Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

Lucas stood over the corpses of Thorne, Sylra, and Kaelor, their bodies still fresh from the violent battle. His eyes gleamed with cold satisfaction as he looked down at the fallen elders.

The weight of their power, now reduced to lifeless forms, filled the air. Lucas knew exactly what needed to be done next.

"System, create the Divine Masks with their identities," Lucas commanded, his voice firm and unwavering.

[You're giving orders like you're the boss. Oh wait, you are!] the system chimed in, its tone dripping with smug arrogance. [Three fresh corpses, and you just can't wait to bring them back, huh? Fine, let's make some puppets. Watch and learn.]

Without missing a beat, three blank, eerie masks materialized in the air before Lucas, hovering above the corpses. The masks were featureless, pale, and smooth—waiting to be molded by the dark power of the Divine Mask.

Lucas nodded with grim satisfaction. He crouched down and carefully placed each mask on the faces of the dead elders, his movements precise, almost reverent.

As soon as the masks touched their skin, they began to fuse, melting into the flesh like liquid shadow. The lifeless bodies twitched unnervingly, as if awakening from a long slumber.

[Beautiful, isn't it?] the system taunted, its voice thick with shameless pride. [I do such good work. It's almost like I've done this numerous—oh wait, I have.]

Lucas ignored the system's self-congratulations, his focus entirely on the scene before him. The bodies of Thorne, Sylra, and Kaelor jerked violently, their hands flexing and their eyes snapping open with a sickening clarity.

Their once blank expressions were now alive, though their eyes remained void of any free will. They stood before Lucas like obedient shadows of their former selves.

Lucas's lips curled into a satisfied smirk. "They've retained most of their power," he muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing as he examined them.

Thorne, Sylra, and Kaelor were all formidable in their own right, and despite their new condition, their seven-star strength remained intact—though Lucas knew it wouldn't last forever.

"Not bad," he said to himself. "But I need to move fast. They'll weaken over time."

[You sound so calm, but you're thinking about how their power's slipping away, aren't you?] the system mocked, almost teasing. [Time's ticking, boss. Better get to it while they're still hot... well, lukewarm. You've got maybe a few hours before they start losing their punch.]

"I'm well aware," Lucas replied, his smirk never fading. The knowledge that the system liked to rub in the obvious was something he had grown used to. "Their strength is still formidable for now. That's all I need."

Turning to the clone of Thorne, Lucas's eyes gleamed with control. He gave his first command, his voice cold but decisive. "Go back to the Celestial Academy and report in."

Thorne's clone, his expression void of any life or emotion, stared blankly at Lucas. Leaning in closer, Lucas whispered specific instructions into the clone's ear, his voice low but authoritative.

Every word he spoke carried weight, as if he were weaving a delicate trap. Thorne's clone nodded mechanically, absorbing every detail of the command.

Without a word, he turned and began walking toward the academy, his movements smooth, fluid, and obedient—nothing like the proud warrior he had once been.

[Ah, poor Thorne, reduced to nothing more than a puppet. Can't say I don't love seeing a once-proud elder turned into your personal errand boy,] the system mocked, a satisfied, arrogant edge to its tone. [Do you think he even remembers how mighty he once was? Doesn't matter now, does it?]

"He's useful now," Lucas replied coolly, not even bothering to look back at Thorne's retreating form. His eyes were already fixed on the next two clones, his mind working through the next steps.

Next, Lucas shifted his gaze to the emotionless forms of Sylra and Kaelor. "The same goes for you two," he said, his voice carrying the weight of command. "Return to Necrovauld and report in. You know what needs to be done."

Sylra's clone blinked slowly, her movements eerily mechanical as Lucas approached. Kaelor's clone stood equally still, their once fierce presence now hollow.

As with Thorne, Lucas leaned in close, whispering their detailed instructions, his lips barely moving but his words cutting through the air like a sharpened blade.

"Deliver the message... and be convincing," Lucas murmured to them, his voice low but dripping with menace. The clones stood motionless, soaking in the orders like sponges. They didn't need to question; they couldn't. Their very souls belonged to Lucas now.

Both clones nodded in unison, their blank expressions betraying no emotion, no hesitation. Just like that, they turned and left, their movements precise, almost eerie.

There was no hesitation in their steps as they walked toward Necrovauld, ready to carry out their orders to the letter.

Lucas watched them leave, standing amidst the carnage of the battlefield. The bodies of the fallen lay scattered, the remnants of their lives still smoldering in the aftermath of the battle.

But Lucas wasn't bothered by the destruction. No, his mind was already racing ahead, plotting the next move.

A slow, dangerous smirk spread across his face as he gazed into the distance, the cold wind whipping through the ruins.

He knew the seeds of his plan had been firmly planted. The clones were merely the beginning. What followed would send ripples throughout the entire continent.

"Now, we wait," Lucas whispered to himself, his voice filled with quiet confidence. He turned away from the scene, his expression unreadable. "In the meantime, let's get started on the next phase."

The system, never one to stay quiet for long, chimed in with its usual shameless tone. [Oh, I'm just dying to see what you have planned next. You've really outdone yourself this time.]

Lucas chuckled softly, his voice low and amused. "What can I say? Some things are worth the wait."

[No need to be modest, boss. You know you love playing the long game.] The system's voice dripped with arrogance, like it couldn't resist basking in the glory of Lucas's machinations.

[And just think, all those fools—Thorne, Sylra, Kaelor—they thought they were untouchable. Now they're nothing more than tools for you to play with. Beautiful, isn't it?] .net

"It is," Lucas admitted, his smirk widening as he walked away from the destruction, the weight of his power settling over him like a cloak. "And we're just getting started."

[Oh, I can't wait. Let's make them all regret the day they ever crossed paths with you.]

Lucas's eyes darkened, his thoughts already turning to the greater game ahead. "They will. In time."

And with that, Lucas disappeared into the shadows, his plans unfolding as the system's mocking laughter echoed in his mind, eager for the chaos to come.