Q&A Regarding Some Settings

Since many readers felt the early world-building was a bit unclear, I have opened a separate chapter to explain the settings that have appeared so far.

1. I.A.R.C. Organization: The full name is the International Anomalous Research and Containment Association. It is a semi-official secret society headquartered in Geneva, secretly supported by various royal families, tycoons, and top scholars. It is responsible for researching UMA, issuing commissions, compiling rankings, and doing its best to prevent threats from the Underworld from harming ordinary people in the Surface World.

2. UMA: This is actually the English abbreviation for Unidentified Mysterious Animal, a proper noun. Creatures like the Himalayan Yeti or the Mothman fall into this category. However, because the number of real-world unidentified creatures is limited and their manifestations are vague, this book will also incorporate some original UMA and urban legend-style UMA.

3. UMA Rank Classification: Calamity Rank > Kingdom Rank > Town Rank > Caution Rank. As the names imply, this is a ranking based on the comprehensive level of danger posed to humanity. These classifications are determined by a holistic assessment, taking into account individual strength, impact already caused, potential threats, and other factors. The ranks are not absolutely fixed and may change depending on the situation.

4. Elite Investigator Directory: Referred to as the [Hunter List], this is a global ranking of top investigators that complements the Black Book. Ranking criteria: Based entirely on actual performance. Successfully hunting UMA or submitting key intelligence earns points, and these points determine the ranking. Those on the list receive resource allocation and priority commission rights from the I.A.R.C., making it the honor and goal of all investigators. Furthermore, the Hunter List is not just a single elite master list; other types of rankings will be introduced later.

5. Directory of Anomalous Creatures: Referred to as the [Black Book], this is a beginner's manual compiled by the Association for registered UMA. It contains records of some UMA, but the information is limited.

6. Grotesque Armament: Equipment crafted using parts of UMA bodies or materials influenced by UMA. Under normal circumstances, UMA materials are only used as auxiliary components, and the resulting equipment will carry some of the characteristics of that UMA. A piece of Grotesque Armament is not limited to using only one type of UMA material; they can be stacked, but this may come with corresponding risks.