However, their Exterminator (originally the lowest level safeguard) system has a different form of hierarchy where 'First Class' is the most powerful. The Safeguard have nine levels of hierarchy, Level 9 being the most powerful.
However, the netsphere was thrown into chaos (the actual reason is not exactly known, but the prequel manga NOiSE implies that a small group of humans is at fault) and the Safeguard changed their modus operandi from preventing unauthorized users from entering the netsphere to killing off anyone who does not possess Net Terminal Genes. The netsphere was designed as a means of providing service to those who could log on. The Safeguard are a program independent of the netsphere. Cibo ( シボ Shibo ?) - The head scientist of the Bio-Electric Corporation in the Capitol, Cibo joins Killy on his quest for the Net Terminal Gene.His task of finding a human with the Net Terminal Gene is the basis of the manga's plot. Killy ( 霧亥 Kirii ?) - The main character of the series.
