Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

Chapter 156: Roxana's Territory

Zeus and Lucy followed Roxana through the winding paths that led to her personal territory within the Celestial Academy. The deeper they went, the more their eyes widened in amazement.

"This place..." Zeus muttered under his breath, unable to contain his surprise.

Lucy, always composed, glanced around, her normally cold expression softening with a flicker of curiosity.

Even she couldn't hide her awe as they approached what looked like an entire village rather than a mere residence. Numerous buildings, each with a unique design, stretched out before them, and the scale of Roxana's territory became more apparent with every step.

Roxana, noticing their reactions, allowed herself a small, knowing smile. "You're not looking at just a house or mansion," she said, her voice carrying a note of pride. "This is my domain—every building serves a purpose."

Zeus glanced at Lucy, sharing a look of mutual astonishment before turning back to Roxana. "This is... huge," he whispered, his voice barely hiding the awe he felt. His eyes darted from structure to structure, trying to grasp the sheer scale of it all.

Lucy, though quieter, nodded in agreement, her gaze moving slowly as if calculating the value of everything she saw. There was a subtle tension in her posture—an acknowledgment of just how powerful their new master truly was.

Roxana gestured toward a row of sturdy, imposing buildings. "Those over there," she explained, her tone casual but filled with authority, "house my weapons, armors, and treasures. Every piece is crafted or collected with precision and care."

Her expression hardened slightly, her eyes sharp. "Don't touch anything unless you're ready to wield it."

Lucy's lips pressed into a thin line, her respect for Roxana growing as she realized the extent of what lay before them. Zeus, however, grinned slightly, his eyes lighting up with excitement at the thought of exploring what was inside those armories.

"And over here," Roxana continued, motioning toward an open area filled with various equipment, dummies, and combat rings, "are the training grounds. They're designed for different types of cultivation and combat practice. You'll be spending a lot of time here."

Zeus couldn't help but let out a low whistle. "This is far more than I expected," he said, his tone filled with admiration. "You really don't hold back, do you?"

Roxana chuckled, the sound low and confident. "Why should I? Power isn't gained through hesitation." She looked at both of them with a serious expression, her voice firm. "I don't take shortcuts, and neither will you."

Zeus and Lucy exchanged another glance, this time with more understanding. They realized now that Roxana's influence extended far beyond her cultivation strength. Her domain, her resources—everything about her radiated power and control.

Roxana came to a stop in front of two empty houses, each standing sturdy and well-kept, their designs simple yet practical. She gestured toward them, her gaze steady and authoritative.

"These two houses will be your new homes," she said firmly, leaving no room for argument. "You'll live here from now on. Settle in and make yourselves comfortable. This is where your training begins."

Lucy, scanning the houses with a mix of curiosity and caution, opened her mouth to speak. Perhaps she had a question or a comment, but Roxana immediately raised a hand, cutting her off before she could get a word out.

"I know what you're about to say," Roxana said, her tone direct but not unkind. There was a sharpness to her voice that showed she was always one step ahead. "Go and bring your brother here. There's no need to explain."

Lucy blinked, slightly taken aback. Her normally composed expression faltered for just a moment, her eyes widening in surprise. "How do you know about my brother?" she asked, her voice quieter than usual, tinged with genuine curiosity.

Roxana's lips curved into a smirk, her eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and confidence. "Of course I know," she said, her voice filled with certainty. "I make it a point to read everything about the disciples I accept. I knew about him long before you even stepped into the arena."

Lucy's surprise quickly gave way to understanding, her expression cooling back into its usual calm. "I see," she replied, her voice composed once again. "Then, if you'll excuse me."

With a brief nod of acknowledgment, Lucy turned and left, her steps purposeful as she went to fetch Lucas. There was no hesitation in her movements, only a quiet sense of determination.

Now, with Lucy gone, the atmosphere shifted. Only Zeus and Roxana remained, and the silence between them was heavy with unspoken thoughts. Roxana turned to face Zeus, her expression serious but layered with something more—curiosity and perhaps even anticipation.

"Zeus," she said, her voice sharp and commanding, leaving no room for debate. "Come to my private office. There's something we need to discuss."

Zeus raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her sudden directness. His lips curled into a knowing smile, the hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Of course," he said smoothly, "I was hoping we'd have a chance to talk. There's something I've been meaning to discuss with you as well."

[Oh, this should be good,] the system chimed in, its tone dripping with arrogance. [Like she'd have anything more important to say than you. I bet she's just going to try and butter you up.]

Zeus chuckled inwardly, "Always so modest, aren't you?"

[Well, when you're as great as I am, humility becomes... optional,] the system responded, clearly pleased with itself. [Besides, it's obvious she recognizes your brilliance. Who wouldn't?]

Zeus's smirk deepened, and he glanced back at Roxana, who was already heading toward her office, not waiting for him to catch up. Her movements were confident, unhurried—like someone who knew she was in control, yet still curious enough to engage.

"It seems she's not as easily swayed as you think," Zeus teased the system, knowing it would get a rise out of it.

[Oh, please,] the system scoffed, [I give it five minutes before she's hanging on your every word. And if she's not, then she's clearly not as smart as she seems.]

With that shameless jab from the system, Zeus followed Roxana, his steps measured, and his mind already racing ahead to the conversation they were about to have. "Let's see just how much you're willing to reveal, Roxana."