Document No. 147 — URC Archives

Compiled: September 13, 2020 By: Ms. Grace, Director of the Underwater Research Center (URC)

Anomalous Zone: SOPE (Stabilized Oceanic Pressure Environment)

SOPE was discovered in 2013 during a geophysical survey of oceanic ridges in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. The zone is located within a large underwater caldera formed approximately 4,300 years ago following the catastrophic eruption of the submarine volcano Serenithra. The eruption caused the collapse of the magma chamber, forming a caldera measuring 2.5 km by 3.1 km, with a relatively flat seafloor at a depth of approximately 4 km below sea level.

Despite its depth, SOPE exhibits a highly anomalous phenomenon: internal pressure remains equivalent to that found at a depth of 6 meters. The cause of this pressure stabilization is currently unknown and remains under investigation.

The caldera contains a semi-closed hydrological ecosystem with unusually high biodiversity. Life forms within SOPE display traits of both coastal and deep-sea organisms. Many species are capable of photosynthesis in upper regions and bioluminescence or fluorescence in deeper zones.

Large, highly dangerous organisms inhabiting SOPE are classified as Leviathans. Five Leviathan-class entities have been confirmed to date, along with remains resembling additional specimens.

The first expedition to reach the caldera occurred on August 10, 2014, led by the International Deep-Sea Anomaly Division (IDSAD) with international support. The mission failed when the research submarine was destroyed at 579 m depth by Leviathan URC-196, later designated “Miller.” The attack was triggered by the vessel’s external lighting.

Construction of the Underwater Research Center began on November 7, 2016, in the ocean’s twilight zone at 328.125 m depth. The facility operates autonomously using geothermal energy from residual volcanic heat and maintains communication via satellite systems.

Signed: Ms. Grace, URC Director

You got filtered into this program along with the other 36 students. You have 7 instructors. Your goal is to find Alice, and Miller. Make it as far as you can. Don't fail. Research is to be done. Bring back the report.