Arin sat quietly on his futon, staring at his glowing Skill Panel. The new ability, Talent Copy, hovered in his mind like a puzzle he had to solve.
He had just unlocked it after his Hard Work reached Advanced, and now he had a choice to make.
Who should I copy first?
The thought made his chest tighten. He couldn't afford to waste this ability. With the once-per-year limit, picking the wrong person could set him back for a long time.
He thought about everyone he knew.
Lyra – His best friend and neighbor. She had a natural rhythm and coordination that amazed him. Her talents might be subtle, but she had incredible potential, especially in speed and perception.
Kai – His rival. The boy was fast, determined, and had Epic potential. Copying Kai's talent could push Arin to new heights in competition, but it might also create tension. Kai was strong, but reckless, and Arin didn't want to make things worse.
Other classmates – There were children in his class who had minor but useful talents: creativity, agility, intelligence. But none of them seemed worth the risk of using his one-year cooldown.
Arin rubbed his chin. This isn't just about strength… It's about growth, strategy… and understanding the system itself.
He remembered the System's words:
"The more effort you put into mastering it, the easier it becomes to fully control copied talents."
So the first talent he copied would not just give him a new ability—it would also test how efficiently he could master it. He needed someone whose talent would synergize with his existing skills: Hard Work, Movement Mastery, Observation, Enhanced Communication, and Sensory Domain.
Arin's eyes wandered to the glowing panel again.
[Skill Panel]
Hard Work – Advanced
Movement Mastery – Advanced (98%)
Observation – Mastery (50%)
Enhanced Communication – Advanced (75%)
Sensory Domain – Intermediate (20%)
Talent Copy – Ready
He clenched his fist. It has to be someone who will make a difference… someone whose talent I can really train and integrate.
A thought struck him.
Maybe… the first talent isn't about strength or speed. Maybe it's about knowledge, perception, or something subtle… something that can complement my growth in ways I can't even imagine yet.
Arin's mind raced with possibilities. Every person he knew had a unique skill, even if it wasn't obvious. Observation might tell him their potential, but choosing the wrong talent could leave him with a skill he couldn't use effectively.
He leaned back, deep in thought.
"Tomorrow," he whispered to himself, "I'll decide. I have to be sure. This one choice… it will shape everything for the next year."
For the first time, Arin felt the weight of responsibility that came with power. Talent Copy wasn't just a tool—it was a bridge to new heights.
And with careful thought, strategy, and effort, he was determined to cross that bridge without hesitation.