My Tribrid System: More than a Monster-Chapter 109 - 107

Chapter 107

As usual, the day proceeded with the standard physical training, which consisted of running grueling laps around the entire Corps building while holographic spikes shot out at the Aspirants from concealed projectors.

For the past month and a half that they had been stationed here, the physical routine had never truly changed; instead, it had steadily risen in intensity.

If the instructor had previously demanded four laps, the requirement was now eight.

And yet, visible progress could be noted among many of the Aspirants.

There was more stamina, a noticeable sharpening of their senses, and a collective ability to persevere through exhaustion.

Even the weaker individuals were still pushing their limits to keep up with the pack.

Earlier in the term, Ray was consistently at the very back during these sessions, but now, he stood solidly behind Kai and a particularly mysterious boy he hadn’t paid much attention to for a while.

As for Trish, he was rapidly gaining on her position, though she never so much as batted an eyelash at his sudden improvement.

After the usual morning drills, it was time for breakfast—following the mandatory period for the Aspirants to freshen up, of course.

Van and Ray could be seen quietly consuming their meal with focused eyes when the sound of approaching footsteps interrupted their peace.

Glancing up, they saw Kai standing before their table, tray in hand.

"Kai? What are you doing here?"

The blonde-haired boy just scratched his cheek awkwardly, looking a bit sheepish.

"I got bored of staying with those high-graders. They are no fun at all, and I honestly miss sitting with my actual friends."

"Bu-But what if the high-graders take offense?" Van asked, his voice hushed as he anxiously began scanning the cafeteria for any signs of trouble.

Clack. Clack. Clack.

Thump—!

Kai set his tray firmly on the table and proceeded to sit down in the midst of the two with newfound confidence.

"Let them. I’m sick and tired of people thinking they can just control my every move."

As he spoke, he could be seen visibly grinding his teeth back and forth.

Ray didn’t say much in response, simply continuing to eat his food, unperturbed by the occasional judgmental glance or the disappointed shakes of the head from others staring their way.

Luckily, breakfast went by smoothly, and the homeroom class was next on the schedule.

Settling into their seats, Ray was about to zone out as he usually did the moment Sony walked in.

But before he had the chance to disconnect, the instructor turned toward the screen that doubled as a board and wrote two distinct words with a digital pen.

The strange action caught Ray’s interest, and he watched as Sony took a step away, letting the words remain on full display for the entire room.

"Beast Weapons," the class read aloud in a scattered chorus.

"That’s right." Sony nodded with a brief smile as he stood on the podium, gazing out at the students.

"... Today, we will finally be learning about the mechanics and history of beast weapons."

***

The class remained silent for a moment, the students casting glances of confusion at one another.

Noticing the lack of immediate comprehension, Sony cleared his throat to regain their attention.

"Can anyone tell me what a beast weapon actually is?"

A student in the middle row raised their hand tentatively.

"I have heard of the term before. Isn’t a beast weapon a type of armament made directly from the remains of beasts?"

"Not quite, but you’re on the right track," Sony shrugged, clearing his throat once more.

"Before we begin, I know that most of you might feel disinterested by this topic, but I absolutely need to discuss it.

Forget for a moment that the majority of the world is now comprised of meta-humans.

Even metas have their biological limits, and when they hit that wall, what happens next? How will you deal with your foes when your MF runs out entirely?"

"...."

The class cast confused glances at one another, unsure whether the question was a rhetorical one or if Sony was genuinely seeking an answer.

Nevertheless, the instructor continued without waiting for the silence to break.

"... See, beast weapons are armaments meticulously crafted from a beast core. In this world of ours, beast cores have various interesting applications. Who can give me some prominent examples?"

— Powering our technology and city grids!

"Correct!" Sony pointed at the student who spoke.

— Absorbing them to increase a meta-human’s total MF pool.

"Nice. That is precisely why we say beast cores are essential to the survival and advancement of our society.

And one of the most vital usages is forging a weapon from one. A weapon birthed from a beast core will be every bit as formidable as the beast was before its demise."

— But why should meta-humans lower themselves to use primitive weapons? It feels demeaning, if you ask me.

"Of course it would feel that way to some," Sony replied, pacing the podium. "Metas pride themselves on their innate abilities, which is why I posed the question earlier: if your MF runs out in the heat of battle, what happens next?"

"...."

"See? No answer. I will have you know that these beast weapons do not exist to overshadow your abilities.

In fact, many high-level meta-humans use them to specifically enhance their powers or complement their unique combat styles."

An Aspirant raised their hand, and Sony nodded in their direction.

— I’m sorry, but I have to dispute that claim.

No meta-human in recent history has been able to use a beast weapon to truly complement their abilities and make a legendary name for themselves. There is a reason the Big Four Legacies do not bother with them.

— Exactly. Who has ever used a weapon and reached the pinnacle of fame?

"Captain Raze," Sony answered the question calmly, a small, knowing smile crossing his face. "Otherwise known as the ’Spine Reaper.’"

’That’s right. I spotted a sword strapped to his waist that day,’ Ray thought, his mind flashing back to the intimidating presence of the Captain on their first day.

— No way! The Spine Reaper actually uses a weapon?

— I thought his legend was built solely on his Military Earth ability.

"He does possess that ability," Sony clarified.

"But as I said, the weapon complements his power. It doesn’t overshadow his earth manipulation, but instead helps to increase the efficiency and lethality of his usage."

Upon hearing this, every student in the room was now paying rapt attention, the previous skepticism replaced by genuine intrigue.

"As I mentioned, these weapons are forged from beast cores. And unfortunately, beasts below the Advanced Rank do not drop a core. Therefore, in order to commission or gain a weapon, you need an Advanced Rank core or higher."

Ray finally raised his hand as a point of confusion nagged at him.

"How does this help in defeating the Aberrants exactly? Aren’t they different from beasts?"

"It helps immensely. Some powerful legendary weapons have the capacity to take down even a high-tier Aberrant.

Remember, the weapon’s power is a reflection of the beast it came from. Think of this scenario," Sony paused for effect, his gaze sweeping the room.

".... Imagine an ice ability meta-human dies—a Grade 8 ability user. Let’s pretend humans drop cores the same way beasts do. How strong do you think a weapon forged from the core of a Grade 8 meta would be?"

Grade 8 meta-humans represented the current highest ceiling most could ever hope to achieve.

Only a handful of individuals had ever broken through that ceiling, surpassing any limit known to man.

Most of those individuals were the heads of the Big Four Legacy families.

The implication was clear: a weapon of that caliber would be world-shaking.

"So you see, weapons do help meta-humans. I am not forcing anyone here to go out and find one, but if you do choose that path, get something that complements your fighting style and your specific abilities—if you have been lucky enough to awaken them."

Sony paused for a few moments, then added a final note:

"Also, it helps some non-metas find a standing on the battlefield as well."

Ring—! Ring—! Ring—!

The bell chimed loudly, signaling the end of the session.