Solo Leveling: Infinite Talent

Mai Lee examined the black card in his hand, its matte surface smooth and cool to the touch. Kaito had disappeared into the shadows, but his words lingered in Mai's mind. The offer wasn't without merit—having strong allies would prove useful. But the idea of aligning himself with a faction he knew nothing about didn't sit well with him.

He slid the card into his inventory and turned his attention back to the dungeon around him. The eerie glow of the cavern walls pulsed faintly, the remnants of mana dissipating after the battle. His status window hovered before him, detailing the changes from his recent fight.

[Partial Status Update]

Strength: +4

Agility: +3

Intelligence: +2

New Skill Acquired: Shadow Step (Rank A)

Copied Skill: Phantom Slash (Rank B)

Mai smirked. Shadow Step, huh? That was Kaito's signature movement ability, allowing him to vanish and reappear in short bursts of speed. It wasn't teleportation, but it was close. Useful for both offense and defense.

He clenched his fists, feeling the surge of energy coursing through his body. Every battle, every kill made him stronger. If the world was starting to notice him, then he needed to keep pushing forward.

Taking a deep breath, Mai surveyed his surroundings. The dungeon wasn't cleared yet. Deeper in, the ominous feeling of something powerful still lingered. His instincts screamed that there was a final boss lurking beyond the corridor.

Mai pressed forward, his footsteps silent as he moved with newfound agility. The passage ahead opened into a vast chamber, dimly lit by bioluminescent crystals embedded in the jagged walls. At the center stood a towering creature—a humanoid figure covered in obsidian armor, its eyes glowing like molten fire. A Guardian-class boss.

The boss's presence alone exerted a crushing pressure, but Mai barely flinched. Instead, he grinned. Perfect. More power for me.

The Guardian let out a low, guttural growl before lunging at Mai, its colossal greatsword swinging downward in a devastating arc. Mai activated Shadow Step, his body flickering out of the sword's path, reappearing to the side.

"Not bad," he muttered before countering with Phantom Slash. His blade cut through the air, a ghostly afterimage trailing behind it as it slashed across the Guardian's side. The monster roared, staggering slightly, but it was far from finished.

The Guardian retaliated with a sweeping strike, forcing Mai to weave between the onslaught with precise movements. Every attack was an opportunity—another chance to push his limits. He activated Fusion Copy, merging Phantom Slash with a previously acquired skill, Mana Sever.

[Skill Fusion Successful!] Phantom Sever (Rank A+) - A blade strike that not only leaves a ghostly afterimage but also severs the flow of mana in the target's body, weakening magical abilities temporarily.

Mai's grin widened. This just keeps getting better.

He dashed forward, his blade glowing with dark energy as he unleashed Phantom Sever. The attack landed cleanly across the Guardian's chest, its glowing veins dimming as its mana flow was disrupted. The creature roared in agony, stumbling as its strength wavered.

Sensing the opportunity, Mai didn't hesitate. He surged forward, activating Shadow Step mid-attack, blinking behind the weakened Guardian. With a swift, decisive motion, he drove his blade deep into the monster's nape.

The Guardian froze, its molten eyes flickering before the entire body collapsed into a heap of fading light.

[Dungeon Boss Defeated!] [Experience Gained!] [Skill Copied: Obsidian Guardian's Endurance (Rank A)]

Mai exhaled sharply as the wave of experience washed over him. His muscles tingled, his mana reserves expanding slightly. He glanced at the newly acquired skill—Obsidian Guardian's Endurance increased defense and resistance to physical attacks.

"This will come in handy."

The dungeon began to tremble, signaling its collapse now that the boss was slain. Mai turned, making his way toward the exit. The moment he emerged, he felt the night breeze wash over him, a stark contrast to the suffocating heat of the dungeon.

Checking his status, he noted his level had increased, but it wasn't a full ten levels yet—no need for a full stat window just yet. Instead, he noted the key changes and smiled to himself.

The path ahead was clear.

And he was just getting started.