Solo Leveling: Infinite Talent

Mai Lee remained hidden in the shadows for several minutes after the woman disappeared into the distance. His mind buzzed with possibilities. The fusion of her talents had given him a significant boost, and he could feel the power thrumming through his veins. But something about her skills—and the way she carried herself—told him that there was more to this city than met the eye.

The underground fighting rings were a known breeding ground for those who had extraordinary talents, and Mai Lee had just witnessed firsthand the incredible potential hidden within the city. However, he also understood that the higher the stakes, the greater the dangers. He needed more information before diving headfirst into anything.

With his newly acquired abilities, he figured the best way to proceed was to investigate further. Mai Lee wasn't someone who relied solely on brute force; subtlety, intelligence, and cunning were just as vital. He could feel the shift in the air, a tension surrounding the city as if it was on the verge of something greater. But what exactly? The mysterious group that had been observing him, the guilds, the underground rings—all of these elements were slowly weaving themselves into a tangled web, and Mai Lee needed to unravel it before things got out of hand.

The night air was thick with fog as Mai Lee slipped through the narrow alleyways. His steps were light, and his movements calculated. There was a place, tucked away in the heart of Windfall, known for its secrecy—an underground tavern that catered to those with power, wealth, and influence. It wasn't easy to get in, but Mai Lee had his ways.

He reached the entrance of the tavern, a heavy wooden door that creaked as he pushed it open. Inside, the atmosphere was completely different from the bustling streets. It was quieter, darker, and the air carried an unmistakable sense of danger. Conversations were hushed, and eyes seemed to follow him the moment he entered.

A thick-set man at the bar looked up and nodded at Mai Lee. "You've got the look of someone who's here for more than just a drink."

Mai Lee didn't respond immediately. His gaze swept over the room, noting the various patrons. Some were quietly discussing plans, while others seemed to be engaged in secretive dealings. There was a certain heaviness to the atmosphere—like the calm before a storm.

"I'm looking for information," Mai Lee said finally, his voice low. "About the underground fights. I hear there's something more going on than just brawls."

The bartender chuckled softly. "You're not the first to ask about that. If you want to know more, you'll have to earn your place. Nothing's free in Windfall, especially not information."

Mai Lee reached into his pouch and pulled out a small, glowing gem, the kind used to pay for secrets in this city. He tossed it onto the counter, and the bartender's eyes immediately locked onto the gem.

"You'll find what you're looking for," the bartender said, his voice now full of intrigue. "But it's not just about fighting talent. There's something much bigger at play here. The rings are just the surface. If you want to go deeper, you'll need a guide."

Mai Lee's eyes narrowed. "Where do I find this guide?"

The bartender slid a small piece of paper toward him. "He'll find you. Stay in the city long enough, and he'll make his move."

Mai Lee didn't waste any more time. He stood up, slipped the gem back into his pouch, and turned to leave. As he stepped out into the cool night air, he noticed a shadow dart across the street. He wasn't sure if it was a coincidence or if someone was following him, but he didn't take any chances. He blended into the crowd and kept moving, making his way back to a safehouse he had rented earlier.

Hours passed, and Mai Lee lay on his bed, eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling. His mind was racing. The fight he had witnessed earlier, the fusion of talents, the underground tavern—it was all coming together. The pieces of the puzzle were starting to form a picture, but there were still too many unknowns.

What did the bartender mean by "something bigger at play"? Mai Lee could feel that something was off in this city, a ripple in the fabric of the world that he couldn't quite place. He needed to be cautious. He had learned that much already.

He looked down at his status window once more, noting the changes. His fusion skills had grown stronger, and his new abilities had already proven useful in combat. But he knew that his journey had just begun. The true test would come when he faced the unknown powers that lurked beneath the surface.

Status Window Update:

Name: Mai LeeLevel: 9Class: Hidden Talent CopycatHealth: 100%Mana: 100%Strength: 110Agility: 125Intelligence: 110Spirit: 100Money: 2000Skills:Copycat Fusion (Level 9) – Copy and fuse talents, skills, and abilities from anyone or anything within a 1 km radius.Energy Manipulation (Level 7) – Control and manipulate energy to create blasts or pulses of destructive force.Enhanced Perception (Level 5) – Enhanced sensory abilities, allowing faster reflexes and better vision in darkness.Energy Pulse (Level 5) – Can release pulses of destructive energy at a short range.Fate Binding (Level 2) – A passive skill that increases the likelihood of certain events aligning in Mai Lee's favor. Activated when using fusion or copying rare talents.Swift Energy Blast (Level 2) – A combination of explosive energy and enhanced agility. Allows Mai Lee to release quick bursts of energy with pinpoint accuracy while maintaining full control over his movements.Summons: NoneTalents: NoneExperience: 350/1000 (Level 9)

Hidden Stats:

Fusion Mastery: 90% (Improves success rate of fusion and unlocks advanced combinations)Slime Affinity: NoneLuck: 30% (Increased chances of rare loot or unexpected events)Charisma: 20% (Influences how NPCs and creatures perceive and react to you)Devour Efficiency: NoneMutation Rate: 0% (Increases the chance of fusions unlocking new abilities)

The night stretched on, and Mai Lee knew that his path was far from clear. But for the first time since arriving in this world, he felt the stirrings of excitement. The journey ahead would be filled with danger, intrigue, and unknowns—but he was ready. His destiny was in his hands, and with each step, he grew closer to the power he desired.

He closed his eyes, letting sleep take him. The next day would bring new challenges, but Mai Lee was prepared. After all, in a world where power was everything, he was no longer a pawn. He was the one pulling the strings.