The Rock Eater

English Translation (Story Synopsis) In Cosmic Theory I, it is said that somewhere in the universe exists a planet identical to Earth. This story takes place on such an Earth. On this alternate Earth, time seems to move faster than on the original. Global warming has slipped past its limits—temperatures continue to rise, polar ice melts without pause, and the oceans advance onto the land. As humanity struggles with this escalating crisis, a new threat emerges. A newly evolved poisonous plant sweeps across farmland, and within a short time it overruns the great grain belts and ranches of the Northern Hemisphere. Humanity throws every possible method at eradicating the toxic weed, but its spread cannot be stopped, plunging the world into a severe food crisis. Amid the chaos, government agencies receive information about a species created long ago through illegal genetic editing—beings who later disappeared. This species possesses a unique ability: they can consume rock and convert it into food. Their name is Rock Eaters. Vice President Sasaoka orders government forces to locate them. At the same time, a massive “Food Syndicate,” having obtained the same intelligence, also moves to capture the Rock Eaters. Meanwhile, Ron, the former leader of the Rock Eaters, insists, “We were born with Mother’s permission, and we were given a mission.” Thus begins a global struggle for control of the Rock Eaters. And the question remains—what exactly is “Mother”…?