Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

[Tell me, Zeus, why did you hold back during that battle? You could have crushed Caius like an insect, just like Lucy did with her opponents. Or are you going soft on me?] The system's tone was both condescending and taunting, as if daring him to explain himself.

Zeus's lips curled into a sinister smirk, his eyes flashing with a malevolent gleam. "Oh, I thought about that," he replied, his voice low and calculating.

"But what's the point in showing my full strength right away? If I had obliterated Caius like Lucy did with her opponents, the others would avoid me like the plague. Where's the fun in that? I want to be the wolf pretending to be a sheep—let them think I'm just another easy target."

The system chuckled darkly, clearly enjoying the deviousness in Zeus's words. [Clever, very clever. So you want them to underestimate you, only to crush their hopes when they realize how wrong they were. I like it. It's much more entertaining this way, isn't it? Watching them think they have a chance, only to shatter their expectations.]

Zeus's smirk widened, his expression almost wicked. "Exactly. Let them think they can beat me. It'll be all the sweeter when they fall into my trap, thinking they've got an easy win, only to find themselves begging for mercy."

[Now that's the spirit,] the system said, its tone dripping with shameless approval. [You've got the right idea. Keep them in the dark, let them think they're safe. Then, when the time is right, you show them what real power is. It'll make things much more interesting—and much more satisfying.]

Zeus nodded, his eyes narrowing as he thought of the challenges ahead. "Let them come. One by one, they'll all fall. And by the time they realize the truth, it'll be too late."

The system's laughter echoed in his mind, a mocking, arrogant sound that seemed to resonate with Zeus's own dark intentions. [Well, I'm looking forward to the show. This is going to be fun.]

With that, Zeus continued on his way to the central office, his mind filled with thoughts of the battles yet to come.

He could already imagine the look of horror on his future opponents' faces when they realized they'd underestimated him—when they understood too late that they were facing not a sheep, but a wolf in disguise.

Soon, Zeus arrived at the central office. The building was grand, with high ceilings and intricate carvings that depicted scenes of legendary battles. He entered and approached the main desk, where an officer was seated, reviewing some documents.

"I've become the third-ranked outer disciple," Zeus announced as he stepped into the office, his tone casual but with an underlying hint of pride.

The officer looked up from his stack of papers, a smile spreading across his face as he recognized the significance of the statement. "So, you're the one who defeated Caius ," he said, his voice carrying a note of admiration. There was a spark of curiosity in his eyes as he took in the sight of Zeus.

Zeus returned the smile, his demeanor relaxed. "Yeah, that's me," he replied, his tone easygoing but with a subtle edge of confidence.

The officer nodded, clearly impressed. He leaned back slightly, studying Zeus with newfound respect. "You must be pretty strong to have beaten him," he remarked, the admiration in his voice now more pronounced.

Zeus's smile widened, his confidence unmistakable. "Of course," he said smoothly, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

The officer chuckled, appreciating Zeus's self-assurance. "Well, you certainly don't lack confidence," he said, still smiling. "May I have your student ID card?"

"It's official now," the officer said, his tone carrying a hint of respect. "You're the third-ranked outer disciple."

Zeus accepted the card, feeling the weight of his new status. "So, what do I need to know?" he asked, his voice steady but curious.

The officer leaned back slightly, folding his hands together. "First off, there are a few rules you'll need to follow," he began, his tone becoming more formal. "You cannot challenge anyone ranked below you. They have the right to challenge you, but you're not allowed to go after them."

Zeus nodded, his expression neutral as he absorbed the information.

"Second," the officer continued, "since you've just ascended to third rank, you're granted a free state for one week."

"A free state?" Zeus repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," the officer confirmed, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "During this time, no one can challenge you. It's a grace period to let you adjust to your new position. But once the week is over, you're expected to accept one challenge per day. And remember, it'll always be from the highest-ranked challenger available."

Zeus's expression remained calm, but there was a glint of interest in his eyes. "Sounds straightforward enough," he said, nodding in understanding. "What about the benefits?"

The officer's smile widened slightly, clearly pleased with Zeus's directness. "As the third-ranked outer disciple, you've earned access to the first three floors of the library. There's a wealth of knowledge there that can aid in your cultivation. Additionally, you'll receive 100 points every month."

Zeus's eyes lit up slightly at the mention of the library. "That's useful," he remarked, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

"And there's more," the officer added, leaning forward. "If you're involved in a lifestyle class, such as blacksmithing or pill-making, you're entitled to use the three-star smithy or pill room for 10 hours each day, free of charge."

Zeus nodded, clearly impressed by the perks. "That could come in handy," he acknowledged, his tone thoughtful. The benefits were indeed appealing, and he could already see how they would support his future plans.

"One last thing," the officer said, his tone lightening as he reached for a document on his desk. "Your residence has been upgraded. You're now assigned to house number 03. Your ID card has been updated to serve as the key. And don't worry—your belongings from your previous house have already been transferred to your new home."

Zeus smiled, a satisfied expression on his face. "That's efficient. Thank you," he said, his voice carrying a note of genuine appreciation.

The officer nodded, returning the smile. "It's all part of the process. Welcome to your new rank, and good luck."

Zeus inclined his head in acknowledgment before turning to leave the office, his mind already turning to what lay ahead. The officer watched him go, impressed by the calm confidence Zeus exuded, and offered a final farewell. "Goodbye, and take care."

Zeus waved a hand in casual response as he exited, his thoughts already focused on exploring the new opportunities that his rank would bring.