Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

He paused for a moment, then asked the system, "Has Lucy finished cultivating?"

[Oh, she's been soaking up that volcanic mana like a sponge,] the system replied, its tone dripping with pride. [She's on her way back now, practically radiating with power.]

Zeus smirked at the system's shameless enthusiasm. "Good," he murmured, just as Lucy appeared in the distance, her expression as cold and composed as ever.

[See? Didn't I tell you? She's like a walking volcano now, thanks to me,] the system added, its voice practically puffing up with arrogance.

Zeus chuckled softly, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. "You really do love to take credit, don't you?" he said, his tone half-amused, half-exasperated.

[Why wouldn't I? You'd be lost without me,] the system shot back, unabashed and full of itself.

Zeus couldn't help but shake his head, a small, amused smile forming on his lips as he watched Lucy approach, her expression as cool and controlled as ever.

"Have you cultivated enough?" Zeus asked, his tone light yet tinged with curiosity, as he watched Lucy with keen interest.

Lucy, her face a mask of cold resolve, gave a single, decisive nod. "It was sufficient," she replied, her voice as steady and composed as ever.

Zeus tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing in thoughtful consideration. "Then, should we head back to the academy to report our mission?" he suggested, his tone calm, almost indifferent, as if the outcome was already a foregone conclusion.

Lucy nodded once more, but her eyes sharpened slightly, a flicker of concern breaking through her otherwise stoic demeanor. "What happened to Vesperin?" she asked, her voice low but firm, seeking clarity.

Zeus's lips curved into a smirk, a playful glint sparking in his eyes. "That slippery fool managed to escape," he said, a hint of amusement in his tone. "He's like a loach—difficult to catch and even harder to keep hold of."

"But," he continued, his voice taking on a more serious note, "even though he got away, his background is something we can't ignore. Just a reminder—be cautious. He might try to retaliate."

Lucy's expression remained unchanged, but she gave a slight nod of acknowledgment, the barest hint of understanding flashing in her eyes.

"Alright then," Zeus concluded, his voice steady and assured. "Let's head back."

Without another word, the two of them set off, walking side by side, their steps in sync as they made their way back to the Celestial Academy.

Meanwhile, at the Malachor Clan estate, Vesperin stood before his father, his expression a mix of anger and frustration as he recounted the events that had unfolded. The room was dimly lit, the heavy atmosphere adding to the tension between father and son.

"Who is this person capable of inflicting such damage to your three-star corpse puppet?" Vesperin's father demanded, his voice cold and sharp, cutting through the silence like a blade.

Vesperin clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "His name is Zeus," he replied, his tone laced with bitterness. "He's an outer disciple of the Celestial Academy… and he's a commoner."

His father's eyes narrowed, deep wrinkles of contemplation forming on his brow as he processed the information. "A commoner, you say?" he mused, his voice low and thoughtful. "Yet, he was strong enough to damage your corpse puppet… that is not something we can overlook."

Vesperin nodded, his frustration evident. "Yes, father. He's no ordinary commoner. He humiliated me, and I want him to pay for it."

His father leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled as he considered their next move. "We cannot act rashly," he finally said, his tone measured and calculating.

"Zeus may be a commoner, but as an outer disciple of the Celestial Academy, he is under their protection while on academy grounds. We'll have to bide our time, wait for him to leave the safety of the academy before we can exact your revenge."

Vesperin's frustration was momentarily tempered by understanding. He knew his father was right—challenging the Celestial Academy directly would be foolish, even for their powerful clan. "I understand, father," he said, his voice quieter but no less determined.

His father's gaze hardened, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "In the meantime, make sure to get a picture of this Zeus. Distribute it among our clan members. We'll place a bounty on his head—let it be known that anyone who crosses paths with him is to be informed of his impending doom."

Vesperin's lips curled into a cruel smile as he nodded in agreement. "I'll make sure of it, father. Zeus won't escape retribution."

His father returned the smile, though his was colder, more calculated. "Good. We'll make him regret ever crossing the Malachor Clan. But remember, patience is key. We strike when the time is right."

Vesperin nodded once more, the fire of vengeance burning in his eyes. "I won't forget. Zeus will pay for what he did."

As Vesperin turned to leave, his father's voice echoed behind him, firm and resolute. "Make sure you do, Vesperin. We cannot afford mistakes."

"Yes, Father," Vesperin replied, his voice filled with determination. He knew that any misstep could cost him dearly, but the desire for revenge overpowered any fear or doubt.

Meanwhile, Zeus and Lucy returned to the Celestial Academy, their journey ending as they passed through the grand gates. The academy's serene atmosphere, with its peaceful courtyards and towering structures, belied the brewing storm far away within the Malachor Clan.

Focused on their task, the pair headed directly to report their mission's success, blissfully unaware of the dark schemes being plotted against them, shadows of revenge gathering in the distance.