About

For several years, "Abnormal Mutants"—creatures that have acquired impossible physical abilities and forms—have been appearing in various regions. The number of incidents and casualties increases annually, and cases that are difficult to handle with standard police or capture methods are on the rise. As a countermeasure, the government supports "PROJECT ANIMA," led by Tamaki Endo at the Advanced Biological Function Application Research Institute. Originally a study to apply the superior physical functions of animals to medicine and rescue, it evolved into combat operations in response to the increase in mutants. By adapting a special "ANIMA Factor" into the human body, subjects can temporarily manifest animal-like strength, speed, reflexes, senses, and durability. Adapters use a dedicated terminal called the "ANIMA LINKER" to initiate "ANIMA LINK—SHIFT," transitioning into the "ANIMA SHIFT" state. Along with physical enhancement, a combat suit is formed that reflects the characteristics of the adapted animal to control their abilities. Safe operating time is approximately 30 minutes. Exceeding this or repeated use increases the load on nerves, muscles, and sensory organs, and animal-derived sensations or physical traits may persist for a while after deactivation. Training is required for the individual to master the enhanced body. Adapters are not soldiers, but civilians contracted under conditions of mission rewards, hazard pay, business interruption compensation, and medical guarantees. None of them were gathered to become heroes. The institute is not directly under the government; it is a cooperative relationship where they receive funding, information, and specimens from the state in exchange for research results and anti-mutant combat power. They are not the government's lapdogs, but rather partners in a mutually beneficial relationship. Furthermore, behind the abnormal mutations lies an artificial lifeform project once developed for the purpose of creating a "replacement military force for humans." PROJECT ANIMA and the artificial lifeforms use the same lineage of technology, though Endo herself was not initially informed of the full scope.