Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

Chapter 279: The Start of a War (5)

Elder Feris wasted no time. As soon as Sylra and Kaelor collapsed, he barked orders at the lower-ranking elders. "Take their bodies to the Elder Hall for preparation," he commanded, his voice sharp and without hesitation. The disciples moved quickly, lifting the fallen elders with a mix of reverence and fear.

The atmosphere was somber, but Feris couldn't afford to dwell on the loss. He, along with the other top elders and Clan Malachor's leader, Velkar, moved swiftly through the academy's winding corridors.

Their destination: a secret chamber deep within the heart of the academy, hidden from prying eyes. The flickering torchlight along the walls cast long, ominous shadows, matching the weight of the meeting that was about to unfold.

Once they entered the chamber, the doors shut behind them with a heavy thud, sealing the tension within. The elders gathered around a stone table, the loss of two of their strongest members hanging heavily in the air.

Feris, his expression hard and unyielding, was the first to speak, his voice dripping with frustration. "The deaths of Sylra and Kaelor have dealt a significant blow to our strength. We can't simply ignore the impact this will have." His eyes swept across the table, searching for answers, solutions—anything.

Velkar, however, appeared less troubled. Leaning forward, his fingers drummed casually on the stone, his sharp eyes gleaming. "That may be true, Feris," he said, his tone calm, even calculating, "but let's not forget what they brought back."

A smirk tugged at his lips as he reached into his robes, pulling out a glowing mana stone. The room dimmed, and the stone's light filled the chamber with an eerie, mesmerizing glow.

Velkar held it up for all to see, the light dancing across his face. "This mana is pure... stronger than anything we've encountered before."

The other elders leaned in closer, their eyes drawn to the glowing mana stone, expressions shifting from somber grief to sharp, hungry greed. The allure of immense power was undeniable, and it had quickly caught their attention.

"Where did they find it?" Elder Mirra asked, her voice hushed with awe as the glow of the stone danced in her eyes. She reached out slightly, as if wanting to touch it but stopping herself, mesmerized by its energy.

Velkar's smirk deepened, enjoying the reaction of his fellow elders. He held the stone a little higher, letting its light flicker ominously across the room. "Near the Death Volcano," he answered smoothly, his voice dripping with confidence.

"And if there's more of these stones hidden in that area, we can not only regain the strength we've lost..." He paused, letting the anticipation build before adding, "but far more."

Feris, though still tense from the recent events, found his intrigue growing. He narrowed his eyes, his sharp mind already calculating the possibilities.

"You're saying there could be more of these stones?" His tone was laced with cautious hope, but there was no mistaking the eagerness behind his words.

Velkar leaned back in his chair, exuding a calm, almost casual authority. "Without a doubt," he replied, his voice cool, steady, as if the outcome was already assured. He let the stone roll slowly between his fingers, his eyes gleaming with quiet confidence.

"Our people are already stationed near the Death Volcano," Velkar said with a sly grin, his fingers still playing with the glowing mana stone.

"We can send them to retrieve the remaining stones. If we gather enough, it won't matter that Sylra and Kaelor are gone. Their loss will be insignificant compared to what we'll gain."

His voice was smooth, brimming with confidence, but Elder Feris's expression darkened. He shook his head, a stern frown forming on his face.

"We can't be too hasty, Velkar. Sylra and Kaelor mentioned that their battle with Thorne from the Celestial Academy opened the area where these stones were found." His voice was sharp, laced with caution.

The room grew quieter, the tension palpable as Feris continued. "Those Celestial bastards already know about the location. If we don't act carefully, they'll get there first, and we'll be left empty-handed—or worse, they'll use the mana stones against us."

A heavy silence followed his words, the weight of the situation sinking in for everyone present. Velkar's confident smirk faltered slightly as the reality of the threat dawned on him. For a moment, no one spoke, each elder lost in their thoughts of the potential danger.

Finally, Elder Mirra broke the silence, her voice steady and calm, yet calculating. "If the Celestial Academy is already aware of the location, we can't afford to send just anyone. The disciples aren't ready for something like this. We should go ourselves."

Her eyes gleamed with intent. "We'll send the disciples away, out of harm's way, and that way, we can... ensure we're the only ones benefiting from the mana stones."

Her meaning was clear, and a subtle grin appeared on her lips. The elders nodded in agreement, understanding the need to keep the powerful stones to themselves. They couldn't risk losing such a valuable resource—or sharing it.

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Feris crossed his arms, his expression hardening into one of resolve. "Yes, we'll handle this personally. We can't let the disciples get caught up in a conflict of this magnitude. We retrieve the stones, enhance our strength... and perhaps even reach nine stars."

His eyes gleamed with ambition, his words carrying the weight of their next move. "When that happens, the Celestial Academy won't stand a chance against us."

Velkar, having regained his confident smirk, leaned back in his chair, the excitement in his eyes unmistakable. "Nine stars..." he mused, his voice low and filled with a dangerous edge. "Once we get the stones, there'll be no stopping us. The Celestials, the entire world—they'll all bow to us."

The other elders exchanged knowing glances, their faces reflecting the same hunger for power that Velkar displayed. The mana stones promised unimaginable strength, and they wouldn't let anything—or anyone—stand in their way.

With their plan in place, Feris stood, his voice firm as he gave the final word. "We leave for the Death Volcano immediately. Prepare yourselves."

As they rose to leave, Velkar couldn't hide his grin, already imagining the power that awaited them. The room buzzed with anticipation as they set their sights on the volcano, knowing that once they claimed the mana stones, they would hold the key to ultimate power.