Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

Chapter 197: The Opening of Abyss Hole (2)

The disciples had all entered the Abyss Hole, their figures vanishing one by one into the swirling vortex of darkness. Elder Feris stood at the edge of the gate, arms crossed tightly across his chest, his sharp eyes tracking the last of the participants until they disappeared into the abyss.

His expression remained composed, but beneath the surface, his mind was calculating, strategizing every possible outcome of the event.

He let out a low sigh, breaking the tense silence around him. "I hope the disciples this year bring better results," Feris said, his voice deep and resonant, carrying easily over the murmurs of the gathered crowd.

His tone was calm, but those close to him could sense the weight of expectation behind his words. "We need more Abyss Materials and higher-quality resources. If they succeed, it could make a real difference for us... for the future of Necrovauld."

The other top elders nodded in agreement, their expressions mirroring his seriousness. Among them were Mirra and Sylra, the two most prominent female elders of the Necrovauld Academy. Both women were 7-star cultivators, standing tall amidst their peers.

Despite their ages—Mirra in her sixties and Sylra in her seventies—they still radiated the youthful beauty of their prime years. Their cultivation had slowed the natural effects of time, granting them the grace and vitality that came with reaching such a high level.

Mirra's gaze drifted over the horizon for a moment, then she exchanged a thoughtful glance with Sylra. "If any of the disciples show real promise this year," she mused aloud, her voice smooth yet contemplative, "it might be worth taking one of them under my wing. Someone with true potential... It's been a while since I've considered a new disciple."

Sylra nodded in quiet agreement, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Yes," she said softly, her voice light but tinged with ambition. "A good disciple would be an investment... someone to carry forward our teachings and strengthen the academy's future."

Her eyes briefly met Mirra's, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Both women were always on the lookout for good seedlings, the term they often used for young disciples with the potential to grow into powerhouses.

Taking one under their guidance could increase their own influence in the academy, ensuring their legacies continued long after they ascended further in their cultivation.

Meanwhile, Elder Kaelor, a hulking figure with a strong, imposing presence, stood slightly apart from the others.

His broad shoulders were squared, and his stern expression was one of deep thought. He stroked his beard absently, his sharp eyes narrowing as he considered the possibilities ahead.

"The Abyss Materials this year should be plentiful," Kaelor muttered to himself, though his deep voice was loud enough for the others to hear. "If one of the right disciples manages to gather what I need... it could make my next breakthrough far easier."

Kaelor's eyes flickered with anticipation. Like the other elders, he had a vested interest in the disciples' success, not just for the academy's sake but for his own.

Cultivation was a never-ending journey, and any resource that could help him advance was worth his attention. He wasn't interested in just any disciple—he was waiting for the perfect seedling, someone who could be molded into a powerful force under his tutelage.

Elder Feris watched his peers closely, nodding slowly as he sensed their unspoken hopes and expectations. He, too, was looking for something more from this event, something that could turn the tide in favor of Necrovauld.

"If the disciples' outcome is as good as we hope," Feris said, his voice taking on a sharp edge, "this could be a pivotal year for us." His eyes gleamed with ambition, his thoughts clearly already moving beyond just the Abyss Hole.

The other elders turned to look at him, curious about the direction of his thoughts.

"Perhaps it's time to start thinking bigger," Feris continued, his tone becoming more intense. "If our gains from the Abyss Hole are significant enough... we could begin planning an attack on the Celestial Academy."

A quiet murmur ran through the group of elders, their interest clearly piqued by his suggestion. Mirra and Sylra exchanged another glance, this time filled with intrigue. Kaelor raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised but not dismissive of the idea.

"The Celestial Academy?" Sylra asked, her voice cautious but curious. "You think we're ready for that kind of move?"

Feris's lips curled into a faint smile, one of quiet confidence. "They've grown too comfortable in their position of power," he replied. "It's time they realize who the real power is in this region. And with the Malachor Clan growing stronger by the day... our chances have never been better."

Elder Kaelor, standing a few steps behind, let out a grunt of agreement, his large frame casting a long shadow across the gathering. His brows furrowed in deep thought as his sharp eyes narrowed, considering the bold suggestion.

"If the Malachor Clan can back us fully... it could work," Kaelor mused aloud, his deep voice resonating with a sense of calculated pragmatism.

He crossed his arms, his stern face unreadable but focused. "They've already shown significant growth recently, especially with those new techniques. Elder Thalnor had a hand in that, didn't he?"

Feris nodded subtly, still contemplating the broader possibilities.

"Yes, that's exactly why this might be our perfect moment."

Mirra, ever the cautious strategist, folded her arms across her chest. Her expression was thoughtful, her eyes flickering between the elders. The slight furrow in her brow gave away her concern, though she didn't entirely dismiss the plan.

"It's risky," she admitted, her tone level but laced with caution. "An attack on the Celestial Academy isn't something we should take lightly. But," she added, her eyes shifting to meet Feris's, "if our disciples return with the resources we're hoping for, and the Abyss Materials are as valuable as we expect... it could give us the edge we need."

Sylra, standing beside Mirra, nodded slowly in agreement, though her gaze remained distant, clearly weighing the potential risks.

"Even so," she added, her voice soft but firm, "the Celestial Academy is no small opponent. We'll need more than just resources. Our strategy has to be flawless."

Feris's faint smile didn't waver. "Which is why we need to make sure the disciples succeed. Every resource they pull from the Abyss Hole strengthens our hand."

His tone was confident, but there was an undeniable tension beneath the surface. This wasn't just a plan of ambition—it was one that could tip the scales of power in their favor or lead to catastrophic failure.

For a moment, a heavy silence fell over the group, the elders deep in contemplation. Each of them weighed the risks against the rewards, their expressions a mixture of caution and anticipation.

The possibility of taking down the Celestial Academy was a tantalizing prospect, but it would require perfect timing, careful planning, and the full cooperation of the Malachor Clan.