Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

Chapter 66: New Divine Mask "Hephaestus"

Zeus knew it was time to expand his arsenal with a new Divine Mask--one that would serve a very specific purpose: crafting. The thought of forging powerful artifacts and constructs excited him, but he needed a mask tailored specifically for that task.

The system's voice echoed in his mind, as usual, with an air of smugness. [So, what kind of Divine Scripture do you want to embed in this new Divine Mask?] it asked, its tone almost taunting, as if daring Zeus to come up with something worthwhile.

Zeus paused thoughtfully, considering his options. "I want something that's perfect for crafting," he began, his voice measured. "Crafting often requires intense heat, so let's make it connected to volcanic energy."

[Ah, I see you're finally thinking like a proper crafter,] the system responded, its tone dripping with a mix of mockery and approval. [I have just the thing for you, of course. Nothing but the best for my host.]

The system's pride was palpable as it continued, [This Divine Scripture is a Three-Star level: Infernal Genesis Core Divine Scripture.] The way it spoke, it was clear the system expected nothing less than admiration for its choice.

Zeus couldn't help but smile, satisfied with the suggestion despite the system's arrogance. "Sounds perfect," he agreed, his tone firm but appreciative.

Then, with a touch of reverence, he added, "Let's name this Divine Mask 'Hephaestus', after the renowned god of crafting that I know from my past life."

The mask then soon materialized before Zeus without hesitation, emanating a deep crimson glow that seemed to pulse with life. Intricate patterns, resembling rivers of molten lava, were etched across its surface, giving the mask an aura of raw, untamed power.

Zeus gazed at the mask, admiration and anticipation flickering in his eyes. "It's perfect," he murmured to himself, feeling the sheer intensity radiating from it.

[Of course it is,] the system chimed in, its voice brimming with pride. [Only the finest for you, my dear host. Now, go on--put it on and feel the power of creation itself.]

Zeus didn't need any more encouragement. He slipped the mask over his face, and immediately, a surge of power coursed through his veins. His body began to transform, his muscles swelling with newfound strength. His skin took on a bronzed hue, as if kissed by the flames themselves, while his hair shortened and turned a fiery red, crackling with energy.

Zeus inhaled sharply, feeling the raw, elemental force of fire pulsing within him, demanding to be unleashed. "This...this is incredible," he breathed, awestruck by the transformation.

[Isn't it just?] the system's voice was practically gloating now. [But don't get too comfortable just yet. You know what comes next.]

Zeus nodded, his expression turning serious. He knew that with every new Divine Mask, there came the need to cultivate it, to awaken its full potential. "Let's get this over with," he muttered, steeling himself for what he knew would be an ordeal.

[That's the spirit! Now, brace yourself--I'll channel the mana from your storage, and then...well, you know the drill,] the system said, its tone almost gleeful.

Zeus closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and gave the command. The moment the cultivation began, an overwhelming pain engulfed him. Unlike the sharp, electrifying agony he had experienced with his thunder-based cultivation, this pain was searing, burning through every fiber of his being.

It felt as though his entire body was being consumed by flames, each nerve ending ablaze with excruciating heat. Sweat poured down his face, his teeth clenched tightly as he fought to endure the torment.

"Why does it...always have to be this intense?" Zeus gasped out, his voice strained.

[You wanted power, didn't you? This is the price,] the system replied, its tone devoid of sympathy. [But don't worry--you'll come out of this stronger than ever.]

For what felt like hours, Zeus remained steadfast, allowing the fiery mana to fuse with his being. The air around him grew hotter, shimmering with heat waves, while the ground beneath his feet scorched and cracked from the sheer intensity radiating from his body.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the pain began to subside, replaced by a profound sense of power and control. Zeus exhaled slowly, feeling the elemental fire within him settle into place, a force that was now fully his to command.

Eager to assess his progress, Zeus called up the system interface to check the new Divine Mask's stats. The familiar display materialized before him.

[Name: Hephaestus]

[Tier: One Star (10%)]

[Divine Scripture: Infernal Genesis Core Divine Scripture]

Zeus raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Ten percent already?" he muttered, impressed by the unexpected jump.

[Yes, ten percent,] the system responded, a hint of smugness in its tone. [Your current highest tier is Two Star, so the Mana Storage has adjusted accordingly.]

"Adjusted?" Zeus repeated, intrigued.

[Indeed,] the system continued, as if explaining something obvious. [Each unit of mana in the storage is now equivalent to 1% of a Two-Star tier. Since Two-Star mana is ten times more potent than One-Star, it's only natural that your new mask starts at 10% from the existing mana.]

Understanding dawned on Zeus, and he nodded slowly. "I see. That actually makes a lot of sense," he admitted, the surprise giving way to a thoughtful expression.

Even so, he couldn't help but marvel at the exponential increase in mana potency with each tier. The realization of how much more powerful he could become with higher tiers was both exhilarating and daunting.

Zeus let out a sigh, a mix of anticipation and contemplation in his eyes. "The journey to mastering this kind of power is going to be intense," he mused, his tone carrying a weight of resolve. "But the rewards... they're worth every bit of pain."

[Of course they are,] the system chimed in, prideful as always. [With the Hephaestus Divine Mask now at your disposal, you're more prepared than ever to take on whatever challenges lie ahead.]

Zeus smiled, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Hephaestus was now part of his arsenal, and with it, he was ready to forge ahead, no matter what obstacles came his way.