Code Nexus

Cassian stood alone in the room. He had chosen this secure location carefully, far from the prying eyes of AU. His mind was sharper than ever, but tonight, something deeper was brewing beneath his calm exterior.

In his hands rested a D-Rank Band, a porcelain-like bracelet adorned with swirling patterns etched into its surface.

To many, this Band is a significant artifact, a relic that transformed Zephorya a century ago. But for Cassian, it represented an essential tool in his quest to dismantle the world's oppressive systems—the first step in a much larger plan.

For a moment he hesitated. The weight of his decision pressed heavily upon him; he felt his shoulder physically going down. The Bands were not without risks; many who donned them succumbed to madness, their minds shattered by overwhelming power they could not control. 

Yet he never doubted his ability to master whatever force lay within. He was not like the others; he was born to transcend and honed to perfection.

His eyes remained calm as he slipped the Band onto his wrist. The instant it touched his skin, a surge of warmth flowed through his body—subtle yet undeniable.

He inhaled; the Band's presence felt intimate, as if melding with his very being. His fingers twitched involuntarily, and for a fleeting moment, he wondered what power lay dormant within this simple bracelet.

He saw the color of the Band and since it was gold, that means it was a D- Rank Band, the lowest in the power ranking given by the government.

As moments passed, he noticed it—the shift. He became so quiet that he almost looked like he wasn't breathing; his muscles relaxed, and his heartbeat fell to abnormal levels.

More than that, his mind became sharper, more aware of every detail in the room. He could hear the electricity coursing through the walls, sense the minuscule changes in air pressure around him, and grasp the significance of things far beyond his previous comprehension.

It took only a few more moments for a profound realization to dawn upon him: adaptability. His mind pounded hard with this realization as he clenched and unclenched his fist.

"So, this is the power of a D-Rank Band…" he said aloud. 

He stepped forward, adjusting to the uneven surface beneath his feet. His posture subtly shifted as his muscles calculated the most efficient way to move.

It was as if the Band fed him information, processing every element of his surroundings and optimizing his responses. He felt lighter, more in control, as if his very physiology were rewriting itself in real-time to adapt to the environment.

"This is perfect," he said as he looked around, like testing out his characters as if he were in a game.

While his expression conveyed satisfaction without a smile, it wasn't one of contentment.

Above all, he understood that a D-Rank Band was the lowest rank imaginable. It symbolized a basic level of strength and capability. While the weakest rank in the hierarchy, its value lay in its accessibility and versatility.

Individuals who wore one were often seen as entry-level practitioners with only a basic understanding of their abilities, and their limited strength often led to them being treated like cattle.

But of course, like anything, if it was used wisely, it could be a weapon that could help. That's exactly what he needed—a helpful ability that was seen as non-threatening. And in Cassian's hands, it would be the ultimate weapon.

Next came the C-Rank Bands, represented by the vibrant green of emeralds, embodying a moderate level of strength and skill.

This Band allowed the wearer a deeper connection to their abilities compared to their D-Rank counterparts.

C-Rank Bandits were viewed as more refined, displaying versatility in their powers while also allowing room for growth. The emerald hue not only signified balance but also reflected a commitment to improvement; earning C-Rank Bandits means you gain respect among their peers.

Following that were B-Rank Bands, featuring a striking sapphire color that signified strong resilience. Individuals wearing this powerful Band garnered respect for their prowess and determination, wielding abilities that could significantly influence their surroundings.

B-Rank Bandits possessed a higher degree of control over their powers, allowing them to execute impressive strategies in battle while effectively supporting their allies. Their strength was complemented by a sense of loyalty, making them reliable companions.

Next, at a higher rank, came the A-Rank Bands, their color reminiscent of rubies. They were known for remarkable power, embodying individuals who had perfected a significant level of skill and technique.

A-Rank Bandits were seen as leaders, inspiring others to reach greater heights. Their determination and willpower rendered them formidable opponents in any setting, as they were among the most dangerous types of Bandits.

Most A-Rank holders distinguished themselves through their capability to undertake challenging missions that would otherwise require an army to complete.

While the A-Rank Band was indeed menacing, there stood an even stronger Band, the strongest known to the people of Zephorya—the S-Rank Band.

Adorned in shiny platinum, the S-Rank Band represents the highest known rank of strength and ability. Individuals in this elite category are recognized for their extraordinary skills and the unparalleled perfection of their powers.

S-Rank holders surpass the limitations of previous ranks and showcase leadership, excelling in both combat and strategy. Their proficiency not only sets them apart but positions them as role models for those aspiring to ascend in the world.

But a downside was that their greed was the biggest reason for their downfall.

If a D-Rank Band made Cassian feel this much stronger, he could only imagine the powers bestowed by the higher-ranked Bands.

As he walked through the room, he made himself aware of the smallest details often overlooked: the faint cracks in the stone walls, the moisture in the air, even the slight vibrations traveling through the floor with each step.

His body adjusted to temperature fluctuations, ensuring comfort, and his heightened senses allowed him to track even the subtlest movements in the room.

It would take time to get used to his new senses, but learning new things was always welcome.

Cassian had always been regarded for his intelligence and his ability to manipulate situations and people to his advantage.

But this—this was something entirely different. The Band's power wasn't merely enhancing his perception of the world; it allowed him to understand its deeper layers. His body, mind, and very essence were evolving, becoming more attentive to the environment.

He paused by a window, gazing out into the night; even the moon seemed brighter, hitting the city with its silver rays. The city of Ekoris sprawled before him, its towering buildings illuminated by streetlights. The headquarters of AU dominated the skyline in the distance, a monument to control—the authority his father wielded with an iron grip.

Cassian clenched his fist, feeling the Band tighten around his wrist in response. In a low voice, he said, "This Band is useful... but it's not enough. Not yet."

The adaptability granted by the D-Rank Band was potent—the key to surviving and outthinking any opponent.

Yet Cassian had never been content with mere survival. His ambitions stretched far beyond that. He needed control—over himself, over others, over the very fabric of reality if necessary. 

The power within the Band stirred something profoundly ambitious within him. The adaptability was impressive, but his mind raced with thoughts of what a higher-ranked Band might offer.

What other powers could he unlock? How far could he push the boundaries of his adaptability? Could he eventually evolve to transcend the need for the Band itself?

His thoughts darkened, becoming obsessive. He envisioned himself standing atop the ruins of AU, the world bending to his will, the people kneeling as he ascended to power. AU believed itself untouchable, controlling most of the world's Bands and the fate of Zephorya, a truth Cassian knew better than anyone.

He turned away from the window and began pacing the room. His eyes darkened into a void as his mind came up with plans.

He couldn't afford to rush his plans—not yet. He needed to perfect his control over this ability and test its limits under controlled circumstances. Only then could he move forward with his true goal: the acquisition of a higher-ranked Band. 

"I'll need to find the right circumstances," he said aloud. "Testing myself in combat would draw too much attention; best to stay subtle. There's no room for mistakes from this point on."

He was acutely aware that his enemies, especially AU, would be watching him closely. As the son of AU's leader, he was under constant scrutiny, even if they didn't yet know his identity. The slightest misstep could ruin everything. 

He had not spent half his life in hiding for no reason. 

But with his newfound adaptability, he was confident he could outmaneuver them all. As much as he appreciated the D-Rank Band, he knew it was still the weakest rank—a mere taste of what power could be. His mind churned with strategies to acquire a higher-ranked Band, one that could offer more than merely adaptability.

'Time,' he thought. 'I'll need more time to build myself.'

Taking a deep breath, he steadied his thoughts. His ambition was boundless, but patience was key. He would test his new abilities in small, controlled environments, ensuring that he understood the full extent of his power before making audacious moves.

There was no need to rush—he had already taken the first step, and time was on his side. 

He glanced down at the Band on his wrist, feeling the subtle energy within it. The porcelain-like material gleamed in the low light, a constant reminder of the power he now possessed. 

With that, he turned and made his way to the door.

The world of Zephorya was his for the taking—and he intended to take it all. Acquiring the Band was one task completed. Now came the more challenging task: facing the family he had abandoned all those years ago.