Code Nexus

Cassian stood at the oak door of his father's office, maintaining his calm composure as he opened it.

The opulence of the room was grand—each framed certificate and arranged trinket reflected what his father had been through over the years.

"I've returned from my mission, father," he began.

"How did it go?" Magnus asked, still signing important documents.

"There was nothing to worry about. Things went smoothly, and there were no casualties." While a Bandit from Libra was still on the loose, the operation had indeed been successful. "The Z-Branch won't be raided again."

His father raised his gaze from the reports scattered across his mahogany desk. The lights above caught the angles of his face.

"Good," he said, leaning back in his chair. "You have done well, Cassian."

"Thank you, father—"

"But I need to understand why you have returned so soon," Magnus interrupted, cutting him off.

Cassian knew this question would arise again.

"I've changed," he replied. "I was young and immature before. I wasn't ready to handle things… But now I am, and I'd like more responsibility."

That answer was well-rehearsed, but was it enough to deceive the head of AU?

Magnus's expression hardened. "You think you can just walkin' here and demand more than what you've earned? You need to understand something, Cassian. Nothing in this world is given freely. You will earn your position like everyone else."

"Then what do I need to do?" Cassian pressed, keeping his voice steady and even.

"Patience. Wait about a week, and I'll decide how best to handle your unexpected arrival. Until then, focus on not getting into trouble with the media or the law."

His tone was clipped, signaling the end of the discussion.

Cassian nodded—more out of resignation than agreement. He turned and left the office.

As he stepped outside, he clenched his fists. Had he truly changed? No. His goals would always remain the same.

As he retraced his steps through the austere halls of headquarters, a plan began to form. He wouldn't squander this chance to make a difference.

Later that day, as Cassian arrived home, he smelled something peculiar wafting from his apartment. It was a familiar scent, one of warmth.

He stepped inside and was immediately greeted by none other than his mother.

"Cassian!" Yara exclaimed, turning from the stove. Her eyes sparkled with affection. "You're home…"

"Mother," he replied coolly. "How did you know where I lived?"

She stepped forward, arms open wide. "Oh, sweetheart, I've always known."

It struck him then: the wife of the leader of the world's largest secret organization had more means of information than any other mother in all of Ekoris.

Though a laugh bubbled up from his chest, it was overshadowed by the resolve to show no weakness.

He stepped into her embrace, feeling the familiar comfort of home he had abandoned six years ago. It was a feeling that both soothed and unsettled him.

Did she understand how far removed he had become from the boy she once cuddled?

"I love you, Mom," he said.

"I love you too, honey. I'm just glad you're here." She pulled back, searching his eyes. "How have things been?"

"Fine," he replied, brushing aside the thoughts that clouded his mind. "Really. Everything's… fine."

Though they had met before in their palace, being here felt different—a place away from the eyes of AU.

That same hour, they shared lunch together.

Cassian talked about the recent mission, skirting around the truth of his growing discontent and the rift that had formed between him and his upbringing. He didn't want to burden her with the issues looming ahead.

As they finished their meal, his mother looked at him and said, "I hope to see you again soon, Cassian. Remember, no matter where you go or what you do, I'm always here for you."

"Of course. I understand," he replied. "I'll be around."

After she left, he found himself standing alone in the quiet of his home. Remembering his purpose, he retreated to his room to ensure nothing had been tampered with.

Cassian truly loved his mother and had no apparent qualms with his father. But they were at the top of the world. Who knew what or who they could have sent to keep an eye on him? After all, his mother had implied that she'd "always known."

After confirming that there were no devices, he relaxed.

His attention then turned to a tablet he had smuggled out of HQ before departing. His father had no idea that he had taken the data concerning the various rebel factions operating across Ekoris.

It was essential for him to know about the other rebel groups since he needed to strive for balance across the continent. This information could be his key to a more significant role in the shifting tides of power.

He turned it on, and the glow of the screen illuminated his expressionless face. The database was vast, filled with details on known rebel groups, but one name stood out: "The Ethereal Covenant."

This particular rebel group was relatively new, having emerged only a few years ago amidst the growing discontent across Ekoris. Though a few years might seem long, it was truly an up-and-coming faction.

The Ethereal Covenant had a reputation for being elusive, often taking advantage of the shrouded corners of the city to disseminate their ideologies and influence.

The information before him was organized into neat columns—mission objectives, known locations, and a roster of their members, albeit scant.

Unlike many factions that thrived on order out of chaos, the Ethereal Covenant preached a message of unity and reform.

Cassian did not like that philosophy.

This wasn't just a group of rebels; they sought to piece together the fabric of society, not rip it apart. But they were also dangerous, as suggested by their leader's profile, and Cassian's gaze landed on the highlighted section: Kingston Thorne.

As he read the name, an image materialized—a wanted poster bearing the face of a young man, perhaps in his early twenties. Kingston was strikingly handsome: tousled dark hair framed the angular lines of his jaw, and his green eyes glinted with allure.

He wore a smirk as though daring the world to challenge him. Who could blame him, given his status as a Bandit?

The message in bold across the bottom warned of his abilities, detailing the nature of his C-Rank power—capable of hypnotizing individuals into compliance. It could work through visual contact or by projecting his voice.

Such a Band was undoubtedly capable of forming a rebel group in a short span of time.

Cassian leaned closer to the screen, eager to absorb every detail.

Kingston was described as charismatic, possessing an innate ability to draw followers to him like moths to a flame. Rumors floated about his hypnotic capabilities; some claimed he could bend people to his will, swaying them to do everything from sharing secrets to changing their loyalties overnight.

The idea was intoxicating and terrifying all at once.

However, the data on the group was sparse—a mere fifty followers, none of whom had been verified as true Bandits. They were often seen in duo or trio formations, moving quickly across the territories they claimed as their own.

Each follower was merely a spot compared to their leader. Without other Bandits in a rebel group, that group would inevitably disband, given how much influence the Bands carried.

As Cassian scrolled further, he came across a map detailing the last known locations of The Ethereal Covenant—their current hideout rumored to be within the abandoned subway tunnels beneath Ekoris.

The coordinates seemed plausible, and the thought of navigating the passages didn't seem too much of a challenge. Hopefully.

This was his chance to find them, to determine whether he truly wielded enough power to influence events.

But the mission was fraught with caution.

What if he was discovered? What if Kingston's powers were as potent as the reports described? He would be stepping into the unknown, and in the world of rebel factions, unknowns could mean peril.

Feeling exhausted, he leaned back against the bed and set the tablet aside.

His mind was already formulating a plan. The hideout of The Ethereal Covenant was going to be his next target.

But for now, it was time to rest and gather strength for the journey ahead.

He closed his eyes, and as sleep claimed him, he kept his spirit sharp.