Solo Leveling with Copy Ability

[Federal Hunter Bureau – Emergency Meeting, Washington, D.C.]

The air in the FHB headquarters was suffocating with tension. The footage of Jeju Island's supposed "raid" looped endlessly on the large monitor at the center of the room. A dozen high-ranking officials, including Director Thomas Wright and Deputy Director Mills, watched in silence as Markus Tenebris unleashed his army with terrifying precision. Vampire Lords, Doom Knights, Wraith Lords, and Lich Generals tore through the ant horde like a relentless tide of death. Beside him, Sung Jin-Woo's shadow soldiers surged forth, their inky-black forms weaving through the battlefield, obliterating everything in their path. The two armies worked in eerie harmony, each complementing the other, creating a perfect storm of death and destruction.

Director Wright broke the silence, his voice low and grim. "We didn't just lose a hunter… We lost the hunter. Markus Tenebris isn't just powerful, he's a force of nature. And now, he's firmly in Korea's corner. "Deputy Director Mills leaned forward, his eyes hard. "Let's not pretend we weren't warned. Markus was always different. He was a mercenary before he was a hunter, a ghost, known for disappearing after high-risk operations. We never documented him properly until it was too late. His defection to Korea was inevitable once we started questioning his methods." "His methods were questionable," another senior official interjected, his tone sharp. "There were always rumors… unexplained deaths during his operations, missions gone too smoothly. You all know the whispers, assassinations, sabotage. And now, we're witnessing what he's truly capable of. Did we lose him? Or did we dodge a bullet?" "We lost an asset," snapped Wright, slamming his hand on the table. "A damn powerful one. Korea gave him freedom and trust. We gave him suspicion and bureaucracy. The real question now is, how do we approach him without repeating our mistakes?"The room fell silent again, thoughts swirling. Discussions turned to damage control and future strategies. Blame was cast in every direction, intelligence failures, misjudged profiles, internal politics. Markus Tenebris was no longer a rogue variable. He was a global game-changer, and the FHB needed to act fast or risk losing even more.

[Japan Hunter Association – Crisis Meeting, Tokyo]

Chaos reigned in the JHA's emergency session. Senior members yelled over each other, their faces pale with shock and anger. The loss of eight S-Rank hunters was a catastrophe in itself, but the death of Goto Ryuji, Japan's strongest hunter, had plunged the association into chaos. To make matters worse, evidence provided by Jin-Woo and Markus revealed the truth: Japan had planned to weaken Korea's hunter forces by orchestrating the raid, only to have their scheme backfire catastrophically."The evidence is damning," said Takeda Yoshihiro, his face a mask of rage. "We sent sixteen S-Rank hunters to Jeju, and only eight returned. Goto Ryuji is dead! And now, thanks to those sound recordings, the whole world knows we tried to sabotage Korea. We've lost everything, our hunters, our reputation, and our standing in the international community!""The blame falls squarely on the JHA president," growled another director. "He led this operation, kept the risks hidden, and now we're under investigation. There's no way out of this.""Do you understand what this means?" Yoshihiro hissed. "Japan is finished in the hunter world. We're a laughingstock. Korea's hunters exposed our treachery and annihilated the ant horde in the process. Markus Tenebris alone did more than an entire battalion of our hunters could have."The room fell into uneasy silence, the weight of their failure sinking in. Revenge was no longer an option. Markus Tenebris had shown the world that challenging him was a death sentence.

[Global Forums – Live Discussions]

HunterNet Thread: "Jeju Raid – Markus and Jin-Woo's Army Collab!"

ShadowEmperor01: Did you SEE that synchronized destruction?! Markus and Jin-Woo split the ant army like it was nothing. Jin-Woo took the shadows; Markus took the bodies. Absolute perfection.

NecroGod99: I nearly fainted when I saw Beru's shadow form standing next to his hybrid undead form. Like, who wins that fight?FireLord88: Markus's Vampire Lords are pure elegance and death. They made those ants look like clumsy toddlers. And those Wraith Lords? Straight-up nightmare fuel.

HunterFanGirl: Vampire Lords > Shadow Soldiers. Sorry, not sorry.

BattleMage82: The collab we didn't know we needed. Markus and Jin-Woo are the hunter world's new power duo.

DarkMage84: This wasn't just a raid. It was a massacre. Korea's hunters didn't just survive, they DOMINATED.

[Korea Hunters Association – Command Room]

Inside the command room, Woo Jin-Chul stared at the monitor, unable to look away. His hands clenched at his sides as he watched Beru's corpse rise once again, not as a shadow, but as a hybrid undead under Markus's control. Its carapace gleamed with dark energy, glowing veins of purple and crimson running along its body. Opposite it stood Beru's shadow form, summoned by Jin-Woo, the two creatures exchanging a silent, eerie stare. President Go Gun-Hee leaned back in his chair, his expression a mix of awe and pride. "Markus and Jin-Woo… They didn't just save Jeju. They made history." "They redefined what hunters can be," Woo Jin-Chul whispered. "This… This is a new standard. No one will ever see summoners the same way again. "As Markus and Jin-Woo continued to divide the spoils of war, shadows on one side, hybrid undead on the other, the broadcast captured every second of it. The viewers watched in stunned silence as Markus's Lich Generals raised their skeletal hands, summoning hundreds of ants back to life as twisted hybrids. The ground shook beneath the weight of his army, their eyes glowing with unholy light. Jin-Woo's shadows writhed and danced around them, their dark tendrils intertwining with Markus's creations in a macabre symphony of death.The commentators could barely find words.

"This… This isn't just a victory," one whispered. "This is a declaration. Markus Tenebris and Sung Jin-Woo… They've changed the rules."The world watched, awestruck, as Beru's two forms, shadow and hybrid, stood side by side, a testament to the new power that had emerged. The line between life and death, light and shadow, had been shattered.And in that moment, a new chapter in the hunter world began.

The impact of the Jeju Island raid extended beyond hunter communities and national organizations, it sparked debates in unexpected places. Religious figures around the world voiced their concerns in broadcasts and sermons, condemning what they called "the unnatural powers" wielded by Markus Tenebris and Sung Jin-Woo. A high-ranking bishop from the Vatican addressed the public in a televised statement: "Raising the dead, manipulating their remains… This is an affront to the natural order. We must ask ourselves, is this the price we are willing to pay for victory? These powers are dangerous, corrupting not only the soul but the balance of life and death. Such practices should never be glorified. "A prominent televangelist in the U.S. echoed the sentiment: "What we witnessed on Jeju Island is nothing short of necromancy! These powers are derived from darkness. We must turn away from such things, or risk inviting the same darkness into our lands."

But not everyone agreed. Public reactions were swift and divisive. Online forums exploded with discussions and arguments, the comments ranging from dismissive humor to outright support for Markus and Jin-Woo.

[Global Forums – "Jeju Raid Fallout" Thread]

HunterFanBoy22: LMAO! So… should we call the Vatican next time a giant ant army shows up? Let's see how well a prayer works against THAT.

NecroGod99: Death magic = results. Markus saved everyone. End of discussion.

HolyWatcher88: Maybe they're right. Messing with the dead isn't natural. What if this power backfires on us?

ShadowMage42: Backfires? Markus destroyed thousands of ants without breaking a sweat. If death magic is wrong, I don't wanna be right.

JusticeHunter1: Real question: If a dungeon opens in YOUR city, who are you gonna call? Religious leaders or Markus and Jin-Woo? Thought so.

The debates raged on, but one truth stood clear in the eyes of most. When the world faced catastrophe, no sermon or prayer could stop it, only hunters like Markus Tenebris and Sung Jin-Woo had the power to stand in the way of annihilation. Despite the outcry from a vocal minority, the overwhelming sentiment was one of awe and gratitude. Markus's mastery over life, death, and magic had redefined what it meant to be a hunter. In a world constantly under siege by dungeons and monsters, most people knew which side they were on. And it wasn't with those preaching about limits, it was with the ones who had already shattered them.

The helicopters touched down at Jeju Island's makeshift base for extraction. The raid was over, and the air buzzed with a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. The surviving hunters stood in clusters, their bodies worn but their spirits high. The mission had not only been successful but had obliterated every expectation. However, one more surprise awaited them.

Sung Jin-Woo casually approached Markus, his sharp eyes flickering with curiosity. "I'll head back on Kaisel," Jin-Woo said, raising a hand. The shadows beneath him twisted and coalesced into a magnificent draconic figure. Kaisel, his black-Smoke like drake, emerged with a piercing screech that echoed across the airfield. The creature eyes glowed as it stretched its wings, the surrounding hunters instinctively stepping back in awe and fear. Markus smirked, his gaze locking onto Kaisel with mild curiosity. "A drake, huh?" He raised his hand, the air around him chilling instantly. With a rumbling sound, a Frost Dragon burst forth from the freezing mist, its scales shimmering like polished ice, its piercing blue eyes fixed on Kaisel with cold authority.The temperature in the airfield plummeted as the Frost Dragon unfurled its colossal wings. Unlike Kaisel's wild and fiery presence, the Frost Dragon exuded an aura of icy calm, its breath misting the air in thick clouds. The two beasts sized each other up, their gazes locked in a silent standoff, the tension palpable. Kaisel let out a low growl, his molten breath heating the ground beneath him, while the Frost Dragon responded with a guttural rumble, frost creeping outward from its claws."Do you have more of these?" Jin-Woo asked with a chuckle, his eyes gleaming with amusement."Plenty," Markus replied, grinning. "But we don't want to cause a blizzard on the way back, do we?"Jin-Woo laughed, nodding in agreement.

The casual exchange between the two hunters left the other S-Rank hunters in stunned silence. Baek Yoonho, the leader of the White Tiger Guild, crossed his arms and muttered,

"Were we even needed here? I'm starting to think we're just extras in someone else's show.

"Choi Jong-In raised an eyebrow and glanced at the two draconic beasts.

"No kidding. They could've handled Jeju Island by themselves."

The live stream cameras, which had followed the hunters throughout the raid, turned their focus entirely to the two magnificent creatures. The feed zoomed in on Kaisel and the Frost Dragon, capturing every detail, their predatory stances, and the growing frost around the dragon's feet.

[Global Forums – "Jeju Raid: Kaisel vs. Frost Dragon" Thread]

DragonLover99: DID YOU SEE THAT?! TWO DRAGONS!! THIS IS INSANE!

HunterFanatic33: Kaisel is awesome, but that Frost Dragon… holy crap. It's majestic.

FlameKing88: Markus casually summoned a FREAKING DRAGON! What else is he hiding?

IceQueen42: Kaisel looked nervous around that Frost Dragon… Just saying.

NecroGod99: We were blessed today. Two dragons in one raid. The apocalypse has never looked this cool.

People around the world watched in stunned awe as Kaisel and the Frost Dragon took to the sky together, soaring over the airfield in perfect formation. Every camera tracked their flight, capturing the surreal sight for the world to witness. As the two dragons flew side by side, their shadows stretched across the earth, a perfect blend of fire and ice, symbolizing the overwhelming power of the hunters who commanded them. The remaining hunters could only shake their heads in disbelief. This wasn't just a return from a raid; it was a parade of power on a scale that no one had ever imagined.

The Frost Dragon descended gracefully, its massive wings stirring the air as it touched down on the Korean Hunter Association's helipad. Markus Tenebris dismounted with a composed gait, the icy mist clinging to the ground dissipating in his wake. Just a few meters away, Kaisel, a shadowy flame drake, landed with equal elegance, carrying Sung Jin-Woo on its back.

The two hunters shared a subtle nod, silently acknowledging the success of their mission. The tension that had clung to the group like a heavy fog began to lift, but not entirely. The Jeju Island Raid had shaken the world, and both Markus and Jin-Woo knew it would leave ripples for a long time.

The Korean S-Rank hunters arrived shortly after in helicopters, their rotors whipping up clouds of dust and debris as they touched down. Baek Yoonho and Choi Jong-In were the first to step out, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and disbelief at what they had just witnessed.

As Kaisel melted into shadows and returned to Jin-Woo's storage, Markus raised his hand. The Frost Dragon let out a low rumble, its blue scales catching the fading sunlight before it dissolved into a cloud of shimmering frost and disappeared.

Jin-Woo glanced at Markus with a rare smile. "Do you really have more of those?"

Markus chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Perhaps. But they get jealous of each other if I summon too many at once."

Baek Yoonho rubbed his neck awkwardly, leaning toward Choi Jong-In. "Were we even necessary, or were we just here for moral support?"

Choi Jong-In shook his head, a half-smile forming on his lips. "I think we were here to witness history."

The crowd gathered outside the Korean Hunter Association's headquarters was nothing short of massive. Reporters, onlookers, and even ordinary citizens had flooded the streets after the Jeju Island Raid was broadcast live. Cameras flashed as Markus and Jin-Woo stepped forward, their commanding presence drawing all eyes.

"That's him!" a reporter gasped, focusing the camera on Markus Tenebris, as he strode past the crowd. "The man who single-handedly turned the tide of the battle!"

"He rode a dragon!" someone whispered, disbelief and awe mingling in their voice. "Did you see that thing? It wasn't just a mount, it was a force of nature!"

"And the other one!" another voice chimed in, pointing at Sung Jin-Woo. "That shadow dragon, Kaisel, it was like watching something out of a myth!"

The crowd murmured in amazement, half in awe, half in shock. The news anchors struggled to keep up, their voices breathless as they tried to put into words what the world had just witnessed.

"For the first time in history," one anchor began, "we've seen two hunters command beings that defy everything we know about magic and summoning. Markus Tenebris and Sung Jin-Woo… they're in a class entirely their own."

Online forums were exploding with activity:

ShadowKing92: Did we just watch two necromancer ride dragons? Is this real life?

HunterObsessed: Markus Tenebris is OP. His summons were insane. The vampire lords alone wiped out half the ant army.

FrostFangFan: Forget OP. Did you see the Frost Dragon? That thing looked like it could freeze an entire city.

PhoenixFlame22: Kaisel and the Dragon sizing each other up, absolute power move.

Amid the chaos, Markus remained calm, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. He could sense their awe, their fear, and their curiosity. Jin-Woo stood beside him, equally unfazed. They were used to attention, but this was something new, a worldwide reckoning. 

With Jin-Woo gone to reunite with his family and the other hunters departing soon after, the large meeting room grew eerily quiet. The hum of conversation faded, leaving only the ticking of an old clock in the corner. Markus remained seated in front of Go Gun-Hee's desk, his expression calm and unreadable. The air between them felt heavy, charged with unspoken words.

Markus sat across from Go Gun-Hee in the Korean Hunter Association's private meeting chamber, his eyes keenly observing the elderly man's every movement. To most, Go Gun-Hee was a respected leader, the pillar of Korea's hunter community. But Markus knew better, he carried within him the Brightest Fragment of Brilliant Light, a remnant of an ancient force with powers beyond comprehension.

He remembered it clearly from his previous life, back when Solo Leveling was nothing more than a fictional story. The "Brightest Fragment of Brilliant Light" was not just a source of immense power; it was a fragment of a higher existence, capable of manipulating time, light, and reality itself. Even a sliver of its power would be enough to change the balance of power in this world.

"If I can copy just a fragment... even 1% of its essence... I'll step into a realm beyond any hunter," Markus thought, his mind racing.

Go Gun-Hee, ever perceptive, noticed Markus's lingering gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Is there something on your mind, Hunter Tenebris?" he asked, his voice calm but firm.

Markus smiled faintly. "Just thinking, President Go. It's rare to meet someone with such a powerful presence."

Gun-Hee chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. "Ah, those days are behind me. Age has taken its toll. But I still have a little fight left in me if it's ever needed."

Markus activated his Copy Ability, his system silently responding as a faint golden glow surrounded Gun-Hee. His system interface flickered, and a new notification appeared before his eyes:

[System Notification: Attempting to copy a fragment of "Brightest Fragment of Brilliant Light"...]

[Success! Fragment acquired.]

[Warning: Partial fusion detected. Power will evolve within your system.]

Markus felt a surge of energy ripple through him, not overwhelming but distinct, like a warm, radiant light filling his body. His Arcane Dominion trembled for a brief second, adapting to this newfound presence.

A soft golden glow lingered in Markus's eyes as he adjusted to the presence of the newly acquired fragment. But his focus quickly returned to the man seated across from him, Go Gun-Hee, the embodiment of unwavering strength and sacrifice for Korea's safety.

"You've done so much for this country and for humanity, President," Markus said, his voice calm but resolute. "Consider this a small gesture of gratitude for your long service." The gesture was not for his services to Korea or humanity at all. Markus couldn't care less about both to be honest. It was for the "Fragment of Brightest Fragment of Brilliant Light" Though Gun-Hee did not need to know it.

Gun-Hee blinked, confused at first, but then his eyes widened as Markus raised his hand. A radiant energy enveloped his palm, shimmering with the pure essence of healing magic fused with the power of the fragment. Markus pressed it gently against the president's shoulder, and the glow spread throughout his body like liquid light.

Gun-Hee's scars softened, his complexion brightened, and his once-weary posture straightened. The years seemed to melt away as his body regenerated, not just healing injuries but revitalizing him to the prime of his life. Muscles that had long since weakened regained their strength, and the dull ache of old age vanished like a forgotten memory.

The transformation was almost instantaneous. Gun-Hee flexed his hands, testing his renewed strength, and then stood, his eyes filled with awe. For a moment, he remained silent, taking in the sensation of power coursing through his rejuvenated body. Then, with a chuckle that gradually grew into a booming laugh, he clenched his fists.

"I haven't felt this alive in decades!" he exclaimed, his voice rich and commanding. "Hunter Tenebris... I don't know how to thank you."

Markus offered a faint smile. "No thanks necessary, President. Just a small payback for all you've done."

Gun-Hee's expression turned serious as he nodded. "You've given me more than a gift, you've restored my ability to fight. Should the need arise, I will stand beside you."

Markus gave a slight bow before stepping toward the door. Gun-Hee followed and called for his assistant. "Arrange for a car to escort Hunter Tenebris to his hotel. Ensure he's well taken care of."

Later that Night – Penthouse Suite

The luxury penthouse was cloaked in the soft light of the city skyline, its sprawling windows offering a panoramic view of Seoul. Markus stood at the center of the suite, his mind still racing from the events of the day. He waved his hand, summoning his system interface to check the details of his newly acquired powers.

New Powers & Abilities (Partial Fragment of Brightest Fragment of Brilliant Light):

Radiant Pulse: A blast of pure light energy capable of disintegrating most physical barriers and weakening dark magic.

Temporal Shield: Grants brief immunity to time-based effects (up to 10 seconds) and slows down enemies in a 10-meter radius.

Chalice of Renewal (Passive): Increases regeneration by an additional 30% and enhances recovery from mental fatigue.

Ethereal Vision: Allows Markus to perceive energy and magic at a higher dimensional level, making him immune to most illusions.

Markus read through the descriptions carefully, already envisioning how these new powers would synergize with his existing skills. Temporal Shield would provide a vital counter to time-based magic, while Chalice of Renewal would significantly boost his stamina during prolonged battles. But it was Ethereal Vision that intrigued him the most, an ability that would allow him to see beyond the veil of ordinary magic and into the deeper, hidden layers of reality.

He closed the system interface with a satisfied nod. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, he allowed himself a rare moment of peace. His penthouse felt serene, the hum of the city below like a distant melody. He poured himself a glass of wine and leaned against the window, eyes scanning the shimmering lights of Seoul.

"Brightest Fragment of Brilliant Light... A small piece of something far greater." He mused, swirling the glass in his hand. "It's just the beginning."