Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

The truth behind what had occurred was far more intricate than it seemed. What Vesperin had witnessed wasn't just the dramatic crumbling of Hades' form but the system acting swiftly and efficiently to absorb the abundant mana that had been released from the Hades Divine Mask as it was destroyed.

When Vesperin had stabbed Hades using the artifact sword—a weapon that clearly held immense power—the soul shard inside the Hades mask had begun to shatter almost immediately, and the Divine Mask itself soon crumbled into dust. It was not just any defeat, but the obliteration of an artifact of great power.

The system, however, reacted without hesitation, absorbing as much of the dissipating energy as possible before the mask's destruction was complete. Its actions were swift, even before Lucas regained control of his true form.

As Lucas stood in his real body, the transformation complete, his mind quickly reached out to the system. His voice was steady but with an edge of curiosity. "System," he asked, "was the Hades Divine Mask destroyed completely?"

The system responded immediately, its tone casual, almost indifferent, but with an underlying tension that hinted at something more. [Of course it was destroyed. Completely. The Hades Divine Mask and the soul shard inside it are no more.]

Lucas took a moment to absorb this, his eyes narrowing as his mind raced. "I see," he said, his voice measured, but there was an unmistakable trace of frustration. "But didn't you tell me months ago that the Divine Mask was indestructible?"

The system's response came with a snarky, almost arrogant undertone. [Yes, yes, I did say that.] It hesitated for a moment, almost as if it were rolling its proverbial eyes, before adding, [But that was assuming you'd be stronger when facing such things.] Its tone shifted, becoming more defensive, as if it didn't want to admit any fault.

Lucas' brow furrowed, his patience thinning. "Stronger? What exactly do you mean?"

The system sighed dramatically, clearly irritated by the need to explain. [That sword Vesperin used—where he or his pathetic clan got their hands on it, I have no idea—but it's no ordinary weapon.]

[That sword was an artifact of immense power, a 9-star object. Its sole purpose is to obliterate anything below 9-star entirely. Your Hades mask, being only 6-star, had no chance. None.]

The words hung in the air for a moment. Lucas' expression darkened, but not out of fear—just calculation. "So it was a unique case. The Divine Mask could have survived any normal physical attack or damage, but this sword was something else entirely."

The system, sensing an opportunity to mock, couldn't resist a condescending chuckle. [Exactly. Even if some overgrown brute hit you with everything they had, the mask would've been fine.]

[But that sword? That's not something you come across every day. It's a soul killer, designed to eradicate entities below 9-star as if they were nothing more than dust.]

[Your Hades mask was no match, and it shattered like glass. But hey, that's life for those who haven't reached 9-star yet.] The system's tone was laced with shameless arrogance, as if it were amused by Lucas' predicament.

Lucas processed the information, his jaw tightening. His usual calmness was now replaced by a focused resolve. "I see... I suppose I should be grateful that it was only the Hades Divine Mask and the soul shard that were destroyed, and not me."

The system, ever opportunistic, seized the moment to mock further. [Oh, yes, feel free to express your gratitude, mortal.]

[Truly, you're fortunate that I managed to preserve what was left before it all disintegrated into the abyss. Without me, you'd be a smudge on the ground, right next to your crumbled mask.] It let out a smug laugh, clearly relishing its role in Lucas' survival.

Lucas' eyes flicked upward, clearly annoyed by the system's arrogance but unwilling to let it rattle him. "So, what about the soul shard? Does losing a piece of my soul affect me in any significant way?"

The system responded with an air of confidence, almost sounding bored by the question. [Oh please, it was just a small shard. There's no lasting damage to you.] It paused, then continued in a more condescending tone.

[As you grow stronger—and believe me, you need to grow stronger—your soul will naturally recover and become even more powerful. It's just a tiny setback, nothing more. Really, I'm surprised you even bothered asking.]

Lucas nodded thoughtfully, digesting the explanation. "I see. That's good enough."

The system, quick to shift the conversation, interrupted with a smooth, almost smug tone. [Naturally, everything is under control as usual. No need to thank me, by the way. Now, have you noticed the part where I absorbed all of the mana from the destroyed Hades mask?] The system practically purred with self-satisfaction.

Lucas raised an eyebrow, amused by the system's shameless bragging. "You absorbed it all, huh?"

[Every last drop,] the system replied, its voice dripping with smug superiority. [Nothing goes to waste on my watch. All that precious mana has been collected and will be put to excellent use in the future. Once again, your survival is thanks to me. You're welcome.]

Lucas couldn't help but smirk at the system's arrogance. "Good. That'll come in handy." His gaze then shifted toward Vesperin, who still lay unconscious on the ground, completely unaware of the danger he was in. The amusement in Lucas' eyes darkened, turning into something far more sinister.

"Now," he murmured with a wicked grin, "let's play with him."

The system, always eager for revenge, chimed in with malicious excitement. [Oh yes, let's! After all, how dare he destroy one of my precious Divine Masks! The audacity of this pathetic fool. He'll pay for that. I say we make him regret every breath he's ever taken.]

Lucas' smile deepened, a chilling sense of satisfaction creeping into his expression. "Agreed. He doesn't even know what's coming."

With slow, deliberate steps, Lucas approached Vesperin, his mind already plotting exactly how to make him suffer for his betrayal—not just for destroying the Hades Divine Mask, but for his arrogance and audacity to even attempt to kill him.

As Lucas stood over Vesperin, the unconscious figure completely unaware of the fate about to befall him, the tension in the air thickened. This was only the beginning.