Solo Leveling with Copy Ability

A week had passed since the Jeju Island raid, and the entire world was still abuzz with talk of the spectacular events. International media outlets, intelligence agencies, and rival hunter guilds were abuzz with speculation about the outcome and its implications. Meanwhile, Sung Jin-Woo had been approached by representatives from several countries regarding a change of nationality, a proposal that had stirred both intrigue and controversy. Amidst all this, Jin-Woo, ever the stoic and reserved figure, walked through the corridors of his family residence until he reached his younger sister Jin-Ah's room.

Jin-Woo knocked softly on the door and, after hearing her gentle call to enter, he stepped inside. Immediately, his gaze was drawn to the walls: every inch was covered in large posters of Markus Tenebris, each capturing him in fierce combat, one poster depicted him brandishing a sword, another showed him with a spear, and yet another revealed a dynamic, weapon-wielding stance (no daggers in sight). Jin-Woo paused for a moment, his lips quirking into a teasing smile as he remarked, "If you like him this much, I could always call him over for dinner." The playful comment hung in the air, lightening the room's atmosphere. In-Ah's cheeks flushed a deep red as she retorted, "At least I have an interest in a man!" Jin-Woo, who had never shown any real interest in the opposite sex, chuckled and teased back, "Are you sure you're not playing for the other team?" Their banter escalated into a gentle, teasing argument, each sibling ribbing the other with affectionate humor. Before the exchange could grow too heated, their mother's voice called them for dinner, and with a final shared laugh, they both left the room, each carrying the warmth of sibling camaraderie and the unspoken promise of more mischief to come.

A week of relentless grinding had brought Markus deep into the quest dungeon for his job change, a sprawling 50‑floor gauntlet where each level presented increasingly formidable foes. Over the past floors, he had encountered orcs, trolls, undead, angelic beings, demonic creatures, dragons, vampire lords, necromancers, hybrids, and mythological beasts. Every day, his three available copy slots were expended on extracting and fusing the best skills from these adversaries, further streamlining his arsenal. By now, Markus had refined his system to a point where even the ability to manifest obsidian-black archangel wings. He got the skill from an Arch Angel on 46th floor and he'll do it in a heartbeat again. On the 46th floor, his path led him to a titanic battle against an archangel, a being whose radiant presence and martial grace embodied the perfect blend of divine and martial prowess. In a spectacular clash, Markus faced the archangel amid swirling clouds of light and shadow, countering each heavenly strike with his own dark, calculated power. Seizing the moment, he activated his copy ability and absorbed the archangel's masteries: the graceful, lethal art of winged flight, a potent mastery of holy magic, and the secret of an ageless body. These abilities fused with his existing talents, his Light Magic Mastery now had merged with his comprehensive Arcane Magus skill, and his ageless body became intertwined with his Archlich's Core, rendering him effectively ageless his death can still happen but not from aging, illness or similar causes. In a final, awe-inspiring surge, Markus manifested six obsidian-black angelic wings, their elegance and predatory beauty a stark testament to his newfound power. Yet, the 49th floor held one final trial. In the dim, warped expanse of the dungeon's penultimate level, an Arch Demon loomed before the gate to the 50th floor. Its towering, infernal form blocked Markus's ascent, a monstrous embodiment of darkness and chaos that challenged his dominion over both light and shadow. This demon was not endowed with abilities that were entirely new to Markus; instead, it served as the ultimate test of his accumulated skills, a foe whose weaknesses were known and whose overwhelming presence demanded a culmination of all his magical and physical training. Drawing deeply on his reserves of light, time and holy magic, Markus engaged the Arch Demon in a grueling, drawn-out battle. He unleashed torrents of sacred fire and radiant energy, exploiting the demon's inherent vulnerability to light. Every strike was a calculated fusion of his elemental might. It took an hour, the duel raged as the demon's dark aura wavered under the relentless assault. It's absurd regeneration riveling his own kept the fiend alive. Yet Time manipulation was not something the Arch Demon prepared for. In the final moments, Markus's holy incantations and precise combat maneuvers obliterated the Arch Demon, its form crumbling into a burned crisp, a fitting end to a foe that had stood between him and the pinnacle of the dungeon. The resurrection did not take long for Markus, the newly risen Arch Demon hybrid dissolved in to his storage. Even as the echoes of battle subsided, Markus saw opportunity in the aftermath. Though the Arch Demon offered no novel resistances, he still activated his three-copy ability to extract its core powers. He meticulously copied Hellfire Manipulation, which promised to enhance his own fire-based attacks; Absolute Fire Resistance, ensuring that no inferno could harm him; and Dark Magic Resistance, a safeguard against the corruptive energies of his necromantic foes. Each copied ability integrated seamlessly with his already streamlined skill set, further refining his status and setting the stage for the final ascension to the 50th floor. In that moment, Markus stood not only as a master of the dungeon's trials but also as a harbinger of a new era in the Hunter world.

Markus had long since surpassed the capabilities of ordinary hunters. After days of grueling combat through the 50-floor dungeon, he found himself at the peak of his power, his body and mind tested beyond measure. Each floor had brought new challenges, new enemies, and new abilities to absorb. He had fought through Orcs, Trolls, Undead, Angelic Races, Demonic Beasts, Dragons, and Vampire Lords, each more powerful and dangerous than the last. He had summoned his Undead Hybrids on every floor, strategically choosing hybrids with the opposite elemental affinities of his enemies. By the time he reached the 49th floor, the combination of elemental, holy, and necromantic magic had made him an unstoppable force.New Skills Acquired and Fused:

Hellfire Manipulation (Lv. 8) – Markus now controls infernal flames, able to shape them into destructive blasts or weapons.

Absolute Fire Resistance – Markus has achieved total immunity to all forms of fire damage, including Hellfire and Magma.

Dark Magic Resistance – Markus can resist all forms of dark magic, including curses, shadow magic, and demonic spells.

Fusion of Skills and Abilities:

Elemental Resistance Mastery: All previously acquired elemental resistances, including Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Light, Dark, Poison, and Holy, have fused into a single Elemental Resistance skill. This provides complete resistance to all elemental attacks, with the exception of a few specialized magical forms.

Metamorphosis Mastery: After copying the shape-shifting abilities of creatures like Werewolves, Ravens, and Vampires, Markus has developed a new Metamorphosis skill that allows him to transform into various hybrid forms. This includes the Beast Form for strength, Wings for agility, and Angelic Form for defense and flight.

Master of Arcana (Lv. 8): Markus has fused all his elemental powers into one skill, providing complete control over all elements he has obtained, including Fire, Ice, Wind, Earth, Light, Dark, Time, Gravity, Lightning, Metal, Plant, Death and Life. This allows Markus to manipulate the elements with perfect precision.

Superior Healing Mastery (Lv. 5): Markus has mastered the healing arts, able to cure diseases, mental fatigue, and poison, as well as restore his health and mana almost instantly. This skill also applies to healing debilitating curses, ensuring that Markus is always in peak condition during battle.

Markus's newfound power was not just a result of his combat prowess, it was a culmination of all the skills and experiences he had gathered from countless creatures. His Undead Hybrids had become more than just tools, they were now his partners in battle. By resurrecting fallen enemies and fusing their powers into his own, Markus had created an army unlike any the world had ever seen. The Archdemon had been but a stepping stone to the greater challenge ahead. Markus's army, now strengthened by his resurrected hybrids and his fusion of powers, stood ready for the final floor. But Markus knew that this was just the beginning. The 50th floor boss would be his final test, a trial that would force him to face the full extent of his abilities and perhaps even unlock something greater. Therefore he decided to spend the time relaxing and readying his 3 slots for copy. 

As Markus ascended to the 50th floor, the eerie silence felt unusual, even for a dungeon. The usual roar of monsters, the clash of weapons, and the scent of blood were absent. Instead, he found himself in a wide, cavernous chamber, dimly lit by shimmering, ethereal light. In the center of the room stood a pedestal, holding three glowing orbs, gold, silver, and crimson. Each orb pulsed with energy, seemingly waiting for him to make a choice. As he approached, the system activated, displaying a message that felt unlike any other: Choose your fate.

Three trials await you. Each will test your character, and your decision will shape your future. Choose wisely. A slight smirk formed on Markus's face. He had no illusions about being a hero or a saint. The trials before him weren't about moral decisions, they were about opportunity. He would act in his best interest, but he would also ensure that his choices didn't leave him cornered. After all, he had come this far by being pragmatic, not reckless.

The first orb, golden and gleaming, hovered with an almost inviting glow. A voice echoed, rich and clear: "The Trial of Compassion: Someone in great danger will need your help. Their life or death rests on your choice. Will you save them, or will you turn away to further your own goals?"Markus stared at the orb. He wasn't a fool, and he wasn't a heartless monster either. He'd seen what happened to those who threw away their lives for the sake of others, who sacrificed their futures for some fleeting moment of heroism. That wasn't his path. But if there was an opportunity for him to gain something, some benefit for helping this person, he could play the part. He reached out and touched the golden orb. The voice hummed as it responded, "You choose to save them, but not without reward. The life you saved brings you a valuable ally, and their connections will open doors to greater power. You will not lose, only gain. "The golden glow faded, and Markus felt his power grow subtly. He had helped someone, but not for nothing. His help had brought him something in return, an ally with resources and influence, someone who could aid him in the future. That was how it worked. Helping others didn't mean self-sacrifice, it meant making sure you came out on top.

The second orb, silver and steady, pulsed next. The voice that emanated from it was cool and composed: "The Trial of Loyalty: A powerful faction offers you the chance to join them, giving you access to their resources and knowledge. Will you accept their offer, or will you remain independent, risking everything for freedom?" Markus paused. He'd always preferred to be free, to not owe anyone anything. But a partnership with a powerful faction could open doors he couldn't unlock alone. It was an opportunity to solidify his position in the world, and he knew how to play the game of alliances. Rejecting the offer might be tempting, but it would be foolish to ignore a chance that could elevate him. With calculated ease, he touched the silver orb. The voice hummed again, "You accept their offer, but only on your terms. Their knowledge and resources are now at your disposal, but you retain your independence. You control the terms of your partnership."The silver orb's energy surged through him. Markus now had the advantage, an alliance without the shackles of subservience. He had not bound himself to them; instead, he had found a way to use them for his benefit. This was the kind of loyalty that suited him, one where he was in control.

The final orb, crimson and fiery, floated before him. A dangerous power thrummed from it, and the voice that emerged was bold and commanding: "The Trial of Ambition: A city lies in ruin, and you are the one with the power to stop it. Yet, the opportunity exists to turn the situation to your advantage. Will you save the city, or will you let it fall to gain wealth and power? "Markus took a moment, his mind weighing the options. Saving the city would certainly bring him accolades and favor, but at what cost? He would save it in return for a noble title and high status. He wasn't a monster, yet if there was something to gain from it... Letting the city fall could be a way to increase his wealth and power, but cost would leave a bad taste. If he could use the situation to his advantage, then it wouldn't hurt him to save them. He reached out, touching the crimson orb. The voice responded with approval, "You saved the city in exchange for a noble title, riches and status. You've gained wealth, and with it, the power to control the next steps. You were never meant to be a hero." The crimson orb's energy surged through Markus, and his sense of power deepened. He had let the city fall, but it was never about the city, it was about what he could gain from it. Wealth, influence, and resources. These were the things that mattered in this scenario. As the orbs faded, Markus stood in the center of the room, his choices made. Each decision had been calculated, pragmatic, and most importantly, beneficial to him. He hadn't sacrificed anything that would cost him in the long run. He hadn't been a fool nor been a monster and he hadn't given up control. This wasn't about becoming a hero, it was about becoming the most powerful version of himself. With that, the 50th floor's trials came to an end, and the door ahead opened, the way forward waiting for him. He had made his choices, and each had brought him closer to his ultimate goal.

Markus stepped through the ornate door, his senses immediately assaulted by a surge of energy. The world around him blurred, and for a moment, he felt as though he were suspended between realms. When his vision cleared, he found himself standing at the familiar clearing near the city, the very spot where he had first entered the portal. The city loomed ahead, its skyline unchanged, yet he felt an undeniable shift within himself.

A system prompt materialized before him, presenting three class options:

Titanic Berserker: A class focused on overwhelming physical strength and combat prowess.

Arcane Sage: A class dedicated to the pure study and application of arcane magic, excluding necromancy and death-related spells.

Arch Magus: A class that combines Arcane, Elemental and Necrotic energies, allowing for mastery over Arcane, life and death.

Markus scoffed at the first option. While the Titanic Berserker offered immense physical power, it lacked the versatility he desired. The Arcane Sage was appealing but excluded the necromantic abilities he had come to value. Arch Magus, however, promised a harmonious blend of Arcane and Necrotic powers, aligning perfectly with his strategic approach. He selected this class, recognizing the importance of his undead army and the potential to transcend his previous limitations. Upon confirming his choice, a surge of energy enveloped him. He felt his body and mind expanding, his connection to both celestial and necrotic forces deepening. New abilities and powers integrated into his being, enhancing his existing skills and granting him new avenues for combat and strategy. Standing at the edge of the clearing, Markus accessed his status panel. His level had increased, and his attributes had been redistributed to reflect his new class. His mana pool had expanded, and he now possessed abilities that allowed him to manipulate both light and shadow, heal allies, and command his undead with greater efficiency. The city before him seemed unchanged, but he knew that with his new powers, he was no longer the same. He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, confident in his abilities and the path he had chosen. As Markus stood at the clearing's edge, the city skyline before him, he felt a profound sense of transformation.

The familiar surroundings now seemed different, as if the world itself acknowledged his ascension. He was no longer just a participant in the world's events; he was a force that could shape them. With his new abilities and the power of the Arch Magus coursing through him, Markus was prepared to confront any challenges that awaited, knowing that his journey had only just begun.