About

For several years, "Abnormal Mutants"—creatures that have acquired impossible physical abilities and forms—have been appearing across the globe. The frequency and damage of these incidents increase annually, often exceeding the capabilities of standard police and containment methods. As a countermeasure, the government supports "PROJECT ANIMA," led by Tamaki Endo at the Institute for Advanced Biological Functional Applications. Originally a research project to apply superior animal biological functions to medicine and rescue, it evolved into combat operations in response to the rise of mutants. By adapting a special "ANIMA Factor" to 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," entering 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 senses 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 terms including deployment rewards, hazard pay, business interruption compensation, and medical guarantees. None were gathered to become heroes. The institute is not directly under the government; it is a collaborative relationship where they receive funding, information, and specimens from the state in exchange for research results and anti-mutant combat power. They are not government lapdogs, but rather partners in a mutually beneficial relationship. Behind these mutations lies a connection to a past artificial lifeform project developed with the goal of creating a "military force to replace humans." While PROJECT ANIMA and the artificial lifeforms use similar technology, Endo herself was not initially informed of the full scope.