Rising Combat Power

At this point the clone that was running was starting to pant at this point. Despite its physical properties being at the peak of ordinary people, continuously running for almost two hours had massively worn it out as it slowed down its pace.

Its slightly disordered steps drew some small complaints from the runners around him; however, people training to exhaustion was a common phenomenon on the track. People always wanted to do it to try to push their potential to the limit and become a warrior. Of course the chances of this happening were almost non-existent.

However just before the clone had collapsed Mark snapped his eyes open and gave out a murky breath. He also heard a new system notification.

[Alert]

[Hosts clone is on the verge of exhaustion. Suggested that the Host recalls the clone or all benefits will be lost]

[Alert]

Mark didn't even read the message properly before he ordered the clone to return home. Luckily the clone had enough energy to slowly stagger back to the dorm.

The clone however drew the curious glances of a lot of passing students. However the clone didn't notice that on the second floor of the building a woman dressed in a long black robe with her features obscured by shadows had noticed him.

After Mark had finally reacted and read through the message he had time to question the system.

'System, what do you mean all benefits will be lost?'

[While the Hosts clones can be replaced after death, all benefits gained by the clone before it died will be lost.]

'Huh I can't say that it's not fair'

[Of course they can be recalled at any location, however that is not recommended for the host and it may draw unnecessary attention]

Mark had naturally thought of that and was unwilling to publicise the fact that he could split his body multiple times.

*Creeeak*

The sound of the Dorm door opening drew Mark out of his trance, as he turned his head towards the clone.

Seeing the clone drenched in sweat Mark felt a bit of pity but that was quickly washed away by the excitement of gaining strength. Mark also remembered the other clone he had formed and looked towards the corner of the room.

The second clone wasn't in much better shape. Its muscles were trembling as it struggled to hold itself up as it leaned at a right angle against the wall as if sitting on an invisible chair.

Seeing the condition of both clones Mark immediately issued an order to the system.

'System, recall both the clones'

'Ding'

Both clones formed clouds of energy again, however if you were looking carefully you would realise that the energies were slightly denser than when Mark withdrew the first clone.

Mark immediately felt a refreshing feeling of course through his body. All the tiredness and stiffness of sitting in a lotus position for hours had washed away.

And the exhaustion felt by the clones was not applied to Mark's body.

''hooooooh … wow'' Mark let out an involuntary sigh as he stretched his body, feeling that his body had already been strengthened.

Normally when exercising we tear our muscles and then recreate them stronger and better. This normally takes a little while to see the effects however the benefit of the clones is to completely skip this part.

Mark gained all the benefits of a work out in trade for a fleeting feeling of discomfort.

'System show me my current status' Unable to withstand the curiosity Mark asked.

'Ding'

[Status

Name:Mark Ashfield

Combat Power: 31 (10) (The number in the bracket is the combat value provided by the strands of energy, it will be displayed separately from now on)

Strands of Energy: 1

(Abilities: Cloning ]

''Interesting, only two hours of exercise by two clones provided me with a bonus combat power'' Mark mused. An ordinary person might have to work for days in order to get that bonus.

''I can finally split into four bodies now!'' Mark had already decided to try to keep each Clone above 10 combat value. Otherwise the benefits would decrease massively if they were weaker than an ordinary person.

Mark didn't want to waste anymore time, but before he created his clones and meditated again he had an important question to ask.

'System can you automatically tell the clones to come back when they are exhausted'

[Yes host, the System can withdraw the clones and recreate them continuously, however it is recommended to have a break between sending them out to avoid suspicion]

'Okay thankfully you thought of that,' Mark wiped some non-existent sweat off his head. If the system hadn't warned him then he would definitely have drawn the suspicions of people around him.

After all his clones were almost dying of exhaustion and then suddenly were revitalised seconds later. Anyone would get suspicious of that.

After agreeing with the system's idea, Mark started to decide how he will prioritise using the clones.

Mark decided that he will continue to have the previous two clones do the same thing, however the new clone will attempt to absorb the spiritual energy in the world.

Mark had already asked the System how much energy a single clone can absorb. And Mark found that the clones can store 1 spiritual energy for every 10 combat power but it will take four hours compared to Mark's two hours.

However this will naturally increase as the strength of Mark and the clones increase.

A few seconds later Mark watched the fully dressed clone run out the door while the two naked clones began their exercises. One began to go through sets of military exercises once again while the other while the other sat in a lotus position.

Mark watched them take action and nodded happily before sitting in a lotus position himself and starting to absorb the spiritual energy.