My Tribrid System.

It was the day of the battle between The Devil and Bloody Saint.

Tahir had just finished his usual workout and earned 5 EXP. He took a large gulp of alcohol before donning his VR set.

The match was broadcast live around the world. It had been a long time since a VR champion had been challenged. Tickets were sold to stream the match, and the military academy was given special rights, allowing it to be streamed in the hall for the entire school to watch.

The Devil, who had defeated both Arcane and Ron, was back, this time facing a stronger opponent.

Lucius, along with other world leaders, was watching.

"Let the match begin!" the system interface beeped as both players were granted access to fight.

"Before we start, Devil, I have a question. Do you think you can win?" Bloody Saint asked.

"That's a tricky one," The Devil responded calmly. "If it were a real fight, I might be able to tell. But based on the odds, you're on the winning side."

"And what odds are those?" Bloody Saint inquired.

"You've played this game more than I have. You're a VR champion. Most game restrictions are lifted from your character, your level is higher than mine, and I don't know your abilities," Tahir replied.

"If you know all that, then why challenge me?" Bloody Saint asked.

"Because it's fun to fight stronger opponents. Enough questions, pal. If you want to fight, let's start."

"As you wish," was all Bloody Saint said before taking a fighting stance, signaling for The Devil to attack.

Wasting no time, Tahir moved in fast, attempting to punch his opponent, but hit nothing but air.

"Too slow," Bloody Saint muttered before slamming his fist into Tahir's back.

"He's on a whole different level," Tahir thought, a wide smirk forming beneath his mask. Adrenaline was rushing through his body; he could feel the excitement building.

Increasing his speed, Tahir went after Bloody Saint again, but the result was the same. "How do you expect to win when you can't even hit me?" Bloody Saint taunted.

"Then I'll just increase my speed output. You don't really think that was my full speed, do you?" Tahir asked as he gathered power in his legs and moved fast enough to land a punch. Seeing the attack coming, Bloody Saint crossed his arms, bracing as the punch connected, pushing him back.

Neither fighter had managed to land a critical hit yet.

"Yes!! It's been a long time since I've fought like this. I hope we can keep playing before I break you!" Bloody Saint screamed, shocking the audience. The sudden change in his demeanor was unexpected.

"His bad side is starting to show—he's a battle-hungry maniac," remarked one of the VR champions observing the fight.

His scream of excitement fueled Tahir's own battle lust.

Attempting to use the same strategy he had against the humanoid beasts and Ron backfired. He sped up, circling the champion while throwing punches. At first, it seemed to work until a strong force slammed into Tahir, sending him flying across the stage.

"I've seen that style before. Try something else," Bloody Saint said as he shifted to the offensive. Moving quickly, he prepared to strike, but a black-red wall blocked his path.

Tahir had used **Blood Wall**, knowing that punch would have been a critical hit if taken head-on.

"You said you didn't have any abilities!" Bloody Saint shouted.

Tahir ignored him, increasing his speed once more. Moving to his opponent's side, he landed a punch on Bloody Saint's head, sending him crashing into the ground.

"I think playtime is over," Bloody Saint said as a thick aura began swirling around him.

Everything started to blur, and Tahir could barely see.

"My ability, **Astral Dominion**. Once I activate it, the true fight is over. There are certain stages a non-ability user simply can't get past."

Bloody Saint summoned a massive amount of aura, blocking Tahir's view.

**Astral Dominion** allows the user to summon and control vast amounts of ethereal aura, manifesting it in various forms for offense, defense, or utility. The aura appeared as a glowing, otherworldly energy that changed color based on the user's emotions and intent.

"This power… It feels like Qi, but it's not Qi. What is this?" The Devil thought, feeling his vampire nature stirring.

His eyes turned crimson as his fingers extended into claws.

[Host losing control]

[Large amount of energy detected]

[Danger!!]

The system spewed out warnings. The next thing Tahir saw was a green glowing sword slashing his head off. He didn't even have time to react or evade. Even if he had tried, it would have been futile, as he couldn't see anything until his head was severed from his body.

A large "Game Over" sign covered his VR screen as he and Bloody Saint were teleported back to the main hall.

"I told you, you're still too weak," Bloody Saint said with a grin.

"Yeah, you're on a whole different level, man," The Devil admitted.

"You don't feel bad or angry?" Bloody Saint asked.

"Why would I? I knew I was going to lose anyway. Think we could have a rematch?"

"I like you, kid, but a rematch? Nah, it'd be boring to fight you again," Bloody Saint said, turning to walk away.

"Wait, I'll throw in something else. If you win, I'll take off my mask and bow down to you," Tahir said with determination.

"You really think you can beat me? Alright, I accept—one month from now. If you lose, you fulfill your end of the bargain. If you win, I'll train you in martial arts and much more," Bloody Saint offered.

The whole world couldn't believe what had just happened. For some, this wasn't the first time seeing Bloody Saint's powers, but they still couldn't fully understand them.

****

The school would be closing in a week.

"They're asking how your plan is coming along."

"Tell them everything is fine. My plan will work," Cassy said.

"Okay," someone replied from the other side as the line went dead.