Shadow Being System

He blinked, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Copycat?" he muttered under his breath. He hadn't expected something so… ambiguous.

Curiosity and caution warred within him as he opened the book. The first page contained a brief description:

"The ability to replicate the ability of anyone you touch. Limitations vary based on the real ability owner's consent and last for 4 hours. Only one ability can be replicated per day."

William's heart skipped a beat. Replicate abilities? That sounded almost too good to be true. But as he read further, his excitement was tempered by the caveats.

Still, this was exactly what he needed. With this ability, he could mimic someone else's wind essence during the combat test, masking his own loss.

---

William leaned against the bookshelf, clutching the tome tightly. A plan began to form in his mind. This ability could save him, but there was still one problem: activating it.

He flipped through the pages until he found the instructions for unlocking the ability, but he stopped. A small smile tugged at his lips. I don't need these instructions, he thought. I've got my cheat.

The familiar chime of the system echoed in his mind as a notification appeared:

[Ability Book Detected. Do you want to learn the ability: Copycat?]

William sent a mental command without hesitation. Yes.

Another notification followed:

[Ability Learning: 20%]

At first, nothing happened. Then, the book in his hands began to glow faintly, its silver etchings lighting up as though alive. The energy from the book poured into him, and William felt a connection forming—a thread tying the essence of the book to his very being.

The glow intensified for a moment before abruptly fading. The room fell silent once more, save for the sound of William's heavy breathing.

The system chimed again:

[Ability Learned Successfully: Copycat.]

William let out a sigh of relief, a small smile of triumph crossing his face. "I did it," he whispered. His heart raced as he realized the magnitude of what had just happened. With this ability, he finally had a way out of his dilemma.

He stood, quickly hiding the book in the system inventory. No one could know he had it—its value was far too great. Taking one last glance at the now-empty pedestal, he turned and left the room.

As he descended the stairs, his mind raced. This ability isn't just a solution to my current problem—it's a game changer. If I can master it, I could use it to gain an edge in ways no one else could.

The faint hum of activity from the lower floors reached his ears as he approached the busier levels of the library. He kept his head low, blending in with the crowd.

Now, he just had to find someone with the wind ability.

---

William slipped out of the library, his thoughts a whirlwind of possibilities and problems. The ability to replicate powers was an incredible asset, but it wasn't perfect. He only had a week to find someone with the wind essence and consent before the combat test, and more importantly, he needed to do it without raising suspicion.

The academy grounds were bustling with students preparing for the upcoming tests. Groups practiced in open courtyards, the air crackling with energy as abilities were on full display. William's eyes scanned the crowd, looking for anyone whose power mimicked his old wind essence.

Think, William. Who in combat class has the wind ability?

He racked his brain, his thoughts settling on a name: Marcus. Marcus was renowned for his mastery of wind techniques. He was a show-off, always eager to flaunt his abilities during training sessions. If there was anyone William could rely on to copy their powers, it was him.

---

William headed toward the training grounds, where Marcus was known to spend his evenings. The area was alive with bursts of light, fire, and the occasional shimmer of water as students practiced their abilities. Sure enough, Marcus was there, surrounded by a small group of admirers.

Marcus was in his element, whipping up miniature tornadoes that danced around his hands before dissipating into the air. His audience clapped, their admiration feeding his ego.

William stayed at a distance, his mind working out a plan. He couldn't just walk up and touch Marcus; he needed to find a way to ask Marcus for his consent—that wouldn't be suspicious. He needed an excuse.

William waited until the crowd thinned. When Marcus finally sat on a bench to catch his breath, William approached, feigning casualness.

"Marcus," he called out, his voice steady.

Marcus glanced up, raising an eyebrow. "What do you want?"

William forced a grin. "I heard you're the best with wind abilities."

The flattery worked. Marcus smirked, clearly enjoying the attention. "Of course, I am. What about it?"

William shifted awkwardly, trying to sound nonchalant. "Well… my ability lets me copy other people's powers for a short time. I was hoping you'd let me borrow yours for a bit. I just want to feel how strong it is."

Marcus's smirk vanished, replaced by a look of suspicion. "Copy my ability? You're joking, right? Why would I let you do that?"

"Because you're the best," William said, trying to salvage the situation. "And I just—"

"Not happening," Marcus cut him off, standing abruptly. "Go bother someone else."

Without another word, Marcus walked away, leaving William standing there, deflated.

He clenched his fists, watching Marcus's retreating figure. "This isn't going to be easy," he thought grimly.

And he was right.

---

A week later, William was trudging back from the forest, his steps heavy with frustration. He hadn't found a single consenting wind user, and the clock was running out.

The combat test was in the afternoon, and while he still had time, it was slipping away faster than he could think of solutions. He'd asked almost every wind user in the academy, and all of them had refused. He'd run out of options.

As he walked, the trees rustled around him, and the sound of dried leaves breaking underfoot snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned sharply, his heart racing, and spotted the ninja resting casually against a tree.

The man's dark figure blended with the shadows, but his glinting eyes were unmistakable. "What's wrong, kid? You look absent-minded. Or are you nervous about the test?"

William narrowed his eyes, annoyance flaring. "Why do you keep following me?"

The ninja shrugged lazily. "Because I want to."

"Stop," William snapped. "Or I'll report you to the school."

The ninja tilted his head, clearly amused. "That's too bad. I guess I'll just go back home and sharpen my wind ability some more, then."

William froze, his breath catching. "Wind ability?"

The ninja smirked under his mask. "What? Did I say something interesting?"

Hope flickered in William's chest, but he quickly masked it. "You're bluffing."

"Maybe," the ninja replied with a playful shrug. "But if you're curious… I could show you."

William stared at him, the possibilities swirling in his mind. This could be it—the chance he desperately needed. But could he trust the ninja?

William's thoughts raced. This was an unexpected twist, but it might be the only chance he had left. He squared his shoulders, trying to sound casual.

"I don't care what abilities you have," he said, though his tone betrayed a hint of curiosity. "But if you're just here to mess with me, save it. I've got more important things to do."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The ninja tilted his head, the faint glint of amusement in his eyes visible even through the mask covering the lower half of his face. "Important things? Like wandering aimlessly and sulking because you can't find what you're looking for?"

William clenched his fists. "What do you know about that?"

"More than you think," the ninja said, leaning casually against the tree. "I've been watching you, kid. You're desperate, and desperation makes people do reckless things."

William bristled at the accusation but held his tongue. Instead, he focused on what really mattered. "If you've been watching me, then you know I need a wind user to agree to let me copy their essence."

The ninja nodded, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "And what makes you think I'd help you?"

"Because I don't have a choice," William said bluntly. "And neither do you. You've been stalking me for weeks now—don't act like you don't have some hidden agenda."

The ninja chuckled, a low, almost amused sound. "Fair point. But if I help you, what's in it for me?" Enjoy new stories from empire

William's mind raced. He didn't have much to offer, but he couldn't afford to lose this opportunity. "What do you want?"

The ninja seemed to consider this for a moment before shrugging. "Nothing. Let's call it… a favor for a favor. One day, when I need something, you'll owe me."

William hesitated. A vague promise like that was dangerous, but he was out of time and options. Finally, he nodded. "Fine. Deal."

The ninja's smirk widened. "Good. Let's make this quick, then."

---

The ninja extended his hand, and William hesitated only briefly before grasping it.

[Ability Detected: Wind Manipulation. Do you wish to replicate this ability?]

Yes.

The familiar rush of energy surged through William as the system absorbed the ninja's essence. This time, the connection felt stronger, more refined.

[Replication Successful. Ability duration: 4 hours.]

William released the ninja's hand, the air around him swirling faintly as he tested the newfound power. Relief washed over him—it was perfect, just as he remembered.

"Thanks," he said, his tone stiff but sincere.

The ninja waved him off, already retreating into the shadows. "Don't mention it, kid. And remember—this favor isn't free."

Before William could respond, the ninja vanished, leaving him alone in the clearing.

---

William took a deep breath, steadying his nerves as he resumed his walk back to the dorm. He had what he needed now, but the ninja's cryptic warning lingered in his mind.

There was no time to dwell on it, though. The combat test was only hours away, and he had a new ability to master before then.

"This better work," William muttered to himself, the wind essence swirling faintly around his fingertips.

Whatever challenges lay ahead, he was ready. Or so he hoped.