Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

The system's voice rang in his mind, oozing with its usual arrogance. [Hmph, you're asking me that? Of course, I think it could be real.] There was an almost smug tone to the words, as if the system were mildly offended by the question.

Hades raised an eyebrow, sensing the system's confidence. "How can it be real?" he asked, his tone more skeptical this time.

The system let out a mock sigh, as if Hades should have known better. [Oh, come on. Think for a second. The Abyss Core is the only thing that makes sense. Why else would that entire place be flooded with pure Abyss Mana? You think it's just naturally occurring?

Please.]

Hades tilted his head slightly, pondering the system's words. "So, what you're saying is that this Abyss Core... it's like the cores you've mentioned in special physiques?"

The system let out a low chuckle, clearly enjoying the conversation now. [Exactly! Finally catching on, huh? Anything called a "Core" is bound to be important.]

[It's usually a central source of energy or mana, like in those rare physiques I've told you about.] There was a slight pause before it continued with a taunting edge. [I thought you were smarter than this, but I guess I overestimated you... again.]

Hades rolled his eyes, ignoring the jab. "But you can't be sure it's a core, right?"

[Well, obviously I can't confirm it without seeing it,] the system replied with a dramatic tone.

[But let's be real. Pure Abyss Mana doesn't just flow from nowhere. If this Abyss Core is what I think it is, we're talking about a source of power beyond anything you've seen. And let's face it, kid—] the system paused for emphasis, [you need all the help you can get.]

Hades smirked at the shameless comment. "I think I'm doing just fine without your constant arrogance," he muttered under his breath.

[Oh, sure, fine. If by 'fine' you mean barely keeping up. But don't worry, if you get this Abyss Core, you might finally be worth something. Or, you know, maybe you'll just die trying. Either way, I'm entertained.]

Hades sighed, leaning back in his chair, letting the system's mocking tone wash over him. "If I get it," he said, smirk still playing on his lips, "will it even affect me?"

The system snorted, as if the answer was obvious. [I'll tell you when you get it. But let me give you a hint—if it's what I suspect, and you actually survive the process of obtaining it, it won't just affect you. It'll change everything.] The system's voice was low, almost conspiratorial now, but still carrying that shameless arrogance.

Hades' smirk deepened. The Abyss Hole, and whatever secrets it held, had just become a far more enticing challenge. His eyes gleamed with anticipation as he whispered, "Looks like things just got a lot more interesting."

The system, clearly amused, added one final taunt. [Finally, something to look forward to. Let's see if you can manage not to screw it up.]

---

At the Necrovauld Academy, tension simmered like a storm brewing on the horizon. The grand opening of the Abyss Hole, a highly anticipated event, was just a day away, and the presence of all high-ranking elders was not only expected but required. However, one critical figure had yet to make his appearance—Elder Thalnor.

The elders convened in a dimly lit, private chamber, seated around a long, dark oak table. Their faces reflected a range of emotions—irritation, suspicion, and, for some, a flicker of concern.

The silence in the room was oppressive, broken only by the occasional shuffling of robes or the soft clink of a ceremonial cup being placed on the table.

Finally, a gaunt man with sharp features and silver hair, Elder Feris, broke the silence. His voice was sharp, filled with impatience.

"Where is Elder Thalnor?" he demanded, his silver eyes narrowing as they swept across the room. "We need him here for this event. Has anyone seen him?" His words cut through the air like a knife.

A younger woman with cold, calculating eyes, Elder Mirra, leaned back in her chair. She crossed her arms, her voice carrying an edge of skepticism.

"I've heard nothing," she replied, her gaze drifting toward the empty chair meant for Thalnor. "But his absence is... troubling. He should have returned by now." Her words were carefully measured, but the suspicion in her tone was unmistakable.

Feris frowned, his brows knitting together in frustration. "Thalnor has never been this irresponsible. Something is off." He paused for a moment before barking out orders to the nearby disciples, his tone sharp and commanding.

"Search for him! And check with the Malachor Clan. I've heard they're basking in glory these days, and all because of Thalnor's new techniques. Perhaps they have information on his whereabouts."

The disciples hurriedly nodded and scurried out of the chamber, leaving the elders in an uneasy silence. Feris's fingers tapped impatiently on the table, his eyes darting to the heavy wooden doors as though willing them to open with answers.

Several minutes passed, each one stretching out longer than the last. Finally, the doors creaked open, and a stern-faced man, Elder Vorn, stepped in. His face was unreadable as he approached the table, but the tension in his posture spoke volumes.

"I've spoken with the Malachor Clan," Vorn began, his voice low and serious. "They said Elder Thalnor was supposed to have returned already. According to them, he's been handling some business on their behalf. But they expected him back by now."

Feris's frown deepened, his voice growing harder, almost cutting. "How can he not be here yet?" His fists clenched, the knuckles whitening. "His absence at such a critical time... is troubling."

Elder Mirra, who had been silent up until now, leaned forward slightly, her eyes narrowing. "There's more to this," she muttered, her voice laced with a quiet intensity.

"The Malachor Clan's sudden rise to prominence—it doesn't sit right with me. Thalnor's techniques, their newfound strength... If it's true that Thalnor was responsible for their sudden success, then perhaps something's gone wrong."

Her words sent a ripple of unease through the room. Elder Vorn stiffened, exchanging a look with Elder Feris, whose expression darkened further.

Elder Sylra, the eldest among them, spoke next. Her voice was soft but laden with the weight of experience. "I have a bad feeling about this."

She paused, her wise eyes scanning the room before continuing, "It's possible that Thalnor may have... overreached. The Malachor Clan's meteoric rise is suspicious, especially in such a short time. If Thalnor had a hand in that, there's no telling what he might have gotten involved in."

Her voice trailed off, the weight of her implication hanging heavy in the air.

Feris let out a slow, frustrated sigh, his impatience barely restrained. "You're suggesting something happened to him?" His voice was sharp, but there was a trace of uncertainty behind it. "What could possibly take down an elder of Thalnor's strength?"

Mirra shrugged, her expression cold and unbothered. "We don't have proof, Feris. Only speculation at this point. But you can't deny—this is unusual. Even for someone as... unpredictable as Thalnor."

The room fell silent again, the air thick with the unspoken tension.

Finally, Feris stood from his chair, his fists tightening at his sides. "We can't wait forever. If Thalnor doesn't return by the time the Abyss Hole opens, we'll proceed without him. This event is too important to delay."

He glanced at the others, his eyes hard. "But we will investigate. Something isn't right here. I can feel it." His words held a dangerous edge, one that suggested the consequences for failure—should they uncover treachery—would be severe.

The other elders exchanged murmurs of agreement, but the weight of uncertainty hung heavily over them all.

They were leaders of the Necrovauld Academy, cultivators of dark power, but even they couldn't ignore the signs that something was amiss. If Elder Thalnor had truly fallen—or worse, betrayed them—the consequences could be catastrophic.

"We wait," Feris declared, his tone final. "But not for long."

The elders nodded, though none of them spoke further. They would wait for Elder Thalnor's return—but if he did not show, there would be answers sought, no matter what darkness they had to wade through to find them.