Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

Chapter 142: Top 5 Elders of Celestial Academy

The day had finally arrived for the top ten-ranked outer disciples to face the trial that would determine their fate—whether they would become inner disciples or, for a few lucky ones, be chosen by one of the top elders as their personal disciple.

The arena was buzzing with anticipation as the top disciples, including Zeus and Lucy, prepared to showcase their skills. It was a momentous event that could change their paths forever.

Zeus stood in the midst of the crowd, his eyes scanning the large, grand arena. The stage where the battles would take place was surrounded by towering stone pillars, etched with ancient runes. The air was thick with tension, but Zeus remained calm, his mind focused on the challenge ahead.

"This is it, the day we've been waiting for," Zeus whispered to himself, his gaze shifting toward Lucy, who stood confidently beside him. She had grown stronger—much stronger. Her power was undeniable, and Zeus could see the fire in her eyes. She was ready for this, and so was he.

As the ten ranked disciples assembled, Zeus looked up toward the high seats where the top five elders sat, their presence alone commanding respect. He knew that these elders would decide their fate today, and he couldn't afford to make a mistake.

"Let's see who I'm dealing with here…" Zeus thought, activating his scanning ability. In an instant, the status of the top five elders appeared before his eyes.

[Name: Darius Armist]

[Race: Human]

[Physique: Refined Forge Heart]

[Tier: 8 Star]

[Cultivation Manual: Molten Anvil]

[Name: Thorne Arcturus]

[Race: Human]

[Physique: Thundercore Heart]

[Tier: 8 Star]

[Cultivation Manual: Storm King's Dominion]

[Name: Sylph Margrave]

[Race: Human]

[Physique: Windwalker Limbs]

[Tier: 8 Star]

[Cultivation Manual: Tempest's Grace]

[Name: Aric Valen]

[Race: Human]

[Physique: Titan's Muscles]

[Tier: 8 Star]

[Cultivation Manual: Titan's Endurance]

[Name: Roxana Volcaria]

[Race: Human]

NovelFire-unofficial-text

[Physique: Volcanic Dragon Physique]

[Tier: 8 Star]

[Cultivation Manual: Volcanic Fury]

Zeus's eyes widened as the details of the top elders settled in his mind. "All of them... 8-star cultivators," he mused, feeling a rare moment of awe. "And each one has a special physique... mostly body and organ types. But even so, their strength is incredible.

No wonder they rule the academy."

Before he could think further, the system's voice boomed in his mind with a mix of irritation and disbelief.

[Damn it! To think there was someone this powerful here… Are you even paying attention, or is your tiny brain too busy drooling over them?]

Zeus couldn't help but smirk at the system's usual attitude. "Well, of course, they're powerful. They're the top elders of the academy, after all." His tone was casual, almost dismissive, but beneath it was a growing sense of competition. He knew he would have to surpass them someday.

The system, as expected, wasn't impressed.

[Ugh! How dense can you be? I'm not talking about the top four elders, you blockhead!] The system's voice dripped with mockery, as if it couldn't believe Zeus's ignorance. [Sure, they're strong, but they're nothing special anymore. Past their prime, old and creaky, barely holding on to their 8-star power.]

Zeus raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the sudden disdain in the system's voice. "Old and creaky?" he echoed, glancing up at the elders again. "They still seem plenty dangerous to me."

[Of course they do, to someone as limited as you!] the system scoffed. [They're in their 60s, some of them pushing 70. Given another year or two, you'll crush them without breaking a sweat. They're already fossils, stuck at their peak, hoping no one younger catches up.]

Zeus's smirk deepened, his curiosity piqued now. "Is that so? What are you getting at?" His voice lowered, the challenge of the unknown already stirring his competitive instincts.

The system clicked its metaphorical tongue, full of condescension. [I swear, sometimes I wonder if you even deserve me. I'm talking about the fifth one, you fool.]

Zeus's eyes darted back to the last elder—Roxana Volcaria. Her fiery presence radiated power, but she didn't seem that different from the others. "The fifth one?" he muttered, his curiosity now fully engaged. "Roxana? What about her? She's strong, sure, but she's no different from the others."

The system let out a long, exaggerated sigh, dripping with mock impatience. [No different? No different? You really are blind, aren't you? Look closer, genius. What do you think her age is?]

Zeus's brow furrowed, his eyes narrowing as he carefully studied Roxana Volcaria once more. She stood tall, her fiery red hair blazing like a warning of the raw power she possessed. He hesitated, unsure what the system was getting at, but gave his best guess.

"I don't know… late 40s? Maybe 50? She's at 8-star already, so she must have decades of experience under her belt," he said, his voice casual, like it was the most obvious answer in the world. He felt a surge of pride at his quick assessment, certain he had it figured out.

The system's voice cut through his thoughts, a sharp, mocking laugh that made Zeus wince slightly.

[Hah! Oh, that's rich! Late 40s? 50? You really are as dense as I thought. Wrong, you fool.

She's only 27 years old.]

Zeus froze, his entire body stiffening as the words sank in. His eyes went wide in shock, and he couldn't help but mutter aloud, "What?!" His voice betrayed the disbelief he was trying to hide. He blinked several times, as if he hadn't heard correctly.

The system, delighted by his reaction, pressed on, its voice now dripping with smug satisfaction. [Oh, what's the matter? Does that break your little mind? Can't process the idea of someone being that much stronger than you at such a young age?] It let out a gleeful chuckle, thoroughly enjoying the moment.

Zeus gritted his teeth, trying to gather his thoughts. "27... and she's an 8-star cultivator? That's... impossible." He whispered the last word as though saying it aloud would somehow make it more believable.

[Oh, it gets even better,] the system continued, its tone now shifting to something almost resembling awe, though still laced with its usual arrogance.

[She's not just any 8-star cultivator, boy. She's got the Volcanic Dragon Physique. One of the most powerful, most destructive physiques there is.] The system let that sink in for a moment, relishing in Zeus's growing realization.

Zeus's mind raced, scrambling to piece together the gravity of what the system was saying. "A 27-year-old 8-star cultivator… with that kind of physique?" His voice wavered slightly as he processed the sheer impossibility of it all. His gaze flicked back to Roxana, who stood with an air of effortless power, her presence almost suffocating.

Her fiery red hair now seemed even more fitting, like the embodiment of the molten core that raged within her. Her fierce demeanor, the way she held herself with such confidence—it all made sense now. She was a prodigy, a true monster in terms of potential and strength.

The system snickered, [Oh, now you get it. She's not just powerful, she's terrifying. That kind of strength at her age? You'd be lucky to catch up to her in ten years, let alone surpass her.]

[I can't believe you were dumb enough to think she was 50 years old! You really should have paid more attention.]

Zeus clenched his fists, his pride stung by the system's constant jabs. But even as the system mocked him, he couldn't deny the truth behind its words.

"Someone that young... with a Volcanic Dragon Physique," he thought, the realization sinking deeper. "I never would have guessed... someone so young could be this powerful."

The system hummed in amusement. [And you're still here, thinking you stand a chance. Hah! You'd better work harder, boy, or she'll leave you in the dust. But I suppose that's what I'm here for—to drag you out of mediocrity. Maybe one day you'll stop embarrassing yourself.]

Zeus scowled, determination now burning in his chest. "We'll see who surpasses who," he muttered under his breath. He couldn't afford to underestimate Roxana anymore.

She was far more dangerous than he had anticipated, and now, knowing her potential, she wasn't just a rival—she was a mountain he had to climb.

The system laughed once more, its voice fading as it left Zeus with a final taunt. [Good luck, kid. You'll need it.]