Chapter 19: Level

With Chris taking the lead, the remaining STARS no longer hesitated and each began to sign.

After signing the contract and confidentiality agreement, four Alphas wearing black sunglasses and suits were responsible for collecting the contracts and agreements.

Two Alphas took the contracts and agreements and left the warehouse, while the other two stood behind the STARS, keeping watch.

"Ahem." At this moment, Sui Bian let out a light cough, breaking the silent atmosphere, scanned the STARS present, and said in a deep voice:

"Everyone, I understand your confusion; I will patiently answer your questions from now on."

First, the recent joint eradication operation showed me your combat abilities, which is why I had to ask Director Ai Longsi to bring you all here."

"Mr. Sui." Chris was the first to raise his hand and ask: "The agreement mentions 'prohibiting the disclosure of what you see and hear during the operation to relatives and friends'."

"And also 'during the operation you will encounter incomprehensible creatures, objects, phenomena, and spaces'…"

"So I want to know: what exactly is the threat we will face? And what relationship do those threats have with your Umbrella? Could it be the … those B. O. W. s we encountered a few days ago?"

Before arriving at this warehouse, Ai Longsi had assured the STARS members that Sui Bian needed the STARS for a more covert operation.

In short, Ai Longsi's words contained a lot of exaggeration and hype.

"Hold on." While saying that, Sui Bian took out a black remote pen.

He used the remote pen to dim the warehouse lights, then turned on the projector to show everyone a file.

Project: Leech Queen.

Level: Nyx level.

Status: Reduced.

Description:

The project was originally named James Marcus and was infected by a virus during an experiment in Raccoon City on 19■■‑■‑■.

Due to the project's unique nature, it successfully fused with the virus to become a hermaphroditic "Leech Queen".

Although the project retained a certain level of human intelligence, it harbored extreme hatred toward humans, causing two Umbrella facilities to shut down and a total of 217 deaths.

The project was reduced on 1998‑06‑05 at 13:24 in Raccoon City, through joint action by the Raccoon City Police Department and Umbrella.

Summary:

The project is extremely hostile to humans and highly contagious; if left uncontrolled, it could cause an unprecedented viral crisis.

However, because the project's bodily abilities are not outstanding, it is classified as a Nyx-level anomalous phenomenon.

End of file.

Nyx level?

Leech Queen?

What… are these?

The STARS looked a bit bewildered.

Giving Marcus the codename "Leech Queen" is understandable, but how can there also be a level classification?

"Mr. Sui." As the oldest and most experienced Team B captain Ma Lini, he asked: "Based on the file you provided, there is more than one James Marcus in this world, right?"

"That's right; you can understand it that way." Sui Bian did not deny.

"But I have a question." Ma Lini's expression was serious: "May I ask whether these anomalous phenomena are the result of illegal experiments by your Umbrella? And you… do you need us to clean up this mess?"

As the words fell, the STARS seemed to get some clue, and their gaze toward Sui Bian carried a hint of wariness.

"Heh." Sui Bian anticipated the question, merely smiled, and used the remote pen to switch the projector's content.

The file displayed on the soft screen was titled "Anomalous Phenomena".

The general content indicates that many things in this world are beyond human comprehension, most of which are hostile to humans or the world, and some anomalous phenomena can destroy an entire town, even human civilization.

Next.

Sui Bian used the remote pen to show the STARS the level classification of these anomalous phenomena.

Based on the threat level of the anomalous phenomena and the difficulty of control, retrieval, and reduction, they can be broadly divided into four levels.

① Unthreatening level.

Description:

This level does not cause a large‑scale uproar nor attract special societal attention, but that does not mean the phenomena of this level are "no threat."

On the contrary, if mishandled, it can still plunge human society into disaster.

For example, an ordinary red button causes no harm to nearby humans and can be easily controlled.

But if someone tries to press the button, it triggers a random death of ten thousand humans; such an anomalous phenomenon also falls under "Unthreatening."

② Nyx level.

Description:

The behavior, manifestations, and characteristics of this level exceed current scientific understanding, or current technology only has limited comprehension of such phenomena.

Moreover, phenomena of this level usually possess autonomous thought or perception, making their behavior unpredictable; without control they could cause impact or turmoil in the human world.

Compared with Unthreatening phenomena, controlling or reducing this level typically requires small‑scale military force or special measures.

③ Hera level.

Phenomena of this level differ qualitatively from the first two levels.

If humanity wishes to contain them, it usually requires large‑scale and complex methods; humans lack the knowledge and technology to counter them.

Note that being listed at this level does not indicate how dangerous it is, but rather that it is extremely difficult to control or continuously control; humanity cannot predict the behavior or thoughts of individuals of this level.

Or that with current human technology it cannot be reduced, or reducing the entity could cause a major threat to human society.

④ Exafanistis level.

Exafanistis comes from Greek, meaning "reduction," "destruction," "doomsday."

As the definition suggests, phenomena of this level can lead to the destruction of humanity, even Earth.

With current human technology and knowledge, such phenomena cannot be explained at all.

Note:

Regardless of any circumstances, the fact that anomalous phenomena exist must not be disclosed to the outside world.

It is hypothesized that certain anomalous phenomena can amplify themselves by exploiting human emotions such as fear, worship, and blind faith toward them.

End of file.

"." (x11)

After reviewing the so‑called anomalous phenomena and the classification levels, the eleven STARS fell into a silence, their expressions becoming especially striking.

Some wore bewildered looks, while others showed worry and confusion.

Nevertheless, this file made the STARS begin to suspect that anomalous events, phenomena, or creatures might truly exist in this world.

(End of chapter)