Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

The once quiet town was now bustling with activity. Crowds had gathered from every corner of the region, all drawn by the same purpose: the recruitment drive of the prestigious Necrovauld Academy.

Despite its notorious reputation for promoting dark magic, Necrovauld remained one of the most sought-after academies in the land.

Its influence stretched far beyond the reach of the Holy Empire or the so-called righteous factions, making it a prime destination for those who lived in the shadows or sought power without the constraints of morality.

For the townsfolk and travelers alike, joining Necrovauld was not just an opportunity—it was a chance to escape obscurity and grasp the power that could change their fate. The entrance test was straightforward, designed to weed out the weak and unworthy.

Age, cultivation level, and mana purity were the primary factors, but there were also rumors of hidden criteria that only those with special access could bypass.

As the day progressed, groups of hopefuls lined up to take the test. The atmosphere was tense, filled with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

Among them were a few individuals who slipped away from the main crowd, heading towards more secluded areas where the tests were rumored to be more lenient—provided one had the right connections or, more specifically, a certain wooden pass.

Meanwhile, on the main road, a sudden ripple of commotion swept through the crowd. The usual chatter of voices quickly gave way to gasps and excited whispers as people turned to catch a glimpse of the figure making his way through the throng.

In a land dominated by the dark side, where most of the inhabitants were rough, scarred, and hardened by a life of darkness, the sight of a strikingly handsome man was a rarity that couldn't be ignored. Eyes widened and murmurs spread like wildfire.

"Who is that?" one woman whispered, her voice filled with awe.

"Is he real?" another muttered, her gaze locked on the figure cutting through the crowd.

With long white hair cascading down his back like a river of moonlight and piercing red eyes that seemed to smolder with an inner fire, he commanded attention without even trying.

His steps were confident, his presence magnetic, and the wicked smile that played on his lips only intensified his allure. Women couldn't help but stare, a few bold ones even calling out to him, their voices laced with a mix of admiration and desire.

"Look at him," one of them murmured, her eyes wide with infatuation. "He's like something out of a dark fantasy."

This man was none other than Hades. After enduring a grueling cultivation session the night before, he had pushed his strength to the three-star level, just in time for his mission. But as he walked, the discomfort from that night lingered, a constant reminder of the toll it had taken on him.

"Damn, that overnight cultivation was brutal," Hades muttered to himself, a deep frown creasing his brow. "It wasn't exactly painful, but the way it gnawed at my soul... it's something else." He shook his head, remembering the grueling effort it took to push his strength to the next level.

[Hah! What did you expect, a walk in the park?] The system's voice echoed in his mind, dripping with arrogance. [You're dealing with powers most people can only dream of. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Besides, it's not like you have much of a choice, do you? But don't worry, it's all worthwhile—if you can handle it, that is.]

Hades sighed, the frustration evident on his face. "You really enjoy rubbing it in, don't you?"

[Oh, absolutely! What's the point of being a system if I can't mock my host every step of the way? But don't be such a wuss,] the system continued, its tone a blend of shameless mockery and twisted encouragement. [You'll thank me later when you're crushing your enemies underfoot. After all, what's a little soul discomfort when you're destined for greatness?]

Hades rolled his eyes but couldn't help the small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "You're unbelievable."

[And yet, here you are, listening to every word I say. Now, quit whining and focus. We've got a job to do, and you're just getting started.]

With another sigh, Hades forced himself to push the discomfort aside, refocusing on the task ahead. "Fine, fine. Let's get this over with."

He wove through the bustling crowd with effortless grace, each step deliberate, his lone figure slicing through the sea of people as if he belonged to a different world altogether.

With Zeus now back at the Celestial Academy, maintaining his cover as his free week neared its end, the burden of this mission fell squarely on Hades' shoulders. Zeus had to return before the slightest hint of suspicion could arise, leaving Hades to proceed alone.

This solitude didn't bother him—if anything, it heightened his focus. Alone, he could operate with a freedom that the constraints of his dual life sometimes denied him.

He knew the risks, but they were calculated, and he had always been a strategist, thriving on challenges that others might find daunting.

The wooden card he carried guided him toward a secluded location, its directions etched in his mind. As he approached, the anticipation in the air seemed to thicken, charged with an undercurrent of dark energy. Yet, Hades remained unperturbed, his expression carefully masked to reveal nothing of his intentions or thoughts.

Upon reaching the designated spot, Hades found a nondescript building, its entrance barely noticeable to the untrained eye. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and placed the wooden card into the slot by the door.

The officer guarding the entrance, a stern-looking man with no interest in conversation, merely nodded before activating a hidden mechanism. A portal shimmered into existence before Hades, glowing with an eerie light.

With a sly grin, Hades glanced at the portal, then back at the officer, who still offered no words. Satisfied, Hades stepped through the portal, his figure disappearing into the unknown.