BXBX NOVEL Chapter 141: Cultivating the Divine Masks
The process of advancing the Divine Masks was not quick and easy, even for someone as talented as Lucas. It took more than a week of concentrated effort to elevate both the Hephaestus and Lucas masks to the four-star level and one day to endure the thunder tribulations for both masks.
For most cultivators, the journey from one-star to four-star could take anywhere from three to five years, depending on their resources and innate talent.
But Lucas, still just thirteen years old, accomplished this feat in just over a week—a testament to his extraordinary potential and the guidance of the system.
[You may be fast now, but just wait until you hit the six-star level. Things will slow down considerably. But don\'t worry—] the system paused for effect, [even then, you\'ll still be faster than all those other sorry excuses for cultivators. All thanks to yours truly, of course.]
Lucas rolled his eyes, his tone dry. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. You\'re amazing, and I\'m just along for the ride."
[Glad you\'re finally catching on,] the system retorted, clearly enjoying itself. [It\'s about time you acknowledged my greatness.]
Lucas couldn\'t help but smirk at the system\'s shamelessness. "Anyway, if you\'re done patting yourself on the back, I think we need to focus. From what I remember, it\'s only about two days before the inner disciple test at the Celestial Academy. We need to get Zeus ready—let\'s go and create the thunder puppet again."
The system\'s tone shifted slightly, adopting a more serious, yet still smug, demeanor. [For once, you\'re making sense. And don\'t forget—use that four-star Thunder Python core for the new puppet. It\'ll give it a serious upgrade. I\'ve already sent you the blueprint, so try not to mess it up.]
Lucas raised an eyebrow, amused by the system\'s mix of praise and jabs. "I see. You really think I\'d mess it up after everything we\'ve done?"
[I don\'t think you\'d mess it up,] the system replied, feigning innocence. [I just like reminding you who\'s the real genius here.]
Lucas chuckled, shaking his head as he focused on the task ahead. "Alright, let\'s get to work, oh wise and powerful system."
The system\'s voice took on a triumphant note. [That\'s the spirit. Let\'s see what you can do.]
Lucas activated the Hephaestus Divine Mask, feeling the familiar surge of energy as he transformed into the master craftsman once more. His hands moved with a practiced precision, each motion deliberate and exact. The system\'s voice chimed in, laced with its usual arrogance.
[Let\'s see if you can manage not to mess this up. You\'ve got the blueprint, and you\'ve got me—so there\'s really no excuse, is there?]
Lucas rolled his eyes but didn\'t respond, focusing instead on the task at hand. He carefully retrieved the core of the four-star Thunder Python, handling it with the utmost care. The core would become the beating heart of the puppet, its energy fueling every movement.
"Don\'t get too full of yourself," Lucas muttered under his breath, his attention unwavering as he began to shape the core into the puppet\'s vital organs and energy channels.
[Too late,] the system quipped. [But let\'s face it, you\'d be lost without me. Now, don\'t forget to use the smaller mana-infused stones you gathered. They\'ll make a perfect outer body and skeletal structure.]
"I was getting to that," Lucas replied, his tone a mix of focus and mild annoyance. Hephaestus\'s hands moved deftly, incorporating the smaller stones into the puppet\'s framework. Each piece fit perfectly, the stones reinforcing the puppet\'s bones and forming a durable, energy-conducting outer shell.
As the hours passed, Lucas remained fully absorbed in his work. The system, sensing his determination, refrained from its usual jabs, allowing the process to unfold without interruption. Finally, after meticulous effort and unwavering concentration, the thunder puppet was complete.
It stood before him, radiating power, its form sleek and charged with latent energy. The puppet was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, every detail honed to perfection.
[Not bad,] the system admitted, though its tone still carried a hint of superiority. [Now, let\'s see if it can actually function. You know, without exploding or something.]
"Always so encouraging," Lucas replied dryly, though he couldn\'t suppress a small smile. He carefully placed the Zeus Divine Mask on the puppet\'s face, initiating the transformation. The process was seamless, the mask\'s energy merging with the puppet\'s core. Within moments, the thunder puppet came to life, its eyes glowing with a fierce, electric light.
The puppet moved, flexing its limbs as it adjusted to its new form. Fully animated, it now stood as a perfect clone of Zeus, ready for whatever task lay ahead.
Lucas, satisfied with his creation, removed the Hephaestus mask and replaced it with the Lucas mask, feeling the familiar shift as he returned to his original form. He let out a deep breath, the weight of the task finally lifting.
"Job well done," he said, more to himself than to the system.
[Obviously,] the system replied with a smirk in its tone. [Now get some rest. You might actually need me at full capacity soon, so don\'t overdo it.]
Lucas chuckled, shaking his head as he made his way back to his sister\'s home. "I\'ll keep that in mind," he said, his voice light but with a hint of anticipation for the days ahead.
Meanwhile, Zeus, now fully embodied in the thunder puppet, made his way confidently to the central office of the Celestial Academy.
His steps were purposeful, the energy from the recently absorbed Thunder Eagle core humming through his veins. The office was bustling with activity, but the moment he entered, the atmosphere seemed to shift.
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The officer behind the counter, a seasoned cultivator herself, looked up and was visibly surprised to see Zeus return so quickly. She raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed.
"You\'re back already?" she asked, a note of disbelief in her voice. "I didn\'t expect you to finish the mission this fast, especially against a four-star Thunder Eagle."
Zeus simply nodded, his expression calm and composed. "I managed," he replied, his tone revealing nothing of the intense battle he had fought.
The officer studied him for a moment, then smiled, a glint of admiration in her eyes. "Well, a promise is a promise. I said I\'d give you bonus points if you brought back that core, and you\'ve certainly earned them."
She reached for the ledger, quickly making a note before handing Zeus the extra points. "Here you go. You\'ve done exceptionally well."
Zeus accepted the reward with a nod of thanks. "Much appreciated."
With his task complete and the Thunder Eagle core delivered, Zeus decided to take a couple of days to rest.
The battle had taken its toll, and even though his outward appearance remained composed, he knew the importance of regaining his strength and composure. The upcoming inner disciple test was just around the corner, and he needed to be at his best.
As he spent those two days in quiet reflection and preparation, Zeus couldn\'t help but feel a surge of anticipation.
The time had finally come to prove himself once more, and he was ready—ready for whatever challenges awaited him, ready to push his limits, and ready to claim his place among the academy\'s elite.