Solo Leveling with Copy Ability

Markus arrived at the KHA headquarters with a clear objective: to secure access to high-grade dungeon gates for his guild, Shadow Legion. Now fully integrated as a Korean citizen and officially recognized as Korea's 10th S-Rank Hunter, he confidently approached the reception desk to request the necessary permits. The receptionist, speaking in a measured tone, inquired, "Hunter Tenebris, have you arranged for a team to guarantee safety during high-grade gate runs?" Markus smiled confidently and replied, "I haven't recruited additional hunters, my summoned forces serve that purpose. Shall I demonstrate?" His tone conveyed the assurance of someone who fully understood his own power. Markus was escorted to one of the training rooms, where several high-ranking KHA agents, including Go Gun-Hee, the esteemed head of the Korean Hunter Association, awaited the demonstration.

Inside the spacious, controlled training room, Markus took center stage. With a calm yet deliberate gesture, he activated his summoning ability. Almost instantly, twenty Doom Knights burst forth from the encroaching darkness. These reanimated warriors towered at an imposing 3 meters, clad in intricately patterned spectral armor that shimmered with hues of deep midnight and obsidian. Some wielded heavy halberds while others brandished long spears, each paired with massive tower shields adorned with ancient runic engravings. Their eyes glowed a vivid turquoise, exuding a cold, unwavering intensity. As they assembled into a disciplined formation, their presence was compared against the strength of hunters. Woo Jin-Chul, carefully scanning the magical aura with his measuring device, remarked with genuine admiration, "These units exceed the strength of an A-Rank Hunters." His words echoed through the room, as it became clear that Markus's summoned forces possessed power more akin to S-Rank capabilities, an unprecedented achievement that left everyone in awe. Observing from a raised platform, Go Gun-Hee allowed a rare, approving smile to break through his usually impassive demeanor. "Your power is indeed formidable, Hunter Tenebris," he commented warmly, "your ability to command such an exceptional force will greatly enhance our gate operations." Woo Jin-Chul concurred, adding, "The cohesion and raw strength of these summons are truly extraordinary, they set a new standard for what we expect from top-tier hunters." With genuine enthusiasm, Go Gun-Hee continued, "I'd like to see you take on an actual raid, with Woo Jin-Chul accompanying you to supervise and ensure all safety protocols are met." Markus acknowledged the request with a confident nod, his mind already racing with plans for the upcoming high-grade gate runs. After the demonstration, a brief exchange ensued. Woo Jin-Chul, still intrigued by the sheer power of Markus's summons, asked Markus's help to check a nearby Doom Knight's massive shield for a closer examination. "How sturdy is this?" he asked, trying to lift the shield. The knight dropped the shield with a resonant clang, so heavy and tall that Woo Jin-Chul struggled, prompting a light chuckle from both Go Gun-Hee and Markus. Woo Jin-Chul remarked with a wry smile, "One well-placed hit from that shield could easily take out an A-Rank Hunter." At Markus's subtle signal, another Doom Knight stepped forward and struck the shield against a measuring device. The device's readings went haywire, failing to capture the raw impact power. This unexpected result drew a smile from Markus, a look of slight dispirited amusement from Woo Jin-Chul, and a wide, approving grin from President Go Gun-Hee. The demonstration left no doubt that Markus's summoned forces were not only formidable in their own right but also set a new benchmark for power, an achievement that would undoubtedly ripple across the global Hunter community.

In the bustling corridor of the KHA headquarters, Markus lingered after his impressive demonstration with the Doom Knights. The tension in the air was palpable as the chamber prepared for the re-evaluation session of Sung Jin-Woo. Just then, the door opened quietly to reveal Sung Jin-Woo, who had come for his scheduled re-evaluation. Standing nearby, Markus exchanged a brief, respectful nod with Jin-Woo, whose reserved demeanor, accentuated by his subtle awkwardness, betrayed nothing of the immense power he wielded. In another corner of the hall, the leader of the Hunter Guild, a seasoned mage with a calm and scholarly air, engaged in polite conversation with Markus. Their exchange was light and measured, full of mutual respect for the art of magic, when the leader of the White Tiger Guild, Baek Yoonho, arrived. Dressed in his signature attire, with his spiky orange hair and piercing orange eyes, Baek Yoonho joined the conversation, prompting friendly banter among the gathered elite.

As the four S-Rank hunters, Markus, Sung Jin-Woo, Choi Jong-In, and Baek Yoonho, conversed, the atmosphere turned congenial and light-hearted. Markus and the Choi Jong, both skilled in the arcane arts, exchanged playful jibes about the flamboyant mannerisms of Baek Yoonho, teasing him about his dramatic transformation and his habit of overestimating his own prowess. Laughter rippled softly through the group, while the KHA agents standing nearby held their breath in a mix of admiration and anticipation. Despite his typically reserved nature, Sung Jin-Woo offered a small, polite smile, acknowledging the camaraderie with a hint of bashfulness. In this charged yet friendly gathering, the mutual respect between the elite hunters was evident, and the atmosphere brimmed with both subtle rivalry and shared purpose.

Seizing the moment amid the friendly repartee, Markus activated his Card Copy ability. The system interface shimmered into view, displaying a set of skill cards from both Sung Jin-Woo and Baek Yoonho. From Sung Jin-Woo's repertoire, Markus selected Monster Language Fluency, an ability that enabled the user to speak and understand monster tongue, thus enhancing coordination with his shadow summons. From Choi Jong-In's skills, he copied Fire Resistance, a talent that rendered its wielder immune to high temperatures and their own flames, and he also chose Mana Pool, which in the fusion process would upgrade his base MP calculation from MP = INT×1.8×10 to MP = INT×2×10. As the copied abilities fused with his existing attributes, Markus felt an immediate surge in his combat versatility: his capacity to communicate with monsters improved, his resistance to fire became nearly absolute, and his mana pool swelled by roughly 11%, providing him with a deeper reservoir of magical energy without the bonus of %80 from his Archlich's core. His Mana Pool has surpassed 65K. Enough for his heavy use and his hybrid army's immortality. The fusion of these utility skills signaled a significant evolution in his repertoire. Markus agrees to visit he Hunter and White Tiger Guild's headquarters to deepen his relations with both of them and copy some cold weapon masteries. He was thinking Cha Hae-In's sword mastery and any similar skills. 

Next day, Markus and Woo Jin-Chul set out early for an A-Rank gate on the west of Seoul. As they approached the massive, shimmering portal that led into the dungeon, the area was already abuzz with activity. Reporters from local media, agents from various guilds both domestic and international, and curious onlookers gathered near the entrance, eager to witness the demonstration of power. Dressed in his semi-casual attire that belied his lethal prowess, Markus walked alongside Woo Jin-Chul, who was clad in his full, official armor, both exuding a cool confidence. The murmurs among the crowd quickly turned to awe when Markus activated his summoning ability, and in a flash of dark energy, twenty towering Doom Knights materialized before their eyes.

These Doom Knights, each standing a formidable 3 meters tall, emerged as imposing figures with their massive tower shields and either heavy halberds or long spears. Their spectral armor glistened in deep obsidian tones, and their eyes burned with a fierce turquoise light. Woo Jin-Chul carefully scanned their magical aura with his device again, then commented with a mix of professional admiration and subtle humor, "I can hardly believe it, each of these summons displays power that would rival the strength of an S-Rank Hunter." The assembled crowd murmured in approval, and even the agents from different guilds local and global exchanged impressed glances, noting that Markus's summoned forces had set a new benchmark for what a solo summoner could command.

Under the heavy guard of four additional Doom Knights stationed at the gate's threshold, Markus and Woo Jin-Chul stepped into the dungeon. Once inside, Markus wasted no time; summoning the rest of his army. The chamber came alive with the arrival of his hybrid undead, among them, several articulate Lich Generals, whose spectral visages now bore an eerie, commanding presence. As Markus issued his order to clear the dungeon while sparing the boss for his personal challenge, one of the Lich Generals bowed respectfully and intoned, "As you command, Master." The unexpected display of sentience and deference from his summoned lieutenant shocked Woo Jin-Chul, who blinked in disbelief at the sight. With impeccable coordination, the Lich Generals then orchestrated a rapid reanimation: they summoned low to mid-tier undead units that surged forward, overwhelming the dungeon monsters and efficiently mining the mana stones embedded in the walls. In a whirlwind of well-executed maneuvers, Markus dispatched the dungeon's hostilities within a mere 15 minutes, using his precise ice spears and agile wind blades to bring down the formidable boss, all while he casually kept his hands in his pockets.

As the dust settled, Markus calmly recalled his summoned forces, leaving behind only the essential Doom Knights tasked with carrying the slain foes, mana stones, and loot out of the dungeon. Woo Jin-Chul, still shellshocked by the magnitude of the display and the articulate response of the Lich General, departed the scene in quiet contemplation. Later, Markus arranged for the harvested mana stones and collected loot to be sold through the KHA's channels, a move that not only bolstered his financial reserves but also cemented his reputation as a rising force capable of redefining the global balance of power. The successful raid, witnessed by a diverse array of guild agents and media representatives, set off a ripple of excitement and speculation throughout the Hunter community, marking yet another dramatic milestone in the ascent of Shadow Legion.

Over the next week, Markus relentlessly cleared multiple A and B-Rank gates, his solo dives yielding bountiful amounts of mana crystals and rare loot that he promptly sold through the KHA. Every successful gate run further solidified his reputation, and his financial gains began to swell to impressive heights. In between dungeon runs, Markus made several discreet visits to both the Hunters Guild and the White Tiger Guild, engaging in friendly, low-key conversations with their leaders. During these visits, he carefully observed their skills and occasionally exchanged witty banter with fellow magic users. Always keeping his true intentions close to the vest, he made a series of unofficial, stealthy excursions to copy additional abilities from other elite hunters.

In these covert operations, Markus acquired several critical close combat skills. He copied masteries in Sword, Spear, Dagger, Shield, and Mace techniques, along with abilities that boosted his Super Endurance, Agility, and Strength. Through a seamless fusion process, these diverse fighting styles merged into a comprehensive Cold Weapon Mastery, which enhanced his proficiency with all edged and blunt weapons. Simultaneously, his focus on close quarters combat (CQC) allowed him to integrate these skills further, fusing them into a unified Hand-to-Hand Mastery that amplified his raw physical prowess in unarmed encounters. In addition, Markus copied seven healing and regeneration skills from various elite sources, and these fused into a singular, graceful yet formidable ability dubbed Aegis of Renewal. This skill not only cures diseases and heals wounds but also bestows a healing buff on its target for two minutes. Moreover, his own innate regeneration advanced significantly, he now healed twice as fast and became immune to both disease and poison.

The cumulative effect of these acquisitions was staggering. With his new combat masteries and enhanced healing abilities, Markus's overall battle-readiness had reached unprecedented levels. His system updated to reflect that his Cold Weapon Mastery and Hand-to-Hand Mastery now provided an additional 2% bonus per level to physical damage and defensive capabilities. Likewise, Aegis of Renewal bolstered his support potential by curing ailments and providing continuous healing during prolonged engagements. The improvements in his regeneration meant that even in the heat of battle, he was almost impervious to debilitation, further cementing his position as a force to be reckoned with.

Capitalizing on his recent successes, Markus sold the amassed mana crystals and loot through the KHA, generating a substantial influx of cash. With his newfound wealth, he purchased a large parcel of land on the outskirts of Seoul, a strategic move for establishing his future stronghold. Without delay, he contacted Yoojin Construction, a reputable firm known for its grandiose projects, and ordered the construction of a massive gothic castle. In a brief phone conversation with a Yoojin representative, Markus stated, "I want a fortress that reflects the dark majesty of my guild, a gothic castle that will serve as the headquarters for Shadow Legion." The representative's voice crackled with excitement as he confirmed the order. This new castle, destined to rise from the outskirts of Seoul, symbolized not only Markus's growing power but also his strategic vision, a vision that promised to reshape the global Hunter landscape in the coming conflicts.

At the KHA headquarters, the atmosphere was electric as elite hunters gathered for Sung Jin-Woo's summoning abilities display after the High Orc dungeon event. In a private demonstration attended by President Go Gun-Hui, Markus the White Tiger Guild leader Baek Yun-Ho, and other top figures, Jin-Woo displayed his remarkable control over his shadow summons, seamlessly summoning spectral soldiers with precision. As his S-Rank license was formally issued, the KHA president couldn't help but note the uncanny similarities between Jin-Woo's summoning prowess and the capabilities Markus Tenebris had recently honed. Seizing the opportunity, Markus approached Jin-Woo with a friendly smile, remarking, "It seems our methods of harnessing shadows are cut from the same cloth. I, too, have learned to command darkness as my ally." Their brief exchange was warm and respectful, forging an unspoken bond between two masters of the dark arts, even as the assembled crowd of hunters held their breath in quiet admiration.

After the ceremony, as the gathering spilled into the main hall, Markus moved among the international contingent with a calm assurance. In a quiet corner away from the prying eyes, he discreetly activated his Card Copy ability and absorbed a suite of close combat techniques from several elite fighters, including those honed by the formidable Japanese hunter Goto Ryuji. With his newly fused Cold Weapon Mastery and CQC Mastery now integrated, Markus's physical prowess soared; his Strength, Agility, and Endurance stats, already through the roof, made it clear that his body could deliver devastating blows with remarkable speed and precision. Soon enough, sensing a challenge, Goto Ryuji stepped forward, a spark of hostility in his eyes, and demanded a spar to test Markus's combat skills.

Without hesitation, Markus accepted the challenge, and the training area quickly became an impromptu arena for raw physical combat. Eschewing any magic skills, Markus relied solely on his enhanced martial techniques. Goto Ryuji charged forward with aggressive strikes, but Markus's superior agility allowed him to sidestep every attack effortlessly. In a rapid exchange, Markus landed a series of brutal, precise punches and kicks, his high STR and END letting each blow reverberate like a sledgehammer. At one point, he swept Goto Ryuji's legs out from under him with a swift, low kick, sending the Japanese hunter crashing to the floor. Each movement was a masterclass in physical combat, showcasing the efficiency of his fused fighting styles as he turned Goto Ryuji's own aggression against him.

The duel escalated quickly; Goto Ryuji, determined yet increasingly desperate, tried to counterattack, only to be met with Markus's relentless barrage. With every exchange, Markus's physical superiority became more apparent, he parried Goto Ryuji's strikes with fluid, textbook precision and retaliated with punishing blows that left his opponent visibly disoriented and bruised. The room fell silent as the onlookers absorbed the spectacle: here was a man whose mastery of cold steel and close-quarters combat rendered his opponent helpless without a single flicker of magic. Ultimately, Goto Ryuji was left reeling on the floor, a humbling testament to Markus's evolved martial prowess. The demonstration not only shocked the gathered hunters but also solidified Markus's reputation as a warrior whose physical might now rival even the most potent of magical abilities.

The intensity of the spar sent shockwaves through the crowd, with murmurs of disbelief echoing among both Korean and Japanese hunters. In the aftermath, a still-recovering Goto Ryuji, now nursing his bruises, turned to Sung Jin-Woo and requested a spar to test his remaining pride, an offer that, as in the original tales, set off a chain of friendly yet fierce challenges among the elite. The display of power was so extraordinary that the Japanese contingent visibly trembled at the thought of facing Markus's capabilities in a real raid, yet the Japanese Prime Minister, insisted that the overall plan must go ahead despite the fear. Amid the charged atmosphere, the blend of rivalry, respect, and mutual recognition among the top S-Rank hunters underscored a new era: one where even the most prestigious legacies were being redefined by the unexpected, transformative power of Markus Tenebris.