Chapter 3: Experimenting with Power

Maximus checked his MP. 130 left… I should make a few copies of my kitchen knife.

Focusing on his ability, he willed the knives to duplicate. Three appeared in front of him.

[MP: 128]

So inorganic objects like steel only cost 1 MP per copy… That was good to know. But more importantly—his talent worked through the clone. If my soul is controlling the clone, that means I can use my ability through it.

Gripping a knife, Maximus surveyed his surroundings. A group of zombies lurked nearby, staggering aimlessly in search of prey.

Perfect. Time to test my throwing skills.

He took aim, recalling the countless times he'd won dart competitions in high school. With a practiced motion, he hurled the knife.

The blade spun through the air and embedded itself in a zombie's skull. Blood splattered as the undead collapsed instantly.

A satisfied smirk crossed his face. Seems like I haven't lost my touch.

Back in high school, he had always dominated dart competitions. On top of that, he had learned martial arts for self-defense and studied human anatomy, memorizing all the vital points. If it works on humans, it should work on zombies too.

With his warm-up complete, he turned his attention toward his real target—the mutated zombie.

The creature was hunched over a corpse, tearing into flesh with sickening squelches. This is my chance.

Moving silently, Maximus crept closer. From what he had observed, attacking the body wouldn't do much. The only way to take it down was targeting the neck or head.

Now!

He sprinted forward and flung two knives at its neck. The blades struck, causing the monster to roar in pain, its thick green blood oozing from the wounds.

"KRIK-KRIK!"

It yanked the knives out and flung them away, glaring in his direction.

Too slow.

Before it could react, Maximus leaped onto its back and drove his remaining knife into the side of its head—right into the temple.

Blood spurted as the creature let out a final, strangled cry before collapsing.

[EXP: 100/1000]

Maximus wiped his blade clean, catching his breath.

That was easier than I thought.

Then, a thought struck him. In novels, mutated creatures usually have crystals inside their bodies. If that's true, then this zombie should be no different.

Curious, he knelt down and began dissecting the corpse. A moment later, his fingers brushed against something hard inside the zombie's skull.

"There it is!"

Extracting the small, faintly glowing crystal, he inspected it.

[Low Crystal]

- Increases MP by 10

- Other uses must be discovered by the player

Maximus' eyes widened. What if I copy this? Would I have infinite MP?

But then, he noticed something strange. His MP recovery rate was faster than normal. Is this because of my bloodline?

Testing his theory, he activated his talent.

"Copy Everything—copy Low Crystal."

Another identical crystal materialized in his hand.

[MP: 30]

His jaw tightened. 100 MP for a single crystal?

That was expensive. Is it because this is another form of energy? Something that can be used for more than just MP?

Regardless, it was still a good deal. He pressed his fingers against the crystal.

[Do you want to absorb it?]

[Y/N]

Without hesitation, he selected [YES].

[MP: 30 → 360]

A wave of energy surged through him as his MP pool expanded. This is amazing… I need more.

Determined, Maximus spent the next hour hunting zombies.

[EXP: 300/1000]

"Tch. This is slow…"

His MP had fully replenished, but the zombies around his house were all gone. He needed to venture further.

After walking for about ten minutes, an explosion shook the air.

BOOM!

A voice followed, loud and arrogant.

"HAHAHA! DIE, DIE, YOU DAMN ZOMBIES! IN FRONT OF ME, THE FIRE EMPEROR, YOU'RE NOTHING!"

Maximus raised an eyebrow. Who the hell is that?

He crept closer, hiding behind a wrecked car. In an open street, a young man stood confidently, surrounded by burning zombie corpses.

His name was Ardeus. A rich brat from a well-off family.

Nearby, his companions cheered him on.

"You're amazing, Ardeus! That power is insane!"

Another young man sighed enviously. "Why is he so lucky? I only awakened Eagle Eye… No combat abilities at all, just scouting."

Ardeus smirked, clearly enjoying the praise. "Hehe. Just stick with me, and you'll be useful enough."

Maximus observed them carefully. So they've adapted quickly. One has fire manipulation, another has enhanced strength, and the last one has metal reinforcement.

They're lucky to have awakened such strong abilities. They'll have a future in this world…

Then, an idea struck him.

Wait… my talent is Copy Everything. If that applies to talents too…

A slow grin spread across his face.

Then I can copy their abilities as well.