The sky above Nevaris shimmered with an eerie, otherworldly glow, a remnant of the Genesis Sphere that had torn through the heavens 137 years ago. The cosmic rift had left behind a strange radiation, one that seeped into the earth and the bones of every living creature. It was this radiation that had birthed the Age of Abilities, an era where the ordinary became extraordinary—and where those without power were cast aside like refuse.

Kael Arvid sat on the cracked steps of an abandoned building, his thin frame hunched over as he stared at the flickering holographic display of his wristband. The screen flashed a single, damning number: Zero. Rankless. Worthless. The word echoed in his mind like a death sentence. In two months, he would turn eleven, the final cutoff for ability manifestation. After that, there would be no hope. No second chances.

Around him, the city buzzed with life. A merchant across the street levitated crates of goods with a flick of his wrist, his rank of 42 glowing proudly on his wristband. A child no older than six darted past, her feet barely touching the ground as she raced with unnatural speed. Even the stray dogs that roamed the alleys had abilities—enhanced senses, razor-sharp claws, or the ability to blend into shadows. The world had moved on, leaving people like Kael behind.

"Kael!" a voice called, snapping him out of his thoughts. His younger sister, Lira, jogged toward him, her light blue wristband displaying a rank of 38. Her ability to manipulate water had manifested early, marking her as one of the "talented." She was everything Kael wasn't—hopeful, capable, and valued.

"What are you doing out here?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry. "You know it's not safe. If someone finds out you're Rankless—"

"I know," Kael interrupted, his voice sharp. He didn't need her to remind him of the consequences. Rankless were free targets, with no rights or protections. They were slaves, lab rats, or worse. He had seen what happened to them. He had no intention of joining their ranks.

Lira sighed and sat down beside him. "You still have time, Kael. Maybe your ability just hasn't shown up yet. Some people develop theirs late."

Kael clenched his fists. He wanted to believe her, but deep down, he knew the truth. He wasn't like the others. He wasn't special. But if he couldn't be special, he would have to be clever.

"I'll figure something out," he muttered, more to himself than to her. He had been planning for months, studying the abilities of others, learning how they worked, how they were used. If he couldn't have an ability, he would fake one. He would make them all believe he was something he wasn't. It was the only way to survive.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the city, Kael stood and brushed the dirt from his pants. He had work to do. The clock was ticking, and he couldn't afford to waste a single second.