Solo Leveling: Infinite Talent

The air was thick with the stench of blood and burning flesh. Mai Lee stood amidst the battlefield, his breath steady despite the carnage around him. The moment his final enemy fell, a familiar chime echoed in his mind.

[You have defeated a high-tier dungeon boss!] [You have gained a significant power boost!]

A translucent blue window materialized in front of him, displaying his latest status update.

[Partial Status Update]

Name: Mai Lee

Level: 53

HP: 7,200/7,500

MP: 5,100/6,000

Strength: 215 (+20)

Agility: 198 (+15)

Endurance: 185 (+25)

Magic Power: 230 (+30)

Luck: ???

Newly Copied Talents:

Titan's Endurance (A) – Increases durability and reduces incoming damage by 30%.

Bloodlust Berserker (A) – Strength and speed increase by 40% when severely wounded.

Void Step (S) – Allows instant movement within a five-meter radius, ignoring terrain and obstacles.

Mai Lee's eyes gleamed as he read through his newly acquired abilities. Void Step alone was a game-changer. An S-rank ability that allowed near-instantaneous movement? Combined with his already formidable speed, he would be nearly untouchable.

The battlefield, once filled with hostile creatures, had fallen silent. Their corpses lay strewn across the dungeon floor, their auras fading into nothingness.

He exhaled slowly, his senses still on high alert. This dungeon had been tougher than expected, but with every battle, he grew stronger. His ability to copy and fuse talents had given him an overwhelming advantage. If he kept improving at this rate, it wouldn't be long before he stood at the pinnacle of this world.

"That was easier than expected," Mai muttered, flexing his fingers as he tested his newfound strength. His body felt lighter, faster. The sensation of raw power coursing through his veins was intoxicating.

A faint ripple in the air signaled the arrival of someone—or something. He turned sharply, muscles tensed. From the shadows of the dungeon, a presence emerged. It wasn't another monster. It was human.

"You really went and soloed the whole dungeon, huh?" A deep, amused voice rang out.

A man clad in dark hunter gear stepped forward, his piercing eyes scanning the battlefield. He carried himself with confidence, an aura of controlled menace surrounding him.

Mai narrowed his gaze. "Who's asking?"

The man smirked. "Name's Kaito. S-rank hunter from Japan. And you... you're making quite a name for yourself."

Mai didn't react outwardly, but his mind raced. An S-rank hunter showing up so suddenly? That meant word of his rapid rise was spreading.

Kaito's grin widened. "Relax, kid. I'm not here to fight you. Actually, I have an offer. Interested?"

Mai crossed his arms, maintaining a neutral expression. "Depends on the offer."

Kaito chuckled. "Straight to business, huh? I like that. Listen, you're powerful, but power alone won't cut it in this world. You need connections, allies. I run an elite group of hunters who operate outside the Guild's rules. We take the best jobs, secure the highest rewards. You could fit right in."

Mai remained silent, weighing the words carefully. An independent faction of elite hunters? That could be useful... or dangerous.

"I work alone," he finally said.

Kaito tilted his head, intrigued. "That's what they all say at first. But trust me, the higher you climb, the lonelier it gets. Sooner or later, you'll need a team."

Mai clenched his fists. He knew Kaito had a point. He had been relying solely on his cheat ability, but there were limits to what he could accomplish alone. For now, though, he wasn't ready to trust anyone.

"I'll think about it," he said at last.

Kaito smirked, as if expecting that answer. "Take your time. But don't take too long. This world moves fast, and if you don't pick a side, someone will pick it for you."

With that, he turned and vanished into the shadows, leaving Mai alone once more. He glanced back at the dungeon, at the bodies of the fallen monsters.

I need to get stronger. Faster.

Cracking his knuckles, he stepped forward. There were still more dungeons to conquer, and he wasn't going to stop now.