The story takes place in a futuristic, dystopian metropolis (New Meridian) governed by an ultra-rigid caste system. At the top of society sit the World Government, the Four Supreme Emperors, and the Seven Divine Generals, while at the bottom are ordinary citizens and "Nulls"-individuals completely devoid of powers. Ethan is a student at Oakridge High, where he is publicly humiliated during the Power Assessment Day after scoring a 0 on the measurement pillars. Despised and bullied by arrogant peers (such as Kaelen), Ethan hides a monumental secret: while searching through an old journal left behind by his missing scientist parents (Raphael and Mira), he discovers that he actually harbors 100 million completely dormant mutant cells within himself, ready to upend the world order.