Actually, it was precisely 2.1 billion.
After all, Blaine still had a 10% discount as a C-level Hunter. If he spent one billion, he'd only be charged 900 million.
That left 2.1 billion in his balance.
Blaine thought it over.
As a C-level Hunter, he didn't even know when he'd be eligible for an upgrade. His system only allowed 10 skill slots, and 8 of them were already filled.
That meant only two more skills could be added, no matter how much money he had.
It was frustrating — downright ridiculous, even.
He couldn't spend freely.
But there was no helping it — the restriction came hand-in-hand with the discount. And to be fair, that 10% off was a very attractive perk.
---
He walked into the kitchen, opened a pack of bread, took out two slices, and spread some jam across one. He took a bite and continued thinking.
Was there a skill that functioned like a bundle deal? Something that effectively granted multiple abilities in one package?
The idea reminded him of the 'Sharingan' from 'Naruto' — probably one of the most recognizable powers in anime.
---
[Sharingan (Lv.1)] – Price: 100,000
Copy Eye: Can replicate an opponent's jutsu in battle.
Insight Eye: Allows the user to perceive subtle movements and read the flow of combat.
Hypnotic Eye: Capable of casting illusions to mentally manipulate the target.
Evolves into 'Mangekyō Sharingan' at Lv.3.
---
According to the system, the Sharingan included its well-known features.
After all, Kakashi had copied over a thousand jutsu with it and earned the nickname 'Copy Ninja'.
So wouldn't owning the Sharingan effectively mean gaining many smaller skills?
Unfortunately, Blaine shook his head.
No. Not here.
The Sharingan might be overpowered in Naruto, but in the Marvel Universe, it didn't hold the same weight.
Think about it — Thor uses a magical hammer imbued with godly power. Tony Stark fights with bleeding-edge technology. Steve Rogers relies on superhuman physicality and top-tier combat skill.
What exactly could the Sharingan copy from them?
It got even trickier with someone like Gali, standing right in front of him. She had countless unique skills, many of which didn't follow conventional physics or power structures. Could the Sharingan copy those?
In early Naruto, yes — the Sharingan's copy ability was formidable. It terrified enemies and gave Kakashi his reputation.
But even Kakashi himself admitted that Sharingan could only copy techniques up to A-rank, and even that came with difficulty. Higher-level jutsu were flat-out impossible.
In Marvel terms? That's nothing.
Most abilities in the Marvel universe are well beyond A-rank. We're talking cosmic-level magic, energy manipulation, multidimensional science, and divine-level strength.
Even in late-stage Naruto, most A-rank jutsu had become irrelevant. Outside of basic clones and Rasengan, many older jutsu had faded from relevance.
By now, even a basic-level Tony Stark could probably take out a high-tier Naruto character if they relied solely on A-rank techniques.
So the Sharingan? Hard pass.
Yes, it looked cool. But practically speaking, it wasn't a strong choice unless you had access to its highest forms. And even then, better options existed.
Why settle for a Sharingan when Blaine could aim for something more versatile?
Shaking his head, he dismissed the idea and continued browsing the system's skill store.
---
Eventually, he found something.
Another eye-based power — but far superior.
---
[Copying Eye (Lv.1)] – Price: 1,000,000
Upon activation, this ability instantly analyzes the structure, form, nature, and energy signature of any magic visible to the user. It allows the direct replication of that magic, even if the spell was not fully completed.
At higher levels, it can copy stronger forms of magic with near-perfect fidelity.
---
Blaine recognized this skill.
It came from the anime 'The Legend of the Brave'. The protagonist's eyes glowed red with a pentagram pattern when activated — somewhat similar to the Sharingan visually, but functionally more impressive.
There was a downside though.
The user could go berserk when exposed to extreme emotional trauma — anger, grief, fear. Once triggered, they'd enter a mindless rampage, destroying enemies and allies alike until either unconscious or dead.
Usually, once the rampage started, there was no way to return to normal.
Unless someone knocked them out while the breakdown was still in its early stages.
It was a flaw. But the power of the Copying Eye was undeniable.
Just look at the ability:
"After activation, you can instantly analyze the composition, form, nature, and power of the magic you see, and directly learn it — even if the opponent stops midway through casting."
Skilled users could go further. If they had enough magical knowledge, they could even modify or evolve the copied spell — creating original, practical-level magic.
---
And in the Marvel Universe, what was more important than magic?
Doctor Strange.
The Ancient One.
Scarlet Witch.
Even Odin, King of Asgard.
Dormammu, ruler of the Dark Dimension.
And of course, Loki, the God of Mischief.
All of them used magic. It wasn't just flavor — it was foundational to their power.
Sure, many of them — especially the Kamar-Taj sorcerers — used magic in close combat: conjuring energy whips, shields, and portals. But the essence of their power was still arcane.
So if the Copying Eye really worked as described… if it could reach a high enough level…
Could Blaine eventually copy the Ancient One's spells just by seeing them once?
Create his own magic whips?
Open his own 'Sling Ring' style portals?
It sounded wild — but the description said it was possible.
Of course, reaching that level would likely cost a fortune. But unlike the Sharingan, which was mostly flashy and limited, the Copying Eye had real potential. The kind of ceiling worth chasing.
Comparing the two wasn't even fair.
The only catch was the emotional instability. The berserk state.
Once emotions spiraled, the user could lose control entirely.
Blaine frowned. That kind of drawback might be fine in a fantasy world, but in the Marvel Universe?
Lose control in front of Dormammu, or during a fight with the Hulk, and you might as well dig your own grave.
"System," Blaine asked aloud, "can I remove the Copying Eye's berserk drawback?"
[Yes. Upon purchase, the host can spend additional money to eliminate the instability flaw. No need to worry.]
Blaine let out a sigh of relief.
He was confident in his emotional discipline, but this wasn't a world where you could count on things going your way. Anything could trigger a breakdown.
If he ever lost someone important…
If he ever stood against someone truly overwhelming…
He didn't want to become the kind of monster he'd set out to fight.
So yes — he'd take the eye. But only after disabling the madness.
*************************************
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