The bacteria mutation frequently found in the Kathol Rift was countered by Variant Alpha, an antidote created by Doctor Vin Emil. This Variant Alpha was an extremely mutated strain, evolved through millions of generations in just weeks. The result was a strain with a ten percent higher consumption rate. Because the two strains shared fundamental genetic data, and Alpha's dominance would prolong the bacteria's life if it consumed less, the mutation would progress to the Alpha stage within a matter of hours.