Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

As the crowd began to disperse, the noise of the arena slowly faded into the background. Lucy stepped off the battlefield, her posture relaxed yet purposeful.

The thrill of her recent victory still lingered in her veins, though it had been disappointingly easy. She craved more—a real challenge, something that could push her limits.

As she made her way out, a familiar energy caught her attention. Her senses sharpened, and her eyes instinctively scanned the stands. There, seated in quiet authority, was Roxana, her master, watching her with an intense gaze.

A small smile tugged at the corner of Lucy's lips, and she immediately adjusted her demeanor, her usual fierce expression softening as she approached.

"Master," she greeted respectfully, offering a slight bow of acknowledgment. Her voice held a mixture of reverence and confidence, a disciple acknowledging her teacher's presence.

But as her eyes shifted, she noticed the man standing beside Roxana. Her gaze lingered on Zeus for a moment, before she turned her face away, uninterested.

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Zeus could only smile, knowing full well that Lucy had no idea who he really was beneath the mask. Inside, he found the situation amusing, but he stayed silent.

Roxana, standing between them, observed the interaction with her sharp, knowing eyes. She didn't miss the subtle tension or the faint flicker of confusion in Lucy's face. With a smirk tugging at her lips, she decided to break the silence.

"You seem to have gotten better and better in your fights," Roxana said, her voice laced with a proud undertone. She crossed her arms, her gaze firmly on Lucy, an air of confidence radiating from her as always.

Lucy nodded, her eyes still gleaming with the thrill of the fight. "Yes, Master," she replied, her voice respectful yet filled with the confidence of someone who had just proven her strength.

But then her lips curled into a brief, wicked smile—a flash of something darker passing over her face. "Too bad none of them can satisfy my cravings."

Her tone shifted, revealing a hint of her ruthless nature, a side she often displayed in battle. For a moment, the cold, predatory hunger that drove her flared up, her desire for more challenging opponents clear in the wicked smile she flashed.

Roxana chuckled softly, her amusement evident in the twinkle of her eyes. She knew Lucy well—knew that her thirst for powerful opponents was insatiable. "I see," she replied, a sly grin crossing her face. "Still craving a real fight, huh?"

Lucy shrugged, her expression hardening slightly. "None of them come close, Master. They all want something from me, but none of them have the strength to earn it."

Her voice was colder now, filled with disdain for the suitors who continued to challenge her in vain. She tilted her head, her eyes narrowing with frustration. "I want a challenge. Someone worth fighting."

Roxana raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Lucy's growing impatience. "Patience, Lucy," she said with a softer tone.

"The right challenge will come. But remember, strength alone doesn't make someone worthy." Her voice carried a deeper, more serious note now, a lesson wrapped in her words. "There's always more to a fight than raw power."

Lucy's expression softened slightly, but only for a moment. She nodded in acknowledgment, though the hunger for battle still simmered beneath her calm exterior. "Yes, Master."

Roxana gave her a knowing look, then glanced at Zeus, sensing the amusement radiating from him despite his silence. She knew that there was something more between these two, something hidden beneath the surface that neither was acknowledging. But for now, she kept her thoughts to herself.

"Let's return," Roxana finally said, her voice shifting back to its usual authority. "I have something important to tell both of you."

Without further words, the three of them began making their way back to Roxana's private territory. The journey was quiet, but there was a sense of anticipation in the air as Lucy, Zeus, and Roxana walked side by side.

Soon, they arrived at Roxana's office, the familiar surroundings of her private domain offering a momentary calm. Roxana gestured for both of them to sit, her expression now one of focus as she prepared to deliver the news she had been waiting to share.

As they settled into Roxana's office, the atmosphere grew heavy with anticipation. Roxana sat at her desk, her fingers tapping lightly against the surface as she gazed at Lucy with a sharp, calculating look.

Without wasting any time, Roxana leaned forward slightly, her eyes locking onto Lucy with a seriousness that commanded attention. "Lucy," she began, her voice steady yet carrying a sense of urgency, "I need you to go to the Death Volcano."

Lucy's expression didn't falter, but her eyes widened with surprise, the name striking her with sudden intrigue. The Death Volcano was no ordinary mission.

It was a place filled with searing heat, violent mana eruptions, and creatures powerful enough to challenge even the strongest warriors. But fear? Fear wasn't something Lucy felt. Instead, it was curiosity, a craving for the challenge.

"The Death Volcano?" Lucy repeated, her tone calm, though the surprise in her voice was unmistakable. "What's the reason, Master? Are we hunting something there?" Her eyes gleamed slightly, already anticipating a new test of her strength.

Roxana's gaze remained fixed on her, unyielding and filled with purpose. "There are materials and ancient secrets buried deep within the volcano's core.

It's a dangerous place, but I believe you're ready for it," she explained, her tone unhurried, but resolute. Then, her expression shifted ever so slightly, adding a layer of mystery. "But you won't be going alone."

Lucy tilted her head slightly, curiosity deepening. "Alone? Then who—"

"You'll be taking your brother, Lucas, with you," Roxana said, her voice firm, leaving no room for argument.

The moment the words left Roxana's lips, Lucy's calm demeanor shifted. Her eyes flashed with shock, not because of fear, but because of the unexpected nature of the statement. "What?!" Lucy blurted out, standing up abruptly, her tone louder than intended.