Since quite a few readers felt that some of the early worldbuilding was unclear, I've set aside a chapter to explain the details that have appeared so far.
1. The I.A.R.C. organization: Its full name is the "International Association for the Research and Containment of Anomalous Phenomena." Headquartered in Geneva, it is a semi-official secret society secretly backed by royal families, wealthy individuals, and top scholars from various countries. It is responsible for researching UMA, issuing commissions, compiling rankings, and doing everything it can to keep threats from the Underworld from endangering ordinary people in the Surface World.
2. UMA: This is simply the English abbreviation for "unconfirmed mysterious animal." It's a proper noun covering creatures such as the Yeti and Mothman. However, since the number of unconfirmed creatures in real life is limited and their descriptions are vague, this book will also feature some original UMA and UMA based on urban legends.
3. UMA rank classifications: Calamity Rank > Kingdom Rank > Town Rank > Caution Rank. As the names suggest, these ranks indicate the overall level of threat to humanity. They're determined based on several factors, including an UMA's individual strength, the impact it has already caused, and the threat it might pose in the future. The ranks aren't fixed; depending on the circumstances, an UMA's rank may change.
4. Elite Investigator Directory: Also known as the Hunter List, this is a ranking of the world's top investigators, compiled alongside the Black Book. Rankings are based entirely on achievements. Investigators earn points by successfully hunting UMA or submitting key intelligence, and their points determine their ranking. Those on the list receive preferential access to I.A.R.C. resources and priority when it comes to commissions. It's the honor and goal of every investigator. The Hunter List includes more than just one overall ranking of elite investigators; other types of rankings will be introduced later.
5. Directory of Anomalous Creatures: Also known as the Black Book, it's a beginner's guide compiled by the Association on registered UMA. It contains information on some UMA, but the details are limited.
6. Grotesque Armament: Equipment made using parts of an UMA's body or materials that have been affected by UMA. Under normal circumstances, UMA materials are only used as secondary ingredients, and the equipment produced will possess some of that UMA's characteristics. A single piece of Grotesque Armament can use materials from more than one UMA. The materials can be combined, but that may bring certain risks.
Before you continue