As Marcus faced off against his formidable opponent, the atmosphere crackled with energy. The dimly lit warehouse seemed to shrink around them, amplifying the intensity of their impending battle. The scent of sweat and anticipation hung heavy in the air, foreshadowing the clash that was about to unfold.

The man with the power to clone himself emerged from the shadows, his presence exuding a malevolence that sent a chill down Marcus' spine. Dressed in an officer uniform for the United Kingdom that gleaned ominously, his eyes glinted with a twisted delight, fully aware of the advantage his unique ability granted him.

With a wicked grin, the villain raised his hand, and in a mesmerizing display, his body fragmented into multiple identical copies. The clones encircled Marcus, their eyes gleaming with an eerie glow, their movements fluid and synchronized. They were a mirror image of their creator, each possessing the same deadly skills and powers.

Skill Use Detected

Info Acquired: Multi-form Technique: Mastered

Marcus tensed, his senses heightened to the maximum. He knew he had to think fast and act even faster if he was to prevail against this overwhelming threat. A mastered multi-form technique user could have up to 10 copies at any time. Drawing his weapon—a gleaming blade with intricate engravings—he assumed a defensive stance, his eyes locked on his foes.

Skill Engaged: Mana Flow: Advanced

As the engraved runes on Marcus’s blade lit up he was surrounded. He counted all ten when the clones lunged at Marcus from all directions, a wave of aggression crashing upon him. Their attacks were precise and relentless, striking with coordinated precision. Marcus, however, refused to falter. His years of military training had instilled in him an unyielding resolve, a determination to face any challenge head-on.

With a fluid motion, Marcus parried a flurry of blows, his blade clashing against the clones' weapons. His movements were a dance of calculated grace, his strikes executed with deadly accuracy. One by one, he dispatched the clones, their forms dissipating into thin air as his blade found its mark.

Yet, as Marcus triumphed over each clone, the situation became more dire. The clones were replaced rapidly, their numbers seemingly never falling. They attacked with a renewed vigor, evolving their tactics to counter Marcus' every move. It was a relentless assault, testing Marcus' physical and mental limits.

Marcus fought valiantly, his muscles burning with exhaustion, but the sheer onslaught of his adversaries began to take its toll. A clone's strike found its mark, delivering a powerful blow that sent Marcus sprawling backward. He tasted blood on his lips, his vision momentarily blurred. It was a moment of vulnerability, a brief respite for his foes.

Skill Engaged: Regeneration: Mastered

But Marcus refused to succumb to defeat, his wounds steamed as they rapidly shut and the weariness left his body. Rising from the ground, he clenched his jaw, his eyes narrowing with a fiery determination. He realized that he couldn't defeat the clones individually; he needed to strike at the source, the man controlling them.

Summoning every ounce of strength in his body, Marcus launched a counteroffensive. He employed swift footwork, evading the clones' attacks with acrobatic maneuvers. With a calculated strike, he disarmed one of the clones and swiftly incapacitated it. He seized the moment, relentlessly pressing forward toward their creator.

The original man, sensing his impending demise, desperately attempted to summon more clones. But Marcus, fueled by an indomitable spirit, closed in, closing off the man's connection to his power. With a final, decisive strike, Marcus covered his blade in shadow, severed the bond, and the clones began to dissipate into nothingness.

Skill Engaged: Shadow Weaving: Mastered

Silence descended upon the warehouse as the last echoes of the battle faded away. Marcus stood alone amidst the remnants of his formidable foes, his chest heaving with exhaustion. Sweat trickled down his brow, mingling with the dirt and blood that adorned his face. The wounds he had sustained were badges of honor, testament to his unyielding courage and determination.

In that moment, Marcus became a symbol of resilience, an embodiment of the unbreakable human spirit. His fight against overwhelming odds would be forever etched in the annals of valor and heroism.

3 Years Earlier

In a modern world where the boundaries of technology had been pushed to their limits, a system known as the Screen had always existed. It was a remarkable invention that allowed individuals to gain skills through extreme circumstances and display them through personalized hard light screens. These screens were an integral part of every person's existence, constantly updating to reflect their current capabilities.

The Screen was a marvel to the world, seamlessly integrating with the human body. It manifested as a translucent holographic display, hovering just above the individual's forearm. With a simple thought, one could summon the screen to life, revealing the core aspects of their being.

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Skills within the Screen system were enigmatic, often locked behind strange and unknown conditions. Some skills required intense physical training, while others demanded deep introspection and spiritual enlightenment. Unraveling these mysteries became a lifelong quest for those who sought to uncover their true potential.

Marcus, a young man fueled by a burning desire for adventure and purpose, had always been captivated by the enigmatic nature of the Screen system. He marveled at the elegant simplicity of the hard light screen, which served as a gateway to untapped possibilities.

As Marcus grew older, his yearning for something beyond the ordinary intensified. He craved a life of excitement and meaning, one where he could push the boundaries of his existence and uncover the hidden skills locked within him. The Screen offered him a glimmer of hope—a tangible link to his untapped potential.

Deep within Marcus's soul, a restless spirit stirred. He had never been content with the monotony of his mundane existence. Each day felt like a repetition of the last, leaving him yearning for something more—a purpose that would ignite the fire within him.

The allure of the military had captured Marcus's imagination from a young age. The stories of heroic soldiers, the thrill of facing adversity head-on, and the opportunity to serve his country had always resonated deeply within him. The military represented a path that could break the chains of his ordinary life and offer him a chance to test his mettle against formidable challenges.

The idea of pushing his physical and mental limits, honing his skills, and becoming part of a team bonded by a common purpose stirred a deep longing within Marcus. He wanted to contribute to something larger than himself, to make a difference in the world around him. The military seemed like the perfect outlet for his restless spirit.

Determined to pursue this new path, Marcus embarked on a journey to the military recruiter's office. The thought of stepping outside his comfort zone and embracing the unknown both excited and unnerved him. But deep down, he knew that the only way to satiate his thirst for adventure and purpose was to take that leap of faith.

As Marcus made his way through the bustling streets, his mind buzzed with anticipation. He had envisioned this moment countless times—the turning point where he would shed the shackles of mediocrity and embrace a life of challenge, growth, and camaraderie.

With each step, Marcus's resolve strengthened. He could almost taste the adrenaline that would course through his veins during intense training sessions and the sweet satisfaction of overcoming obstacles he had never thought possible. The military was his calling, and he was ready to answer.

Arriving at the military recruiter's office, Marcus took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. The atmosphere within the office was charged with purpose, filled with eager recruits and focused military personnel.

As he approached the front desk, Marcus felt a surge of determination radiating from his core. He introduced himself to the stern-faced recruiter, his voice steady despite the fluttering of anticipation within him. The recruiter's piercing gaze met his own, and Marcus instinctively summoned his Screen—a glowing testament to his capabilities.

Skill list:

Physical Conditioning: Passive: Moderate

Horse Riding: Passive: Moderate

Firearms Mastery: Passive: Beginner

Recovery: Active: Moderate

Mana Flow: Active: Beginner

….

As Marcus stood before the recruiter's desk, his Screen projecting his accumulated skills, he couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and nervousness. He knew that the recruiter's assessment went beyond the numbers and skills displayed on his Screen. It would also require him to convey his unwavering dedication and desire to serve, evident in the determination burning within his eyes.

The recruiter, a seasoned military professional with a stern countenance, examined Marcus's Screen with a keen eye. The holographic projections shimmered in the air, showcasing his physical prowess, mental acuity, and spiritual essence in the form of skills. It was an initial glimpse into Marcus's potential, but the recruiter sought to delve deeper, to understand the intangible qualities that made him suitable for the military.

The recruiter leaned forward, his gaze meeting Marcus's unwaveringly. "So, Marcus," he began, his voice resonating with authority, "your Screen certainly presents an impressive set of skills. But beyond these numbers, what drives you to join the military? What makes you believe you're ready for the challenges that lie ahead?"

Marcus straightened his posture, his eyes meeting the recruiter's with unwavering determination. "Sir," he replied, his voice steady and filled with conviction, "I've always felt a restlessness within me, a hunger for something greater. I'm tired of the ordinary, the mundane. I want to test my limits, to face adversity head-on and emerge stronger. The military, to me, represents a chance to serve, to contribute to a cause bigger than myself. I want to be part of a team, to learn discipline, to push myself beyond what I thought possible."

The recruiter nodded, a flicker of disinterest glinting in his eyes, as he spoke with well-practiced ease. "And what about sacrifice? Are you prepared to make sacrifices for the greater good, to put your own desires aside in service of something larger?"

Marcus's resolve deepened as he responded, "Yes, sir. I understand that the military demands sacrifice—time, comfort, and even personal ambitions. But I'm willing to make those sacrifices. I believe that by doing so, I can grow not only as an individual but also contribute to the well-being of my country. I'm ready to embrace the challenges, knowing that they will shape me into the person I aspire to become."

The recruiter's gaze softened, his stern expression giving way to a hint of boredom. "Very well, Marcus. Your words and the determination I see in your eyes speak volumes. The military is not an easy path, but I believe you have what it takes. Welcome to the beginning of your journey."

A surge of pride and gratitude washed over Marcus as he realized his dream was becoming a reality. He had passed the first test—the test of conviction and determination. The recruiter proceeded to explain the enlistment process, the rigorous training that awaited him, and the opportunities that lay ahead.

As Marcus listened attentively, his Screen still projecting his skills, he couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration. He had taken the first step towards the adventure, purpose, and growth he had longed for. The challenges ahead would be demanding, but he was ready to embrace them, knowing that they would shape him into the person he aspired to be.