My Tribrid System.

As the sparring session wrapped up, the six friends sat down, catching their breath in the ship's training room. Tahir looked around, noting the determined expressions on their faces. They had become more than just friends they were a team with a shared purpose.

Tahir cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Since we're getting closer to our mission, I think it's time we talk about the faction. If we're going to do this right, each of us should have a role."

The others nodded in agreement, leaning forward with anticipation.

"Zahra, I'd like you to be the advisor," Tahir said, meeting her gaze. "You're always calm and level-headed, and your experience could keep us on the right track. We'll need someone who sees things from a different angle."

Zahra's expression softened, a hint of pride flashing in her eyes. "I'll do my best," she replied, a rare smile tugging at her lips.

Tahir then turned to Kris. "Kris, you've got the mind for strategy. We'll need a strategist who can keep us one step ahead. The kind of planning you did back at the academy shows you're perfect for it."

Kris gave a nod, his usually light-hearted demeanor replaced with a more serious one. "I'll handle it," he said, his voice steady.

"Esha," Tahir continued, glancing at her. "You're going to be our doctor. You've got a talent for defense and support, and we'll need someone who can patch us up if things go south."

Esha grinned, punching Tahir lightly on the arm. "You got it, boss," she joked, though her eyes held a glimmer of determination.

"And as for us," Tahir said, motioning between himself, Jude, and Cassy, "we'll be the soldiers. Together, we'll take on the bulk of the fighting. We all bring something different to the table strength, skill, experience. And with our combined abilities, we'll have each other's backs."

They exchanged looks, a sense of unity building among them as the reality of their faction began to settle in.

Just then, the ship's intercom crackled to life, and a voice announced, "We're approaching our destination. Prepare for landing."

The group rose to their feet, the intensity of the moment setting in. As the ship descended, they looked out the window to see a vast, barren landscape below, littered with the bodies of beasts. Some were massive, others smaller, but all lay motionless, a testament to the power that had brought them down.

In the center of the clearing stood John, his figure barely moving amidst the sea of defeated creatures. His posture was calm, his gaze focused, as if he had been waiting for them.

The ship touched down, and as the doors opened, they stepped out, feeling the weight of the scene before them.

Tahir took a deep breath, looking over at John. "Looks like you've been busy."

John turned, a faint smile on his face. "I thought I'd get things ready for your arrival," he said, gesturing to the expanse around them. "Welcome to your first real test."

The group exchanged glances, steeling themselves for what lay ahead. They were ready.

As the group surveyed the battlefield, Tahir turned to John, eyeing the fallen beasts scattered across the land. "Are the beast crystals still intact?"

John gave a faint smile, crossing his arms. "I couldn't take all the fun."

Tahir nodded, then looked to Jude. "Think you can help gather them?"

Jude grinned, summoning his golems. "On it."

The golems moved efficiently across the field, gathering the crystals one by one. Zahra, Esha, and Cassy watched, offering a few tips and coordinating with Jude to make sure no crystal was missed.

Meanwhile, Tahir signaled for John to step aside, and the two walked a short distance from the group. For a moment, they walked quietly, the silence between them settling comfortably.

"John," Tahir began, glancing back at their team. "How do you feel about all this? About where we're heading as a faction?"

John gave a thoughtful nod, his gaze steady. "It's different, but… it feels like we're moving in the right direction." He looked over at Tahir, a bit of determination in his eyes. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't think this was worth it."

Tahir gave a slight smile, understanding the simplicity in John's words. "Good. I just wanted to make sure."

As they walked back to rejoin the group, Jude and the others were nearly finished with the crystals, each one gleaming faintly.

After the crystal were all gathered everyone gathered near the ship, Tahir pulled out a set of compact devices, setting them carefully into the ground around the area. His friends exchanged curious glances, watching him work.

Kris raised an eyebrow. "What exactly are you setting up here?"

"It's a barrier," Tahir replied, positioning another device into place. "Think of it as a defense system. I used this back at the dojo to create a safe zone. It's based on technology, not any ability."

Zahra nodded slowly, watching him work. "So, this will protect the area?"

"Exactly. It won't be a full-time base," Tahir explained, focusing as he activated the devices one by one, "but this is where we'll regroup and prepare. And eventually, when people want to join the faction, we'll bring them here first."

Esha looked around, starting to picture the potential of this spot. "So, we train here and grow here, and when others join, they'll start here too."

Tahir smiled a little, satisfied as the devices lit up with a soft glow, signaling that the barrier was active. "Yes. This will be where we come back to recharge, and, if others earn it, it'll become a place for them as well."

With the barrier in place, the area felt more secure, and he turned to face his friends. "It's small now, but this is where we'll start building something that matters."

Once the barrier was up and humming with a subtle energy, Tahir gathered everyone around. With a flick of his wrist, a holographic map sprang up from his wrist tag, hovering in mid-air. The map displayed a detailed layout of nearby territories, dotted with various markers and coordinates. His friends leaned in, studying the layout as Tahir began explaining.

"These," he said, pointing to a cluster of shaded areas on the map, "are where the weaker factions are located. Most of them are small and barely holding on, either due to lack of resources or alliances."

He zoomed out slightly to reveal the bigger picture, highlighting several regions with stronger factions. "These larger factions control a good portion of the territory, leaving those weaker groups isolated. This division makes it difficult for anyone to grow or protect themselves."

Kris folded his arms, nodding thoughtfully. "So, they're scattered and easy targets for anyone who decides to take over."

"Exactly," Tahir replied. He then pointed to a specific location marked with a glowing dot. "This is our next stop—a faction that hasn't aligned with anyone yet. They might be open to a partnership."

Zahra, observing the map closely, asked, "And if they aren't?"

Tahir gave a slight shrug. "Then we move on. Our goal is to gather allies, not to force anyone's hand. But if we can secure even a few strategic partnerships, it'll create a foundation for growth."

Jude tilted his head thoughtfully. "So, this place we just set up—it's like our first foothold. If we can bring others here, they'll have somewhere safe to regroup, right?"

Tahir nodded. "Exactly. This is where we can start building the support they need. And over time, once we gain trust, we can provide housing and a solid foundation for those who want to join."

Esha studied the map as Tahir marked their next destination. "It makes sense. We aren't just another faction—they'll know we're offering them a chance to stand together."

Tahir deactivated the map, looking around at the group. "If we approach them the right way, we can make this work. And from here on out, we do this together."

His friends nodded, the purpose and potential of this mission settling in for each of them. With their new destination in mind, they prepared to set out, ready to start building the alliances that would shape the future of their faction.