Chapter 12: Strengthening my ability

As the hunting team made their way back, the male Hunter who had stabbed Lee Seung earlier walked closest to him, his lips curling into a smug smirk.

His voice dripped with sarcasm as he remarked, "So what if you heal fast?" He shoved his hands into his pockets and added dismissively, "It's not like you can lay a hand on me. I'm a—"

Before he could finish, Seung vanished from his sight, reappearing in an instant behind him. The cold edge of a dagger brushed against the Hunter's throat, causing him to freeze.

"I can't?" Seung's voice was a low, controlled whisper in the man's ear. "If you're so sure, I can grant your wish right now."

The Hunter's bravado crumbled, his smirk faltering as he felt the deadly steel. The arrogance of belittling Seung for being an F-rank seemed foolish now, especially with his life hanging by a thread. Seung's grip tightened for a heartbeat longer before he stepped back, dropping the dagger. Without another word, he turned and headed towards the exit, the tension still thrumming in the air.

As he walked away, the weight of his decision pressed on him. The screen had saved his life, but the thought of killing another human being gnawed at him. He wasn't a Hunter to shed blood senselessly. He had bigger reasons, better reasons, and that's what he intended to hold on to.

"Who does this guy think he is?" one of the E-rank Hunters mumbled, barely loud enough to be heard.

"Just an F-rank, right?" another added, though their earlier confidence seemed shaken.

"Hey!" the team leader's voice cut through the murmurs, commanding Seung to stop in his tracks. He turned slowly, meeting the leader's stern gaze. "What happened today is part of what you'll face as a Hunter. Greater challenges are coming your way."

Seung's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "I'll handle those myself."

He turned back, this time not stopping until he reached the main entrance of the F-rank dungeon. Waiting for him were Mr. Choi and his clone. The three of them climbed into the car and left without another word. The drive was brief, the city lights blurring past, and soon they arrived at Seung's apartment.

"Good work today, Mr. Lee," Mr. Choi said as they stepped out of the vehicle. "I've wired you your portion of the profit."

"Oh, thanks," Seung replied, somewhat distracted. After a pause, he added, "By the way, I'm moving to another apartment tomorrow. I won't be able to hunt."

"That's fine. Just give me a call when you're ready to get back out there," Mr. Choi said with a wide grin. "Take care."

"Yeah, you too," Seung said, waving as the Range Rover drove off.

Inside the apartment, Seung collapsed onto the white sofa, utterly drained. His clone followed suit, lying down beside him. Seung glanced over and chuckled at the sight. "You need a nap too, huh?"

The clone responded with a loud snore, causing Seung to laugh softly. He then shifted over to make room.

Eventually, Seung rose from the sofa and wandered over to the edge of his bed. His mind drifted to the thought of his stats. After the battles and training he'd endured, he was curious to see how much stronger he had become. With a flicker of anticipation, he summoned the screen.

[User: Lee Seung]

[Stats]

[Strength: 0.62*1.62]

[Reflex: 0.51*1.51]

[Mana content: 2.53*3.53]

[Endurance: 0.56*1.56]

[Stamina: 0.51*1.51]

His eyes widened in surprise. "All my stats have increased by one! No wonder I've felt stronger recently." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, wondering just how close he was to leveling up. "Can't be far now, right?"

As if reading his thoughts, the screen suddenly shifted, revealing an icon he hadn't seen before. The words flashed across his vision:

[Subject has reached the requirements to level... up.]

[Congratulations, you have leveled up.]

[Bonus rewards have been granted.]

[All stats have increased by 0.5 points.]

Seung's heart leaped with excitement. When he first awakened his ability, he had underestimated the screen's power. But now, he realized just how serious it was about making him stronger.

[Your cloning ability has been strengthened. Please summon your second clone.]

A grin spread across his face as he moved to the center of the room. "Emerge!" he commanded.

Blue flames erupted around him, licking at the air as his hair billowed in the breeze. His feet hovered just above the ground, and then, with a surge of mana, the flames coalesced a few meters away from him. When the light faded, another clone stood before him.

Seung opened his eyes, filled with a mix of awe and satisfaction. "Welcome home, second. I look forward to seeing how well you perform."

"Thank you, master," the new clone responded, its voice steady and clear.

Seung tossed the clone a set of clothes, and once it was dressed, he said, "The first is tired, so let's see what you've got. Follow me to the gym."

"Yes, master."

A short while later, they arrived at the gym. The manager greeted them warmly, though he noticed Seung seemed different today. The usual naveity in his eyes was replaced with something more focused, more determined.

"Second, go lift that barbell," Seung instructed, his eyes never leaving the clone as it approached the weights. He watched intently, noting every movement. His mind raced, 'I need to know if my clones' power decreases with each new one, or if it's the opposite. If it increases, I'll need to work even harder to create a third.'

The clone gripped the 400-pound barbell and, with a grunt, managed to lift it slightly higher than the first clone had. Seung nodded, his suspicions confirmed. "This means I've got a lot of work ahead."

"Hey, we are done for today. Let's go," Seung said to his clone.

The manager, who was initially making some records, glanced at Seung when he heard what he said.

"Done already?" the gym manager asked, surprised. "That's not like you."

Seung rubbed the back of his neck, offering a sheepish smile. "I've got something I need to take care of."

"Alright, see you around, mister," the manager said, smiling widely.

"Yeah, take care," Seung replied, heading out with his clone.

Meanwhile, back at Seung's apartment, a knock sounded at the door. Mr. Song stood outside, holding a food warmer. "Lee Seung, are you in there?" he called out.

The door creaked open, and Mr. Song stepped inside, making his way to the dining table. "I noticed you haven't had a decent meal in a while, so I brought you some food," he said, placing the warmer down. "Come eat."

The clone, sitting at the table, stared at the food with wide eyes. It didn't hesitate, grabbing the spoon and digging in like it hadn't eaten in days.

"Thanks for the food!" the clone mumbled between bites.

Mr. Song watched in mild surprise. "What's gotten into Seung? Is he that hungry?" he wondered aloud. After a moment, he decided to leave, mentioning his shop as he headed out. But the clone barely acknowledged him, too focused on the meal.

As Mr. Song descended the stairs, he froze at the sight that greeted him. His eyes widened in disbelief, mouth hanging open. There, just entering the building, was another Lee Seung.

Seung stopped, realizing immediately what had happened. 'Oh God, he's seen my clone!'