VIRM

VIRM are an alien hive mind species in ''DARLING in the FRANXX. ''They are invaders from outer space and have an enemy relationship to Klaxo sapiens. Some time ago, they were once defeated and driven away by the Klaxo sapiens.

Three individuals of this race went on to accumulate prominent positions on Earth: Papa, Vice Chairman, and Tarsier from APE.

Abilities
The VIRM have hundreds, if not, thousands of ships at their disposal. Ranging from Carriers, Cruisers, Scouts, Destroyer class vessels, ready to decimate any race that refuses their surrender to VIRM's will.

They also have mobile weapons similar to how the Klaxosaurs have which are humanoid like mechs, ranging in different sizes and numbers.

Biography
The VIRM invaded Earth thousands of years prior to the main story timeline and came into conflict with the klaxosaurs, who already inhabited the planet. From then onwards, a war erupted between the two races, causing the human race to get caught in the middle.

At some point, a VIRM came into authority over the small amount of humans that remained and created the APE, becoming somewhat of a god-like figure and leader, and he was referred to as Papa. Two other VIRMS became also became prominent members of APE, the Chairmen and Tarsier. To eliminate the klaxosaurs, Papa recruited Dr. Franxx into APE based on his research on the link between magma energy and the klaxosaurs. Further research led to the creation of the FRANXX and the recruitment of boy-girl pairs to pilot them and destroy klaxosaurs. The creation of Zero Two, the clone of the klaxosaur princess, was considered a highly successful achievement.

In episode 17, Two of the sages from APE tried to persuade the princess to surrender but she killed them and Papa decided to use the last resort to eliminate the klaxosaurs. In episode 21, the princess’ intrusion with the parasite children ultimately prompts the revelation that Papa is a VIRM and the VIRMS are the true enemy rather the klaxosaurs, causing massive confusion among everyone. Papa and the Chairman activate the VIRMS to attack but are overwhelmed by the klaxosaurs and the FRANXX pilots, who have turned against Papa. The VIRMS retreat and head to space, with several klaxosaurs following them.

In the final battle, Squad 13 joins the fight to save Zero Two, who has consciously merged with Strelizia. Papa and the Chairman demand that everyone stop resisting and allow themselves to merge into a single life form to stop a cycle of hatred and discrimination, but everyone rejects this. After transforming into the Strelizia True Apus, Zero Two and Hiro successfully defeat most of VIRMS’ forces but, to avoid further collateral damage, they travel through a warp gate with a bomb made by the klaxosaurs to destroy the VIRM for good.