Ben Rao

Ben Rao is one of Hung Jo's two principal enforcers during Gustav's school years. His Atomic Manipulation bloodline becomes one of Gustav's earliest acquisitions.

Biography

Enforcing Hung Jo's abuse

Ben follows Hung Jo with Paul Miguel, using his broad build and height like a bodyguard. In the cafeteria he knocks away Gustav Oslov's meal, drags him to his knees, restrains him, and helps administer a public beating. When Gustav's new perception and physical power let him resist, Ben attacks again but is launched into the air with a broken jaw, marking one of the first reversals in Gustav's treatment by his tormentors. (Chapters 11–12)

Stolen bloodline and irreversible punishment

Ben continues supporting Hung Jo during the rooftop confrontation and later remains on Gustav's retaliation list. Gustav eventually steals Ben's Atomic Manipulation and tries to remove incriminating memories by erasing atoms inside his brain. Because Gustav does not yet control the technique precisely, the covert alteration leaves Ben in a vegetative state without visible injury. His latest condition is alive but permanently incapacitated. (Chapters 21–27, 45, 80, and 558)

Appearance and personality

Ben is around six feet tall, fairly dark-skinned, broad-bodied, and physically imposing beside the shorter Hung Jo. He is obedient to his young master, openly cruel toward weaker students, and quick to interpret Gustav's resistance as insolence requiring force. His confidence depends heavily on acting with Hung Jo and Paul rather than independent judgment. (Chapters 11–12 and 21–27)

Bloodlines and abilities

Atomic Manipulation can alter matter at the atomic level and phase its effect through a surface to damage internal structures. Gustav's later use establishes its precision potential, but also its danger: insufficient control removes too much brain matter and causes catastrophic damage rather than clean memory erasure. Ben's own combat applications are not described in equal mechanical detail. (Chapters 80 and 558)

Relationships

• Gustav Oslov: Ben bullies Gustav, who later steals his bloodline and accidentally leaves him vegetative.
• Paul Miguel: Ben and Paul act as Hung Jo's paired enforcers.

Items

No catalogued notable item is established as Ben's personal possession.