The Ingress project revolves around a newly discovered substance called Exotic Matter (XM), which scientists found can directly interface with the human brain. XM has been present since ancient times, influencing human thought and progress, but its true nature remains unclear. Two factions, the Enlightened and the Resistance, have emerged with opposing views on XM's significance: the Enlightened see it as a gift enhancing human experience, while the Resistance views it as a mind takeover threat. As global powers and corporations vie for control, the balance between humanity's potential and XM's risks hangs in the balance.