Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

Hades ventured deeper into the Abyss Hole, each step bringing him closer to more dangerous territory. The air grew heavier, and the Abyss Mana became thicker, but that only excited him more.

Along the way, he encountered several Abyss Beasts, many of them reaching 6-star strength. However, they were no match for him or his Soul Puppet. Each time they attacked, they were easily subdued, their souls devoured by Hades to fuel his power.

But then, as Hades continued deeper into the Abyss Hole, his steps slowed as he sensed something unusual.

His eyes narrowed, scanning the dark landscape, and then he saw them—a group of people locked in a fierce battle. The sight brought a slow, deliberate smirk to his lips as he recognized one of the figures immediately.

Vesperin.

Hades stood still for a moment, his smirk deepening as he observed the scene before him. Vesperin, flanked by three other figures, was desperately trying to control a 4-star Nether Puppet, sending it against a massive bear-like Abyss Beast.

The creature loomed over them, its hulking form radiating raw power, easily recognizable as a 6-star Abyss Beast. Its thick fur was stained with dark energy, and its eyes glowed a deep crimson as it roared, sending shockwaves through the ground beneath them.

Vesperin's face was twisted with frustration, his teeth clenched as he shouted, "Attack from the left! Hit it with everything we've got!"

His Nether Puppet, a shadowy figure with elongated limbs and glowing red eyes, lunged at the Abyss Bear, its ethereal claws aimed at the creature's throat.

But the beast was far too strong. Even as the claws raked its flesh, the wounds began to heal almost instantly, dark energy swirling around the Abyss Bear, knitting the injuries together with frightening speed.

Hades watched, his amusement growing. "Futile," he muttered to himself, crossing his arms. "This beast is absorbing the Abyss Mana. They're outmatched."

The Abyss Bear roared in anger, raising one massive paw, its claws glowing with dark energy. It swiped at Vesperin's Nether Puppet with a ferocity that could shatter stone, and the puppet barely dodged in time. The force of the strike cracked the earth beneath it, sending debris flying.

Before the Abyss Bear could land another blow, one of Vesperin's companions stepped forward. Khalon, a man with a broad, muscular frame, charged toward the beast, his fists glowing with a deep crimson aura.

He let out a battle cry as he blocked the Abyss Bear's massive paw with both arms, the impact sending a shockwave through the air.

"Crimson Blood Strengthening Technique," Hades whispered to himself, his brow furrowing slightly. "That technique… it uses blood to enhance the body's strength. And given their methods, it's likely the blood of people."

Khalon's face was a mask of focus, his teeth bared as he held back the Abyss Bear's strike. The crimson aura around his fists pulsed violently, and he grunted under the pressure. "Hit it now!" he shouted to his comrades.

But despite Khalon's immense strength, the Abyss Bear remained undeterred. Its wounds continued to heal rapidly, and its overwhelming physical power made it difficult for the group to gain any ground.

Hades could see the frustration mounting on their faces as each of their attacks failed to make a lasting impact.

"Come on, we're not done yet!" Vesperin growled, directing his Nether Puppet to flank the bear from behind.

The puppet moved with eerie silence, aiming once again for the Abyss Bear's vulnerable spots, but the creature turned with surprising speed, swinging its tail and sending the puppet flying across the battlefield.

As Hades observed the battle, his amusement only grew. He could intervene, of course. One strike from his Soul Puppet would be enough to take down the beast.

But something about the scene intrigued him—their desperation, their struggle to survive against an enemy far beyond their capabilities. He wanted to see just how far they would go.

"Let's see how resourceful you really are, Vesperin," Hades whispered, his smirk deepening as he leaned against a nearby rock, arms folded.

The two other members of Vesperin's group, Lyros and Sarela, moved in tandem, launching coordinated attacks from either side of the beast. Lyros, a thin, wiry man with pale skin, began chanting under his breath, his fingers weaving through the air as dark energy coiled around them.

"Curse of Withering," Lyros muttered, his voice dripping with malice. His spell hit the Abyss Bear, and for a brief moment, the beast's movements slowed, its strength sapped by the curse.

Sarela, a woman with sharp, predatory eyes, took advantage of the opening. She flung several small darts coated in a sickly green liquid. "Let's see how your regeneration handles poison," she sneered, her voice filled with cold confidence.

The darts embedded themselves in the Abyss Bear's hide, and for a moment, the beast faltered, its body trembling as the poison took hold. Its healing slowed, and Vesperin saw his chance.

"Now! Attack with everything you've got!" he roared, sending his Nether Puppet in for another assault.

But the Abyss Bear was relentless. Even as the poison worked its way through its system, even as the curse weakened its body, the creature fought back with primal fury. It let out a deafening roar and slammed its paw into the ground, sending shockwaves that knocked the group back.

Hades' eyes glimmered with fascination. "They're putting up more of a fight than I expected," he muttered, watching as the group scrambled to regain their footing. "But the real question is… will they figure out the beast's weakness before it's too late?"

Vesperin barked more orders, his face twisted with determination. His Nether Puppet lunged at the Abyss Bear once more, aiming for the beast's legs in an attempt to cripple it, while Khalon charged from the front, his fists glowing with renewed blood energy.

Lyros and Sarela moved in from the sides, their attacks focused and coordinated. For a moment, it seemed like they had the upper hand.

But the Abyss Bear, fueled by the surrounding Abyss Mana, continued to regenerate, its eyes burning with rage. The beast let out another earth-shattering roar, and Hades, watching from the shadows, knew the battle was far from over.

"They're close…" Hades whispered, a sly grin spreading across his face. "But it'll take more than brute force to win this."

For now, he remained a spectator, curious to see if Vesperin and his group had the cunning to defeat the Abyss Bear or if they would crumble under the pressure of their own desperation.