My Tribrid System.

Back at the vampire settlement,two vampire knights stood side by side, preparing for their mission. They wore dark cloaks lined with silver, and their expressions were serious, eyes narrowed as they spoke in murmurs.

"Do you think the bearer of the tenth seat is really that strong?" one of them, named Viktor, asked, keeping his voice low. He was broad-shouldered, with crimson eyes that hinted at countless battles.

The other knight, a lean figure known as Alaric, chuckled dryly. "If they weren't strong, the council wouldn't be so interested, would they? Anyone chosen as a successor to the tenth seat has to have power worth fearing."

Viktor looked thoughtful, tracing a finger along the hilt of his sword. "But what if it's a baby? I mean, the bearer could be any age, right? Could be as simple as an infant... then what?"

Alaric smirked. "If it's a child, that'd certainly make our job easier. But don't get your hopes up. The King wouldn't be dispatching us if this were an ordinary retrieval. The tenth seat is no small title."

Viktor nodded, understanding the weight of their assignment. "True. And yet, I can't help but wonder. What if the bearer's abilities have already awakened? We could be walking straight into a fight."

Alaric's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Then it would be a fight worth having. There's honor in facing a worthy opponent. Besides, it's been a while since anyone has truly tested our strength."

Their conversation was interrupted by a messenger entering the hall, his footsteps echoing against the stone floor. "The leaders are ready to see you both."

The two knights nodded, exchanging a silent look of understanding, before following the messenger down a series of winding corridors. As they entered the council chamber, they saw the vampire leaders assembled, their gazes stern and powerful, each carrying the weight of centuries. At the center was the King, seated on an elevated throne that commanded the entire room.

The King gestured for them to step forward, his piercing gaze settling on Viktor and Alaric. "The two of you have been chosen for this mission because you are the most capable knights in our ranks. The bearer of the tenth seat holds power that is crucial to our strength. Failure is not an option."

Alaric lowered his head respectfully. "Understood, my King. We will bring him back."

The King leaned forward, his gaze unyielding. "Retrieve him by any means necessary. Do not underestimate him, no matter his age. The tenth seat's power may already be active, and if so, you'll be dealing with a force beyond the usual. If he resists, eliminate anyone who stands in your way."

Viktor and Alaric shared a look. It was rare for the council to permit such force, which only emphasized the gravity of their mission.

The King's voice softened slightly, though the command in it remained. "We must secure the bearer of the tenth seat to maintain balance. I expect swift results."

Both knights bowed deeply. "Yes, my King."

With their orders clear, they turned and left the council chamber with the king and his knights. Once outside, Viktor took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility settle over him.

"Guess this won't be just any retrieval mission," he murmured while walking along with Alaric.

Alaric grinned, his fangs glinting slightly in the dim light. "No. But that's what makes it interesting. Let's not keep them waiting."

The two moved swiftly, gathering their weapons and supplies. Each knight carried their own distinct set of tools Viktor favored heavy weaponry, while Alaric specialized in lighter, swifter blades. Their armor gleamed faintly as they stepped into a locked room with different teleporter in it, the king pointed towards one.

With a final nod from the King, the two knights stepped into the portal. The air shifted, and in an instant, they emerged in a bustling city, the vibrant life around them a stark contrast to the vampire settlement's ancient halls.

The city streets were loud and bright, filled with the hum of passing people. Viktor and Alaric moved through the crowd with practiced ease, blending in as they scanned the area, their senses heightened as they tracked the faint scent of a vampire, a signature that marked a fellow vampire's presence.

Tahir stepped out of the faction association building with his team close behind. They'd just completed the registration, officially establishing Devil's Dune as a recognized faction. Tahir felt a sense of accomplishment, mixed with the quiet anticipation of what lay ahead.

As he walked toward the waiting transport, he picked up a faint, unfamiliar scent in the air—subtle yet oddly familiar. It caught his attention, stirring something instinctual within him. Tahir paused, glancing around, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

Zahra noticed his hesitation. "Everything alright?"

"Yeah, just... thought I noticed something," Tahir replied, shrugging it off. He turned back toward the transport.

Rian was already seated in the driver's seat, looking back expectantly as the team climbed in. Once everyone was settled, Rian raised an eyebrow. "Ready?"

Tahir nodded. "Let's head to Lucius' place."

With a nod, Rian started the vehicle, and they eased into the city traffic. Tahir leaned back, dismissing the brief moment of unease.

"So, Tahir, any thoughts on how we're going to handle things when people start applying to join Devil's Dune?" John asked

Tahir gave a slight nod. "I've been thinking about it, yeah," he replied, glancing at John. "We'll need a base that can handle more people than just us. Somewhere secure but big enough to grow if we bring in new members."

John seemed intrigued. "And where do you plan on setting this up? We'll need something more than just a simple building."

Tahir leaned back, considering. "Yeah, we'll use our land base for now. It's already set up, and we can adapt it as we go." We don't need anything flashy, just somewhere functional, with room for training, living quarters, and everything else. Eventually, I'd like it to be a place people feel they can rely on."

Zahra glanced over. "Sounds like you've got a solid idea forming," she said with a small smile.

"Just a start," Tahir replied, his gaze shifting to the cityscape outside the window. "But I'm open to suggestions. Building a faction means we're all in this together, so I'll need everyone's input."

Kris chuckled. "As long as it has space for some serious training facilities, I'm good."

"Noted," Tahir replied with a smirk. As the ride fell to silence again. Tahir thinking about the scent he perceived.