My Tribrid System.

The registrar led Tahir and his team into a room in the back of the hall. Dimly lit and mostly bare, the room contained a single large device, resembling a thick, reinforced punching bag hanging from a metal frame. The structure hummed softly, its sensors and gauges blinking in readiness. A digital display screen above it read: "Power Level Test."

"This is our assessment machine," the registrar announced, gesturing at the bag. "Each of you will take turns hitting it with full strength. The device will record the impact and calculate a power level based on the force applied. This ensures that all faction leaders and members meet our standards."

He glanced at Tahir and his team, his expression critical but focused. "Alright, who's first?"

Jude stepped forward, adjusting his stance as he eyed the machine. Without a word, he held his hand out, allowing a dense layer of earth to coat his knuckles and fingers. The stone encasement solidified, giving his hand the look of a rocky gauntlet.

With a powerful step forward, Jude twisted his hips and drove his fist into the bag with a dull thud, the force causing the machine to shudder. The display screen blinked, processing the reading, before showing his result: Power Level: 9.

The registrar nodded approvingly, though his expression remained stoic. "Solid hit," he remarked. "You pass the standard."

Jude took a step back, glancing at his teammates with a small nod, seemingly satisfied. He knew it was a respectable start.

"Next," the registrar called.

Zahra approached the machine, a glint of determination in her eyes. She held out her hand, allowing ice to crystallize along her fingers and up her wrist, forming a sleek, frozen sheath around her fist. Taking a controlled breath, she reared back and delivered a fierce punch, shards of ice flying upon impact.

The machine processed the impact, and the display screen flickered before showing: Power Level: 11.

A faint smile crossed Zahra's lips as she retracted her hand, the ice dissipating. The registrar raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Nice work. Keep it up."

Cassy stepped forward next, rolling her shoulders and shaking out her hands. Unlike the others, she didn't coat her fists with any particular element or power; she simply focused on her natural strength. Taking a stance, she punched with a clean, direct hit that sent a noticeable ripple through the machine.

The screen blinked: Power Level: 8.

Cassy gave a small nod of acceptance, stepping back without a word. The registrar didn't seem fazed; he recorded the result with a quick nod.

"Alright, Esha, your turn," he said, motioning for her to proceed.

Esha stepped up, a focused look crossing her face. Unlike the others, her abilities revolved around healing, but she had learned ways to temporarily enhance her own physical strength. Concentrating, she channeled her ability inward, giving her muscles a temporary boost.

With a steady inhale, she tightened her fist and struck the bag with all her might. The machine registered her hit, calculating before displaying: Power Level: 10.

Esha exhaled, the boost wearing off as she shook out her hand. Satisfied, she stepped back with a slight smile. "Well done," the registrar said, clearly acknowledging the challenge of using her particular power for this test.

Kris moved up next, his expression a mix of determination and excitement. He'd recently copied the strength ability of another fighter, but he also had access to its inverse a technique he'd been itching to try. Laying a hand on the bag, he subtly applied the inverse ability first, temporarily weakening the machine's internal structure. Then, with his own strength boosted, he punched forward, hitting the bag with an impact that made the machine sway on its frame.

The screen processed for a moment before displaying: Power Level: 12.

Kris smirked, stepping back and crossing his arms as if to say, "I told you so." The registrar's expression shifted from mild approval to a more serious respect, clearly surprised by Kris's strength.

Finally, it was Tahir's turn. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to him, anticipation thick in the air. He stepped up to the machine, rolling his shoulders, and took a moment to focus, tapping into his Kengen technique.

A familiar, potent energy surged through him as he channeled every ounce of strength into his arm, letting his Qi flow freely. This time, he pushed even further, layering in his innate vampire strength. His aura flared faintly around him, an intense, almost primal energy seeping into the room.

With a calm but resolute gaze fixed on the bag, Tahir drew his arm back and released a punch with everything he had. The impact was immediate and violent. The machine shuddered, a sharp crack resounding through the room as the frame bent, and the screen above flickered wildly. Sparks flew from the device as it struggled to process the immense force, finally going dark before any result could be displayed.

The registrar's jaw dropped, his eyes darting between Tahir and the ruined machine. Around him, murmurs spread through the room as others noticed the damage, stunned at the display of raw power. Even John and Lucius, who had been quietly observing, couldn't hide their expressions of surprise.

Tahir turned around, giving a casual shrug, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Maybe I did a bit too much," he said, his tone almost playful.

For a moment, the registrar was speechless, his clipboard forgotten in his hands. Then, just as he began to regain his composure, Lucius took a step closer, studying Tahir with an intense look. His eyes narrowed, as if trying to place a familiar sensation.

"Have I seen you before?" Lucius asked, his voice curious but tinged with something deeper, as though sensing an echo of Tahir's power somewhere in his past.

Tahir met Lucius's gaze steadily, his calm demeanor never faltering. "Maybe," he replied, his tone dismissive as he turned back to join his team, ready to leave. "But I wouldn't dwell on it."

With that, he walked off, his team falling into step beside him. John, Kris, Jude, Cassy, Esha, and Zahra followed him out, the tension in the air gradually fading as they left the stunned registrar and onlookers behind.

As they moved down the hallway, Kris chuckled under his breath, still impressed by Tahir's display. "Well, you sure left an impression," he muttered.

Tahir shrugged. "They needed a demonstration of why we're here. Consider it done."

John, who had been quietly watching from the sidelines, gave a nod of respect. He could sense that Tahir's punch had been more than just a show of strength it was a statement.