Chapter Text
[CONFIDENTIAL]
The Fireflies Organization — Internal Analysis Department
Date: 15.01.2015
Document: FFR-203-α
To: Authorized Cell Commanders / Research Personnel
In 2013, an unknown group of scientists, operating under private funding nominally represented by independent charitable organizations, began a series of secret experiments aimed at controlling human consciousness. The biological agent used was a modified strain of the Cordyceps fungus genus, originally infecting insects and capable of altering their behavior.
Mutations acquired during the experiments enabled the fungus to overcome the species barrier. The goal was to create a means to suppress aggression, increase suggestibility, or, conversely, amplify instinctual behavior. It was assumed that controlled introduction of spores into the limbic structures of the brain would open the way for targeted behavioral influence.
However, at one stage of the project, a leak occurred. Biological isolation protocols were breached. Test subjects went out of control, and laboratory personnel became the first infected. Survivors failed to report the incident in time — and the fungus spread beyond the facility.
Within days, infection outbreaks were recorded in urban areas. Initially, symptoms resembled a neuroinfection: high fever, confusion, and impaired coordination. At later stages, rapid mycelial growth penetrated nervous tissue, resulting in complete loss of personality. The infected became highly aggressive and could spread the pathogen through bites, contact with blood and secretions, as well as airborne spores — in enclosed, humid spaces the fungus formed colonies that released spores.
In less than six months, the infection spread across continents. Countries closed borders one after another. States of emergency were declared in major cities, followed by military quarantines. Infrastructure began to collapse. Zones of mass infection emerged, completely lost to central authority. Survivors adapted however they could: some formed isolated settlements, others descended into banditry or fanaticism.
Governments, corporations, and research centers rapidly lost control.
By estimates, by 2015 humanity had lost over 60% of its population. Large cities became dead zones. Communications were disrupted. Industry ceased functioning. Remaining quarantine zones survived on dwindling stockpiles.
Reliable information on the origin of the fungus and its mutations is scarce. Those who knew the truth are either dead or silent. Many rumors circulated — about initial carriers, serums, and secret refuges where scientists worked — none of which have been confirmed.
One of the few documented facts: a very small number of people are resistant to infection. Their bodies either completely eliminate the fungus at early stages or suppress its activity. Such immunity occurs at a rate of about one person per tens of thousands. The cause remains unknown.
Several scientific hypotheses exist, with two main credible versions:
Genetic rare mutation
Some individuals possess a unique variation in immune system genes (e.g., those responsible for recognizing fungal antigens). This resembles mutations conferring HIV resistance in certain people (such as CCR5-Δ32). Such mutation might have arisen spontaneously or due to external factors.
Symbiotic coexistence
A person carries Cordyceps in an inactive form — the fungus does not parasitize but exists symbiotically, granting immunity to other strains. This rare interaction is absent in most infected individuals.