Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

The system responded with its usual casual arrogance, completely unaffected by his suffering. [Hmm, if I were to guess? Probably longer than a year—and that's just for your physical body and everything else except your soul.] The system's tone was indifferent, as if it had just mentioned the time it took to cook a meal, not endure life-altering pain.

Lucas's eyes widened in disbelief. "A year?! Are you kidding me? Dammit! How can it take that long?" His voice cracked with irritation as he clenched his fists. The thought of being stuck in this torturous state for more than a year was unbearable.

The system chuckled mockingly. [Oh, come on, host, what did you expect? This isn't some cheap potion you're brewing—this is a core fusion. And in case you've forgotten, you're still a mere 3-star cultivator. Of course it's going to take a while. You should've seen this coming,] the system replied, its voice dripping with condescension.

Lucas's frustration deepened. He felt like screaming. "So what you're saying is I have to be stuck like this for a year?! In this agonizing state?" He could barely keep his composure, his hands trembling from the intensity of the pain.

The system, always shameless, continued to toy with him. [Oh, stop whining, will you? I said it'll take over a year, but that doesn't mean you have to sit here and cry through the whole process.]

Lucas blinked. "What do you mean?"

The system sighed as if explaining something to a child. [I swear, host, you don't listen. Not exactly,] it began, its voice oozing with arrogance.

[Look, the process has only just started. For now, your main soul—your consciousness—can return to being Zeus at the Celestial Academy. Your physical body will need to stay here to complete the fusion, but you won't be stuck in pain the whole time. Aren't you lucky to have a system as amazing as me to figure this out for you?]

Lucas frowned, the wheels turning in his head. "So, I can still operate as Zeus, even while this body stays behind?"

The system clicked its metaphorical tongue, sounding both amused and slightly annoyed. [Finally, you get it. Yes, only at the last stage will you need to be fully present for the final fusion. But until then, you can walk around as Zeus without any problem. It's not like I'm asking you to sacrifice everything—just your body for a little while.]

Lucas exhaled slowly, trying to calm himself. "I see. So I just have to deal with this when it's time for the final fusion?"

[Correct,] the system replied, its tone smug. [Honestly, I'm doing most of the heavy lifting here. You should be thanking me. Without me, you'd be a quivering wreck, wondering how to make this fusion work.]

"Yeah, I'll make sure to thank you properly later," Lucas muttered sarcastically, though a small smile tugged at his lips.

Despite the system's arrogance, Lucas knew it was right. There was no other way forward. The fusion process was beyond his control, but the plan he'd set in motion was still critical to his long-term success.

After taking a deep breath, he asked, "So, what about the mana generator plan? Is that still running smoothly?"

The system's response was smug, its tone calm but condescending, as if Lucas's question had been unnecessary. [Relax, host. Everything's under control. The process of absorbing mana from all those lovely corpses around the world? It's automatic, slow, but steady. No need for your constant supervision.]

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Automatic, huh? Last I checked, you had to go into full absorption mode back there because of the Abyss Mana surge. What makes this different?"

The system scoffed, as though it couldn't believe Lucas was even questioning it. [Oh, please. That was different. The Abyss Mana was wild, powerful, and concentrated. I had to focus all my brilliance to handle it, obviously. But now?

Now the absorption and infusion process is much more passive. I'll still be active with you, so don't worry your tiny mortal brain over it.]

Lucas couldn't help but chuckle, despite the lingering pain from the core fusion. "You really love hearing yourself talk, don't you?"

[Oh, absolutely. But let's be honest, without me, you'd be fumbling around in the dark. Who else could make this genius plan of yours actually work? I'm practically carrying you.] The system's shameless arrogance was almost palpable.

Lucas sighed, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "I see. Well, that takes a lot of pressure off, knowing everything's running smoothly."

The system continued with its usual self-satisfaction. [Exactly! The Divine Masks will keep absorbing mana from all those precious corpses we've strategically placed, and the core fusion will progress without needing your constant attention. It's like a well-oiled machine—because I'm the one making it work, of course.]

Lucas nodded, finally feeling some of the tension leave his body. The worst of the pain was subsiding, and the fact that he didn't have to micromanage the process was a huge relief. "Good. That's one less thing to worry about."

[One less thing? Host, with me, all things become less to worry about. You should be thanking me for running this show so efficiently. Honestly, I don't get enough credit.] The system's voice was dripping with mock disappointment, though Lucas could hear the smugness underneath.

Lucas chuckled again, shaking his head. "Right, right. Thanks, oh great system, for managing everything."

The system let out a pleased hum. [There it is—the gratitude I deserve. Now that we've got that settled, what's next? Oh, I know. You want to go back and check out the Celestial Academy, don't you? I bet it's been dreadfully dull without you there, shaking things up as Zeus.]

Lucas's expression shifted, his eyes narrowing with anticipation. "You're right. It's time to see what's changed while I've been gone. There are still things to handle there."

[Of course I'm right. Now, let's make this transformation back into Zeus. I can't wait to see the look on their faces when you show up again.]

With that, Lucas felt his consciousness shift. His physical body, still in the depths of the Abyss Hole, continued the fusion process with the core, but his mind was already reconnecting with the Zeus Divine Mask. The familiar weight of power settled around him as his persona of Zeus took shape once more.

"Let's see what the Celestial Academy has in store for us," Lucas murmured, a smirk playing on his lips.

The system, ever eager, chimed in with its usual confidence. [Let's go cause some chaos.]