The goblin's pungent odor lingered as Mark studied the shimmering notification. "Create Clone" it taunted, a playful glint seemingly embedded in its digital text. He glanced at his remaining clone, who rifled through the unconscious goblins' pockets with surprising efficiency.
"Let's test this," Mark muttered, focusing on the notification despite a gnawing exhaustion. With a pop, another Mark materialized beside him, blinking in surprise.
"Whoa, did we just...?" the new clone began before Mark cut him off.
"No time for existential dread," Mark said. "Survival first, conquest later. We need intel. Scout that village over there."
He pointed towards a cluster of wooden buildings nestled between rolling hills. The new clone grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"On it, boss! Maybe they have some decent loot."
With a salute, the clone sprinted towards the village, leaving Mark with his remaining goblin "prisoner." He sighed. This whole situation was absurd, but his ability's potential was undeniable. Perhaps a few more clones could unlock the System's secrets and a way back home.
As if on cue, a notification blared: "Warning: Excessive clone creation may lead to energy depletion."
Mark rolled his eyes. "Great, a System nag screen."
His village-bound clone reappeared, panting and covered in soot.
"Well?" Mark asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Not exactly a peaceful haven," the clone replied, pulling out a charred scroll. "'Beware the Shadow Wolf!' Sounds like a fetch quest for some jumpy villagers."
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A notification materialized before Mark, confirming his suspicions. Quest: Slay the Shadow Wolf. Reward: 20 Gold, Increased Reputation with Elmwood Village.
Mark smirked. This world felt like a giant RPG, complete with conveniently placed quests. "Alright, clone number one, wolf duty. Clone number two, System mastery. Me? A well-deserved nap."
The clones saluted in mock seriousness. Mark plopped down under a nearby tree, exhaustion finally settling in. He closed his eyes, the energy depletion warning flickering in his mind.
Suddenly, a high-pitched scream ripped through the air. Mark's eyes snapped open to see his first clone, the one sent to the village, running back in a panicked frenzy.
"Giant... Spider! In the village!" the clone sputtered, tripping over his words.
Mark groaned. "Of course. Can't a guy catch a break in this crazy world?"
He wearily created another clone and sent them both to deal with the spider, resisting the urge to create an army for every mundane task this world threw at him. There had to be a more efficient strategy.
Meanwhile, chaos reigned inside the village. Villagers shrieked and scattered as a giant spider, bigger than a horse, wove its way through the cobbled streets. His village-sent clone, however, was nowhere to be seen.
Just as the spider was about to devour a particularly plump chicken, another Mark burst onto the scene, wielding a surprisingly sturdy branch. This was the "research" clone, who had apparently prioritized combat training over deciphering the System.
The spider hissed and lunged, but the research clone dodged with surprising agility, perhaps learned from observing his goblin-hunting comrades. He landed a few decent blows with the branch, but it did little to deter the colossal arachnid.
The villagers watched in awe as the two Marks danced around the spider, the battle strangely comedic despite the stakes. Just then, the first clone reappeared, a triumphant grin on his face. He held aloft a giant slingshot, fashioned from a fallen tree branch and some spare rope he'd "borrowed" from a farmer's cart.
Seizing the opportunity, the research clone launched himself onto the spider's back, clinging on for dear life. With a series of well-placed punches, he managed to subdue the creature, much to the astonishment of the villagers (and Mark himself).
As the villagers cheered, Mark surveyed the scene with amusement and exhaustion. One thing was clear: his clone army, despite their chaotic tendencies, held immense potential.