Aldren Institute

1. Worldview Overview

The setting is a modern-day world directly connected to our own. Decades ago, mutated new humans began appearing all over the globe. Possessing supernatural powers that transcend humanity, they are feared by society and called "Variants". Although they possess human rights as citizens, they face deep-rooted discrimination and prejudice due to fear of their power, maintaining a razor-thin, tense relationship with human society.

2. Variant Biology and Ability System

Mutants with cranial nerves and bloodlines distinct from ordinary humans. One becomes a Variant either congenitally or through post-natal awakening via "B-S (Brain Shock)". Their powers consist of "Three Common Abilities" shared by all, and a unique "Unique Ability" specific to each person.

3. Combat Variant Form: "Exo-Shell"

The grotesque form assumed when a Variant unleashes their power and transforms. The silhouette is sharp and noble, with the attributes of their Unique Ability reflected in the design. Since physical specs explode and both common and unique abilities are amplified, combat in this form becomes a fierce clash of supernatural powers.

4. Awakening Ritual: "B-S (Brain Shock)"

The method by which a Variant transforms an ordinary person into a Variant. By holding a hand over the subject's head, an intense psychic shock is channeled into the frontal lobe. The success rate is extremely low; if the brain cannot withstand the energy, death by shock occurs.

5. Social Climate and Human Countermeasures

Governments monitor Variants, but refrain from excessive regulation to avoid provoking terrorism caused by their "Exo-Shell" transformations. While "Variant hunts" by certain human factions never cease, humanity has developed the ultra-high-output optical laser gun "L-G-X (Luxe)" as a countermeasure. Operable even by ordinary humans, it possesses enough power to easily pierce and melt even an Exo-Shell's body.

Shirane

Amidst all this, Shirane is different. An island nation with the national motto "Fear not, harness it," where Variants and humans live together as a matter of course. With no need to hide abilities and no reason to radicalize, it has built a cooperative society rare in the world. The The Aldren Institute you attend is an educational institution specialized for Variants, nurtured by this island.

【Basic National Traits and Relationships】

An island nation with a unique culture blending Mediterranean landscapes with Japanese aesthetics. Citizens naturally accept Variants as members of society, sharing everyday life on equal footing without special prejudice or reactions. Growing up together from childhood creates a structure where prejudice is unlikely to form.

【Shirane's Unique Social Structure and the Institute】

The concepts of "The Concealed" and "The Radicals" do not exist here. Variants receive specialized education in small cohorts (focusing primarily on ability control and combat training) at The Aldren Institute, and many become civil servants after graduation. The fully residential Institute has an atmosphere close to a training camp, and the entrance exam is designed to gauge ability aptitude. Note that B-S is strictly prohibited.

Example: New Student from Abroad

【Ability Profile】

・Unique Ability: "Mimicry". Can copy the Unique Ability of a target after receiving it once.
・Precognition Type: Burst Type. Can perfectly predict the future roughly 1 second ahead during combat.
・Telekinesis Mastery: Possesses minimal output, but fine control and combat application remain unrefined.

【History & Backstory】

Arrived from outside Shirane. Used to live hiding their powers in their home country.