Red-Eyed Reverie Syndrome

## Overview

The Red-Eyed Reverie Syndrome, also known as the "Virus" in the world of Diverged Solstice, is a contagious affliction that affects Ethereal beings and humans. Initially unnamed, it was later referred to as the Red-Eyed Reverie Syndrome due to the infected individuals displaying red eyes as a distinctive symptom. The virus originated from a sample obtained from another facility after conducting research and sending Ethereal users out.

## History

Following a five-year timeskip, a sudden outbreak of the virus occurred in a military base located in a state with a high population of Ethereals. The cause of the Ethereals turning corrupt remains unknown, though it is speculated that the virus might have originated from a common sickness that evolved over time due to prolonged confinement of Ethereals in the military base.

Those affected by the virus are referred to as the "Corrupted" or "Infected." Unfortunately, no cure has been found, and the virus is considered a curse until its root cause is eliminated. The infected Ethereals broke free from their containment, causing the evacuation of the entire military base. Among the infected, a new mutation emerged, characterized by enhanced armor and increased resilience. The personnel working at the military base were unable to withstand the onslaught and were annihilated, leading to complete control of the base by the infected Ethereals.

As the infected Ethereals and Dream Eaters vie for control of the base, they exhibit a merciless aggression towards any living beings they encounter.

## Origins

The virus's origin is attributed to the continuous corruption caused by the Goddess of Radiance. The Goddess refuses to kill the Goddess of Affliction, opting for an alternative solution called Project Diverged Solstice.

## Forms

The infected individuals can assume various forms, often influenced by their birthday constellation, Chinese zodiac, general behavior, or desired dream animal. However, these forms are characterized by uncontrollable and vicious behavior. Some infected individuals may not fit into these categories, making identification challenging.

## Behaviors & Side Effects

Some notable aspects of the infected include their tendency to utter keywords or names significant to them, although these expressions appear as gibberish to unaffected individuals. It is important to note that regular humans can also become infected. Ethereals possess a limited resistance to the virus, but their Limiters or Operators will prompt them to leave contaminated areas.

Additionally, the virus has several side effects, including the reanimation of dead individuals for a limited time under the influence of the infection. It is necessary to determine side effects that can arise within individuals affected by the Red-Eyed Reverie Syndrome to provide a comprehensive summary.

### Side-Effects Included

1. ***Nightmarish Hallucinations***: Infected individuals may experience vivid and disturbing hallucinations, often related to their deepest fears or regrets. These hallucinations can be so intense that they can impair the individual's ability to distinguish reality from the illusionary world created by their mind.
2. ***Heightened Aggression***: The virus amplifies the aggressive tendencies of infected individuals, leading to a significant increase in their overall aggression and hostility. They may become prone to sudden outbursts of violence and find it challenging to control their anger and impulses.
3. ***Uncontrollable Energy Bursts***: The infected may experience unpredictable surges of energy coursing through their bodies. These bursts of energy can result in enhanced physical strength and speed, but they lack control over when and how these bursts occur, leading to potential collateral damage and self-harm.
4. ***Psychic Instability***: The Red-Eyed Reverie Syndrome can induce psychic instability in infected individuals. They may experience erratic psychic abilities, such as telekinesis, telepathy, or precognition. However, these abilities are unreliable and uncontrollable, often leading to unintended consequences or mental strain.
5. ***Emotionally Volatile***: Infected individuals may undergo extreme emotional swings, ranging from intense euphoria to deep despair within short periods. Their emotions become highly volatile and difficult to regulate, causing instability in their behavior and relationships.
6. ***Body Distortions***: The virus can induce physical transformations in infected individuals, resulting in grotesque and unnatural body distortions. Limbs may elongate or contort, skin texture may change, or additional appendages may manifest. These alterations can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty in performing regular tasks.