Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

"Let's see what things you've been saving in your spatial pouches," he murmured to himself, his voice low and thoughtful.

As he sifted through the contents, Zeus's fingers brushed against a collection of mana stones. Most of them were inferior, but he picked up one of the stones, turning it over in his hand with a slight smirk. "Inferior, but still useful," he mused aloud, mentally cataloging their potential applications.

Continuing his search, Zeus pulled out several manuals, their covers worn but the contents inside well-preserved. He recognized the dark magic symbols immediately, and a small, knowing smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"Dark magic, of course. What else would the Malachor family be hoarding?" he said, a hint of amusement in his tone. He flipped through one of the manuals briefly, his eyes scanning the pages before placing it back on the table.

"These could be useful," he remarked, his voice thoughtful. "If not for me, then certainly for someone willing to trade for them."

As he dug deeper into the pouches, Zeus found several bundles of poisonous herbs, their sharp, acrid scent filling the air as he unwrapped them.

Alongside the herbs were various other components needed for casting dark spells—items that would be dangerous in the hands of someone less skilled.

"Poison, dark magic… they've certainly got a theme going," Zeus muttered, his tone carrying a mixture of disdain and calculation. He set the herbs aside, knowing their value extended beyond mere spells. "These could come in handy, one way or another."

Satisfied with his findings, Zeus leaned back in his chair, a contemplative look on his face. The items in these pouches confirmed what he already suspected about the Malachor family's dark dealings. But more importantly, they gave him new tools to use in his ongoing plans.

"All in all," Zeus said quietly to himself, his voice tinged with satisfaction, "not a bad haul." He glanced at the remaining pouches, his eyes gleaming with the thrill of discovery. "Let's see what else you have."

As Zeus continued to rummage through the contents of the pouches, something unusual caught his attention—a small wooden card, tucked away at the bottom of one of the pouches. He paused, pulling it out carefully. The card was simple, almost plain, with nothing but a single word engraved on it: "Necrovauld."

Zeus's brows knitted together in surprise. "A wooden card with just one word? Is this supposed to be an academy ID card?" he muttered to himself, his tone laced with curiosity. The card was clearly different from his own ID, which was filled with detailed information.

Unsettled by the card's simplicity and its potential significance, Zeus decided to consult the one entity that might have some answers. "System, analyze this card," he commanded, his voice firm.

The system's response was as smug as ever. [Oh, give me a moment. I'm sure it's something you could never figure out on your own,] it replied, dripping with mock arrogance.

Zeus's fingers drummed lightly on the table as he waited, his patience wearing thin despite knowing how the system loved to indulge in its own sense of superiority.

After a few moments, the system finally spoke up. [Ah, just as I thought. This card contains a mana mark, something typically used to prove… well, something important,] the system explained, its tone oozing with a mix of pride and condescension.

Zeus narrowed his eyes, his voice thoughtful as he repeated, "Prove something? So, this must be an identity card, right?"

[No, no, no,] the system cut in, its tone dripping with condescension. [It's not that simple. The mark on this card is used to verify identity, but it's not tied to any one person. It's more like a one-time identity card—use it once, and poof, its purpose is fulfilled.]

Zeus frowned slightly, turning the card over in his hand as he considered the implications. "So, it's just a one-use pass? Maybe something to get out of the academy or bypass security checkpoints?"

[Oh, come on, think bigger,] the system interjected, almost sounding disappointed. [You remember that little nugget of information you picked up in the tavern, don't you? This town is a recruitment spot for the Necrovauld Academy. Put two and two together, genius.]

Realization dawned on Zeus, a spark of understanding lighting up his eyes. "So you're saying this card is like a VIP pass, something that grants instant entry into the academy?"

[Finally, you're catching on,] the system confirmed, its tone smug and approving. [Yes, this card could let someone waltz right into the Necrovauld Academy without the usual hassle. A rather valuable little item, wouldn't you say?]

Zeus leaned back in his chair, a slow smile spreading across his face as the possibilities began to unfold in his mind.

The card, seemingly unremarkable at first, had just become a powerful tool in his arsenal. With this, he could gain access to one of the most notorious academies without drawing unwanted attention.

"I see," Zeus murmured, his voice tinged with excitement as he began to formulate a plan. His fingers drummed lightly on the table, the wheels of his mind already turning.

The system, always eager to mock, couldn't resist a final jab. [Let's see if you can actually put it to good use,] it teased, its voice playful. [Or are you just going to sit there and admire your new toy?]

Zeus's smile deepened, ignoring the system's taunt. "Oh, I'll put it to good use," he replied, his voice confident and calm. The thought of what he could achieve with this unexpected gift only fueled his growing excitement.