Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

Hephaestus stepped back, his eyes narrowing with a mix of satisfaction and critical assessment as he observed the humanoid golem before him.

The creation was nearly complete, every detail a testament to his skill and the overwhelming power of the divine mask. A smirk played on his lips, but a nagging thought crossed his mind, prompting him to break his focus.

"How long have I been at this?" Hephaestus asked, his tone both curious and slightly impatient.

[Five hours,] the system chimed in, its voice tinged with an air of superiority. [Not bad for someone of your caliber, but I could have done it in half the time. Still, you've got 5 hours left—if you think you can handle it.]

Hephaestus rolled his eyes, but a grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. The system's arrogance was as grating as it was amusing. "I see," he muttered, brushing off the jab. "The mana here is plentiful and flame-aligned. It's perfect for the Divine Mask Hephaestus. We should take advantage of it."

[Oh, you've finally caught on,] the system quipped, its tone dripping with mockery. [But don't strain yourself; I'll handle the absorbing process. After all, someone's got to make sure you don't mess it up.]

Hephaestus chuckled, shaking his head. "You're as shameless as ever," he remarked, though there was no malice in his voice—just a mutual understanding of their dynamic.

[Shameless, maybe. Efficient? Absolutely,] the system retorted with a smugness that was almost palpable. [Now, sit back and let me show you how it's done.]

As the system took control, Hephaestus felt the intense surge of fire mana being drawn into the Divine Mask. The energy flowed with a raw, powerful grace, almost as if it were alive. The heat was overwhelming, searing through him as if trying to burn him from the inside out.

[Feel that? That's what true power feels like,] the system gloated, its tone dripping with arrogance. [You're lucky to have me guiding this process. Without me, you'd be a pile of ash by now.]

Hephaestus gritted his teeth, feeling the heat clawing at his very essence, but he refused to let the system's mocking get under his skin. "You're shameless, you know that?" he muttered through the pain, sweat pouring down his brow. "But I can't deny you're good at what you do."

[Good? Please, I'm beyond good. I'm exceptional,] the system responded with a laugh that was both haughty and self-assured. [But don't worry, I'll let you take some of the credit—after all, it's not every day I get to work with someone who can actually handle this level of cultivation without crumbling.]

The process was as grueling as expected, the intense heat coursing through Hephaestus's body, threatening to tear him apart from within. But he endured, forcing the pain into submission and channeling it into pure, unbridled power.

After what felt like an eternity, the flames in the smithy began to dwindle, and the once-abundant mana in the air slowly dissipated, leaving behind the more familiar, ambient mana of the academy. Hephaestus, drenched in sweat and breathing heavily, surveyed his progress with satisfaction.

[Hephaestus - One Star (90%),] the system proudly displayed, its tone smug.

A weary but triumphant smile spread across Hephaestus's face. The cultivation had advanced the Hephaestus mask from 10% to 90%—a monumental leap. "Not bad," he muttered, half to himself, half to the system. "A good cultivation session."

[Of course it was. I wouldn't settle for anything less,] the system replied, practically preening in its own self-satisfaction. [But don't get too comfortable—there's always more work to be done.]

Hephaestus chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Let's head back before Lucy wakes up. Can't have her finding out about all this just yet."

[Always the cautious one,] the system teased, but there was a note of approval in its voice. [Fine, let's get moving. You've got a sister to fool and a world to conquer.]

With that, Hephaestus changing his divine mask into Zeus, reverting to his Zeus form. Without wasting any time, he made his way back home, his movements swift and silent under the cover of the early morning.

As soon as he reached the front door, Zeus removed the divine mask, the golden-haired warrior fading away to reveal the boyish features of Lucas once more.

He quietly slipped inside, hoping to avoid waking Lucy, but to his surprise, she was already awake, standing in the kitchen with a curious expression on her face.

"Where were you going?" she asked, her voice laced with both curiosity and a hint of suspicion.

Lucas met her gaze with a calm smile, masking any trace of his late-night activities. "Just walking around," he replied casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Lucy's eyes narrowed slightly, studying him for a moment longer. She sighed, her concern softening her usually fierce demeanor.

"I see. But next time, if you want to go out, ask me first. Don't just leave without telling me." Her lips formed a small pout, adding a touch of vulnerability to her otherwise strong presence.

Lucas couldn't help but chuckle at her expression, finding her concern both endearing and a little amusing. "I'm sorry, Lucy," he said, his tone sincere. "I won't do it again next time, I promise."

The pout on Lucy's face slowly melted away, replaced by a satisfied nod. "Good," she said firmly. Then, her tone softened as she gestured to the table. "I've made some breakfast. Let's eat."

They sat down together, the warmth between them making the meal feel like a special moment. Lucas could feel the bond they shared growing stronger with each passing day, and he cherished these quiet moments with her.

After they finished eating, Lucy stood up, her resolve clear in her eyes. "I'm going to take on more missions today," she declared, her voice brimming with determination.

Lucas admired her drive, feeling a swell of pride. "Safe travels," he said with a smile, watching as she headed out the door. Once she was gone, Lucas turned and made his way back to his room, his mind already turning to the next steps in his plan.

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