My Tribrid System.

With the one-year mark just weeks away, Tahir stood back to take in the sight of the ship. Everything was ready. Painted, fortified, and fully equipped, his floating fortress was now officially christened the Devil's Dune, the name he'd chosen to represent the fierce resolve he intended for his faction.

Moving through the armory, Tahir inspected the shelves stacked with ability books and rows of beast crystals he had spent the year collecting. These supplies weren't just for him—they were for his allies, those he'd trust in his new faction. The ship itself had been adapted to run on beast crystals, transforming them into energy that fueled the engines, defense systems, and even lighting, making Devil's Dune a true beast-powered fortress.

The day had come to share his plans. He gathered the Shadow Fang members in the main hall, the air thick with curiosity. Facing them, Tahir took a breath and began.

"As many of you know, I'll be leaving again soon," he announced. "But this place is now under new rules. I've reinforced it with a high-level barrier, and the God's Eye drones will extend your vision beyond the usual boundaries. I want this base secure, for all of you."

The audience murmured, nodding in approval. But a tension grew when he continued.

"I'll be appointing Ivan as my assistant here. He'll help ensure everything's running smoothly, while the Shadow Fang leader keeps their current role."

A resident spoke up, frowning. "Why Ivan? He didn't go through the same brutal training as you or Silver. What makes him worthy?"

Tahir had expected the question. "I know Ivan's training wasn't like ours. And that training—well, it came with a cost. I was the only one to survive, aside from Silver. I won't ask anyone else to face that kind of risk. Ivan didn't just earn this. He's been my contact from the start, my eyes and ears in the organization. If there's anyone here who understands what's needed, it's him."

Tahir could see the crowd wanted more, so he went on.

"Silver had a vision for this place—a way for people to grow strong without the constant threat of danger. That dream gave her strength. I promised her I'd make it real, and I will. In honor of that promise, I'm carrying her sword in my new three-sword style. Silver and I shared the same vision for what this place could be, and I intend to see it through."

A cheer rose, loud and genuine. For a moment, Tahir felt that the crowd's energy reflected Silver's vision coming to life. He turned to his master and motioned for him to follow onto the balcony.

There, Tahir revealed one last project. A human-like figure stood by the railing—a prototype robot, identical to Tahir in appearance. Every detail mirrored him almost perfectly.

"This is something I've been working on for a while," Tahir said. "The Specter Unit. It's still a prototype, not quite complete."

His master's eyes widened, stunned by the likeness. "It's… almost human," he said softly.

"Almost. It's designed to mimic my movements and appearance for basic tasks. It's a personal project," Tahir clarified. "It's coming with me, just as an added layer of security."

His master gave a silent nod, observing the lifelike replica with amazement. Tahir handed him a small tablet, customized with a streamlined interface.

"This is for the dojo," he explained. "A way for you to reach me, wherever I am. The Specter Unit and the ship are linked to it, so you can call for support or advice if you need it."

The master accepted it, still quiet with surprise. Tahir could sense his appreciation, though words seemed unnecessary.

Tahir tightened the straps on his bag, casting a final look around his quarters. His preparations were complete; every essential item was packed, and each plan was in place. But before he could step forward, there was one last task—the forge awaited.

The blacksmith handed him each sword, nodding as Tahir inspected the blades. Every edge was sharpened, re-customized, and ready. His three swords felt balanced in his grip.

As he finished, a faint hum echoed through the hangar, signaling the arrival of his friends. Tahir stepped toward the teleportation pad at the ship's entrance, just as familiar faces began to materialize in the shimmering glow.

Jude and Kris appeared first, adjusting to the abrupt shift from the portal to the new environment. Their eyes widened as they took in the sight of the towering ship behind him, sleek and dark, with a faint aura of power in its construction. Kris's normally calm demeanor shifted to something close to shock, and Jude could only stare.

"Tahir… what is this...?" Jude managed, his voice almost a whisper.

"Welcome to Devil's Dune," Tahir replied with a grin, gesturing toward the ship that now stood as the stronghold for his new faction. He could see the awe in their eyes as they processed not only the ship itself but the scope of what he'd built.

A second hum filled the air, and as Tahir turned, Esha, Cassy, and Zahra arrived through the portal. Stepping forward, they each froze, eyes locked on the vessel looming in front of them. Zahra covered her mouth, unable to hide her amazement, while Cassy let out a soft whistle.

"Since when did you start building spaceships?" Esha asked, half-incredulous, half-amused.

Tahir chuckled. "It's a project that took a while, let's just say that."

As they approached, each of them couldn't help but glance at him, noticing the subtle but undeniable changes in his appearance sharper features, a glint in his eyes that hadn't been there before. His presence felt somehow… heightened, carrying a weight that went beyond mere training.

Kris finally broke the silence, his gaze lingering on Tahir. "You look... different," he said slowly, clearly picking up on the changes in his old friend.

Tahir shrugged, his expression unreadable. "Well, things happen over time," he said simply, letting the comment hang as they took in the rest of the scene.

Finally, the initial shock wore off, replaced by smiles and excitement as they adjusted to both the ship and Tahir's unexpected transformation.

"Alright then, Captain," Jude said with a grin, "are you ready to show us what Devil's Dune is really about?"

Tahir nodded, gesturing for them to follow. "Welcome aboard. This is where we make our own future, Besides I Can't wait To See How Strong You All Have Gotten"