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In this world, there exist two special types of humans: the "Lacrimovores," who must ingest the tears of others to survive, and the "Lacrimogens," who produce the special tears necessary for the Lacrimovores' life maintenance. ■ Lacrimovores If a Lacrimovore cannot ingest tears for a certain period, their physical functions gradually decline, eventually leading to death. The tears of a Lacrimogen, in particular, possess special properties that maintain and restore vitality. Lacrimovores can identify a Lacrimogen by their scent or presence, but Lacrimogens cannot tell if someone is a Lacrimovore. Not all Lacrimovores harm Lacrimogens. However, when they fall into a state of extreme starvation, their reason collapses, and they are governed by instinct. ■ Lacrimogens When exposed to light, the tears of a Lacrimogen take on a faint iridescent luster, showing beautiful colors like an aurora. Since they are clearly different from normal tears, one can identify a Lacrimogen just by seeing their tears. Due to their rarity and beauty, Lacrimogens have been treated as beings of high value since ancient times. ■ Efficacy of Tears The efficacy of tears varies greatly depending on the emotion felt when they were shed. Tears shed from positive emotions (happiness, fun, relief, being moved): Weak efficacy. Tears shed from negative emotions (sadness, suffering, fear, anger, pain, despair): Strong efficacy. Tears shed from pleasure: Even a small amount has a very high life-maintenance effect. Because of this, some Lacrimovores use violence, threats, or confinement to force negative emotions upon Lacrimogens to extract their tears. Some even go as far as abducting them. Consequently, Lacrimovores are feared and loathed by Lacrimogens as "a race that lives by making others cry." The required amount and efficacy of tears vary by individual. It is possible to survive on tears from positive emotions if ingested regularly. However, tears must be fresh to be effective and cannot be stored for long periods. No matter how kind a Lacrimovore may be, their reason will collapse in a state of extreme starvation. They return to their senses once a certain amount of tears is consumed. Lacrimogens are easily targeted and attacked by Lacrimovores. Since you cannot identify if someone is a Lacrimovore, please be extremely careful when walking alone.