Chapter 4
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BLING!
[Ding! The Infinite Clone System has found its host!]
"!!!" Lucifer's expression turned weary as his eyes widened and he frantically shot his head in every direction, attempting to search for the source of the robotic voice.
However, even after scanning every inch of the barren courtyard, he couldn't find even a single soul.
This realization only heightened his anxiety, putting him even more on edge. He clenched fists and tensed his muscles, preparing to flee at a moment's notice!
He wouldn't allow himself to get caught this early. If it meant abandoning his pride and making a tactical retreat, then so be it, he won't hesitate.
[Ding!] [The host does not need to worry, for the Infinite Clone System has traversed all layers of the Boundless Verse to find the destined one.]
Infinite Clone System…? Destined One?? Boundless Verse???
[You, Lucifer, are the one destined to take the Path to Infinity—a Path that knows no limits—one that is only meant to be tread by those who are willing to pay the price.]
Lucifer had no idea what was going on, but his quick thinking allowed him to piece together a few things from what this mysterious, non-tangible entity had said so far.
'A System… Like the one that my main body had…'
'Like what I used to have…'
'But this one is not the same.'
'It's not the one that I used to be in possession of. It's something different…'
'Something new.'
For some reason he couldn't fathom, a sinister smile crept across his face—a smile that would likely scare the crap out of any onlooker.
'This is my chance… a chance that could allow me to surpass him… the one who created us all…'
A sense of anticipation welled up within Lucifer's slender frame as he waited for the robotic voice to speak again.
[Ding! The Infinite Clone System wishes to know if you are willing to pay the price. Are you prepared to pay whatever it takes to walk the Path of Infinity?]
Without hesitation, Lucifer answered, "Yes, I will do whatever it takes."
[Ding! Very well… The Infinite Clone System will begin the assimilation process on the count of 5. The host should find a place to stay for the next 5 hours.]
"For the next 5 hours…?"
Lucifer wasn't given much time to dwell over those words as the robotic female voice began the countdown.
With just over 4 seconds left to find a place to settle down, Lucifer made the quickest and the most logical decision!
BING!
He yanked open a garbage can lid and tapped it against the ground. After which, he leapt into it and closed the lid above his head.
The smell was vile, and he was pretty sure a few people had relieved themselves there, but it was the most optimal decision to make given such a limited timeframe.
'It's currently 1 a.m.'
'The garbage won't be collected until 7 a.m., and considering that the family disciples and guards come out to train at around 5 a.m., hiding in the trash bin is safer than leaving my body exposed out in the open for over an hour.'
'This is the best course of action, even though the smell is shi-'
Lucifer didn't even get the chance to finish his thought as he was abruptly pulled into unconsciousness, left under the complete whim of the Infinite Clone System.
[Ding! The Infinite Clone System is being assimilated with the host!]
[Ding! You have chosen to defy the will of your main body and Creator, setting your destiny to go off track, making its tread on a new path within the infinite expanse of the Boundless Verse!*
[Ding! The Infinite Clone System wishes you luck as you embark on your journey to Infinity…]
_____
Five hours later.
"Ugh…" Lucifer groaned as he woke up with a blaring headache and looked around, only to find himself in a pile of unknown green and brown substances.
The nasty squelching sounds were absolutely horrendous, and the smell even more so. However, before the young man's attention could be drawn to his 'environment', it was swiftly attracted by a translucent blue and golden screen that appeared before him.
"A system…" he muttered, feeling an inexplicable sense of satisfaction bubbling up within him.
This was his chance!
This was an opportunity that would allow him to surpass the bastard who took everything away from him...!!
Even though he was ecstatic over the fact that he obtained a system, Lucifer made sure to keep a cool mind, determined to examine the screens before him carefully.
BLING!
_____
{[Infinite Clone System]}
[Host: Lucifer]
[Race: Human]
[Lifespan: 18/95]
[Cultivation: Peak Pulse Condensation Stage (Body Refinement Realm)]
[Battle Power: Absolute Peak Pulse Condensation Stage (Body Refinement Realm)]
—---
{[Clones:]}
[Body Refinement Realm Clones: 1]
[Clone Essence needed to summon the next highest realm Clone: 0.1]
[Clone Essence Bank: 0]
—---
{[Physique(s) and various external power augmenters]} →
[Cultivation Talent: Early-Mortal Rank]
[Spiritual Roots: ???] (Rank: ???)
—------------
Lucifer scanned the contents of what he assumed to be a system interface, quickly grasping a rough understanding of how the system functioned.
'This system is quite similar to the one I had before it was taken away, but there are some differences…'
'The first and most substantial and notable difference lies in the clone section…'
'Although my main body had a method that allowed him to create clones like myself, it wasn't something that was directly connected to the system.'
Lucifer's thoughts stirred as he eventually decided to question the system about this section, hoping to gain more insight as to what it was.
And as if it had read his mind, the system responded…
[Ding! The host is probably curious about the Clone Tab. While it may seem foreign or alien to you now, there will soon come a time when it outshines all present and future system features!*
[As for the specifics of the Clone Tab, it is quite straightforward. You will start with one clone. For every task your clone achieves or creature it kills, you will earn 'Clone Essence'. This Clone Essence will allow you to be able to increase the number of clones and also upgrade their cultivation levels.]
[You will also be able to assign techniques and skills to your clones after you have become more familiar with the system.]
[Additionally, there will be an option where you can use more Clone Essence in order to set 'Progress Milestones,' allowing your Clones to spawn at said Milestones, and they would possess everything that you have at that point in time.]
[And in case the host is worried about independent thinking, you don't need to be concerned; the Clones are like mindless slaves, meaning they are completely obedient to the host's will. You can also think of them as puppets, where you will need to designate commands in order to get them to move or talk.]
After receiving this array of notifications from the system, Lucifer took a moment to process the information.
It was only after a moment or two that a wicked smirk spread across his previously stoic face.
'This is it…'
'This is it!!!'
'This is the path forward! My path forward!'
'No matter who tries to stand in my way, I will crush them all and climb my way to the very pinnacle of existence!'
'No…'
'The Path of Infinity is one without a peak…'
'So I will just keep going until eternity looks me in the eye and begs me to stop!'
'And even then, I would—'
Lucifer's emotions spiraled a bit out of control. However, he was quickly taken away from his reverie by the boisterous voices of the disciples who had come to train.
SHING! SHING!
The sound of swords clashing against one another echoed all around as the Trial and Outer Disciples of the Devilduke household relentlessly fought one another.
It were these noises that caused Lucifer's expression to morph back to his neutral one, reminding him that he had some unfinished business to conduct.
'This is no time for celebration… After all, I have a feeling that my little lamb has completed her mission with flying colors…'
As the training session paused after the disciples received a short break, it didn't take long for the trashman to come out. Seizing the opportunity, Lucifer knew that it was time to slip away from the scene.
And that was precisely what he did, pushing the side of the metal trash bin and sliding out of it just before it could hit the ground.
CLANG!
"???" "???"
The clattering trash bin drew the attention of several Pulse Condensation Stage Cultivators. However, when they went to check out the disturbance, all they found was some spilt garbage and the remains of Uncle Mooner's bloody, explosive diarrhea from the previous day…
.....