My Tribrid System.

After melting the iron to the right consistency, Tahir began the intricate process of fusing the beast crystal with the metal. This wasn't like his past work at the dojo; it required a precision and mastery far beyond anything he'd attempted before. The beast crystal held immense power, and if he wasn't careful, the entire forge could explode from the volatile energy. But Tahir was no novice.

With steady hands, he carefully ground the crystal, mixing its fine particles with the molten metal. Sparks flew, and a faint hum of energy filled the room as the two materials merged, forming a powerful alloy.

It took him two days to complete the work. Each hour was spent meticulously crafting the armor and creating a special piece of equipment he'd been meaning to replicate for a long time. The mask. He had used it during the military tournament, a reminder of the battles and the control it gave him during that intense fight.

The mask shimmered with the same dark, otherworldly energy as the armor, made from the same fusion of beast crystal and metal. It wasn't just a replica; it was an enhanced version. Subtle channels within the mask would allow him to filter energy, providing greater sensory awareness during combat. Tahir held the mask up, the smooth surface reflecting his own image back at him.

'Perfect,' he thought, turning it over in his hands. It was the final piece, the one that tied everything together. With a flick of his wrist, he stored the armor in his inventory, ready for future use.

As he left the forge, the murmur of voices followed him. People were still talking about his stamina, the way he had worked tirelessly for days without faltering. But Tahir was used to it. He smiled quietly to himself. 'Maybe it's because I'm a vampire,' he thought again. 'I can stay like this for as long as I need to.'

---

The news of the academy closing for the holiday spread like wildfire. Tahir met up with his friends in the courtyard, where they were already preparing for the upcoming break.

Kris was on the phone, his voice calm as he spoke with someone back home. Tahir caught bits of the conversation. It sounded like Kris was making arrangements for his return. There was a certain tension in his tone, though Kris kept his face neutral. Tahir wondered if everything was alright.

Jude approached him with a slightly hesitant look. "Hey, Tahir," he began, scratching the back of his head. "So, uh… my family's out on a beast expedition, and they won't be back for a while. Do you mind if I come with you during the break? Just until they return?"

Tahir smiled. "Of course, Jude. You're welcome to join me."

Jude visibly relaxed, nodding in appreciation. "Thanks, man. I wasn't sure what I was going to do otherwise."

Not far from them, Zahra was also on the phone, speaking to someone in her family. Her voice was soft but filled with warmth, and it was clear she was looking forward to the break, eager to reconnect with her loved ones. Tahir could see her smile, though he sensed there was always a layer of seriousness behind her expression. She was always thinking, always calculating her next steps.

As the group gathered and shared their plans for the holidays, Tahir gave his friends wrist tags, the same ones he had made for them earlier. Each friend took theirs with quiet appreciation, nodding thanks as they prepared for the journey ahead.

---

The day of departure had come, and the academy grounds buzzed with activity as students gathered their things and prepared to board the military airship. The vessel hovered above the academy, its dark metal gleaming in the sun as military personnel organized the students into groups, ensuring everything was in order.

However, Tahir found himself alone when he disembarked. The airship had dropped him off in front of his own house, not with the others. He glanced around, but there was no sign of his friends. Kris, Jude, Zahra—all of them were in different locations, each dropped off at their respective homes, just as he had been. He stood alone for a moment, taking in the sight of his house.

It was strange. The familiar surroundings felt foreign, and Tahir couldn't help but wonder if it was the calm before something big. He stepped inside his house, his footsteps echoing in the silence. Everything was exactly as he had left it. His bed, the familiar air, the untouched objects on his desk—it was as though time had paused for him. It was almost surreal.

He stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do next. Everything seemed still, like a quiet breath before the storm. Finally, he moved toward his bedroom. As he opened the door, he saw something on his bed: the teleportation device. He had left it there, but now it seemed like the only way forward.

Taking a deep breath, he reached out and activated the device. The familiar sensation of being pulled through space wrapped around him, and soon enough, he found himself in front of the dojo, the next chapter of his journey beginning.

Tahir stepped out from the teleportation device and found himself standing before the dojo. It was much different from the last time he had seen it. The wooden structure, which had once felt solid and familiar, now looked older, its weathered beams slightly worn, as though it had weathered countless storms.

The once pristine courtyard was overgrown, and the area around the dojo seemed more alive—almost like the very ground had become infused with something ancient and powerful.

Before he could gather his thoughts, a growl rumbled through the air. Tahir's senses sharpened, and in the distance, he saw a massive silhouette moving toward him from the shadows of the dojo. The creature was enormous—its fur bristling with primal energy, its eyes glowing with a dangerous red hue.

It was a beast, one that had taken up residence here, guarding the dojo or perhaps challenging anyone who dared to enter.

The beast's presence sent a wave of tension through the air. It was clearly not interested in talking—it wanted to fight. As it charged toward him, its body moving like a predator stalking its prey, Tahir braced himself, his hand instinctively reaching for his mask. He could feel the energy in the air, crackling with hostility.

Tahir stood firm as the beast charged, its massive form crashing toward him. He didn't reach for any equipment. There was no need for his armor or mask. This was a fight, plain and simple.

The beast swung its claws, aiming to tear through Tahir, but he dodged with ease, the power of his movements evident in each step. The creature was relentless, each strike more furious than the last, but Tahir was fast, weaving between its blows with a calm determination. He waited for the right moment, watching every movement of the beast, feeling the air shift with each powerful swing.

The dojo had become a battlefield, and this beast was a force to be reckoned with. Tahir's focus remained unshaken as he closed in on the creature, waiting for the opportunity to strike. With a sharp movement, he lunged forward, narrowly dodging another swipe, and delivered a series of quick, powerful blows to the beast's side.

The creature recoiled, howling in pain, but quickly regained its stance, its eyes locking onto Tahir once more.

---

At home, Esha stepped through the door, her father's sharp voice immediately cutting through the air.

"Esha! Back so soon, and still as weak as ever, I see." His words were always the same, heavy with disappointment. "Your brothers are out there getting stronger, while you… what have you been doing?"

Her brothers, lounging nearby, snickered at her return. It was the same routine: they never missed an opportunity to belittle her.

"Maybe if we go to the military academy, we'll be stronger than this," one of them said with a mocking smile.

The others laughed, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, Esha, maybe you should think about actually doing something for once."

Esha clenched her fists, holding back her anger. She knew their words were meant to sting, but she wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing it. She turned away, not bothering to respond. She didn't need to justify herself to them. One day, she would show them all.

---

Back at the dojo, the fight continued. Tahir moved fluidly, dodging the beast's attacks and countering with strikes of his own. The creature was powerful, but it was no match for his precision and speed. He dodged its powerful blows, each time growing closer to the beast's center of mass. Finally, he found his opening.

With a swift motion, Tahir moved in, landing a powerful strike to the beast's side, sending it stumbling back.

At that moment, Jude appeared at the edge of the clearing, eyes wide as he watched the battle unfold. "Tahir! I'm here!" he shouted, rushing forward, eager to help.

Tahir glanced over his shoulder. "No, Jude," he said firmly. "I've got this one. The dojo probably wants me to prove my worth. And I'm going to do just that."

Jude hesitated, but after a brief moment, he nodded, stepping back to watch. He trusted Tahir's judgment.

With renewed focus, Tahir turned back to the beast. The fight wasn't over, and he wasn't done yet.!