Solo Leveling: Infinite Talent

A tense silence filled the private room.

Director Choi Hye-rin studied Mai Lee's face carefully. He was calm—too calm for someone who had just soloed an S-rank dungeon trial as an unknown E-rank hunter. Her instincts screamed that he was dangerous.

The older official, Chief Investigator Park, cleared his throat. "You're right," he admitted. "A hunter who can eliminate an S-rank boss alone is not something we can keep under wraps for long."

Mai Lee smirked. "Then what's your move?"

Director Choi crossed her arms. "That depends on you." She slid another document forward. "We can either classify you as a national-level asset or treat you as a potential threat."

Mai glanced at the document without picking it up. "A recruitment offer?"

Chief Park nodded. "More than that. With your abilities, we can give you a special classification above S-rank—something entirely new. We would provide full support, unrestricted access to dungeons, resources, and even political backing."

Mai leaned back, amused. "And if I refuse?"

Director Choi's expression darkened. "Then you become an anomaly—an unregistered hunter with overwhelming power. Governments don't like anomalies."

Mai laughed lightly. "I get it. You're offering me a golden cage."

Her lips pressed into a thin line. "Call it what you want, but even if we don't move against you, others will. The Hunter Association isn't the only force in the world. If word spreads about an unknown hunter with abilities like yours, international guilds, corporations, and underground organizations will come knocking."

Mai pretended to think for a moment. He had expected this much. The Association wasn't stupid—they wouldn't let a wildcard like him roam freely without some kind of control.

But there was one thing they didn't know.

Even if they wanted to suppress him, they couldn't.

His abilities would only keep growing.

And soon, no force in this world would be able to control him.

Breaking News – Unknown Hunter Breaks S-Rank Dungeon

While Mai was in the meeting, the outside world was already in chaos.

The media had gotten hold of the surviving hunters' testimonies. Rumors were spreading like wildfire.

["An E-rank hunter eliminated an S-rank boss?"]["That's impossible. There's no record of such a thing happening before!"]["The Association is staying silent. What are they hiding?"]

Social media exploded with discussions. Some called it a hoax. Others speculated that it was an undiscovered prodigy from a hidden guild. But the ones who truly understood the implications—the elite hunters, guild masters, and government officials—felt a growing sense of unease.

Power like this didn't appear out of nowhere.

And if it had…

Then the balance of the world was about to change.

Hunter Association – Underground Training Facility

After some back and forth, Mai accepted the Association's temporary offer. He wasn't planning on staying under their control, but for now, it gave him access to resources.

They brought him to an underground training facility. A reinforced combat arena designed for high-rank hunters.

Director Choi stood at the observation deck while a group of A-rank and S-rank hunters gathered.

A well-built man with a heavy broadsword stepped forward. "Name's Kang Do-yun. S-rank melee specialist." He cracked his neck. "The Association wants to evaluate you, so let's keep this simple—land a single clean hit on me."

Mai nodded. "Alright."

Kang Do-yun smirked. "Don't hold back."

Mai's eyes glowed.

[Talent Copied: Combat Mastery (A)][Talent Copied: Titan Physique (A)][Talent Copied: Swordplay (A)]

His body adjusted instantly. His stance shifted. His grip on the training sword tightened.

Kang Do-yun sensed something was off.

Then Mai moved.

[Fusion Activated – Titan Sword Arts (S)]

A single step.

A single strike.

BOOM!

Kang Do-yun barely had time to react before he was blasted backward, slamming into the reinforced walls of the training arena. A deep cut ran across his armor, stopping just short of piercing his skin.

The entire room fell silent.

Director Choi's grip tightened around the railing. Chief Park's eyes widened.

This was no ordinary hunter.

This was a monster.

Mai Lee lowered his sword, unfazed.

"Next?"