finished your preparations?"

Lucy looked up, her eyes meeting his. For a brief moment, her fierce, determined expression softened as she gazed at her brother.

Her affection for him was clear, but there was something else behind her gaze—concern. She hesitated before answering, and Lucas could sense the weight of her worry.

"Lucas," she began, her tone gentle but serious. "The place we're going... it's not just dangerous. The Death Volcano is the most dangerous place in the world. It's not like anything we've faced before."

She paused, searching his face as if trying to make sure he understood the gravity of the situation. "You need to be careful," she added, her voice carrying a tone of protective urgency.

Lucas smiled, his expression calm and reassuring. "Don't worry, big sister," he said, patting the spatial ring Roxana had given him earlier.

"Master Roxana made sure I'm prepared. I've got everything I need right here." His tone was confident, yet there was a tenderness in the way he spoke to her, as though he wanted to ease her fears.

Lucy's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes scanning him for any sign of hesitation. She didn't doubt his words, but the thought of her younger brother in danger weighed heavily on her heart.

She nodded, though the worry hadn't left her eyes. "I trust you," she said softly, though her tone betrayed her lingering concern. "But... just promise me you'll stay close. Don't do anything reckless."

On

Lucas's smile widened, his voice light but sincere. "I promise, big sister. I'll be right by your side the whole time. Besides, I wouldn't miss the chance to watch you fight."

Lucy chuckled, the tension easing slightly from her shoulders. "Alright," she said with a small smile, though it was clear she was still conflicted. Her protective instincts warred with her trust in him.

Without saying another word, she walked over to him, her eyes softening again. Despite her overwhelming strength, she moved with the carefulness of someone who didn't want to show too much power in front of him.

Leaning down, she effortlessly lifted Lucas, placing him on her shoulder as though it was the most natural thing in the world.

"You're getting lighter," she teased, her voice warmer now, though a hint of worry remained beneath the surface. "Or maybe I'm just getting stronger."

Lucas laughed, leaning into the familiarity of their banter. "I'm pretty sure it's the second one," he replied, settling onto her shoulder with ease.

Lucy shook her head, but there was a hint of pride in her eyes. She was faster, stronger now, and with Lucas on her shoulder, she could travel much quicker.

But even as she prepared to leave, the weight of her earlier words hung in the air. She couldn't shake the feeling of wanting to protect him from the dangers that lay ahead.

As they soared through the air, the wind rushing past them, Lucas, now comfortably perched on his sister's shoulder, let his mind drift.

He reached out to the familiar presence in his consciousness. "It seems earlier you told her something, right? Ancestor Olympus?" Lucas asked, his tone casual but curious.

[Oh, you noticed?] the system's voice responded, dripping with smugness. [Of course, I told her something. Do you really think she'd have taken you along without my little... nudge?] The system's tone was filled with an arrogant pride, as if orchestrating the entire situation had been some grand feat.

Lucas chuckled to himself, shaking his head. "You're shameless," he thought, though there was a fondness in his mental voice. "But do you really think there's treasure in the Death Volcano?"

[Of course, there is!] the system snapped, as if offended by the very question. [Have you learned nothing? The more dangerous the place, the more valuable the treasures. It's like rule number one in cultivation! You don't think I'd send you and your precious sister on a wild goose chase, do you?]

Lucas raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a smile. "With you, I wouldn't be surprised."

The system scoffed, its voice taking on a mock serious tone. [You wound me, Lucas. I am the great Ancestor Olympus! I don't waste my time on trivial pursuits. Besides...]

The system's tone shifted, growing more serious, but still with that arrogant edge. [The Death Volcano might hold something truly valuable. You know what I'm talking about.]

Lucas's eyes widened slightly in surprise, the implication sinking in. "Are you saying it could be... that?"

[I'm not saying it's guaranteed,] the system replied, the smugness returning to its voice. [But if we're lucky enough to find one of those Cores, it would be perfect for your dear sister, wouldn't it? After all, you already have one. Time for her to catch up, don't you think?]

Lucas's expression softened at the thought, his mind racing with possibilities. The idea of finding something that could elevate Lucy's power even further filled him with hope. "I hope we find one for Lucy," he whispered to himself, his voice thoughtful and sincere.

The system, however, wasn't done. [Of course, you do. Look at you, always thinking of your sister. Isn't that adorable? But don't forget, if we do find that Core, it'll be because of me, not your 'noble intentions.'] It let out a haughty laugh, clearly enjoying its own importance.

Lucas rolled his eyes, though he couldn't help but smile. "You just want the credit, don't you?"

[Obviously,] the system replied without hesitation. [But hey, when we find the treasure, I'll let you take all the glory in front of your sister. See? I'm generous like that.]

Lucas laughed under his breath, shaking his head. "Generous, huh? Well, let's just focus on getting there first."

[Oh, don't worry,] the system added, its voice playful but full of certainty. [By the time we're done, you'll be thanking me. Again.]