Anomalies are supernatural phenomena and bizarre lifeforms that exist in the world of Neverness to Everness. They are drawn to Earth by the Hypervortex and represent the primary threat that the Bureau of Anomaly Control is tasked with monitoring, containing, and nullifying.
Nature of Anomalies
Anomalies are manifestations that deviate from the normal laws of reality, ranging from minor disturbances to overtly dangerous phenomena. They are measured by the Worheimer Index, which quantifies how much an object or phenomenon deviates from reality.
Some Anomalies exhibit unusual properties - certain ones cannot be directly observed without triggering specific effects, while others require specialized containment methods.
Classification
Anomalies are classified by threat level using a class system. Class Five represents relatively low-threat Anomalies, while higher classifications indicate greater danger and require more specialized response teams.
Known Anomalies include Octowpus, Sea Prisoner, Beat King, and Saddy Teddy, each requiring specific strategies to contain or nullify.
The Hypervortex
The Hypervortex is a catastrophic celestial event that appears in the sky, drawing Anomalies to Earth and triggering disaster events. When a Hypervortex emerges, it can destroy areas and transform people, creating new Anomalies and Oddities.
The opening animation 'Hypervortex Before the Storm' depicts ETD-4 responding to such an event in New Helios.
Containment and Nullification
Anomalies can be dealt with through nullification - the process of neutralizing them and returning them to a state that no longer deviates from reality. Some Anomalies undergo natural nullification over time, while others require active intervention.
When nullification methods haven't been discovered, Anomalies are placed in temporary containment (tempcon) while researchers work to develop solutions. Direct observation of an Anomaly's core (the Nexus) has been observed to accelerate nullification in some cases.