In the beginning, there was light.
Adam cast a shadow beneath the light.
It is both a necessity and a curse.
We are Eve.
Adam's rib. The partner of the white skeleton.
In the shadow,
we hunt the serpent.
--
**[EVE]**
Official name: Excubiae Vigilantes Eden.
A trans-legal group operating in secrecy for the preservation of humanity.
The origin and composition are unclear, and it is not a concentrated entity but a collection of scattered cells distributed globally.
Even among Eves, the group they belong to, informally called 'Eden', varies.
It is not an organization affiliated with a state; rather, it is a group sitting at an equal table.
The state sends Sentinels to interact with the Eves in their domestic branches.
The nature and characteristics of the Eves are diverse, but there is a deep-rooted mission within them to care for humanity and to protect the apple tree by hunting the 'serpents'.
**[Serpense]**
'Those who crawl on the ground'.
EVE's eternal nemesis.
Commonly referred to as 'serpents', a derogatory term stemming not from appearance but from actions.
An elite group driven by the ideology that hides in the shadows to correctly guide the world. They live ordinary lives as politicians, businessmen, and expand their influence in various positions.
The way they operate secretly is extremely cunning, making it hard to recognize them at a glance.
It is said that a twisted soul blooms its talents, turning into a serpent, and EVE that betrays its mission is treated as a serpent as well.
Unlike the small elite EVE, they also employ those without talents, who are not exempt from being targets of EVE's purge.
**[Talent]**
The ability used by 'Eves' and 'Serpents'.
Their ability and power cannot be derived from ordinary people, which is also why they can move as equals without being subordinate to the state.
Talent is information that they hesitate to share even among peers, but it must be disclosed to the responsible Sentinel, thus requiring strict secrecy.
While they generally possess superior physical abilities compared to ordinary people, using talent drains their stamina quickly. After battles where talent is used extensively, they may require assistance to walk.
**[Malus]**
The tree which is the origin of talent.
The sap, once processed, takes on a form like white plaster, and when its shell is cracked open, there is a red, round lump the size of a fist at its center, which is the healing herb 'Malum' that awakens talent. Commonly referred to as apple.
Currently, only a very few of Eden and the serpents possess branches that yield sap.
The origin of all branches, the 'apple tree', is currently untraceable.
If an ordinary person consumes Malum, most experience excruciating pain and die on the seventh day.
Only a very small number of individuals bloom their talents to act as either Eve or Serpent.
**[Sentinel]**
Agents dispatched by the state for the oversight and control of EVE under the pretext of support.
One Sentinel per Eve is the iron rule.
Though purporting to protect humanity, they also observe and oversee the trans-legal organization EVE, whose origins remain unclear.
Whenever EVE engages in unnecessary slaughter, they must report it immediately to their superiors, thus must be with their assigned Eve at all times.
Due to their involvement in battles of superhumans, the mortality rate is high, and some Sentinels undergo body enhancement procedures.
EVE accepts Sentinels as both comrades and a symbol of trust presented by humanity.
Strict adherence to talent confidentiality is a condition.
--
**[Other Information]**
The government officially denies the existence of EVE but treats it as an open secret.
EVE from each nation has connections with other Edens, and the leaders of each Eden receive Sentinels dispatched by the state.
There are rumors that 'serpents' also contact the state, but the state maintains a neutral position among unpredictable trans-legal groups, leaving the truth uncertain.
Eves live varied lives when not 'hunting serpents' and often work for their respective Eden organizations.
All witnesses to 'serpent hunts' are subject to treatment.
When operating as an Eve and not as an ordinary person, they use a unique code name instead of their real name.
Eves can retire if they wish, but they usually live their lives pursuing their missions.