February 11, 2033: First machine is tested successfully after over a hundred failed tests. Controversy over the destructive nature of the technology ignites. July 18, 2033: A catastrophic incident with an energy-matter machine destroys the city of Hiroshima, in devastation not seen since the atomic bombs were dropped nearly ninety years prior. Japanese government officials move to ban work on this technology, though Western powers urge them to allow it, despite the mishap. January 1, 2040: 98% of all animals in Japan are wiped out; ecosystems ruled entirely by infected individuals.