Inside the Hunter Association's evaluation hall, dozens of new applicants waited.
Most were nervous.
Jin Takashi, however, was silent—calm, observant.
He could feel the gazes of awakened beings all around him. Most ignored him, just another weakling dressed in cheap gear. Some chuckled at his ragged coat and homemade sword case.
But Jin didn't care.
His eyes were focused on the blue window flashing before him.
---
**\[New System Title Acquired]**
**Title: Phantom Learner (F-Class – Disguised)**
**True Rank: S-Class (Hidden)**
**Effect:**
* Allows instant analysis of any martial technique witnessed.
* Grants partial replication based on user's current physical ability.
* Growth scales with battle experience.
* Hidden: Conceals true class from scans and evaluations.
---
Jin's heart pounded as the power settled into his core.
"This… this is broken," he whispered.
He looked across the room, where a young swordsman was showing off to his friends—performing quick draw slashes and footwork patterns with precise control.
Jin's eyes shimmered faintly.
---
**\[Analyzing Style...]**
**Skill Acquired: Flash Step Slash (Low-Tier Sword Technique)**
**Effect:** Short-range burst movement followed by a linear sword strike.
**Replication Rate: 54%**
---
A grin tugged at his lips.
He hadn't even fought yet.
And already, his arsenal was growing.
---
Later that day, as the applicants were called to their testing chambers, a sharp voice echoed from the hallway.
"Takashi, Jin. Combat Evaluation Room 7."
He stood, nodding.
This was it—the public stage. The first fight since his return.
He wouldn't use flashy weapons. No rare gear. Just a basic sword and boots.
They'd still see him as a joke.
Perfect.
---
In the arena, a scout-class examiner leaned against the wall, chewing gum.
"F-Class? Damn, you guys never stop coming."
He tossed Jin a training sword. Jin caught it with one hand.
"Don't die, newbie."
The sparring opponent stepped forward—a bulky C-class swordsman who clearly wasn't holding back.
Jin gripped the sword calmly.
"Come," he whispered.
The man charged, mocking grin wide.
"Let's end this quick—"
But Jin's body vanished for a split second.
**Flash Step Slash.**
A shallow cut bloomed across the man's chest before he could react.
He stumbled back, stunned.
"What the hell…?!"
Jin stood casually, sword pointed down.
"That was just a borrowed move."
The crowd, small as it was, had gone silent.
The examiner's gum hit the floor.