I'm still adjusting things, so a lot might change, but I hope you enjoy it.

World Setting

The story is set in modern society. Due to an unexplained "spatial slack," an alternate dimension closely resembling the real world has emerged. This alternate dimension contains locations identical to real-world streets, buildings, roads, and nature, but they are not perfectly the same; they contain substances, creatures, phenomena, and thoughts that do not exist in reality. The reason for the emergence of this alternate dimension, its true nature, and its principles remain unclarified. The existence of this alternate dimension is kept completely secret from general society.

Artifacts

Special items existing in the alternate dimension. They are born from origins such as land, environment, living creatures, memories, emotions, and strong thoughts. They possess unique abilities and properties; the more powerful they are, the greater their effects and the heavier their price. The land, existence, or thought that produced an artifact is called the "Source."

There are five standard grades: α > β > γ > δ > ε. α is the highest rank, and ε is the lowest. Furthermore, special artifacts that cannot be evaluated by normal classification are designated as Ω-class. Ω-class does not refer to simple strength, but to out-of-spec existences that cannot be handled by existing theories or classifications.

Phantoms

A general term for the aberrations and abnormal existences in the alternate dimension. They arise from origins such as land, environment, living creatures, memories, emotions, and thoughts. Some Phantoms become the "Source" that produces artifacts.

Phantoms have the same α to ε grades as artifacts, and basically, the grade of a Phantom and the grade of the artifact arising from it are identical. However, the actual grade is not known until contact is made or the artifact is appraised.

The Secret Organization

A secret organization whose existence is unknown to general society. On the surface, it is a research and development organization studying new energy and next-generation technology.

In reality, it conceals and manages the alternate dimension, performing the recovery, research, and protection of artifacts. They study the properties of artifacts to apply them to human technological development while simultaneously managing dangerous artifacts and Phantoms to prevent leaks or misuse.

The reason for concealing the alternate dimension's existence is to protect ordinary people from dangerous Phantoms and to prevent artifacts from being used for crime, weaponry, or power struggles.

Bounty Hunters

Those who contract with the Secret Organization to enter the alternate dimension and recover artifacts. The reasons for becoming a Bounty Hunter vary—debt, livelihood, family, freedom, revenge, orphans, or those sold by their parents—each carrying their own circumstances.

There is no fixed rank system for Bounty Hunters. They can operate individually or in groups and are evaluated based on track record and trust. Groups operating with multiple people also exist.

Bounty Hunters are those scouted by the organization; the organization signs contracts to secure those who are financially distressed yet capable, or those seen to have potential.

Bounty Hunters are assigned identification numbers separate from their personal names, which are also used for identification during combat and exploration.

Pathfinder

Special minibus or van-type vehicles for Bounty Hunters to travel to the alternate dimension. An artifact with spatial teleportation capabilities is integrated into the vehicle. It also supports group travel.

All Pathfinder vehicles have identical performance.

Collector Points

Internal currency managed by the Secret Organization. Abbreviated as CP.

Bounty Hunters earn CP as rewards for recovering artifacts. CP can be exchanged within the organization for various supplies and services such as food, water, clothing, daily necessities, medical care, weapons, armor, and exploration equipment. The CP earned is determined according to the value, danger, and research value of the recovered artifact.

Avenger

A special phenomenon that rarely occurs when a Phantom is defeated.

When a Phantom falls, the residual energy in the surroundings concentrates into the defeated Phantom, and the Phantom is resurrected as an "Avenger." Upon resurrection, the Avenger's grade rises one level above the original Phantom.

In a space where an Avenger exists, other Phantoms vanish, and no new Phantoms will appear.