Monsterization

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Monsterization, also known as lycanthropy, is a phenomena in which humans change into a monstrous form. Currently, this phenomenon, alongside humans, is exclusive to Vanishing World. Alongside the Vani, it is one of the major sources of conflict within the part. 
Humans who have monsterized are known as Humons. 
== Overview ==
Monsterization is an extremely painful process. Those affected begin to feel excruciating pain before physical changes even start. Once they do, the body contorts in various ways, from bones elongating or compressing, to the growth of fur and/or scales. Many who undergo monsterization will even pass out due to the amount of pain. Regardless of if they pass out or not, newly-transformed humons will enter a state of uncontrollable rage and attack anyone in sight. This state only lasts a few minutes and once it's over, they will revert to their normal mindset. 
Even after the transformation, people affected may still suffer from adverse symptoms. These can include fits of rage, bone and muscle fatigue, and even fire-induced heartburn. 
Similarly to the Vani, the appearance of a humon varies heavily from person to person. Many take inspiration from multiple animals and mythical creatures. For example, Patch's monster form has elements of both foxes and birds. Despite these animalistic elements to them, humons will almost always be humanoid in terms of basic structure. A person's soul and- if they are a tether- Vani counterpart can both influence their humon form's appearance. 
== Causes ==
The cause of Monsterization is largely unknown. The only instance with a known cause is Kaylee Tagetes', whose transformation appears to have been caused by the Faunaflora Reactor malfunctioning. However, hers is an anomalous case and does not apply to other humons.
== History ==
Monsterization, then better known by its other name, has been observed throughout human history long before the events of Vanishing World. However, cases were extremely scarce. After the Earth Invasion Team arrived on Earth, the phenomenon began to occur more frequently. Cases were still relatively rare at first, as noted by Null in Ganymede's introduction. Many early victims, such as Soliana Tagetes and Ganymede, suffered as a result of the public's lack of knowledge, often being attacked and even killed upon monsterizing. The number of cases began to steadily increase as the series progressed, and so did humanity's awareness of the phenomenon. Eventually, monsterization became common knowledge, and humons were accepted into society.
As of MacGuffin in the Limelight, at least half of Earth's population is monsterized.
== Reversal Efforts ==
Since the rise of the monsterization phenomenon, various efforts to reverse its effects have popped up.
=== Reversal Co. ===
Reversal Co. is a group focused on reversing the effects of monsterization. It is led by Coral Herring alongside her sister, Rose. Endorsed by the U.S. government, Reversal Co. touts itself an organization that treats its test subjects with utmost care and respect. However, as seen with their forceful detainment of Target and the experiments they run on him, their methods are actually extremely cruel and unethical. It is implied that the American government is making an active attempt to cover up their brutality.
=== South Korea ===
The South Korean government has also organized a research team to study the pandemic. Primarily led by Seul-Ki Han, they able to find a way for humons to switch between their human and monster forms. However, they have yet to find a way to mitigate and/or eliminate the extreme strain transforming puts on people's bodies. This project is largely kept under closed doors, though the government plans to release their findings once studies conclude.
== Anomalous Cases ==
=== Weres ===
Weres are a specific group of humons that are able to switch between their human and monster forms. When transforming back into a human, flesh or a flesh-like substance will emerge from the body and wrap around it. As it covers the surface of their body, one's skeletal structure will contort back into a human skeleton, almost as if their monster is being squeezed back inside a human vessel. Should a humon lose any limbs in either form, they will grow back if they switch to their other form and then back. 
There are currently 3 known weres: Target, Seul-Ki Han, and Megan Luvzik.
=== Other Cases ===
* Arthur Tagetes' monster form is notably more animalistic than most.
* As discussed above, Kaylee is currently the only case linked to a direct cause.
* While she's categorized as a were, Megan is the only one who can control the degree of her transformation.
* Katrina Giyatiene had her monsterization halted by Deneko, leaving her only partially transformed.
== Miscellaneous Notes ==
* The term humon is short for "Hubris monster". It also a portmanteau of the words "human" and "monster".
* Monsterization does not affect animals and other sapient species.