Chapter 163: Roxana's Divine Mask

Zeus sat in silence for a few moments, his mind churning as he carefully considered Roxana's request. The risks were clear, but the benefits were undeniable. After a deep sigh, he met her gaze, his expression serious.

"I need some time to think this through," he said, his voice firm yet calm, betraying the weight of the decision he had to make.

Roxana leaned back slightly, her smirk still present but her eyes sharp, studying him. "Take your time," she said, her tone smooth and almost teasing, as if she already knew the conclusion he would come to.

"But make sure you don't take too long. Think it through carefully, Zeus," she added, a subtle hint of warning in her words. "You know where to find me when you're ready."

Zeus gave a small nod, but just as he was about to leave, a thought crossed his mind. He turned back to her. "One more thing—can I take a look at your skill manual collection?"

Roxana raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. For a moment, she was silent, sizing him up, but then her smirk widened. "Oh?" she said, her tone curious.

"Looking to expand your knowledge, are you?" She paused, then nodded slowly. "Go ahead," she said, waving her hand dismissively but with a playful edge. "Feel free to study whatever catches your eye. You might find something interesting in there."

Zeus dipped his head slightly in thanks before turning and making his way out. Roxana's eyes followed him, gleaming with amusement, a smirk tugging at her lips.

She didn't need to say anything more—there was an unspoken understanding between them. This was only the beginning of a much larger game, and both of them knew it.

[So, what's the plan, genius?] the system chimed in, its voice dripping with sarcasm and curiosity. [Going to bow to her demands, or do you have some grand scheme in mind that I'll have to fix later?]

Zeus frowned, his steps slowing slightly. "What choice do I have?" he thought, knowing the system would pick up on his internal frustration. "I'll have to give her the mask. I don't trust her completely, but at least this way, my sister stays safe. It's still part of our original plan."

The system scoffed in its usual arrogant tone. [Oh, sure. Brilliant plan. Trusting a reincarnated person with your secrets. What could possibly go wrong? But hey, at least you're consistent in making things difficult for yourself.]

Zeus clenched his jaw but didn't respond, pushing the door open to the house where Roxana kept her skill manuals. Inside, rows of shelves stretched out before him, each packed with dusty tomes and scrolls, the air thick with ancient energy. He didn't waste any time.

Without hesitation, Zeus summoned his power, moving with lightning speed through the room. His movements were a blur, his fingers skimming across the pages of each manual as he used his thunder-based speed to rapidly absorb the knowledge. Each technique and skill flashed through his mind like bolts of electricity.

[Not bad. At least you're good at reading,] the system mocked, though it was busy cataloging and organizing the information. [If only you were as quick with your decisions as you are with this…]

Zeus's eyes flickered with annoyance as he continued to scan the manuals. "Keep talking. The sooner we get through this, the sooner I can use it." Sёarch* The ηovёlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

The system chuckled, its tone shameless. [Oh, don't worry, I'm working my magic. Keep up, host.]

Zeus ignored the mocking, but a small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. Despite the system's arrogance, it was doing its job—and doing it well.

Each manual and skill was recorded and sorted meticulously by the system, the valuable knowledge rapidly being processed with efficiency. Zeus moved swiftly, his mind racing through the intricate techniques.

[Done. All data integrated,] the system finally announced, its tone smug. [After merging the new information, the Volcanic Dragon Core Divine Scripture has been pushed to the 7-star level.]

Zeus raised an eyebrow. "Seven-star? Impressive, especially considering most of these manuals focus solely on volcano and dragon techniques."

The system's voice dripped with arrogance. [Not bad, right? You should be thanking me for my flawless data processing skills. Honestly, without me, you'd still be fumbling through those dusty books like some clueless mortal.]

Zeus smirked to himself, ignoring the system's self-congratulatory tone. "Good. That'll definitely come in handy."

[Oh, it'll do more than that,] the system chimed in shamelessly. [I mean, let's be real—you'd be stuck at a measly 4-star level without my brilliance. But lucky for you, I'm here, doing all the heavy lifting.]

Zeus rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of amusement in his expression. "Yeah, yeah. Keep patting yourself on the back, but we're not done yet. I still need to meet Roxana."

The system's voice turned playful. [Ah, yes. Back to the dragon lady. Are you going to finally give her the mask, or are we stalling for more time? Not that I mind the drama—you know I live for this.]

Zeus brushed off the system's usual taunts, his thoughts already shifting to what lay ahead. The next day, he set off for Roxana's quarters, his decision firmly made. He knew what he had to do.

As he walked, Zeus's mind raced through different strategies. The situation had gotten complicated, and now he needed to stay ahead. Roxana wanted power, but if he was going to give it to her, it would be on his terms.

"System, can I add more to the mask besides the Divine Scripture?" Zeus asked, his voice calm but carrying an edge of determination.

[Of course,] the system answered smugly, its usual arrogance dripping from every word. [I can do anything, you know. What devious scheme are you brewing now?]

Zeus smirked, already knowing what he wanted. "I'm thinking of... adding a little something extra. Something special."

[Oh? Look at you, finally thinking like a proper villain.] The system's tone was mockingly proud, like a teacher giving credit to a particularly slow student. [Well, spit it out then. What twisted plan are you conjuring?]

Zeus's eyes gleamed with mischief as the plan came together in his mind. "Listen carefully," he whispered, his smirk widening as he began explaining his idea.

[Ha! I knew it! You're finally learning from the great system. If only you had this brilliance from the start!] the system laughed, clearly enjoying the moment.

Zeus chuckled under his breath. "Just do your part."