My Tribrid System.

Tahir sat down, anticipation quietly churning within him as he waited for his three masters to explain the mystery surrounding the father he'd barely known. Barta, the eldest of the three, was the first to speak, his voice steady and low.

"There's something you need to know about your father, Tahir," Barta began. "He was… remarkable. Not only was he powerful beyond measure, but he had a singular purpose—to protect Earth."

Gelda nodded, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "He wasn't just a fighter. He was a visionary. The technology you see around you? Most of it? That's his work. He created it to defend humanity from the threat of the aliens. When the first war broke out, he was at the front lines, leading and fighting to keep us safe."

Tahir felt a surge of pride mixed with a strange sadness. This was the man who had left him behind, yet his influence lingered in ways Tahir had never imagined.

Palm, the quietest of the three, leaned forward, meeting Tahir's gaze. "Your father's name was known by all. The same name you carry now. It inspired people and struck fear in his enemies. He was…" Palm paused, choosing his words carefully. "He was unforgettable."

Barta continued, his voice softening, "Before he left, he gave us a promise to keep. He said a day would come when we'd need to train his son. And here we are, just as he expected."

Reaching into his cloak, Barta pulled out a small iron box, marked with runes along its surface—an unmistakable match to the one the Shadow Fang leader had given Tahir. He handed it over, eyes intent on Tahir's reaction.

"Your father wanted you to have this," he said. "Whatever's inside, he believed it would help guide you."

Tahir took the box, running his fingers over the cool metal and etched symbols, feeling the weight of the legacy his father had left him—a legacy that was now his to uncover.

Tahir held the box, feeling the weight of its mystery before opening it. As he did, his Interface activated once more, flashing a message in front of him.

[System artifact found!]

[Commence opening?]

The choice appeared, "Yes" or "No," and without hesitation, Tahir muttered, "Yes."

The box clicked open, revealing a small, weathered scroll within. He picked it up, unrolling it carefully. But as his eyes scanned the text, he realized it was written in a language he couldn't decipher.

[Decode language?]

He selected "Yes," and the text shifted into words he could understand. A message appeared, simple yet carrying the weight of something immense.

"Hi, it's me again. You made it this far from that's great! I want to apologize in advance for what I'm about to do. I'm about to place a heavy burden on you, one I couldn't carry myself. The shadow ability.

It's not like other abilities; it has its own… entity. It'll live within your system construct, like Bruce and Shaw. You won't have the option to decline its absorption. Once you read this, the system will take it in. And yes, the paper will crumble as usual, just as I've planned. Remember, you can't tell anyone about the system itself, but you're free to speak about the ability.

I'm sorry, son."

As soon as Tahir finished reading, the scroll disintegrated, the ashes scattering in his hands. He exhaled, feeling the weight of his father's words settling over him. Looking up at his masters, he braced himself. "It seems… I've gained an ability, one that'll reawaken at any moment."

As he spoke, the Interface flashed again.

[New ability processing]

[Process successful]

[MC cells increasing and restructuring. Host will experience pain.]

Tahir sighed, bracing himself. "Not again," he muttered, but before he could prepare, a searing pain tore through him.

His veins felt like they were swelling, stretching under the pressure of the foreign energy. The agony crept up his spine, coiling into his chest and gripping his heart, every nerve ablaze with intensity. He fought the urge to scream, clenching his fists until the pain gradually began to ebb, leaving him breathless but alive.

The strain lifted, and Tahir remained, breathing heavily but resolute.

As the message faded, Tahir felt the dark entity pulse within his mind, as if sensing its newfound freedom. It flickered through his thoughts, chilling and ancient, a silent yet persistent presence, like a shadow with a heartbeat.

Barta's eyes narrowed as he watched Tahir closely. "So," he said slowly, "you've gained the Shadow Ability. That's no ordinary power, Tahir. It's an ability with a mind of its own, and one that can slip out of control if you're not careful."

Gelda nodded, her expression grave. "This power was sealed away long ago by the elders. They feared what it could become if left unchecked."

Palm continued, "Its potential is bound by a condition—a slow evolution. As it grows, so will its influence and strength. But understand, Tahir, the stronger it gets, the harder it will be to restrain. Many have feared this ability for what it can do, and it's better kept as your secret."

The three masters exchanged a serious look before Gelda added, "For now, it's best not to share this with others. Shadow has a reputation for causing concern and suspicion. If anyone knew, they might see you as a threat rather than an ally."

Tahir absorbed their words, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. This wasn't just a new ability it was a burden.

Tahir gave a respectful nod. "I understand, and thank you all. You've given me everything you know. I'll take it to heart."

Barta's gaze softened as he spoke. "It's time you return to the dojo, Tahir. The rest of your journey, your growth, will depend on your own steps."

Tahir smiled, a glint of determination in his eyes. "Before I go, I want you to know—I'm creating a faction of my own. I'd like to offer you a place in it."

Gelda exchanged a look with Barta and Palm before responding, her voice gentle. "We're honored, Tahir. But our paths lie elsewhere. The three of us still have duties that call us here."

Tahir's expression remained warm, hiding the hint of disappointment. "I understand. Just know that my faction will always be open to you, no matter what."

A moment of silence passed, and he took in each of their expressions—Barta's calm strength, Gelda's quiet resolve, and Palm's knowing gaze. These masters had given him knowledge, training, and now, a trust he intended to carry forward.

Before he activated his teleportation device, Tahir glanced back at the three masters, curiosity in his eyes. "I never got to ask what are your abilities?"

Barta chuckled, glancing up at the sky. "I can control the weather. Not just summon storms, but shift the very climate if needed."

Gelda gave a small nod. "My ability is an advanced form of earth manipulation. It allows me to shape and strengthen minerals, bend metals, even harden the ground beneath my feet for defense or offense."

Palm smirked, a hint of mischief flashing across her face. "Mine is illusion. I can alter perceptions, create convincing mirages… enough to make even the bravest question what's real."

Tahir took a moment to absorb this, respect filling his gaze. "Incredible. No wonder you three were chosen to train me."

With a final nod, he reached for his teleportation device. "Thank you, truly. I'll carry all you've taught me forward."

He activated the device, and as the familiar energy swirled around him, his last look was of his masters watching him, proud and silent, as he vanished from their sight.