Code Nexus

Cassian sighed as a breath of relief washed over him at the retreat of the rebels. He walked toward the east gate, trying to see if the heist was successful from a distance, when he felt a hand grab his wrist.

"Where are you going?" Dorian asked as his grip on Cassian grew firmer. Dorian's face was a mask of doubt and anger behind the smiling face.

"Well, I wanted to check up on the damage and search for any injured people," Cassian said, the first thing that came to mind as he looked around.

He was about to check on the rebels and their casualties anyway.

Dorian raised an eyebrow. "Check on the damage?" His eyes scanned Cassian's face, and then, without another word, he started walking toward the control room without letting him go. He murmured, "We have to get you to the head first."

Cassian's nerves flipped, but he steadied himself and focused on his act. They walked into the control room and found only the control unit in there.

"Where is the head?" Dorian asked one of the members who was trying to fix his desk.

"He's in his office, sir," the member replied. Dorian nodded and made it his mission to reach him as fast as possible, with Cassian on his tail.

They quickly made their way to the office and knocked on the door. Before any sound came from the room, the door swung open, and heads of different units came out.

Everyone nodded at Dorian and Cassian as they made their way inside. His father looked even more tense than he had anticipated. He was not a man who tolerated failure easily, and Cassian knew he would not be in a forgiving mood today.

"Go ahead and explain," Magnus said as he raised a hand in a gesture for them to begin discussing everything that had transpired.

He was not at all happy about the main base and fortress being destroyed and compromised. After all, to rule, a king needs a steady and safe castle.

His eyes scanned Cassian, expecting him to speak first, but Dorian was quicker. However, the words coming out of his mouth were not what they expected.

"The rebels managed to push harder than we anticipated," Dorian began, his tone formal and neutral, but his eyes flickered toward Cassian for a split second, as if questioning his loyalty. "The east gate was where the main breach occurred, and we had to divert forces there quickly, but their attack was more organized than we expected. They hit us in key positions."

Magnus's eyes narrowed slightly, and his disapproval was evident.

"I'm aware of the failures, Dorian," he said, irritation creeping into his voice. "What I need is a full account of the situation, particularly how they managed to get this far," he added, his gaze now firmly fixed on Cassian, "and what the two of you were doing during the breach."

Cassian knew this was a test—just like always. After all, his father was a teacher and commander. His father never asked questions without a reason; he was probing, seeking answers.

Cassian cleared his throat, knowing it was his turn to step up.

"Dorian and I were at the east gate when the rebels made their push," he said calmly, matching the practiced mask he wore. "We tried to reinforce the defenses, but the gate was compromised quickly. The rebels had more firepower and coordination than we anticipated. They even grouped together and pushed us using their Band. They managed to breach faster than we could respond."

Magnus tilted his head slightly, though his eyes scrutinized every word. "And what of the convoy?" His tone shifted slightly at that question. "The one carrying critical resources? How did it become their target when it contained confidential material disguised as ordinary weapons?"

Cassian's stomach churned, but he remained composed.

The convoy was the most critical part to explain, considering it was a target set before he joined The Ethereal Covenant.

"We lost contact with the convoy during the fight's height, but from what I saw on the field, the rebels may have targeted it before it reached Ekoris."

Magnus's expression darkened further as he clenched his hand into a fist on the desk.

"So they succeeded," he growled, glaring at his desk. "Despite everything, they managed to take what they came for."

Dorian stepped in, helping the head to calm down and reason with him.

"We were caught off guard, but we managed to contain the majority of their forces before they could cause more damage. The rebels have retreated, and we're assessing the damage to the base."

Cassian could feel the tension building in the room, every second stretching into an eternity, especially knowing there were captured rebels waiting for him.

Magnus was a man of order and success, and this failure—this breach on his watch—was a direct affront to his authority and record. But Cassian also knew his father wouldn't let this setback stand for long; he would strike back faster and harder than anyone else he knew of.

With Dorian and others by his side, the task would be very manageable.

Magnus leaned back in his chair, his focus returning to the present business, his eyes narrowing as he studied both Cassian and Dorian.

"The fact remains that they got what they wanted." His voice was low but filled with menace. "I will not tolerate another failure like this. We will root out every rebel involved, find out how they knew about the convoy, and crush them. Do I make myself clear?"

Both Cassian and Dorian nodded.

Cassian's heart slightly pounded in his chest, but he kept his expression neutral. He'd played his part well enough to survive the immediate danger, but he knew this was far from over.

Magnus wouldn't rest until he had answers—and retribution.

"Dorian," Magnus said, his tone sharp, "I want you leading the investigation into the breach. Work with intelligence to track every possible lead. And Cassian," he added, his gaze returning to his son, "I'm assigning you a special mission. There's a case that needs immediate attention. Something strange has been happening, and I want you to handle it personally."

Cassian blinked in surprise but quickly nodded.

"What's the case?" he asked, keeping his tone neutral.

After all, this was his chance to divert attention from himself, but there was a downside—he would not be able to monitor the investigation into this incident.

His father nodded as he picked up a file and tossed it to Cassian, folding his hands in front of him afterward.

"There have been a series of disappearances," he explained. "Families, entire households, are vanishing. Rank-D Band energy was found near each scene, including notes."

Cassian's brows furrowed as he picked up the file and looked through it.

'It's in branch Nilya in Salis, completely on the right side of Ekoris. Plus, Salis is an industrial hub. This will be tough. Well, I never expected my father to go easy on me, no matter the circumstances.'

"You want me to investigate?" Cassian asked as he closed the file.

"Yes," his father replied firmly, "this case requires discretion and efficiency. You'll be working alone. I don't want anyone else involved unless absolutely necessary."

Cassian nodded again, knowing it was better not to argue with his father in his current state.

"I'll get started right away," Cassian replied, keeping his voice steady.

His father gave him a curt nod and said, "Good. I expect results."

'As always…' Cassian thought as deeper and more complicated thoughts swirled in his mind.

His eyes glazed over, but one thing was certain—this mission was his final test for now, and he could not let it slip away; it was essential for his future plans.

As he turned to leave the office, Dorian's eyes followed him, suspicion still lingering. Cassian could feel the weight of his gaze, but he maintained his steady steps and calm expression.

He had survived this minor confrontation, but the real challenge was only just beginning.

With the rebels triumphant and a new case in his hands, he knew the next steps would be critical. He had to be careful, calculate, and, most importantly, keep his secrets safe.

He made a mental checklist, noting that meeting the rebels would be tonight's task.

'No, scratch that,' he thought as he walked down the lift and crossed the debris-filled hallways. 'My father's people might be watching. I will just try to contact them through another matter, or I can just wait for them to reach out to me. Yes… Let's wait; we don't want to get deeper into suspicion than we already are.'

He made his way home, knowing he had a lot more to do now that the first step was taken.

Each moment felt charged with the weight of what lay ahead—both the challenge and the uncertainty intertwined. But this is where he thrived the most.