BXBX NOVEL Chapter 31: The New Zeus Mask
Before he began cultivating the Heavenly Thunder Core Divine Scripture within the mask, Lucas decided to move a bit further from the camp to avoid disturbing Lucy's sleep. He found a quiet, secluded spot, and, with a deep breath, bit down on a rock, preparing himself for what he knew would be an excruciating experience.
He began cultivating, and the moment he did, a searing pain shot through his body, as if every cell was being torn apart and reassembled. Lucas cursed in his mind, the agony almost unbearable.
[Oh, does it hurt, Host?] The system's voice echoed in his mind, dripping with mockery and satisfaction. [Of course it does! Did you think cultivating a Divine Scripture would be a walk in the park? Let me remind you: Divine Scriptures are ten times stronger than ordinary cultivation manuals. But that also means the pain is ten—no, twenty times more intense!]
Lucas gritted his teeth, biting down harder on the rock. "You don't have to remind me," he thought, trying to block out the system's taunts.
[Oh, but I do! You see, Host, I revel in your pain—it's the price you pay for power. Remember how much you suffered when you cultivated the Volcanic Dragon Core Divine Scripture for Lucy's mask? This is no different! You should be honored to endure such agony.] The system's tone was haughty, almost proud of the torment it was inflicting.
Lucas could only endure as the mana stored within the system's [Mana Storage] began flowing into his core, transforming it into the Heavenly Thunder Core. The pain was relentless, every second feeling like an eternity as his body struggled to adapt to the powerful changes.
Finally, after what felt like hours, the pain began to subside. Lucas finished absorbing all the mana, and with a deep sigh of relief, he removed the mask. As soon as he did, the Heavenly Thunder Mana and the Heavenly Thunder Core faded from his body, leaving him exhausted but whole.
"Damn, that was really painful," Lucas muttered, his breath ragged as he leaned against a nearby tree for support. Sweat dripped from his forehead, and his muscles still ached from the intense cultivation session.
[Painful? PAINFUL?!] The system's voice cut through his thoughts with a sharp, unapologetic tone, almost scoffing at his complaint.
[Of course, it was painful! What did you expect, Host? A massage? This is a Divine Scripture we're talking about, not some light training exercise. It's not meant for the weak of heart—or body, for that matter.] The system's tone was dripping with condescension, as if it couldn't believe Lucas had the nerve to even mention the pain.
Lucas grimaced, still feeling the echoes of that agony coursing through his veins. He knew better than to argue with the system's arrogant attitude. Instead, he decided to shift focus. "Show me the current Zeus," he requested, eager to see the results of his suffering.
[Oh, you're eager now, aren't you? Fine, feast your eyes on your progress!] The system's voice was laced with mock enthusiasm, as if it was indulging a child's request.
A moment later, the information appeared before Lucas:
[Name: Zeus]
[Class: Cultivator]
[Tier: One Star (2%)]
[Divine Scripture: Heavenly Thunder Core Divine Scripture]
Lucas stared at the status in disbelief. "Only 2%?" he exclaimed, frustration creeping into his voice. He had expected more for all the pain he had endured.
[ONLY?] The system's voice practically exploded in his mind, now tinged with incredulity and disdain. [Did you just say 'only'? What did you expect, Host? A miracle? Let me remind you, this is a Divine Scripture—something beyond the comprehension of ordinary cultivators!
[And might I add, you only had 2 units of mana in the Mana Storage! That's all you had to work with! If you're disappointed, it's because you don't understand the value of what you've just accomplished!] The system's tone was sharp, as if scolding him for his lack of appreciation.
"Yeah, yeah," Lucas sighed, waving off the system's lecture. He knew arguing wouldn't get him anywhere. Despite the low percentage, he could feel the changes in his body. After cultivating two Divine Scriptures, his physical strength had noticeably increased.
As he reflected on his progress, a thought struck him, something he had been pondering for a while. "What is my special physique?" he asked, curious to uncover another layer of his potential.
[Oh, now you're curious, are you?] The system's tone was dripping with amusement, as if it was thoroughly enjoying Lucas's uncertainty. [And what makes you think I'd know?]
Lucas frowned, feeling a twinge of irritation. "You're my cheat, aren't you? You should know everything," he shot back, his frustration evident in his tone.
[Ah, yes, I am your cheat,] the system replied, its voice now mockingly patronizing. [But let me educate you on something, Host. I access your mind, not your body.]
[There's a difference, you know. Just because I'm your cheat doesn't mean I'm omniscient about every little detail of your physical form.] The system's tone was condescending, as if it couldn't believe Lucas hadn't figured this out on his own.
"Fine," Lucas relented, exhaling deeply. "Then check mine."
With a sense of resignation, Lucas pricked his hand, letting a drop of blood fall. The system began its analysis, though not without another jab.
[Oh, how generous of you, Host,] the system mocked, the smugness in its voice unmistakable.
[But don't expect too much. I'll do the best I can, but your impatience is really something to behold, you know.] The system's tone was that of someone being inconvenienced by a trivial task, yet it proceeded with the analysis.
Lucas waited, his patience wearing thin as he anticipated the system's findings. The tension in the air was palpable as he prepared to uncover whatever secrets lay within him, knowing that, despite the system's arrogance, it was his best chance at unlocking his full potential.