CHAPTER 2:THE GIFT OF POWER

Maximus staggered back, shielding his eyes from the blinding blue beam that had just descended from the sky. A strange sensation coursed through his body—like an overwhelming surge of energy, vast and endless, filling every fiber of his being.

"What... what is this feeling?" He clenched his fists, feeling as if he could do anything. But just as quickly as the sensation came, it faded. A mere illusion caused by the awakening of his power.

Then, an emotionless voice echoed directly in his mind:

"To check your status, simply say: Status Window."

Maximus spun around, looking for the source of the voice. Who the hell just spoke? But there was no one. The room was silent except for his own breathing.

He hesitated, then muttered, "Status Window?"

A translucent screen appeared before him, floating in the air like a game interface. His eyes widened in disbelief.

[STATUS WINDOW]

Name: Maximus Omniclone

Title: None

Talent: Copy Everything

Bloodline: ???

HP: 180

MP: 300

Level (Rank): Level 0 (Human)

EXP Points: 0/100

Strength: 12 (Average Human: 10)

Intelligence: 30 (Average Human: 10)

Agility: 12 (Average Human: 10)

Vitality: 12 (Average Human: 10)

Perception: 12 (Average Human: 10)

Maximus analyzed his stats carefully. Hmm… no surprises here. My strength, agility, vitality, and perception are slightly above average because I work out regularly. But my intelligence…

He smirked. I've already learned everything in the university. So intelligence increases by acquiring knowledge? Interesting.

Curious, he clicked on the [Title] section.

[TITLE: NONE]

"To obtain a title, one must achieve something significant."

That's a vague explanation.

Then, he tapped on [Talent].

[TALENT: COPY EVERYTHING]

"You can copy anything. However, the MP cost depends on what is copied."

So I can copy anything…? That's overpowered. Maximus' heart pounded with excitement. But his expression turned serious. It all depends on how I use it. If I have such a talent, then others might have abilities just as strong—or even stronger.

He glanced at the [Bloodline] section, hoping for an explanation.

[BLOODLINE: ???]

"The bloodline is too powerful to be identified. You must grow stronger to awaken it."

His brows furrowed. Too powerful to be identified? My parents were just ordinary humans. At least, that's what Grandma told me… If they really were normal, why didn't they take me with them when they left?

Something didn't add up.

Maximus exhaled, trying to process everything. Alright, first things first. Let's test this ability.

He scanned his surroundings. His house was small—just enough space for three people to live comfortably. His eyes landed on the food supplies he had packed earlier.

"Let's see if I can copy this."

Focusing on his ability, he imagined the food duplicating.

[MP: 299]

A second loaf of bread and an identical pack of noodles materialized right in front of him.

His jaw dropped. Did I just unlock an infinite food glitch?!

But then an even crazier idea hit him.

"What if I copy myself?"

He concentrated once more. Copy Everything—copy myself.

A wave of exhaustion hit him.

[MP: 99]

A perfect duplicate of himself appeared before him. Same golden eyes, same black hair, same physique. But something was off. The clone stood lifeless, unmoving, like an empty shell.

Maximus frowned. So it's just a body? No soul? No thoughts?

He reached out and touched the clone.

[CLONE: MAXIMUS]

"You can control this clone because it originates from your ability."

His eyes lit up. So I can fully control it?

Raising his hand, he willed the clone to mimic his movement. It did. Perfectly.

A grin spread across his face. This is insane! I can send this clone to fight zombies while I stay safe.

Then, his expression darkened. No, that would be too boring. There's no fun in that.

He controlled the clone, guiding it out of the house. The moment it stepped outside, the chaotic scene of the world hit him. Cars were flipped over, people were screaming, and zombies were chasing the survivors.

What the hell…? This is worse than I thought.

He pulled out his phone. Several unread messages popped up.

Manny:

"Hey bro, where are you?"

"It's dangerous outside, don't leave your house!"

"Hey, did you awaken an ability?"

Maximus sighed in relief. He's safe.

Then he checked the class group chat.

Angel: "Stay safe, everyone. Don't leave your houses. Wait for rescue."

Dave: "Yes, ma'am. You too."

Manny: "Stay safe, ma'am."

Maximus smirked. Looks like the class is still alive—for now.

He shifted his focus back to the clone, gripping a kitchen knife tightly.

A zombie spotted him and immediately charged.

The creature lunged, jaws snapping. Maximus sidestepped and slashed downward.

[Killed Zombie +10 EXP]

So the head is still their weakness, just like in the movies.

Then he heard more growls. Ten zombies turned toward him.

"Tch. Let's see how much exp I can farm."

For the next twenty minutes, Maximus used his clone to battle the undead. He learned their patterns, tested his reflexes, and grew more confident. When he finally took a break, he checked his progress.

[STATUS WINDOW]

Name: Maximus Omniclone

Title: None

Talent: Copy Everything

Bloodline: ???

HP: 180

MP: 350

Level (Rank): Level 1 (Human)

EXP Points: 10/100

Strength: 12

Intelligence: 30 → 35 (+5 Allocated Points)

Agility: 12

Vitality: 12

Perception: 12

Unallocated Points: 0

I leveled up… He rubbed his chin. For now, I'll invest in Intelligence. The stronger my mind, the better I can strategize. If the clone dies, I can always make another.

Suddenly—

"HELP! SOMEONE HELP ME!!"

His clone turned towards the sound. A man was running frantically, sheer terror on his face.

Behind him, a zombie at least twice the size of a normal one was chasing him. Its muscles bulged unnaturally, its skin looked thicker, and its movements were faster.

An evolved one?

Maximus licked his lips. If I kill that… how much EXP will I get?

His grip tightened on the knife. Time to find out.