Divine Mask: I Have Numerous God Clones

The first bolt of lightning tore through him, filling every nerve with searing pain. Zeus gritted his teeth, his muscles tensing as he forced himself to withstand the agony, his resolve unshaken despite the torment.

Before Zeus could even begin to recover from the first strike, a second bolt, even more powerful, hurtled down from the swirling clouds. It struck with a ferocity that nearly brought him to his knees.

Staggering under the impact, Zeus barely managed to hold his ground, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Two strikes? Already?" he muttered, his voice laced with both surprise and growing frustration as he struggled to steady himself.

The system's voice rang out in his mind, dripping with its usual arrogance. [Of course, Host. Did you think you'd get off easy? One strike for every star you're aiming to reach. Try to keep up, will you?]

"Damn it," Zeus grumbled, gritting his teeth as his frustration mounted. "You could've given me a warning, you know."

[Where's the fun in that?] the system replied, its tone shamelessly amused. [Besides, you're supposed to be tough, right? Or are you just realizing how much you've got to endure?]

Zeus shot a mental glare at the system but had no time to retort. Just as he was regaining his balance, the sky darkened even further.

A third bolt, far more massive than the previous ones, began to take shape in the stormy sky. The clouds roared with thunderous fury, and the air buzzed with a dangerous anticipation as the energy concentrated into a single, blindingly bright strike.

"What the hell!" Zeus exclaimed, his heart pounding as he took in the sheer size and power of the incoming bolt. Panic flickered in his eyes for a split second before he forced it down, steeling himself for the impact.

[Oh, don't look so shocked,] the system taunted, its tone dripping with smug satisfaction. [You wanted more power, didn't you? Well, here it is—the universe giving you exactly what you asked for. Try not to make a fool of yourself, okay?]

The third strike crashed down with the force of a collapsing mountain, sending waves of agony through every nerve in Zeus's body.

His muscles convulsed uncontrollably, his body wracked with pain so intense it felt like it would tear him apart. For a fleeting moment, fear crept in—fear that this might be the end, that he wouldn't survive the brutal trial.

But Zeus wasn't one to surrender easily. With a guttural growl, he drew on every ounce of willpower, forcing himself to endure.

The thunder that sought to annihilate him became his fuel, its raw energy feeding the fire of his determination. Slowly, painfully, he began to withstand the assault, his resolve burning even brighter than the lightning that tore at him.

Breathing heavily, every breath a battle, Zeus looked up at the storm-torn sky, expecting the clouds to finally disperse.

But instead, they thickened and churned, gathering ominously at a single point above him. The darkness deepened, the air itself vibrating with the sheer intensity of the energy being amassed.

A deep sense of dread gripped Zeus's gut. His voice barely more than a whisper, he muttered, "No way… not another one."

The storm answered with a terrifying roar as the fourth and most massive bolt of lightning yet began to form. The very atmosphere seemed to tremble in anticipation, the energy so powerful that Zeus could feel it vibrating in his bones.

His eyes widened in disbelief as he stared up at the impending strike. "What the hell! Didn't you say one thunder strike for each star? But I'm still a three-star warrior!"

[Host, have you forgotten you're trying to ascend to four-star?] the system interjected, its tone laced with mocking amusement. [Naturally, that means the tribulation includes a fourth strike. You didn't think it would let you off that easy, did you?]

Zeus's expression twisted with frustration as the realization set in. "Damn it! So it even counts the star I haven't reached yet?"

[Of course it does,] the system replied, practically oozing with glee. [This is a real test, after all. If it were easy, everyone would do it. Now, brace yourself—this one's going to hurt.]

Zeus cursed under his breath, knowing he had no choice but to face the storm's fury head-on. The fourth bolt descended with a terrifying finality, and Zeus steeled himself, prepared to endure whatever the tribulation had in store for him.

The fourth bolt of lightning descended with the fury of the heavens, and Zeus braced himself, every muscle in his body tensing for the impact.

The strike hit him like a tidal wave, overwhelming every sense with pain and power. His vision blurred, and for a moment, everything seemed to fade away into a sea of searing white light.

But Zeus wasn't one to give up easily. Drawing on every ounce of strength he had left, he fought through the pain, forcing his body to endure. The world around him seemed to stretch and bend as the lightning continued to ravage him, but somehow, he held on.

Finally, the fourth strike subsided, and the storm began to recede, the clouds slowly dissipating into the sky. Zeus was left standing in the aftermath, his body smoking and trembling but still upright. He had survived, but just barely.

Zeus exhaled slowly, his breath shaky as he tried to calm the anger simmering just beneath the surface. "Damn that tribulation," he muttered through gritted teeth, every word laced with frustration.

The pain from the lightning strikes still coursed through his body, a harsh reminder of the ordeal he had just endured. "That was way too much."

[Too much for you, maybe,] the system chimed in, its tone dripping with smug satisfaction. [But look at you now, still standing. That's what really matters, isn't it?]

Zeus scowled, his irritation flaring. "You could've warned me how brutal it would be."

[Where's the fun in that?] the system mocked, a sly edge to its voice. [Besides, if I told you everything, you wouldn't get the full experience. And let's be honest, you love a good challenge, don't you?]

Zeus couldn't deny it, though the admission only fueled his annoyance. Despite the system's irritating demeanor, he could feel the truth in its words.