Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

Thalnor—or rather Lucas, cleverly disguised as the elder—gazed at Vesperin, his eyes calm yet filled with an underlying calculation. His voice was smooth, almost coaxing, as he asked, "So, young master Vesperin, do you truly desire this Nether Puppet?"

Vesperin didn't hesitate, his eyes gleaming with excitement and ambition. "Of course, Elder! I want it more than anything. What do I need to do to get one?"

A subtle smile tugged at the corners of Thalnor's lips, as though he had been expecting this exact response. "Well," he began, his tone deliberate, almost patient, "the first step is rather straightforward. You'll need to replace your current cultivation manual."

He watched closely as Vesperin's expression shifted slightly, a hint of concern flickering across his face. Sensing the hesitation, Thalnor's smile grew, his tone becoming more reassuring. "The Graven Puppet Cultivation Manual you use now is adequate for lesser puppets, but it simply won't be enough to control a Nether Puppet efficiently. The power required is on a whole different level."

Vesperin frowned slightly, his excitement momentarily dimmed by the implication. "But... will that affect my current cultivation? I've spent years building it. I can't afford to lose progress."

Thalnor's smile never wavered, and he leaned in slightly, his voice lowering as if to impart a secret. "You need not worry, young master. The Nether Puppet Cultivation Manual isn't just a different manual; it's an upgrade. It builds on the foundation of the Graven Puppet, meaning you'll only strengthen what you've already accomplished."

He paused, letting the words sink in, then continued in an even softer tone. "Your current cultivation won't regress. In fact, it will only improve. Think of it as a natural evolution—your power will increase, with no risk and no side effects."

Vesperin's expression relaxed, and the tension in his shoulders eased. Relief washed over him, evident in the way his posture straightened. "So... it's just an improvement?" he asked, his voice almost tentative, seeking further reassurance.

Thalnor chuckled, the sound smooth and deliberate, a blend of reassurance and subtle manipulation. "I wouldn't allow that to happen, young master," he said, his tone silky. "I'm here to offer you greater power, not diminish what you've achieved."

Vesperin's lips curled into a smirk, the familiar arrogance now fully restored. His eyes gleamed with the hunger for strength. "Then, what's next, Elder? How do we move forward?"

Thalnor paused for a moment, letting the anticipation build. He leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering to add an air of secrecy. "The second thing we'll need is... materials. The resources required to create a Nether Puppet are rare, and I don't have them on hand. This is where I'll need your assistance."

Vesperin's brow furrowed slightly in confusion. "Materials? What exactly do you need?"

Thalnor's eyes glinted with cold calculation. "I trust that, as the young master of the Malachor Clan, you have access to the resources I require. The necessary materials aren't impossible to obtain, but they are not something you can find in just any market. The clan's vaults should have what we need."

Vesperin's smirk returned as he understood what Thalnor was implying. "Ah, I see. No problem, Elder. I'll speak with my father. He'll grant us access to anything we need."

Thalnor gave a slight, approving nod. "Excellent. Once we have the materials, we can proceed with the transformation. The Nether Puppet will be unlike anything you've controlled before."

Without a word, Thalnor retrieved a scroll from the sleeve of his robes. He held it up for a moment, the thick parchment adorned with intricate symbols, before handing it to Vesperin. "This is the Nether Puppet Cultivation Manual. Study it carefully."

Vesperin's eyes lit up with eagerness as he took the scroll from Thalnor's hand. He wasted no time, unrolling it to glance over the contents. His eyes widened with each line he read, and his expression gradually transformed into one of awe.

"This... this is far beyond the Graven Puppet manual!" Vesperin exclaimed, his voice filled with a mixture of excitement and disbelief. "It's not just a simple upgrade; it's a whole new level of power."

Thalnor's smirk deepened. "I told you, young master. The Nether Puppet is a different beast entirely. With this manual, you'll be able to control something far superior. I've spent years perfecting it."

Vesperin's eyes gleamed with excitement, and he clutched the scroll tightly to his chest as though it were the most valuable artifact he'd ever held. "Elder Thalnor, this is incredible!"he exclaimed, his voice filled with awe.

"I'll take this to my father immediately. He'll be just as impressed as I am. Once he sees the potential of this manual, we'll ensure you have access to everything you need."

Thalnor nodded, his expression a mask of polite acknowledgment, though the smirk playing on his lips never faded. "I'm glad to hear it, young master. I look forward to your father's approval and the resources we need to proceed."

Vesperin nodded eagerly, barely able to contain his excitement. His mind was already racing with thoughts of the power he was about to gain. He turned swiftly, not bothering with formalities, and strode toward the exit. "I'll be back soon, Elder. We'll make this happen."

As Vesperin disappeared into the distance, his hurried steps carrying him toward the future he imagined, Thalnor—Lucas in disguise—watched him with a knowing smile, his eyes cold and calculating. "Fool," he thought to himself. "So easily led by his greed for power."

Everything was falling into place just as Lucas had planned.

Once Vesperin was out of sight, Thalnor turned and made his way back toward the lab, his steps calm and deliberate. As he approached the entrance, a group of villagers who served under him stood nearby, awaiting his orders.

"Elder, is there anything else we can do?" one of them asked hesitantly, bowing slightly.

Thalnor, maintaining the air of superiority expected of him, waved them off with a dismissive gesture. "No. I don't want to be disturbed unless young master Vesperin returns with the necessary resources. Until then, leave me to my work."

The villagers exchanged quick glances before nodding in unison. "Yes, Elder Thalnor," they replied, bowing deeper before scattering to attend to their duties.

Thalnor watched them go for a moment, his expression unchanged. He turned and entered the lab, the door creaking shut behind him. Inside, the shadows seemed to stretch longer, the air thick with the remnants of dark mana and secrets hidden behind the walls.