Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

Zeus steeled himself for the task ahead, a determined glint in his eyes as he prepared to hunt down the younger members of the Malachor family. Just as he was about to set out, the system's voice rang out in his mind, laced with its usual mix of arrogance and mockery.

[So, genius, do you even know where they are? Or are you planning on just wandering around aimlessly?] the system quipped, its tone dripping with sarcastic curiosity.

Zeus didn't miss a beat. He smirked, reaching into his robes with a calm confidence. "As a matter of fact, I do know," he replied, pulling out a folded piece of parchment.

Unfolding the paper with deliberate slowness, Zeus revealed the message scrawled across it. The words were clear and concise.

It was an invitation for the Malachor family's agents to gather in a nearby town, where they were to deliver the body of someone who had dared to cross them. The invitation was proof enough that the Malachor family had a presence in the area.

The system, catching sight of the message, let out an exaggerated sigh. [Well, look at you, all prepared and everything. I'm almost impressed. Almost.] The system's voice held a note of approval, though it was layered thick with its usual condescension.

Zeus's confident smile only widened. "I wouldn't be much of a strategist if I didn't plan ahead. Now, shall we get going?" His tone was cool and composed, with just a hint of amusement.

[Lead the way, oh mighty one,] the system replied with a dramatic flair, [I'm dying to see how this plays out. Let's hope you don't trip over your own cleverness.]

Zeus chuckled softly, unphased by the system's constant needling. "Don't worry. I've got this under control."

With his plan set in motion, Zeus made his way toward the exit of the Celestial Academy, his mind focused on the task ahead.

As he approached the gate, he noticed how a few outer disciples discreetly slipped small bribes to the guards, securing their passage out without raising any alarms. Zeus knew exactly what needed to be done.

Casually walking up to the guard, Zeus flashed a confident smile. "Evening," he greeted, his tone polite but with an unmistakable undertone of authority.

The guard, a burly man with a hardened expression, barely looked up. "Mission Card," he grunted, his voice flat and uninterested.

Zeus's smile didn't waver as he reached into his robe, not for his ID card, but for something more persuasive. He produced an intermediate mana stone, the gem gleaming subtly in the dim light.

"Perhaps this could speed things along," Zeus suggested, his voice smooth and unhurried as he extended the mana stone.

The guard's eyes flickered with interest as he caught sight of the mana stone. His demeanor shifted slightly, a small smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Looks like you're in a hurry," he remarked, his tone now more amiable as he pocketed the bribe. "Consider it taken care of."

Zeus nodded in acknowledgment, the exchange having gone exactly as he had anticipated. "Appreciate it," he replied, his voice even, as if this were a routine transaction.

The guard stepped aside, allowing Zeus to pass through the gate without further delay. The entire process was seamless—leaving the academy required careful scrutiny, but returning would be a simple matter of showing his ID card.

As Zeus stepped out into the night, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The small bribe had worked perfectly, and now, his plan was well and truly underway.

Once outside, Zeus quickly donned a plain robe and mask to conceal his identity. He opted not to use one of his Divine Masks to disguise himself.

Removing the Zeus Divine Mask would weaken him, so instead, he chose a more straightforward method of concealment, ensuring he could still access his full power while remaining anonymous.

With his disguise in place, Zeus set out toward the town mentioned in the message. He traveled swiftly, using his enhanced speed to cover ground quickly.

After a day's journey, he arrived at the town, a place where the dark underbelly of society thrived—a perfect hiding place for a Malachor family branch.

As Zeus approached the town, he could already sense the oppressive atmosphere hanging in the air. The streets were dimly lit, cloaked in shadows that seemed to stretch endlessly.

The smell of poison and decay lingered, a constant reminder of the dark dealings that thrived in this forsaken place.

The moment Zeus reached the town's entrance, a rough-looking man stepped forward, blocking his path. His eyes were sharp and calculating, scanning Zeus from head to toe. "Entrance fee," the man demanded, his voice gruff, with a hint of menace. "Ten inferior mana stones if you want to get in."

Zeus met the man's gaze, unfazed by the thinly veiled threat. With a calm, almost bored expression, he reached into his robe and pulled out the required payment. "Here," Zeus said, tossing the mana stones into the man's hand without a second thought.

The man's eyes widened slightly at the quick compliance, but he quickly regained his composure, his greedy fingers closing around the stones. "Smart choice," he muttered, stepping aside with a nod. "Welcome to the town."

Zeus didn't bother with a reply as he stepped past the gatekeeper and into the town. As expected, the streets were filled with unsavory characters lingering in the alleys, their eyes following him with a mix of suspicion and malice. The darkness that permeated the town seemed almost tangible, as if it clung to every corner and shadow.

Zeus smirked, his resolve hardening with each step. This town, with its gloom and corruption, was the perfect place for the Malachor family. Their sinister reputation fit right in with the town's atmosphere. And for Zeus, it was the ideal setting to strike.

"Time to deal with the Malachor family," Zeus murmured to himself, his voice low and determined. He was ready to execute his plan, and nothing in this dark, decaying town was going to stand in his way.