Pov: Zane
Now that I have spent 20 points, I have 19 left.
"Should I buy another magic skill or save these points?"
I think it's better to buy at least one more ability.
I started thinking about which skill I should choose.
"Water magic? Wind? Frieren would do well with those types. She's an exemplary mage. She doesn't have the memories of the real Frieren, but I believe her subconscious will guide her, just like what happened with Natsu."
Anyway, I plan to learn magic from every element eventually.
I want everything.
Magic of every type.
"Since I already bought an offensive magic element, how about a defensive one now? In an RPG I played back in my old world, both water and earth magic were often used for defense."
Water magic could create barriers, shields, and similar things.
Earth magic could do the same, but it was slightly better for offense.
"I don't know if it works the same way in this world… hmm…"
I kept thinking for a while, then I saw another interesting elemental skill.
"Oh, it costs 15 points." Ice Control.
Yeah, it's like a branch of water magic. The price is 15 points.
"The name isn't like the others, but I think it works the same way. Should I buy this? Ice magic is good for defense, offense, and even immobilizing enemies."
I've seen many characters in webtoons with ice powers—this could be interesting.
"I think it's better than buying something generic like water or earth magic."
[ You've acquired the skill "Ice Control LV1" ]
[ All clones have received the skill "Ice Control LV1" ]
'I also got a skill that lets you control ice. Use it a lot and have fun,' I said to the clones. It felt like I was talking to a bunch of kids, which was kind of funny.
Some of the clones came over to talk to me, but I ignored them.
"Alright. I guess now I just have to watch the clones and wait for the weapons and armor I ordered to be ready."
I regretted ordering from two different places.
I ended up spending more money than necessary.
I should've just ordered a weapon from the Hephaestus Familia store from the start.
"But it's done. Now I just need to think of a way to make money."
'Clone 14 and Clone 15, I have a mission for you two.'
[ We're listening, Master! ]
[ Yes? ]
'I'll summon you to my side so we can talk.'
I dismissed Clones 14 and 15 and summoned them again.
"Here's the thing..."
####
Pov: Third Person
Inside the Loki Familia's meeting room, the goddess Loki sat at a table, reviewing some documents. She lifted her head and looked at Finn.
"Tell me. What happened this time?" she asked, sounding impatient.
Finn sighed.
"Some of our Familia members were killed this afternoon. Members of the Ganesha Familia found their bodies on the fifth floor of the dungeon."
"Killed? On the fifth floor?"
"Yes. Even though they were all level three, they were killed. Judging by their bodies, they were brutally slaughtered without even having a chance to react. They were cut by blades."
"So you're saying they were attacked by someone." Loki set the papers aside. "Did you find anything?"
"Yes, we found something at the scene." Finn pulled a bloodstained black mask from a cloth bag. Loki looked at it, and her eyebrows raised.
"This mask…"
"Yes. It's the same type worn by those unknown creatures in the dungeon. It's also the mask some stupid adventurers have started using. So we're not sure who killed them."
"So you're saying members of another Familia might be involved?"
"Yes, we can't rule that out."
"…We need to deal with this quickly. I think it's time to get rid of those masks. Put together a team and handle the situation. Do whatever is necessary."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Inform the other Familias. We need to act before more murders happen. And of course, don't forget to investigate. I want to know who's behind this." Loki's eyes gleamed.
She was angry, but didn't show it to Finn.
Still, Finn could tell just how furious the goddess truly was.
"Understood."
Finn placed the mask back into the bag and handed it to Loki before leaving the room.
Loki pulled the bloodstained mask out and put it on her face.
"Were they killed by those unknown creatures… or by members of another Familia?" she asked quietly with the mask still on. Then she took it off and threw it aside.
She clicked her tongue and stood up.
"We're going to need a meeting—soon."
####
Pov: Zane
Clones 14 and 15 stood still in front of me as I explained their mission: find someone other than the Guild to buy magic stones and items from.
A sort of black market.
But they couldn't go out looking like that.
"I think this is the perfect moment to create new characters. I can make them look however I want—it won't matter."
Alright, let me think for a second.
Characters from comics? Japanese media? Korean? Chinese?
I've consumed all kinds of content, but I couldn't decide.
After some thought, I remembered the main character from a well-known Chinese novel called Reverend Insanity. The protagonist's name was Fang Yuan. He was a great character, praised by many.
And his appearance… "I remember him being described as incredibly handsome. The Sovereign Immortal Body. I think I can use that. I'm not sure if the clone will develop a remotely similar personality later, but I'll make him anyway."
"Clone 14, from now on, your name is Fang Yuan."
"Understood!" Clone 14 responded, and his name changed.
Then, I began modifying his appearance.
"In the novel, his look was described in detail. Always said to be extremely good-looking. White skin, long black hair reaching down to his waist, and dark, deep eyes. I remember it being mentioned that he looked very young."
Rosy lips, an enviable physique… "This is turning out great."
Of course, I've never seen Fang Yuan in person, but I think this is perfect.
Clone 14—now Fang Yuan—looked at me with his deep, dark eyes. It felt like he was staring into my soul. Despite the youthful appearance, it was as if I were looking at a powerful maniac who had lived for centuries.
I shivered… and smiled.
"You might just become one of my favorite clones," I told him.
Fang Yuan's soft pink lips curled into a smile. "It's an honor," he replied.
Then, he kneeled in front of me.
I walked closer and gently touched his long black hair. "You don't need to do that. Stand up. Soon, you'll receive a new weapon to play with."
"..." Fang Yuan stood up without a word, smiling at me again.
I smiled back, then looked over at Clone 15.
"And you—you'll be Madara. Madara Uchiha."
"Madara Uchiha?"
[ Clone 15's name has been changed to "Madara Uchiha" ]
"I like that name," the clone said, sounding excited.
"Perfect. Now let's change your appearance. I'll do it quickly—I can picture him clearly."
I started editing. First, I changed his skin tone, which wasn't far from mine. Then his hair, face structure, and height.
Everything was adjusted, and I saved his eyes for last.
"I wonder if I can give him eyes like the Sharingan or the Rinnegan…" I think Rinnegan is the better choice. It'll be flashy, but who cares?
Maybe it's time to stop caring about hiding too much.
As long as they don't track me—the original body—everything's fine.
And since my clones will never reveal my location, it's safe.
"Alright—ripple-patterned purple eyes."
Madara's eyes began to change. Even though I didn't describe them in detail, the system recreated the Rinnegan perfectly.
In the world of Danmachi, people do have all kinds of eye colors, but this was extreme.
"But even the Sharingan would've drawn too much attention."
In the end, I decided to keep the Rinnegan eyes. Of course, they're just cosmetic—no real abilities. Still, I wonder if one day he might gain those powers.
With both characters finalized, I said:
"Alright, I'll send you two out now. After that, go carry out your mission."
"Yes, Master."
"Of course."
They both agreed, smiling excitedly.
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Read more chapters on my patr eon: patr eon.com/ZhangYe
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Next chapters: Chapter 29 - Acting. / Chapter 30 - Find the killers. / Chapter 31 - "Swap" / Chapter 32 - Sekhmet Familia?