Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

Lucas now knew he had a special physique, the Void Physique, and it was time to cultivate his body rather than just relying on his masks. Although humans usually began to sense mana around the age of 16 or 17, that was typical for commoners. Nobles often started feeling mana around 14 or 15, and in the strongest organizations, some of their youth could sense it as early as 10.

So, while Lucas's ability to sense mana at 13 would be remarkable among commoners, it wouldn't raise eyebrows in the upper echelons of society. But Lucas didn't care about their standards—he needed to get stronger, and fast.

"System," Lucas called out, determination clear in his voice. "I've got this special physique now, so it's time for me to start cultivating."

[Oh, naturally,] the system responded, its tone dripping with self-satisfaction. [I've been waiting for you to realize it.] There was a brief pause, as if the system was basking in its own brilliance.

[I anticipated this moment the second your Void Physique was revealed. I've already prepared a Divine Scripture for you,] it added with a smug air.

Lucas raised an eyebrow, impressed despite himself. "You've already got one ready?"

[But of course,] the system declared, almost offended at the thought that it might not be prepared.

[It's a three-star Divine Scripture—the Void Core Divine Scripture. Only the best for someone with a physique as rare and magnificent as yours.] The system's voice practically purred with pride.

Lucas blinked in surprise, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Wow, that's... fast. I wasn't expecting you to have it ready so soon."

The system's tone turned haughty, almost as if it were puffing out its chest. [Fast? Fast, you say? Of course it's fast! I am the mighty system, after all.]

There was a shameless boastfulness in its voice. [The moment I detected your physique, I crafted the perfect scripture. Efficiency is my specialty,] it added, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Lucas chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. Let's get started then."

As soon as he spoke, the Divine Scripture materialized in his mind, vivid and detailed, almost as if it had always been there.

Lucas could feel mana beginning to gather around him, drawn by his newfound power, but he knew he needed more.

"System, I'll need your help to absorb even more mana," he commanded, his tone serious.

The system's response was instant, its voice oozing with smugness. [With pleasure, Host.] There was a brief pause, then, in a tone that promised greatness, it added, [Prepare yourself for an unprecedented surge of power!]

With the system's assistance, the mana absorption process intensified, flooding Lucas's body with raw energy. He began to cultivate the Void Core Divine Scripture, but almost immediately, an overwhelming wave of pain surged through him, far beyond anything he had anticipated.

His eyes widened in shock, and he bit down hard on the rock in his mouth, the pressure so intense it nearly cracked under his teeth. The pain was excruciating, tearing through every fiber of his being. "What the hell is this?!" he mentally screamed, barely able to hold on.

[Ah, Host,] the system responded, its tone unnervingly cheerful, almost as if it was enjoying his agony.

[Did I forget to mention? Even with your invincible body, you can still feel pain—oh, and not just any pain, mind you. Exquisite, amplified pain. Given the nature of your physique, it's ten times worse than anything you've ever felt! After all, you're not just defending; you're devouring the energy itself. Delightful, isn't it?]

Lucas's face contorted in anger, his teeth grinding against the rock. "Why didn't you tell me this earlier so I could prepare?!"

The system's tone was utterly unrepentant, almost playful. [Oops, must have slipped my mind,] it said, with a casualness that made Lucas's blood boil. [But look at it this way—think of it as a character-building experience. You should be thanking me, really.]

"Damn it," Lucas cursed aloud, the words muffled by the rock in his mouth. But he knew there was no turning back now, no matter how much he wanted to strangle the system for its nonchalance.

[So,] the system continued, its tone now dripping with mockery, [are you going to quit?]

"No!" Lucas growled, his voice thick with determination. "I've started this, and I'm going to finish it."

He forced himself to resume cultivating, despite the agony that tore through him with every breath. Every moment felt like an eternity of torture, but Lucas gritted his teeth and pushed through it.

He had endured a lifetime of pain in his second life—this was just another trial, one more crucible to forge him into something stronger. He refused to let the horrors of his past dictate his future.

But then, just as Lucas was beginning to adapt to the relentless pain, the system's voice cut through his concentration like a blade. [Host, I hate to break it to you, but the mana around here isn't nearly enough to establish a proper foundation.]

Lucas's frustration flared, and he snapped, "Then just use the one percent of mana from Zeus!" His voice was tense, strained by the pain and the mounting irritation at the system's interruptions.

The system responded with a tone of exaggerated approval, as if Lucas had just made a genius move. [Ah, I see you're finally thinking ahead. Very well, I'll grant you this boon,] it declared, as if bestowing a royal favor.

Lucas rolled his eyes, gritting his teeth as the system channeled the one percent of mana from Zeus into his body. The moment the energy hit his core, the pain intensified, a fresh wave of agony crashing over him. His muscles tensed, and his grip on the rock tightened, but he forced himself to endure it, focusing entirely on cultivating the Void Core.

Slowly but surely, his core began to change, the mana swirling within him, transforming into the essence of the Void Core. Every second felt like an eternity, the pain dragging out each moment, but Lucas refused to give in. He pushed forward, determined to see the process through.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, the transformation was complete. His core had become a one-star Void Core. Panting heavily, Lucas collapsed onto the ground, utterly drained and soaked in sweat. "Damn it," he muttered through ragged breaths, "that was too painful."

The system's voice returned, utterly dismissive and without a trace of sympathy. [Oh, don't be so dramatic, Host. You'll get used to it. In time, you might even find it… pleasurable.] The last word was laced with a twisted sense of amusement.

"Damn you, system," Lucas grumbled, glaring at nothing in particular. But deep down, he knew the system was right. The pain was a necessary step on his path to power, a trial he had to endure. No matter how agonizing it was, he would push through. He had no other choice if he wanted to achieve his goals.