400 PS = Extra chapter
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When I saw the system message appear while I was having lunch at home, I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness. I already had a feeling I could evolve just like my clones, but I didn't expect it to happen this quickly.
In just a few days, I reached my first evolution.
I finished eating and opened my status screen.
Name: Zane
Level: 20 (EXP: LvlMax)
It did show LvlMax.
I asked the system to proceed with the evolution. Then, a message appeared, indicating that the process had started.
A few seconds later...
[ Evolution complete ]
[ User level has been reset ]
[ All stats x3 ]
[ New skill acquired ]
[ The skill "Fragmented Clones" has been added to your status ]
"Not only did all my stats triple, but I also got a new skill?" The name of the skill is a bit strange—how does it work? At my request, the system showed me the skill's function.
[ When the user moves at high speed, fragments of energy form temporary clones that attack nearby enemies. ]
[ The clone 'Chen' has acquired the skill "Fragmented Clones" ]
...
I received four messages, indicating that the clones had also acquired the skill.
"Isn't this amazing? Now my clones can create their own clones, at least momentarily during battle. That's incredible!" Chen and Zen must be excited about gaining a new skill.
I opened my status again to check how it looked.
Name: Zane
Level: 1 (EXP: 60/100)
Rank: E
Clones: 4/4
Strength: 75
Endurance: 72
Agility: 72
Dexterity: 72
Magic: 72
Points: 19
Skills:
Thrust LV1
Fragmented Clones LV1
"Oh, the new skill has a level. Probably the higher the level, the more clones it creates while I'm fighting and moving at high speed." I smiled, satisfied with my status.
The numbers are already pretty high. I'm not stronger than my clones yet, but I'm definitely catching up to them.
"I'm getting more and more excited."
[ You have reached level 2 ]
[ +10 Points ]
[ All stats +2 ]
"That changed too? Holy crap, I'll be able to rank up the clone skill quickly since my level reset and the EXP requirement stayed the same."
A few minutes later...
[ You have reached level 3 ]
[ +10 Points ]
[ All stats +2 ]
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After the evolution, I wanted to head straight to the dungeon, but I held myself back—at least until I could raise the clone skill's rank once more. I feel like if I upgrade it again, I'll be able to go out without worries.
So, after less than a day, I had gathered enough points to rank up the skill. I had 39 points and managed to level up 7 levels in under a day.
Since each level currently gives me 10 points, I now have over 100 points available.
More than enough to upgrade the skill rank.
I opened my status, went to the skill catalog, and leveled up the skill.
When I did, several system messages popped up.
[ The skill "Clones" is now Rank D! ]
[ You can now have 8 clones ]
[ The skill "Creator's Mask" has been added to your status ]
[ The skill "NeuroLink" has evolved ]
I read the notifications and smiled with satisfaction.
"That's exactly what I wanted! A skill to change my clones' appearances." The skill Creator's Mask does just that—I can change the appearance of my clones however I want.
I could even give one of them a female appearance if I wanted. That's interesting.
But something else excited me—the fact that NeuroLink evolved. I can probably control one of my clones' bodies for much longer now.
I can use one of them to enjoy some dungeon exploration.
I could already do that before, but only for a few minutes.
"It doesn't say how long I can control a clone's body now, but I'm sure it's hours at this point."
Should I test it?
Either way, there's something I want to try.
Should I take control of Chen, Zen, Ken, or Lee?
'Chen, Zen, where are you right now?'
[ This is Zen. I'm on the seventh floor. ]
[ I'm on the fourth floor. ]
'Hmm, Chen, I'm going to take over your body for a moment. Zen, Ken, Lee—meet me on the fourth floor.'
Everyone responded positively, and I activated the NeuroLink skill. Since I'm at home, there's no need to worry about anything happening.
In an instant, my vision changed.
When I took over Chen's body, I saw several monsters in front of me getting ready to attack. A group larger than I expected. Kobolds and Goblins working together to kill Chen.
Something I didn't even know was possible.
I smiled, and my mind cleared.
I moved without thinking, weaving through the monsters with quick movements, slashing them to pieces with my sword. It all happened in seconds.
I gripped the sword hilt with excitement and glanced back with cold eyes. Behind me, I saw a clone standing still—it vanished right after.
'Was that because of the "Fragmented Clones" skill?'
The monsters' bodies disappeared, and magic stones and items dropped to the ground. They were automatically transported into my inventory.
I took off the mask and opened my inventory, then my status.
The inventory opened normally, but the status that appeared belonged to Chen, not me.
'I guess I can't use my skills while controlling a clone. I need to test this.'
I waited for Zen to arrive so I could perform the test. He got to me faster than the others. When Zen saw me, his first question was, "Why are you without your mask, Master?"
"It's a bit uncomfortable. I don't know how you guys got used to it."
"Doesn't bother me at all."
"Alright. I came here to test something. Zen, take off your mask."
"Sure." Zen removed his mask, and I saw his sharp chin, pale skin, and blue eyes—a handsome face.
Then, I tried activating the Creator's Mask skill on Zen.
[ Skill activated! ]
[ Make the desired changes and then say 'Confirm' ]
'It worked?' My eyes widened.
Since I couldn't see my status while using Chen's body, I thought I wouldn't be able to use system-related skills either. Thankfully, I can.
But what kind of appearance should I give Zen? Zen has a male name, so I should make a male appearance.
'Alright... how about this?'
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Read more chapters on my patr eon: patr eon.com/ZhangYe
Next chapters: Chapter 17 - Eight clones. / Chapter 18 - Rank D. / Chapter 19 - Characters I know.