As the blinding light receded, Mark found himself enveloped by the lush greenery of a forest, dappled with sunlight. The symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves replaced the chaos of his once-cluttered apartment, and the rich scent of damp earth filled his senses.

A wave of panic surged in his throat. "Did I just get isekai'd?" he whispered, the absurdity of his predicament momentarily calming his nerves. Suddenly, a shrill shriek sliced through the serenity. A goblin, no taller than a small dog, charged at him, wielding a roughly hewn club.

Mark's arms shot up defensively, but before the creature could strike, a deep yell and a heavy thud reverberated through the air. Lowering his arms, Mark was met with the sight of his own bewildered doppelgänger standing over the felled goblin.

"Didn't see that coming," remarked the other Mark, casually wiping green gunk from his hand.

A shimmering notification appeared before them, like an inscription woven from the very mist of the forest.

Welcome to Aethel!

System Activated: Clone Jutsu

Craft perfect replicas of yourself. Shared Knowledge: Their insights become your wisdom. Shared Strength: Their power amplifies your own. *

Caution: Clones are a potent tool. Employ with discretion.

Mark blinked, trying to make sense of the fantastical alert. "Clone Jutsu? Some bizarre Zenith patch?" He turned to his clone, who was now using a goblin digit to clean his teeth (disgusting). "Speak up! What's going on?"

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

The clone's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Hold on, chief. Let's decode this 'System' first. There might be a loophole for endless riches!"

Mark groaned, grasping the gravity of his new reality. Trapped in an actual game world, endowed with a potentially game-altering skill, he faced an adventure he never signed up for. Taking a deep breath, he suppressed the encroaching panic. Though unsure of how he arrived, he found solace in the legion of Marks at his disposal.

A twig snapped, jolting him to alertness. Spinning around, his hand reached for a weapon that wasn't there. Emerging from the brush was a larger goblin, brandishing a corroded blade.

Mark's thoughts raced. He needed a plan, and fast. He eyed his clone, who shrugged with a hint of audacity.

"Plan B," Mark exhaled. "You engage it. I'll navigate this System."

The clone's grin widened. "Let's make it a blast! And remember, sharing is caring when it comes to loot!"

With a roguish laugh, the clone darted toward the goblin, nimbly evading its awkward slashes. Meanwhile, Mark concentrated on the ethereal notification.

Tentatively, he reached out and touched it. A mental menu unfolded, offering choices like "Create Clone," "Stats," and "Skills." He selected "Create Clone."

A new warning emerged: "Excessive cloning may drain your vitality."

Ignoring the caution for now, Mark spawned another clone. Instantly, a fresh Mark appeared, equally astonished.

"Did we just...?" the newcomer started, but the original Mark interjected.

"No time for questions. We need reinforcements."

Summoning two additional clones, they joined the fray. The balance shifted dramatically. Outnumbered, the goblins were swiftly defeated.

Breathing heavily, the quintet of Marks surveyed their victory. The original Mark felt an unfamiliar fatigue creeping in. The warning about energy depletion loomed in his consciousness. Perhaps his newfound power had its limits.

"Team," he addressed his clones, "we've got a steep learning curve ahead. Let's delve into this System and master our survival in this bewildering realm."