Solo Leveling: Infinite Talent

Mai Lee's senses were on high alert as the ominous warning echoed through his mind. The ground trembled slightly, vibrations running through the stone floor like the distant rumblings of a storm. Another creature was near, and it was closing in fast.

He wasn't given much time to rest. After the battle with the Crystal Behemoth, his body was still adjusting to the energy drain caused by the intense fusion abilities. But he couldn't afford to waste time. The moment he hesitated, he'd be dead.

"Hostile presence detected: Level 10—[Obsidian Serpent]. Health: 200%."

The name alone was enough to send a shiver down his spine. A serpent was never just a serpent in a world like this. But the fact that it was classified as Level 10 made it a serious threat, one far beyond the Behemoth he had just dispatched.

Mai Lee activated his copied talents instinctively, pushing his fatigue aside. His body thrummed with energy as he activated his [Dragon's Resilience] and fused it with [Stone Giant's Strength].

Fused Talent: [Fortified Titan's Resilience]

His skin hardened further, a jagged stone-like texture replacing the smoothness of his human form. The heat from his [Fire Resistance] flared up, enveloping him in a protective aura. The fusion of resilience and strength would give him the defense he needed, but the serpent's speed and cunning were the real dangers.

He could feel the creature drawing near, its movements unnervingly silent despite its size. It wasn't just a physical threat—it was strategic, intelligent. Mai Lee wasn't dealing with a mindless monster; this serpent was more than capable of planning its attacks.

A sudden hiss echoed through the corridor, followed by the sound of heavy slithering. Mai Lee's eyes widened as the creature revealed itself.

The Obsidian Serpent was an enormous, serpent-like creature, its body a seamless black, almost crystalline in nature. Its eyes glowed an eerie yellow, and its fangs glistened with venom. The serpent's scales were pitch black, sharp and reflective in the dim light. It coiled with precision, a massive force of nature poised to strike.

The serpent lunged at him without warning, its fangs aimed for his throat. Mai Lee twisted his body, sidestepping at the last possible second. The ground where he had been standing cracked and exploded under the force of the serpent's strike.

"Warning: Venom detected. Resistance to venom low."

The system's voice pierced his thoughts, but Mai Lee had already anticipated the danger. He wasn't just facing a beast with brute strength; this creature had its own set of deadly abilities.

He summoned his [Predator's Perception] fusion and surveyed the environment. He could see the serpent's next movements as if they were written in his mind. The serpent was preparing to strike again, its tail whipping around with terrifying speed.

"Activate fusion: [Inferno Predator Strike]."

Mai Lee's body erupted with fiery energy as he dashed forward, meeting the serpent's tail head-on. The tail crashed into him, but his enhanced strength and fire resistance absorbed much of the blow. He pushed forward, and as the serpent's fangs came down once more, Mai Lee jumped, his body twisting in mid-air.

He brought his fist down hard onto the serpent's skull, empowered by his fused abilities. The collision sent an intense shockwave through the creature's body, and it recoiled in pain, a roar escaping from its throat.

But the serpent wasn't done. It wrapped its massive body around Mai Lee, tightening its grip with crushing force. The pressure was immense, and for a moment, he thought the creature might snap him in half. His body groaned under the strain, but Mai Lee wasn't finished yet.

"Activate fusion: [Crushing Earth Strike]."

With a grunt of effort, Mai Lee's body surged with raw power, and he slammed his fists into the serpent's scales. Each hit was more powerful than the last, the force of his blows causing massive cracks to form along the serpent's body. He didn't stop. He wouldn't stop until this creature was nothing but dust.

The serpent hissed in agony, its grip loosening as Mai Lee's blows shattered its defenses. With one final, explosive strike, Mai Lee pierced through the serpent's skull, ending its life in a burst of energy. The beast fell limp, its massive form collapsing to the ground.

Mai Lee stood over the fallen creature, his body battered but still standing. He was exhausted, but the thrill of victory surged through him. Each battle made him stronger, sharper. The fusions had worked in harmony, giving him the power to defeat an opponent far beyond his original capabilities.

Status Update:

Name: Mai LeeLevel: 4HP: 65%Mana: 40%Strength: 150 (Dragon's Might + Inferno Predator Strike Fusion + Crushing Earth Strike Fusion)Agility: 50Intelligence: 35Luck: 30Copied Talent(s): Stone Giant's Strength (Active), Dragon's Resilience (Active), Fire Resistance (Active), Enhanced Senses (Active), Predator's Perception (Active)Fused Talent(s): [Crushing Earth Strike], [Dragon's Might], [Dragon's Inferno Strike], [Inferno Predator Strike], [Fortified Titan's Resilience]Experience Points (EXP): 200/250

"Obsidian Serpent: A cunning and resilient creature capable of manipulating venomous attacks and constricting its prey with immense force. Its black scales are nearly indestructible and regenerate over time."

Mai Lee wiped the sweat from his brow, his eyes narrowing as the next wave of enemies began to stir. He wasn't finished yet. There were still more challenges ahead. But with every victory, his path to becoming the ultimate hunter grew clearer.

He wasn't just surviving anymore. He was thriving.