BXBX NOVEL Chapter 73: The Creation of the Lucas Clone
The system's voice echoed in his mind, dripping with arrogance. [Ah, finally recognizing the brilliance of my design, aren't you? Fine, I'll whip up something that even your plain face can be proud of. We'll call it… 'Lucas.' Simple, yet effective. Just like you.]
Lucas rolled his eyes at the system's mocking tone but didn't rise to the bait. Instead, he waited as the mask materialized before him. When he put it on, there was no visible change—unsurprising, since the mask was crafted to mirror his own appearance.
"Of course, it looks just like me," Lucas muttered, half to himself, half to the system.
[What did you expect? A magical transformation into a dazzling prince? This is based on you, after all. But don't get too comfortable—this is just the shell. The real work begins now,] the system retorted, its voice laced with mockery and pride.
Lucas nodded, his expression resolute. "I know. Let's activate it. System, use 1 mana from the mana storage."
The system chuckled, a proud and shameless sound. [One mana? That's barely a drop, but sure, let's see if you can handle it. Try to endure it, little Lucas. It's not my fault if you can't keep up.]
Lucas's eyes narrowed, his determination steeling in the face of the system's taunting. "I'll handle it. Just do it."
[As you wish, oh mighty Lucas,] the system replied with a hint of sarcasm, clearly enjoying the banter as it began the cultivation process.
Lucas immediately began cultivating the Void Core Divine Scripture for the second time, this time for the divine mask.
As expected, the process was excruciatingly painful, the Void Core's energy searing through his body as it transformed the mask into a powerful artifact. But Lucas, steeled by determination, managed to endure the intense agony.
After what felt like an eternity, the cultivation process was finally complete. Lucas breathed a sigh of relief, his body exhausted but triumphant. The new divine mask, "Lucas," was now fully crafted and ready for use.
Without wasting a moment, Lucas summoned the humanoid golem he had painstakingly forged earlier. The lifeless figure stood before him, an empty shell, waiting to be brought to life. Lucas approached it, his expression focused and determined.
He held up the newly crafted divine mask, "Lucas," studying it for a brief second before turning to the system. "This is it. Let's see how well your mask performs."
The system's voice rang out, dripping with arrogance. [Oh, please. You're about to witness perfection in action. Just slap that mask on, and prepare to be amazed by my unparalleled genius.]
Lucas smirked at the system's overconfidence but didn't respond. He carefully placed the mask onto the golem's face, his movements precise and deliberate. The moment the mask made contact, the transformation began.
The golem's features started to shift and mold, the lifeless form gradually taking on the exact likeness of Lucas. The resemblance was uncanny, down to the smallest detail—his youthful face, his stature, even the subtle expressions.
The system's voice chimed in again, filled with shameless pride. [Look at that! A perfect replica. Honestly, you should be thanking me. Who else could create something so flawless?]
Lucas took a step back, his eyes scanning the clone from head to toe. He couldn't help but chuckle, a mixture of pride and amusement coloring his tone. "To think I'm this handsome, even at my age. I guess I should thank you for capturing it so well."
[Naturally! A masterpiece like this wouldn't be possible without my brilliance,] the system boasted, clearly reveling in the success.
Lucas nodded, still smiling. "This will serve perfectly in my future plans. Having a clone this convincing will be a game-changer."
The system's voice was almost smug. [Of course it will. With me on your side, you're bound to achieve greatness. But don't forget who made this possible—though I'm sure you'll be too busy basking in the results to care.]
Lucas shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips as he considered the system's shameless arrogance. "You never miss an opportunity to boast, do you? Don't worry, I won't forget how 'amazing' you are," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But for now, let's focus on what's next."
Turning his attention to the newly created clone, Lucas tapped his chin thoughtfully before glancing back at the system. "By the way, do you know how to control this clone?" His tone was light, almost teasing, as if he already anticipated the system's reaction.
The system, clearly caught off guard, responded with a huff of indignation. [What? Don't you already know how to control it?] There was a mix of surprise and mockery in its voice, as if the very idea of Lucas lacking knowledge was absurd.
Lucas nodded slowly, his expression shifting to one of mild frustration. "I do, but the method I know only lets me control it directly, which means I can't be far from the clone. That's a problem. I need something better—a technique that allows me to control it from a distance."
He paused, letting the silence stretch for a moment, before adding with a sly grin, "Surely the almighty, all-knowing system has something like that, right?"
The system practically preened at the flattery, though its tone remained playfully mocking. [Of course, I, the almighty system, have exactly what you need. You're lucky to have me, aren't you?] The arrogance in its voice was palpable, as if bestowing its knowledge was a favor Lucas should be eternally grateful for.
Lucas couldn't help but smirk, satisfied that he had once again managed to maneuver the system into giving him what he needed. The back-and-forth between them was almost like a game, one that Lucas found increasingly entertaining.