Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

Chapter 152: Zeus's Choice

Zeus stood confidently at the center of the arena, all eyes fixed on him. The offers from the five top elders hung in the air, and the crowd buzzed with anticipation, eager to see which elder he would choose. The pressure was palpable, but Zeus remained calm, his smirk ever-present.

[Well, well, Zeus. Quite the popular one, aren't you?] the system's voice slithered into his mind, dripping with its usual arrogance. [Five elders, all scrambling over you like you're the last mana stone in a desert. So... which one will you grace with your presence?]

Zeus's eyes flickered toward Roxana, his smirk deepening. "Of course, it's her," he responded inwardly, a playful gleam in his eyes. "We've already made plans to… well, not blackmail exactly, but to 'invite' her to become our accomplice."

The system scoffed, its tone dripping with mockery. [Oh, 'invite,' is that what you're calling it? How diplomatic of you. Blackmail sounds so much more honest, but I suppose even you have your moments of tact.]

Zeus chuckled softly, his gaze never leaving Roxana. "Plus, by becoming her disciple, my two clones can stay close to Lucy. It's a perfect setup. I get the training I need, and Lucy gets the protection."

The system's laughter echoed in his mind, shameless and self-satisfied. [Ah, the ever-doting brother, always scheming. You're lucky your plans are half as clever as you think they are.]

[But yes, yes, I see it now—Roxana on your side, Lucy safeguarded, and you, my dear Zeus, pulling the strings from the shadows.] It paused, then added with a teasing edge, [Just don't trip over your own ego while you're at it.]

Zeus's smirk widened, his confidence unshaken. "I won't." He straightened, his decision made, and spoke clearly to the elders. "I will become Elder Roxana's disciple."

A ripple of shock coursed through the crowd, and the other elders exchanged glances filled with frustration and disbelief. Roxana's smile widened, a gleam of satisfaction lighting up her fierce eyes.

Confidence radiated from her as she sensed her victory. But before she could speak, the other elders moved quickly to try and change Zeus's mind.

Elder Aric Valen was the first to step forward, his voice measured but tense. "Zeus, think carefully. Elder Roxana may be powerful, but she's new. She lacks the experience we have in teaching and cultivating talents."

Zeus barely glanced at him, his smirk unwavering. But before he could respond, Elder Sylph Margrave interjected, her tone soft but insistent.

"You should reconsider, Zeus. Roxana has no history of guiding disciples. With someone like me, you'd be in better hands. You need an experienced teacher, not someone still figuring things out."

The other elders nodded in agreement, their eyes sharp with determination. Zeus was a prize they couldn't afford to lose, especially after witnessing his overwhelming display of power during the test.

Their arguments were layered with urgency, a clear attempt to steer him away from Roxana and toward themselves.

Elder Thorne Arcturus added, his voice a rumble like distant thunder, "Zeus, you've got potential, no doubt. But potential needs the right guidance. Don't throw away the chance to become truly great by aligning with someone who hasn't proven themselves as a mentor."

Zeus could feel the intensity of their words, but instead of swaying him, it only amused him more. He was about to respond when Roxana's aura suddenly flared, a fiery presence filling the arena.

Her eyes narrowed into dangerous slits as she glared at the four elders, her patience clearly running thin.

"Enough," she growled, her voice low but carrying the weight of authority, like molten lava threatening to erupt.

The elders flinched, though they tried to hide it. They might have been equals in terms of rank, all being 8-star warriors, but Roxana's raw, untamed power was something none of them wanted to test.

The fiery aura that radiated from her was a warning—a reminder of why even seasoned warriors feared her.

Roxana's lips curled into a wicked smile, her eyes blazing as she spoke. "You all talk about experience, but let me remind you—strength isn't just in teaching. It's in action. And I've had my fair share of it."

Her gaze flicked to Zeus, her tone dropping into something almost dangerous. "Zeus knows what he's getting into. I'll teach him more than just techniques... I'll show him what real power looks like."

Despite their reluctance, the elders knew they couldn't back down completely. Zeus was too valuable, and his performance in the test—achieving such results without using his full strength—made it clear just how rare a talent he was. Their eyes were filled with desperation, but no one dared challenge Roxana openly.

Zeus, observing the rising tension between the elders, let the silence hang for a moment, allowing their frustration to simmer before finally speaking.

His voice was calm but firm, carrying the weight of his decision. "I appreciate the offers from all of you," he said, his eyes sweeping across the gathered elders, "but my decision stands. I want to become Elder Roxana's disciple."

A ripple of disbelief flickered through the other elders, their faces betraying varying degrees of shock and frustration. But it was Roxana's reaction that drew the most attention. Her smile deepened into a fierce, almost predatory grin, her eyes gleaming with pride and satisfaction.

"You've made a wise choice, Zeus," she said, her tone rich with approval, her gaze never leaving him. "Now, come and stand beside me."

Without a moment's hesitation, Zeus moved. He leaped effortlessly into the air, his form graceful and controlled as he landed beside Roxana with a single, fluid motion.

The crowd watched in awe, murmuring among themselves as the two stood together, a powerful pairing. Zeus's smirk remained firmly in place, while Roxana's fierce, confident grin told the entire arena that she had won this battle.

The other elders, however, could only frown, their disappointment barely concealed behind strained smiles. Elder Aric's jaw tightened, his fists clenching subtly at his sides, while Elder Sylph crossed her arms, her narrowed eyes hiding the frustration of losing a potential powerhouse.

Elder Thorne's brow furrowed in displeasure, and even Elder Darius's usually calm demeanor showed signs of unease. Zeus had slipped through their fingers, and they knew it.

Yet, despite their irritation, none of them dared to speak further. Roxana had won, and they had no choice but to accept it.

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Zeus glanced back at them, catching the flickers of frustration in their expressions. He let his smirk widen just a little, sending a silent message to each of them: "You've lost this round."

Roxana, sensing his amusement, chuckled softly under her breath. She leaned in slightly, her voice low and teasing, but laced with a wild edge. "Get used to seeing those faces. You'll be giving them plenty more reasons to frown soon enough."

Zeus grinned in response, the thrill of the moment sparking between them. Together, they stood tall, casting long shadows over the arena as the rest of the elders simmered in silent defeat.