Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

Elder Feris raised his hand, his imposing figure immediately commanding the attention of the gathered disciples.

As silence fell over the crowd, he swept his gaze across them, his eyes hard and unyielding, as if assessing their worth. His deep, resonant voice echoed through the air, carrying a weight that silenced any remaining whispers.

"Today," he began, his tone both formal and filled with authority, "marks the start of the annual Abyss Hole event for the Necrovauld Academy."

The crowd listened intently, knowing full well the gravity of what he was about to explain.

"This is not just a test," he continued, his voice rising with purpose, "but a land of great opportunity. Within the Abyss Hole, you may uncover high-grade materials, treasures that are invaluable, and resources capable of pushing your cultivation to new heights."

A murmur ran through the crowd at the mention of such rewards, excitement flickering in the eyes of many. Elder Feris paused for effect, letting their anticipation build before his expression grew more serious, his brows knitting into a stern line.

"But," his voice took on a colder, sharper edge, "do not forget that where there is great opportunity, there is also great danger."

He scanned the disciples, his gaze piercing. "Inside, you will encounter abyssal beasts, creatures that dwell in the dark and thrive off the deadly energy of the Abyss. They are not like the common beasts you may have faced. Many of your predecessors, despite their strength and preparation, have fallen to their claws and fangs."

A ripple of unease passed through the crowd now, some of the disciples exchanging nervous glances. Elder Feris' lips thinned as he observed their reactions, his tone turning almost scolding as he continued.

"If you believe this will be a simple trial, you are sorely mistaken. The Abyss is not forgiving. Underestimate it, and you will not survive."

His words hung heavy in the air, but he was far from finished. His voice dropped lower, becoming almost a growl, laced with warning.

"Furthermore, the Abyss Mana that saturates the very air within the Abyss Hole is both a blessing and a curse. Yes, it can accelerate your cultivation. Yes, it can push you beyond your current limits. But it is also poisonous to those who are unprepared."

He looked around at them, his expression unforgiving. "It will eat away at your mind, corrupt your body, and leave you weakened if you do not handle it with caution. Absorb too much, too quickly, and it may destroy you from the inside out."

A tense silence fell over the crowd, the weight of Elder Feris' words settling in. The atmosphere was thick with a mix of excitement and fear, but none dared to speak as the elder fixed them with his intense gaze. His voice, calmer now but no less serious, softened slightly.

"Be cautious when you cultivate within. The Abyss Hole is an opportunity, yes, but it is also a test of your will and strength. You must balance the rewards with the risks."

Elder Feris stood tall, his expression as rigid as stone. His gaze swept across the assembled disciples, measuring their resolve. His voice, deep and authoritative, echoed through the still air, demanding their full attention.

"Now," he began, his tone carrying the weight of centuries-old tradition, "the Abyss Hole will soon open. You will have one month to explore its depths and claim whatever treasures you can."

His eyes darkened, and the tension in his voice grew sharper. "But once the month is over, the gate will close. If you are not out by then, you will be trapped inside for an entire year."

A murmur rippled through the crowd, some of the disciples shifting nervously. Elder Feris didn't soften his words.

"The dangers inside increase with every passing day. The deeper you go, the more treacherous it becomes. Many who have been trapped inside have perished, their bodies never to return. So, mark my words," he leaned forward slightly, his gaze piercing, "be mindful of your time."

There was a pause as his warning hung in the air. The disciples nodded, some visibly shaken by the gravity of his words. Others stood stoically, their eyes gleaming with determination. Elder Feris watched them closely, his features unreadable.

Hades, standing near the back, observed the scene with amusement. While the other disciples wrestled with feelings of fear and excitement, he felt only one thing: exhilaration.

His fingers twitched slightly at his side, his anticipation growing. The Abyss Hole wasn't just a challenge—it was an opportunity for him to rise even higher, to claim what others could only dream of.

Elder Feris took a step back, his final words cutting through the crowd like a blade. "Now, let the event begin."

With a deafening rumble, the massive stone gate to the Abyss Hole began to creak open, revealing a swirling vortex of dark, pulsing energy. The air around it seemed to shift, becoming thick with the ominous presence of the abyss beyond.

One by one, the disciples began to move forward. Some hesitated, their faces pale with nervous anticipation.

Their hands gripped their weapons tightly, as if the very sight of the vortex was enough to make them reconsider entering. Others, more confident, stepped forward with grim determination, their eyes fixed on the unknown dangers ahead.

Hades, however, lingered at the edge of the crowd, watching with a mix of curiosity and disdain. The fear in their eyes was almost laughable. They were all too focused on surviving, on making it through the Abyss Hole without getting trapped. But Hades had far loftier ambitions.

As the last of the nervous disciples shuffled through the gate, Hades smirked. This was what he had been waiting for. This moment—the entry into the abyss—was just the beginning. He took a breath, savoring the excitement that churned in his veins.

"It's time," he whispered to himself, his voice low and full of confidence.

With a final glance at the swirling vortex, Hades stepped forward. His stride was confident, unhurried, and as he crossed the threshold into the Abyss Hole, the dark energy seemed to welcome him, enveloping him like a second skin.

The gate loomed behind him, but Hades didn't look back. His mind was already fixed on the Abyss Core and the limitless power it promised. Whatever awaited him inside, he would face it head-on. For Hades, this was not just a test—it was his path to greatness.