Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

Lucy let out a long sigh, still conflicted but trusting the guidance of her ancestor as the voice faded from her mind. She hesitated for a moment longer, her gaze softening as she looked at Lucas, the weight of her decision hanging heavily on her shoulders. "Alright," she finally said aloud, her voice softer and tinged with resignation. "I'll bring you with me, Lucas."

At her words, Lucas's face lit up, a wave of relief washing over him. His usual calm determination was evident in the slight smile that tugged at his lips.

He had been waiting for this moment, his chance to prove he wasn't just someone to be protected, but someone who could stand beside his sister. "Thank you, sister," he said, his voice low but filled with quiet resolve. "I promise, I won't let you down."

Lucy's eyes softened as she looked at her brother, torn between her desire to keep him safe and the reality that he was growing up. She smiled faintly, though the worry in her eyes remained. "Just... be careful, okay? The Death Volcano is no place for mistakes."

Lucas nodded firmly. "I know, but I don't want to be left behind anymore. I want to be strong enough to protect you, too." His voice was steady, but there was an underlying intensity in his words, a fierce determination that Lucy couldn't help but admire.

Roxana, who had been silently watching the exchange, finally spoke, her tone calm yet reassuring. "Don't worry, Lucy," she said with a soft smile. "I'll make sure Lucas is well-protected." Her confidence was unmistakable, and it brought a small sense of comfort to Lucy's troubled heart.

Lucy glanced at her master, her expression a mixture of gratitude and unease. "Thank you, Master. I just... I can't shake this feeling of concern." Her voice wavered slightly, betraying the anxiety she had been trying to hide.

Roxana's gaze softened as she stepped forward, placing a hand gently on Lucy's shoulder. "I understand, but you've trained him well. He's stronger than you think," she said with a knowing smile. "Besides, you'll be there with him. He's in good hands."

Lucy nodded, her chest tightening with a mix of emotions. "I suppose you're right," she whispered, though the worry didn't fully leave her eyes.

Before they could depart, Roxana turned to Lucas and reached into her robes, pulling out a spatial ring. She handed it to him, her expression becoming more serious. "Take this," she said, her tone firm but kind. "It's filled with various items you might need on your journey. Use them wisely."

Lucas took the ring with both hands, bowing slightly in respect. "Thank you, Master Roxana. I'll make sure I'm prepared for whatever comes." There was a newfound weight in his voice, a maturity that hadn't been there before. His gaze met Roxana's, and she nodded approvingly.

"Good," Roxana replied, her eyes narrowing slightly in thought. "You'll need everything you've learned and more. The Death Volcano isn't just dangerous for its heat—it's unpredictable in every way. Don't underestimate it."

Lucas nodded, the seriousness of the situation settling over him. "I understand."

With the ring safely secured, Lucas turned to his sister, his expression calm yet determined. "I'm ready, Lucy," he said, his voice steady.

Lucy looked at him for a long moment, her gaze searching his face as if to make sure he was truly prepared. Finally, she sighed and gave a small nod. "Alright, let's go."

As Roxana watched Lucy and Lucas prepare themselves for their journey, her thoughts turned inward, contemplating what lay ahead for them. With a quiet sigh, she turned her gaze to Zeus, her expression becoming more thoughtful and pensive. After a brief pause, she finally spoke.

"You know what you need to do, right?" she asked, her voice steady but tinged with curiosity.

Zeus glanced at her, a smirk playing on his lips as his usual calm and confident demeanor surfaced. "Of course, I know," he replied smoothly. But as the words left his mouth, his expression shifted, the smirk fading as his face grew serious. "But there's something important I need to tell you first."

Roxana's brow furrowed slightly at his sudden change in tone. Sensing the weight of his words, she straightened, her playful nature vanishing as she leaned in slightly, her gaze sharp and focused. "What is it?" she asked, her voice low, mirroring the seriousness in his eyes.

Zeus met her gaze, his expression unyielding as he spoke with quiet intensity. "You need to put all your efforts into breaking through to seven stars," he said firmly. "No distractions. No unnecessary obligations. If the other top elders come to you with their schemes or requests, even if it involves the life and death of other disciples, you must reject them. No matter what."

Roxana's eyes narrowed slightly, the gravity of his warning sinking in. She could see the urgency in his expression, the hidden layers of planning in his words. "I see," she replied slowly, weighing the situation. "This must be part of one of your plans, isn't it?"

Zeus didn't flinch, his gaze unwavering. "You could say that," he admitted, his tone as serious as ever. "But more than that, I need you to focus on yourself. Don't let anything or anyone pull you away from your goal. Breaking through to seven stars is your priority. Nothing else matters right now."

Roxana studied his face, her mind racing as she processed the implications. There was something deeper at play here, something that only Zeus understood fully. But whatever it was, she trusted him. Her lips curled into a small, knowing smirk.

"Don't worry," she said, her voice gaining a touch of amusement. "I only care about you and Lucy. You two are my only true disciples. I have no reason to be concerned with anyone else's schemes."

Zeus's expression softened ever so slightly, his approval clear. "Good," he said, his voice returning to its calm and composed state. He gave her a final nod, satisfied with her response. "Just focus on yourself. I'll handle everything else."

Roxana's smirk remained, her eyes watching him with a mix of admiration and curiosity. "I expected nothing less from you," she said, a hint of pride in her voice. "But don't forget, I'm not one to be left behind either. I'll reach seven stars—and more—before you know it."

Zeus's lips twitched into a faint smile, his eyes gleaming with an unspoken challenge. "I'll hold you to that," he said softly, a playful edge to his tone.

With that, Zeus turned and began to walk toward the door, his movements smooth and deliberate, as if every step was part of a grander plan unfolding in his mind.

Roxana's eyes followed him, thoughtful and resolute. She knew, without a doubt, that whatever Zeus had in mind, it was going to be significant. His words were never without purpose.

As the door closed behind him, Roxana allowed herself a moment of silence. Her gaze drifted to the window, her mind already refocusing on the task at hand. Break through to seven stars... The thought lingered in her mind, and she clenched her fists in determination.

She knew the path would be difficult, but if there was one thing she was certain of, it was that she wouldn't let anything stand in her way. Not the elders, not the disciples, and certainly not the petty politics of the Celestial Academy.

For now, she would follow Zeus's advice and focus on her own path—because whatever was coming, it was going to be monumental.