Solo Leveling: Infinite Talent

The days passed quickly, and Mai Lee's plans began to unfold more precisely with Jara now onboard. The path to infiltrating the Black Crescent Guild was delicate, but the more information they gathered, the clearer their moves became. Mai Lee had made it his mission to stay one step ahead, ensuring that each move he made would outsmart his enemies and align with his growing influence.

One evening, Mai Lee sat with Aran and Jara, the dim light of the tavern casting long shadows over the table. The atmosphere was tense as they discussed the next step.

"We have the intel," Jara said, flipping through a series of maps and documents. "The Black Crescent Guild has several key operations in the southern districts. They're distributing high-tier dungeon loot and rare monster parts through underground channels. If we target those, we can cripple their funding."

Aran nodded, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the table. "We hit them where it hurts. Take down their assets, make them feel the pressure. But how do we get close without raising suspicion?"

Mai Lee leaned forward, eyes gleaming with determination. "We don't need to get close. We'll let them come to us."

Both Jara and Aran turned to him, eyebrows raised.

Mai Lee smirked. "I'll let them see a new player in town. Someone with an interesting mix of abilities. When they come for me, we'll turn the tables."

Jara crossed her arms, skeptical. "You're planning to provoke them?"

"Not provoke—entice," Mai Lee corrected. "They're greedy. They want power, and I've got something they'll want: talents. Once they see what I can do, they'll want to recruit me or eliminate me. Either way, we'll be in the center of their operations."

Aran grinned. "I like it. Let them make the first move. But what happens after?"

Mai Lee's smile remained cold, calculated. "After they come to us, we'll make sure to capture a few of their high-ranking members. We'll learn everything they know, then dismantle their operations from the inside. All the while, we'll make sure to keep our true abilities hidden."

The following days were spent preparing for the upcoming encounter. Mai Lee began using his abilities in more public spaces, making sure to stay within the range of key guild members, knowing that once they saw his powers in action, they wouldn't be able to resist.

In a bustling district filled with merchants and adventurers, Mai Lee set the stage. He walked through the busy market with purpose, his eyes scanning the crowd for any signs of the Black Crescent Guild's members. He made sure to display his most impressive abilities—those that were sure to attract attention. His fusion of several low-tier talents created an aura of power that was undeniable.

Within moments, whispers spread through the crowd. Someone had seen the way his abilities flowed together so seamlessly. His talent to copy and fuse was unlike anything they'd ever seen. It didn't take long for a member of the Black Crescent Guild to approach him.

The man was tall, dressed in fine black armor with a crimson emblem stitched on the chest. His eyes narrowed as he approached Mai Lee. "I've been hearing a lot about you," he said, his voice smooth but laced with suspicion. "You've got some impressive tricks. But I'm curious… where did you learn them?"

Mai Lee smiled, his voice calm. "I've always had a knack for picking up new skills. Call it a gift."

The man studied him for a moment, before nodding. "The Black Crescent Guild doesn't like competition. You've got something valuable, but I'm not sure it's worth the trouble. I think you'll find joining us more beneficial than running around with a handful of cheap tricks."

Mai Lee didn't flinch. "I'm not interested in joining anyone's guild. I prefer to work alone… for now."

The man's smile faltered. "That's a shame. You'll learn soon enough that no one operates alone in this world. But perhaps we can make an exception."

At that moment, Mai Lee's instincts flared. He could feel the man's aura shift, and in the instant that it took for his mind to process the danger, the man lunged toward him. The Black Crescent Guild had made their move—this was no casual offer of recruitment.

In a flash, Mai Lee activated his Shadow Step, disappearing into the shadows of the marketplace. His body reappeared behind the man in an instant. His hand shot forward, his fingers locking around the man's throat in an almost effortless motion. The man gasped for air, unable to react.

"I told you," Mai Lee's voice was cold, cutting through the tension, "I work alone."

Before the man could make a sound, Mai Lee activated his Abyssal Soul Fusion, tapping into the man's abilities. His system immediately began copying the man's combat skills, his specialized talents, and his unique evasive maneuvers.

A notification popped up in Mai Lee's status window.

Status Window:

Abyssal Soul Fusion (Level 5): Talent "Shadow Strike" successfully copied.New Talent Acquired: Shadow Step (Level 3)New Skill Acquired: Silent Strike (Level 2)

Mai Lee grinned as he felt the new abilities integrating seamlessly into his skill set. This was exactly what he needed: a constant infusion of powerful talents that would make him nearly unstoppable.

As the man crumpled to the ground, his body limp, Mai Lee wiped his hand on his cloak and looked around the marketplace. The commotion had drawn attention. Members of the Black Crescent Guild were now rushing toward him from all sides.

Aran and Jara had anticipated this moment and were already in position, ready to provide backup. Mai Lee's smirk only deepened. This was just the beginning.