Bureau of Anomaly Control

Overview

The Bureau of Anomaly Control (commonly abbreviated as BAC) is the primary government organization in Hethereau responsible for managing all matters related to supernatural phenomena. The Bureau oversees the containment of dangerous Anomalies, tracks and employs Espers (individuals who have awakened supernatural abilities), and administers civilian programs such as resident permits for Oddities. It operates as both a military-style rapid response force and a sprawling bureaucratic institution, reflecting the complex reality of a city where humans and supernatural beings coexist.

The Bureau serves as one of the central narrative pillars of Neverness to Everness. The protagonist, Esper Zero, is recruited into the organization after being discovered at ground zero of a catastrophic event with no memories but extraordinarily powerful abilities. Esper Zero's unique capacity to perceive the true essence of anomalies and communicate with them directly makes them an invaluable asset. Much of the game's main story revolves around carrying out missions on the BAC's behalf while uncovering the mysteries of Hethereau's supernatural underworld.

Role and Function

The Bureau's mandate covers a wide range of responsibilities. On the defensive side, its specialized squads respond to anomaly outbreaks, contain dangerous entities, and investigate supernatural incidents across Hethereau and beyond. The BAC classifies anomalies by threat level; the most severe incidents, such as the Class VII anomaly that struck New Helios, demand immediate deployment of the Bureau's elite units.

On the administrative side, the Bureau manages the registration and monitoring of Espers, issues resident permits for Oddities, and coordinates with local law enforcement on cases involving supernatural elements. BAC personnel range from front-line tactical operatives to desk-bound administrators who process the paperwork that keeps Hethereau's supernatural population documented and accounted for.

The Bureau's main hall is a busy hub where Oddities line up to apply for their resident permits, Esper field agents file mission reports, and support staff track ongoing containment operations. This mix of military urgency and bureaucratic routine gives the organization its distinctive character.

Known Divisions

The Bureau is organized into multiple specialized divisions, each handling a different aspect of anomaly management. While the full organizational chart has not been revealed, two divisions have been confirmed through official materials and in-game events.

ETD-4

ETD-4 is a specialized tactical squad within the Bureau, assigned to handle high-priority anomaly incidents. Its members are among the most powerful Espers in the Bureau's ranks, and the unit is deployed when situations escalate beyond what standard containment teams can handle.

ETD-4 played a central role during the Hypervortex catastrophe, a Class VII anomaly event that devastated New Helios. The squad departed from Hethereau and rushed to the scene to contain the disaster. The Hypervortex was one of the most dangerous events in recent history, and the deployment of ETD-4 underscored the severity of the threat. It was at the epicenter of this disaster that Esper Zero was first discovered, amnesiac and surrounded by the aftermath of the anomaly.

ETD-4 Personnel

The unit is led by Baicang, an S-Class Incantation Esper who serves as captain. Despite his laidback personality and reputation as a bit of a troublemaker, Baicang wields the Power of Words, turning abstract concepts into tangible attacks. His lieutenant, Skia, is an A-Rank Lakshana Esper often mistaken for the squad's captain due to his serious, no-nonsense demeanor. Skia is a wolf-like fighter capable of transforming into a pool of ink-black shadow, passing through enemies and striking from unexpected angles.

Other confirmed members include Lacrimosa, an S-Class Chaos Esper who manipulates constructs and is known for her perpetual tiredness (she dreams of clocking out and living in a tomato castle), and Fadia, an S-Class Psyche Esper described as the "Apostle of Love and Death." Fadia is a vampire-like operative who wields a transforming cross-shield, and she is known for being cunning and somewhat unhinged in the field.

Containment Unit 2

Containment Unit 2 is a division focused on anomaly containment operations. Where ETD-4 handles the highest-threat incidents, Containment Units appear to manage ongoing monitoring and routine containment work across the city.

The most notable member of Containment Unit 2 is Mint, an A-Rank Anima Esper who channels wind into her dual blades. Mint is described as a "rising star" within the Bureau and a living dictionary of Hethereau's people and places. She brings warmth and nervous optimism to her assignments, though she has developed a reputation for being tricked by anomalies during her missions. Despite these setbacks, Mint remains determined and aspires to become an ace agent.

Known Members

The following table lists confirmed Bureau of Anomaly Control personnel, their division assignments, and combat details.

Other Bureau employees and operatives likely exist throughout Hethereau, but their names, ranks, and division assignments have not been confirmed in official materials.

Oddity Resident Permits

One of the Bureau's key civic responsibilities is the administration of resident permits for Oddities. In Hethereau, Oddities are peaceful anomaly creatures that live alongside humans. Some have been officially recognized as citizens by the BAC, while others remain undocumented and simply try to make a living across the city, sometimes causing minor mischief along the way.

In the BAC's main hall, hopeful Oddities queue up to apply for their permits, going through a formal process to gain legal residency. This system highlights the Bureau's dual nature: it is not only a military-style organization that combats dangerous anomalies, but also a bureaucratic institution that manages the peaceful coexistence of humans and supernatural beings. The permit system gives Oddities access to housing, employment, and legal protections within Hethereau's civic framework.

Notable Oddities seen in Hethereau include Taygedo, a quirky squirrel-like creature with a TV-shaped head displaying a dog's face. Taygedo is known for its soft-spoken nature and its habit of repeating its own name. It even placed third in Eibon's Best Restorer contest, demonstrating that Oddities are active participants in city life.

Relationship with Independent Hunters

The BAC is not the only entity dealing with anomalies in Hethereau. Independent operations like the Eibon Antique Shop take on Anomaly Commissions from the public, handling cases that the Bureau may not prioritize or cannot reach quickly enough. Eibon is an antique shop that doubles as an anomaly hunter crew, and it is perpetually short on funds.

Per the Bureau's arrangement, Esper Zero has been assigned to Eibon as their new Appraiser. This makes the protagonist the first "unlicensed" Anomaly Hunter, operating outside the Bureau's official structure while still loosely connected to it. The relationship between the BAC and independent hunters like Eibon is complex. Eibon operates with a degree of autonomy, but the Bureau keeps tabs on its activities. This parallel system creates occasional tension yet also ensures that more anomaly incidents across the city receive attention.

The Hypervortex Response

The Bureau's response to the Hypervortex stands as one of its most significant operations. When a Class VII anomaly appeared over New Helios, the disaster nearly destroyed the entire city. The Hypervortex tore through the sky, warping the landscape and transforming the people caught in its wake.

ETD-4 members Skia, Fadia, and Lacrimosa were among those deployed to New Helios to contain the catastrophe. The opening animation, "Hypervortex Before the Storm," depicts their arrival at the disaster site. It was during this operation that Esper Zero was found at ground zero with no memories, setting the stage for the game's narrative. The Hypervortex event serves as both the Bureau's greatest challenge and the catalyst for the entire story of Neverness to Everness.

Unresolved Questions

The Bureau's full organizational structure remains largely unknown. Given the scale of Hethereau and the frequency of anomaly incidents, additional divisions and units beyond ETD-4 and Containment Unit 2 almost certainly exist. The naming convention ("ETD-4," "Containment Unit 2") implies multiple numbered squads under each branch, but their specializations, leadership, and operational areas have not been confirmed.

The Bureau's relationship with other factions in Hethereau, including the Coluccis Family and The Circle, also remains an open thread. How the BAC handles criminal organizations that exploit anomalies, and the extent of its jurisdiction beyond Hethereau's borders, are questions that the game's ongoing story may address.