Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

Elder Darius glanced at Elder Thorne, his brow deeply furrowed, concern etched across his face. His eyes flickered with thought as he weighed the situation. "Thorne, you can sense where the broken plaque is from, can't you?" he asked, his voice low, yet carrying a sense of urgency.

Thorne's lips pressed into a thin line, his expression grim and shadowed with tension. "Yes," he said after a pause, the weight of his words evident. "But I need a moment to locate it precisely."

Darius gave a curt nod before reaching for the shattered emblem plaque. As his fingers closed around the broken pieces, his usually calm demeanor shifted.

His eyes narrowed in focus, and his aura flared to life, pulsing faintly as he concentrated. He held the plaque between his hands, its fragments trembling slightly from the energy coursing through him.

The silence between them grew thick, each passing second filled with anticipation. Thorne watched his fellow elder closely, his muscles tense, awaiting the answer that could confirm his worst fears.

Darius's face, initially calm, suddenly shifted. His eyes widened in visible shock, his brow furrowing deeper as he stared at the shattered emblem as though it held a dark secret.

"Where is it?" Darius's voice broke the silence, now edged with palpable urgency. The stern look on his face betrayed his unease as his gaze locked with Thorne's.

Thorne inhaled sharply, his expression darkening, as though the very words tasted bitter on his tongue. He clenched his fists tightly at his sides before finally speaking. "The area... around Death Volcano."

For a moment, Darius stood frozen, disbelief flashing across his face. His mouth opened slightly, then closed as though he was grasping for words. He blinked rapidly, trying to process what he'd just heard.

"What the hell?" Elder Darius finally muttered, his voice thick with disbelief. His eyes widened as though trying to grasp the gravity of what he had just heard. "How… how could it be there? The Death Volcano? That place is too dangerous for even an experienced cultivator to roam freely."

Thorne let out a sharp, frustrated breath, his jaw tightening as he tried to control his emotions. He ran a hand through his hair, his fingers twitching slightly, a clear sign of the tension coiling inside him.

"I don't know," he growled, his voice low but laced with simmering anger, barely held back. His tone was rough, every word dripping with the frustration of not having answers.

"There has to be more to this. Do you have any information about what's happening in that area? What have your informants told you?"

Darius paused, his brow furrowing even deeper. He glanced at Thorne with a grim expression, as if choosing his words carefully. "The Death Volcano has been acting strange recently," he admitted, his voice quieter now, tinged with a sense of unease.

"There's been a surge of strong cultivators flocking to the region. More than usual. I've heard whispers, but nothing concrete. Something big is happening there. Something that's drawing in powerful forces."

He hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line. "But I haven't been able to get a clear picture yet. It's all too murky."

Thorne's eyes darkened with intensity as he absorbed the information. His gaze turned cold, his expression hardening with a single, sharp focus.

"There must be someone there who caused Caius's death," he said, his voice like steel. His fists clenched at his sides, the anger in his posture unmistakable. "I need to go there. Now. I can't stand here while that person—whoever they are—walks free. I'll tear them apart myself if I have to."

Darius glanced at him, concern etched into his features. He knew Thorne's anger was justified, but the Death Volcano wasn't a place to rush into recklessly.

"Are you sure that's wise?" he asked cautiously. "The Death Volcano is no ordinary place. With all these powerful cultivators gathered, we don't know what we're walking into. This could be a larger trap, and you'd be walking straight into it."

Thorne's expression didn't waver, his voice steady and resolute. "I don't care what it is. Someone there is responsible for Caius's death, and I will find them. Whatever it takes."

Darius frowned, but he could see there was no dissuading him. Thorne's resolve was like iron. "At least don't go alone," Darius said, his tone softening slightly. "Let me send a few others with you. If it's as dangerous as we suspect, having backup could save your life."

Thorne's lips twitched into a brief, almost predatory smile. "I don't need an army, Darius. Whoever is behind this won't be able to stop me. But," he added after a pause, "I'll take your advice. I'll bring a small team, just in case."

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Darius nodded, though his expression remained heavy with concern. His brows furrowed as he placed a hand on Thorne's arm, his voice low but firm. "Just be careful, Thorne," he urged.

"Whoever killed Caius may not be the only threat lurking there. If the Death Volcano is drawing in as many strong cultivators as I've heard, you could be stepping into something far worse than a single enemy."

His eyes darkened as he added, "And that area borders Necrovauld territory. You know how dangerous they are, especially with their forces patrolling that region. They won't hesitate to intervene if they sense something's wrong."

Thorne's eyes flashed with impatience, and he waved a hand dismissively, his tone curt. "Don't worry, Darius. I'm not going there to linger or get involved with Necrovauld.

I'll find whoever's responsible for Caius's death, deal with them swiftly, and leave. Even if the Necrovauld elders show up, I'm more than capable of handling myself."

Darius's frown deepened. "I don't doubt your strength, Thorne, but this isn't just about raw power. You're heading into hostile territory where alliances and hidden dangers may be waiting. It's not just about avenging Caius; you need to make sure you get out alive."

Thorne's eyes narrowed, his tone growing sharper, laced with a hint of frustration. "I know what I'm doing, Darius. I'm not reckless." He straightened, already preparing himself mentally for the journey.

"I'll be in and out before they even know I was there. Caius's death will be avenged, and Necrovauld won't get a chance to interfere."

Darius hesitated, his gaze lingering on Thorne's determined face. He could sense there was no turning him back now. Finally, he sighed, shaking his head slightly.

"Just promise me you'll keep your wits about you. Things are getting increasingly complicated in that region. This won't be as straightforward as you think."

A rare, fleeting smile played across Thorne's lips, but it didn't reach his eyes. "When have things ever been simple in our world, Darius?" he asked dryly. "I'm always careful, and I always handle my business."

Darius stepped back, giving him one last nod. "I hope so, Thorne. We've already lost Caius… don't make us lose you too."

Thorne gave him a sharp glance, his tone clipped as he turned toward the door. "I always am."

Without another word, he strode out of the room, leaving the lingering tension between them hanging in the air.