Chapter 103: The Bounty and the Plan

Zeus waited with a patient calm as the system sorted through the immense trove of information it had recorded from the library. The seconds turned into minutes, but Zeus didn't mind. He knew that whatever the system was cooking up, it would be worth the wait.

After about an hour, the system finally broke the silence, its voice practically oozing with smug satisfaction. [Well, well, well, I've finished arranging everything,] it announced, as if it had just performed a miracle. [And guess what? I can level up our Divine Scripture now.]

Zeus felt a spark of anticipation. "Really? What star level are we talking about?" he asked, his tone eager but composed.

[Oh, don't get too excited,] the system replied, sounding both pleased and condescending. [Only up to four-star,] it added, pausing as if to let the disappointment sink in, though its tone made it clear it wasn't disappointed in the slightest.

[But hey, that's enough to power up your Heavenly Thunder Core Divine Scripture to four-star and do the same for Lucy's Volcanic Dragon Core Divine Scripture. Not too shabby, right?]

Zeus nodded, considering the implications. "Not bad at all," he agreed, though there was a touch of frustration in his voice. "But it looks like I'll need to become an inner disciple to access the higher floors and get the more advanced techniques."

[Naturally,] the system chimed in, its arrogance seeping through every word. [Did you really think it would be that easy? If you want the best stuff, you've got to work for it, climb that ladder. But hey, speaking of best stuff—]

The system's tone shifted, taking on a playful edge. [You know, I couldn't help myself. I've whipped up something extra for you. How about a brand-new skill, straight from the data we've just absorbed?] It sounded almost smug, as if it expected Zeus to be impressed.

Zeus's interest was immediately piqued, and a smirk tugged at his lips. "Oh? And what kind of skill are we talking about?" he asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and anticipation. The prospect of a new skill, especially one crafted by the system, always promised something interesting.

[Ah, ah, ah,] the system teased, its tone dripping with mockery. [Why spoil the surprise? I'll just transfer it directly into that brilliant mind of yours. Hold on tight,] it added, almost as if it were relishing the moment.

Zeus barely had time to react before a rush of information surged into his consciousness. The details of the skill unfolded in his mind with startling clarity, and within seconds, he understood its full potential.

The corners of his mouth curled into a knowing smirk as he began to contemplate the endless possibilities. The skill was powerful, versatile, and utterly fitting for his needs. seaʀᴄh thё NôᴠelFirё.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

[Well?] the system prodded, unable to hide its glee. [I can practically see the wheels turning in that head of yours. Impressed?]

Zeus's smirk widened as he murmured, "This… this is going to be fun." His voice was low, almost a whisper, but there was a sharp edge of excitement in it. The thought of unleashing this new power in future battles and strategies made his eyes gleam with anticipation.

[Fun? That's an understatement,] the system chortled, its arrogance in full display. [You're going to have the time of your life with this one. Just remember who's responsible for your newfound brilliance,] it added, clearly taking pride in its work.

Zeus chuckled, shaking his head at the system's shameless self-praise. "I won't forget," he replied, his tone a mix of amusement and resolve. Already, his mind was racing with ideas, plans forming around this new power. But still he had something in his mind and leaned back for a while.

Zeus was keenly aware that the bounty on his head had drawn some unwanted attention. The mere thought of the Malachor family putting a price on his life brought a smirk to his lips, a mix of amusement and disdain flickering in his eyes.

"One superior mana stone," Zeus murmured, the corners of his mouth curling upwards in a mocking smile. "That's all they think I'm worth?"

The system's voice cut in, dripping with arrogance and a touch of mockery. [For the outer disciples, that's a generous reward. But seriously, how dare they put such a low price on your life? It's almost insulting.]

Zeus's smirk widened, a flicker of dark amusement lighting up his eyes. "The Malachor family is underestimating me far too much," he murmured, almost as if savoring the thought.

The system chuckled, its voice dripping with arrogance and mockery. [Underestimating you? Of course they are. They're idiots, what do you expect? It's laughable, really.] The system's tone was filled with disdain, as if the very notion was beneath it.

After a brief pause, the system added, with a hint of caution creeping into its voice, [But don't get too cocky. The Malachor family might be stupid, but they're still powerful. Right now, you're not in a position to take them down completely.]

Zeus nodded, his smirk fading into a more thoughtful expression. "I know I can't destroy them outright… but I could start by taking out some of their younger generation, don't you think?"

The idea seemed to spark something in the system. [Oh, now you're talking,] it responded, its tone laced with twisted enthusiasm. [That should definitely divert their attention. And the beauty of it? They'd never suspect an outer disciple—especially one with a bounty on his head. It's almost too perfect.]

Zeus's smirk returned, darker and more calculating. "Exactly. They'll be looking in all the wrong places while I pick them off one by one."

The system chuckled again, this time with a hint of genuine admiration. [You're smarter than most, I'll give you that. If you play this right, you could keep them chasing their tails for a long time. And the best part? They'll never see it coming. It's the kind of game I like—strategic, ruthless, and with just the right amount of chaos.]

Zeus's eyes gleamed with anticipation, his mind already mapping out the possibilities. "The Malachor family won't know what hit them," he murmured, the words carrying a promise of calculated vengeance.