My Tribrid System.

The news of Devil's Dune's victory spread like wildfire, with press outlets eagerly reporting on the details. "Devil's Dune Dominates: New Faction Rising," one headline boasted, drawing attention to the newly-formed group. The recognition from the press only solidified the faction's reputation, making it clear they were a force to be reckoned with.

As the team boarded their ship, ready to leave the battlefield behind, Rian glanced over his shoulder, still astonished by what he had witnessed. Unable to contain himself, he tapped into his communicator and called his masters back at the Two Fang headquarters.

"They're not like anything I expected," Rian confessed, shaking his head slightly as he relayed the report. "If we had fought them seriously, if Devil's Dune had gone all-out… we'd be in ruins right now. I can't believe the strength they possess."

On the other end, Rian's superiors listened in silence, their expressions turning grim as they took in the scope of Devil's Dune's power. The message was clear: the faction was rapidly becoming a formidable presence, one that demanded caution.

Meanwhile, back on the ship, Tahir spoke with his team. "John's heading over to the Faction Association now to finalize our registration. Once that's done, we'll be recognized officially," Tahir explained, his tone calm but focused.

The team acknowledged the importance of this next step. Registering with the association would mark Devil's Dune as a legitimate faction, helping them expand their influence.

****

At the Faction Association, John waited for his turn at the registration desk, his gaze moving over the other faction representatives nearby. Then he spotted Lucius, one of the world leaders, who had sent a faction after Devil's Dune. Lucius noticed him as well and approached.

"John," Lucius greeted, his tone edged with a hint of disappointment and sarcasm, "I offered you a place by my side once, and you turned it down. And for what? To play bodyguard to some upstart kid?"

John met Lucius's gaze evenly, unbothered by the remark. "Bodyguard?" he repeated, his voice steady. "That 'kid' is a lot stronger than you think, Lucius."

Lucius's smirk faded slightly, though he maintained his cool demeanor. "Is that so?" he replied, clearly intrigued but unconvinced. "Still, only the true leader of a faction can complete the registration process. So if your 'Devil's Dune' is truly worth the attention, summon your leader. Let's see if he's the force you claim him to be."

Without missing a beat, John calmly took out his communicator, sending a brief message to Tahir. The response came swiftly, confirming that Tahir was already on his way.

When Tahir entered the hall a short time later, he and his team came in. he walked over to where John and Lucius were waiting. He glanced briefly at Lucius before turning to the association official, ready to complete the registration.

Lucius's eyes narrowed, his interest piqued as he examined Tahir more closely. "So, you're the one leading this Devil's Dune faction," he mused aloud, his voice smooth but laced with skepticism. "John here speaks highly of you, even calls you stronger than I expected. I'm curious if you live up to that reputation."

Tahir met Lucius's gaze with steady resolve. "I appreciate John's confidence," he replied calmly. "But I'm not here for introductions. I'm here to complete Devil's Dune's registration, and I don't intend to waste any time on doubt."

Lucius's eyebrow lifted slightly, intrigued by Tahir's straightforwardness. "Very well," he replied, signaling to the association's official to proceed. As the registration process began, Lucius watched with a calculating expression, his eyes shifting between Tahir and John.

"Do you really think you're prepared for the challenges that come with leading a faction?" Lucius questioned, his tone half-curious, half-dismissive. "Many leaders have crumbled under the weight of responsibility and power, especially when they attract attention from… higher authorities."

Tahir didn't waver, meeting Lucius's gaze head-on. "I know what I'm signing up for," he responded firmly. "I'm not here to be intimidated or sidetracked by what others think I can or can't handle."

Lucius chuckled softly, as if amused by Tahir's boldness. "Interesting," he said. "Confidence and strength… But remember, ambition often attracts enemies. And from what I hear, you've already made quite a few."

Tahir gave a small nod. "Enemies or allies, it doesn't matter. Devil's Dune is here to make its mark."

Lucius tilted his head, a hint of respect flashing in his eyes. "Very well. I'll be watching with interest to see how your journey unfolds. But don't say I didn't warn you."

Tahir ignored while waiting for his turn to register his name.

"Where's your leader?" the registrar asked dismissively, his tone impatient. "I was told the Devil's Dune faction was here to register, not some kid."

Tahir held his ground, maintaining a calm expression as he replied, "I'm the leader of Devil's Dune."

The registrar blinked, clearly taken aback. His gaze shifted to John, as though looking for confirmation or maybe waiting for him to correct Tahir. When neither said anything else, he gave a short, skeptical laugh, leaning back slightly as if still deciding whether this was a joke.

"Your power level?" he asked, folding his arms. His tone implied that he doubted it was anything impressive.

Tahir didn't miss a beat. "I haven't checked recently," he said casually. "But before I left the academy, I was at level two."

The registrar's expression shifted, eyebrows raising as his skepticism deepened. "Two?" he repeated, his voice laced with disbelief. He glanced around as if looking for someone to confirm what he'd heard. A few nearby officials had also taken notice, glancing curiously at Tahir.

"Level two barely makes the cut for a private soldier, much less a faction leader," the registrar said. "With a level that low, you stand no chance. It's our duty here to ensure all faction leaders and their members meet certain standards." He straightened, his expression taking on a more officious look. "We'll need to re-test you and your team before issuing you any registration. We can't have underqualified individuals running factions. It's a liability."

John's jaw tightened, though he kept silent, his focus on Tahir, who seemed unruffled by the registrar's dismissal.

Tahir, noting the doubtful looks of the officials around him, folded his arms calmly. "We're capable enough for the registration," he said, his tone even but carrying a weight of quiet conviction. "My team and I just took down a faction sent to 'test' us, in fact. That should be proof enough of our qualifications."

The registrar seemed unfazed, however. "A single battle doesn't establish your capacity to lead a faction long-term," he replied, his tone curt. "A faction is a formal commitment, requiring power, skill, and the ability to maintain discipline and control. You're going to need more than just words."

Tahir met his gaze directly. "I'm aware of what it takes. That's why I'm here, and why my faction will only grow stronger."

The registrar still seemed unconvinced. He pulled up a list of the Association's standards on his tablet, glancing between it and Tahir. "There's no exception here, no matter who you've fought or won against. To complete your registration, we'll need you and your team to undergo our combat and skills testing."

There was a beat of silence before Tahir replied, "Then we'll take your test."