Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

As soon as Thalnor left the lab, the door creaking shut behind him, Hades' agonized expression melted away. His face shifted to one of complete calm, his eyes narrowing slightly in thought. The fear he had shown earlier was nothing more than a well-crafted act.

[You really are something, aren't you?] The system's voice cut through the silence, dripping with mockery. [I almost believed you were actually scared for a second. A true actor, Hades. Maybe you missed your calling.]

Hades gave a small, amused smirk, his tone casual. "Of course I am. Thalnor bought every second of it, didn't he?"

[Well, obviously! I mean, who wouldn't fall for that performance? But seriously…] The system's voice took on a more sarcastic edge.

[To think this is the grand master plan he's so proud of? Turning you into a corpse puppet and eating your body to get younger? Ha! What a genius.] The system's laugh echoed mockingly in Hades' mind.

Hades chuckled, shaking his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Right? From an outsider's perspective, it might seem like a brilliant plan. But honestly? It's weak. He actually believes that turning me into a corpse puppet will work.

Me? Of all people?" His voice was laced with disdain, his expression one of pure amusement.

[Oh, the sheer audacity!] the system chimed in, its voice dripping with arrogance. [Can you imagine? Someone like him thinking he can control someone like you? It's laughable. Truly, what a genius we're dealing with here. I'm almost insulted on your behalf.]

Hades smirked, his eyes gleaming with dark amusement. "He has no idea what he's dealing with. But... I'll give him this: his cultivation manual for creating a Nether Puppet while gaining youth? That's impressive. Most would kill for a technique like that."

[Ah, yes, the Graven Puppet technique—now with a fancy evil twist. Sure, it's a nice trick. I'll give him credit where it's due,] the system replied, mockingly grand.

[Creating a puppet and reversing the clock on your own body? Oh, what a visionary. Too bad for him he picked the absolute wrong person to try this on.]

Hades' smirk deepened, his voice cool. "Exactly. He thinks he's got the upper hand, but he's hopelessly out of his league."

[Of course he is. And don't even get me started on this so-called 'Abyss Mana'.] The system's voice took on a haughty, dismissive tone.

[This isn't Abyss Mana. It's just slightly purified Death Mana—like he washed it in cold water and hoped for the best. Abyss Mana would tear someone like him apart. It's adorable that he thinks this is powerful.]

Hades nodded, scanning the swirling energy around him, feeling nothing more than a slight discomfort. "I know, this so-called 'Abyss Mana' doesn't even faze me. He talks big, but this barely feels like anything."

[Honestly, if he'd ever seen real Abyss Mana, he wouldn't even be standing here. It'd liquefy his organs in a heartbeat. But sure, let him think this is dangerous. It's always fun when they think they're winning,] the system added, the arrogance practically oozing from every word. [The poor fool doesn't even realize how far behind he is.]

"Exactly. Let him enjoy this little victory for now," Hades replied, his calm demeanor completely unshaken. "It'll make the inevitable downfall that much sweeter."

[So, what's the brilliant plan now?] the system asked, its voice dripping with sarcasm, though there was an underlying note of genuine curiosity. It sensed the calm confidence radiating from Hades despite the dire situation.

Hades smirked, his eyes gleaming with sharp, calculating intent. "Simple. We keep up the act. Let him think I'm writhing in fear and pain while I turn this little trap into my personal cultivation ground." His tone was casual, but there was a dangerous edge to it, like a predator toying with prey.

[Oh, how predictable. Of course, you want to milk this situation for all it's worth,] the system mocked, though its satisfaction was clear. [It's so you, turning a death sentence into an opportunity for power. You never disappoint.]

"Why waste the mana and souls he's handed me on a silver platter?" Hades replied, his voice low but amused. "There's plenty of this 'Abyss Mana' here—if we can even call it that. And I can sense countless souls trapped in this place. I'll pull them into my Soul Vault, absorb their power, and use the mana to fuel my cultivation."

[Ha! Classic. He sets up a deadly formation, and you use it as a spa day. I love it. And those souls…] The system's voice became almost gleeful.

[They're just begging to be absorbed. Weak, pathetic things. But hey, food is food. Let me get started on converting that so-called 'Abyss Mana'. It's laughable, but still potent enough to be useful.]

Hades sighed, settling himself into a more comfortable position, his body now more relaxed despite the deadly energy swirling around him.

"Of course. Time to endure another round of discomfort," he muttered, though there was no real frustration in his voice. It was more a resigned acceptance of the process.

[Oh, come on, you love this. Don't pretend otherwise. Power doesn't come without a little pain, right?] The system's voice was practically mocking him, but there was a twisted sense of camaraderie in its tone.

[Besides, you know the drill. Absorb the mana, devour the souls, and before you know it, you'll be stronger than ever. If anything, you should thank poor Thalnor for this little opportunity.]

"I'll be sure to send him a thank-you note before I tear him apart," Hades replied with a cold, dark chuckle, already feeling the influx of energy beginning to flow through him. The souls surrounding the room seemed to gravitate toward him, their essence slowly being pulled into his Soul Vault.

[Such a charmer. You know, if Thalnor could see this, he'd probably die of shame on the spot.] The system's voice was smug, clearly reveling in Thalnor's ignorance. [He thinks he's trapping you, when really, you're just sitting back and collecting the spoils.]

"Let him think he's in control. It'll only make his downfall that much more satisfying," Hades whispered, his voice almost serene as the dark energy wrapped around him, fueling his growing strength.

With a steady breath, Hades began the process, tapping into the vast reserves of energy surrounding him. The discomfort was there, but he was long used to it. His mind was calm, focused entirely on twisting this so-called trap to his own advantage.

[That's right. Cultivate, absorb, repeat. And when the time comes… well, let's just say Thalnor won't even know what hit him.] The system's tone was darkly gleeful, already anticipating the eventual turn of events.

Hades said nothing more, his focus completely on the task at hand. The souls, the mana, the power—it was all his now. Thalnor's plan was already unraveling, and Hades was going to ensure that by the time the elder realized his mistake, it would be far too late.