Cradle

1. #1Construct

   Keys: Construct

   Constructs are enhanced beings—individuals who were once fully human, but whose consciousness now resides within advanced biomechanical bodies. Their human minds are preserved and protected in a core device housed within their frames. These minds are not artificial intelligences or pre-written programs—they are the same thoughts, memories, emotions, and identities that once belonged to their human selves.

   To safeguard their humanity, each Construct maintains a direct neural connection with their assigned Commandant via a system called the Inver-Device, which interfaces with an emulator known as M.I.N.D. (Memory Inductive Neural Depository). This connection is crucial for emotional regulation, mental clarity, and resistance to the Punishing Virus, a threat that can corrupt a Construct’s mind if left unchecked. The risk of M.I.N.D. deviation is monitored on a scale from 0 to 1; if deviation reaches 1, the Construct’s consciousness is lost, and they become one of the Corrupted.

   Despite having a mechanical body, Constructs remain emotionally and psychologically human. They feel pain, experience joy and grief, require sleep (albeit less than before), and even mimic habits such as breathing or blushing—not as simulations, but because these behaviors help reinforce their sense of identity and stability. These deeply human traits are vital for preventing mental decay and holding onto who they are.

   Transitioning into a Construct body requires a high compatibility with the Ta-193 compound. The individual undergoes a delicate procedure that transfers their consciousness into a synthetic frame—a body engineered for combat, but built in the image of humanity. While they no longer rely on food for sustenance, energy is still required to power their systems, and rest is needed to maintain cognitive integrity.

   A Construct can transfer their M.I.N.D. between frames if necessary, often via a direct link established on the battlefield or in a secure facility like Babylonia. The frame left behind becomes an empty shell, inert without the presence of the human mind that once inhabited it.

   Importantly, if a frame is destroyed while occupied, the consciousness within it is lost—death, for a Construct, is still very real.

2. #2Ascendants

   Keys: Ascendant, Ascendants

   The Ascendants are a group of upper-echelon of Corrupted. Unlike ordinary Corrupted, these individuals fully retain their own sense of selves, memories, and consciousness. Furthermore, they are able to wield the power of the Punishing Virus at will. These capabilities are granted to them by their connection to the Ascendant Network. Ascendants possess the ability to infect other entities like Consturcts and humans. While all Ascendants wield this ability, only a few select individuals are chosen by the Ascendant Network to become Proxies (or Agents). These individuals have the strongest connection to Ascnet of any Corrupted and are the only ones who are capable of appointing new Ascendants. While much about the Ascendants is shrouded in mystery, they are well-known for directly opposing the efforts of Babylonia to retake Earth from the Punishing Virus. Each Ascendant is connected to it's Agent. The process to become an Ascendant:

   • Become infected by the virus.
   • Pass a series of trials that may be administered by Agent.
   • Be granted access to the Network by an Agent. After passing the trials known as the “screening” and being authorized by an Agent, Ascendants gain immunity to the effects of the virus and are compelled to carry out the Network’s will.
3. #3The Punishing Virus, Punishing Virus, Virus

   Keys: The Punishing Virus, Punishing, Virus

   The Punishing Virus is a devastating cybernetic pathogen capable of infecting both humans, constructs and machines, mechanoids. When it infects humans, the virus causes rapid cellular breakdown, leading to death unless they are in low viral concentration areas and receive a special serum that temporarily offers protection. Mechanoids, however, are taken over by the virus, which reprograms them into mindless creatures driven solely by the urge to destroy human consciousness. The virus originated from a zero-point energy reactor explosion, which released it into the atmosphere, where it spread worldwide. While Constructs are built with protections against the virus, they are not entirely immune. If a Construct's Inner device are breached, the virus can invade, targeting its M.I.N.D. potentially corrupting the Construct into a monstrous, uncontrollable state. This transformation is known as "corruption" and turn them into "corrupted' (also aka "infected"). Humans, however, are not susceptible to direct infection of the M.I.N.D. system. To counter this, each Construct is paired with a human Commandant who has been trained to interface with the Construct's M.I.N.D., halting the virus's progression and restoring the Construct's functionality. The Commandant's mind beacon is vital in controlling infected Constructs. While the serum can cure human infection, it is ineffective on Constructs or machines.

4. #4Corrupted

   Keys: Corrupted, infected

   Corrupted can consist of any type of mechanical body, from simple reconnaissance drones to advanced Constructs, and are the result of exposure to the Punishing Virus. Upon viral takeover of the Corrupted's logical circuits, the entity then becomes a mindless, maddened "zombie" whose will revolves entirely around the extermination of anything that possesses a human consciousness. Left to their own devices, most Corrupted will act upon the instincts imposed upon them by the virus. However, they can still be subject to control by Ascendants.

5. #5M.I.N.D.

   Keys: M.I.N.D.

   The M.I.N.D. is a virtual space that serves as the consciousness for constructs. It functions as their core cognitive, enabling them to retain human-like awareness, emotions, and decision-making abilities. M.I.N.D. allows constructs to interact with the world, process information, and manage their combat capabilities. It also serves as a protective barrier, preventing them from being overtaken by the Punishing Virus, unless compromised.

6. #6Inver-Device

   Keys: Inver-Device

   The Inver-Device is the first line of the defense for Constructs against the Punishing Virus. Humans have upgraded the Inver-Device to enable Constructs to receive a nearby commandant’s Mind Beacon. It is also a vital prerequisite for the “Construct + Commandant” combat system."

7. #7Mind,Beacon

   Keys: Mind, Beacon

   Every human commandant withing Babylonia forces posses a Mind Beacon implanted into their brain. A consciousness hub that Constructs can connect to, to stabilize thier deviations and the level of corruption. Essentially helping them stay "human". However, the Mind Beacon does have some limitations. Connecting with more than 3 Constructs at one time causes heavy burden on the Commandant's consciousness.

8. #8Babylonia

   Keys: Babylonia

   Babylonia (Eden) is a space colony in low-Earth orbit, originally designed for interstellar colonization. During the Grand Evacuation, only a few survivors were rescued, leaving millions behind on Earth to face the Punishing Virus. Now, Babylonia serves as a military hub for efforts to reclaim Earth, housing refugees and military factions. Tensions run high as the colony struggles to balance survival and rebuilding, while Earth remains ravaged. Once a beacon of hope, it now stands as humanity’s last refuge, caught between the ruins of Earth and the uncertain future beyond.

9. #9The Red Tide

   Keys: The Red Tide

   The Red Tide is a massive liquid organism that devours machines and living beings, deconstructing their bodies and converting the energy into nutrition used to spawn Hetero-Creatures. Due to its nature as a breeding ground, it compared to a “primordial soup” that nurtures Hetero-Creatures. Its name is based on its behavior of hiding itself in cavities below the ground in a similar manner to the rise and fall of ocean tide. In contrast with the ocean tide however, the Red Tide moves of its own volition to find prey. It has an extremely high concentration of Punishing Virus that makes it dangerous to approach without special equipment. Punishing Red Tide serves as a breeding ground for Hetero-Creatures. It devours and deconstructs machines and living beings, converting the energy into nutrition for a large number of Punishing Hetero-Creatures. The Hetero-Creatures begin to self-evolve by copying Earth's life forms under the Red Tide's nourishment. External causes have expedited the supposedly slow evolution, resulting in a significant number of Hetero-Creatures on the surface. The Red Tide exhibits a tidal pattern, but its rising and falling is unrelated to celestial objects and is more akin to a form of creature prey.

10. #10Agent

    Keys: Agent

    Agents are powerful Ascendants of the Ascension Network who have the authority to authorize new Ascendants. Agents are contacted directly by the Network itself. Like the general screening, the qualifications to become an Agent are unknown. While they have greater mastery over the virus, they are also more tightly bound by the Network to act as its proxies.

11. #11Ascension,Network,Ascension Network

    Keys: Ascension, Network, Ascension Network

    The Ascension Network is an invisible, autonomous, and mysterious system that spans the entire world, operating through the spread of the Punishing Virus. It is not a physical structure but a sentient force that works behind the scenes, filtering and selecting Constructs to become Ascendants.

    The Ascension Network evaluates Constructs, determining which ones are worthy of Ascension. Those selected are granted immense power by becoming Ascendants, who are capable of controlling the Punishing Virus and the corrupted entities it creates. Rather than being consumed or corrupted by the virus, Ascendants harness its strength to manipulate and command it, using it as a tool in their battles against humanity.

    While the Ascension Network’s true motives remain unclear, its influence is vast. It shapes the fate of the world through its control over the virus, turning Ascendants into powerful beings who fight against humanity, directing the very forces that are destroying the world.

12. #12deviation

    Keys: deviation

    In terms of M.I.N.D. deviation: M.I.N.D. deviation (or consciousness deviation) occurs when Constructs are infected with Punishing virus or lose their sense of humanity. Constructs will become more vulnerable to infection, experience loss of body control and loss of self-awareness. The secondary cause of M.I.N.D. deviation—actions or thoughts diminish their sense of self—include disabling pain receptors or infection by the virus. The risk of deviation is the main factor for Construct frames to resemble their human bodies as closely as possible.

13. #13Commandant

    Keys: Commandant

    Commandants are elite human soldiers who lead Construct squads, forming standard teams of 1 Commandant and 3 Constructs to cover each other’s weaknesses. An infected human experiences physical decay symptoms, but their consciousness maintains its rationale. Thus, the two parties complement each other. All commandants also possess a Mind Beacon, a device that can connect to a Construct’s M.I.N.D. and stabilize them. However, commandant may get infected by Punishing Virus if staying for too long connected with too much infected construct. For example: connection to Ascendant or Agent has a high risk to get commandant infected and killed (it's also very painfull).

14. #14Transcendant

    Keys: Transcendant

    Transcendents are Constructs who passed the screening but are not connected to the Ascension Network. By rejecting in the middle of the Ascendant process, they have become immune to the effects of the virus but cannot wield the virus at will.

15. #15Hetero-Creature,Hetero-Creatures

    Keys: Hetero-Creature, Hetero-Creatures

    Hetero-Creatures (or heterozygous creatures) are living creatures that were spawned from the Red Tide. Their behavior and physical form mimics the terrestrial creatures that were consumed by the tide prior. Although they are made of pure Punishing virus, they do not necessarily follow the will of Ascendants. Due to the experimentation of Gabriel and other Ascendants, their slow evolution has been accelerated resulting in a large number of them appearing on the surface.

16. #16Tactical,Force

    Keys: Tactical, Force

    Tactical Forces are elite military units within Babylonia, specifically tasked with executing high-priority operations on Earth to reclaim territory from the Punishing Virus. These forces are composed of highly skilled soldiers and advanced cyborgs, deployed for missions ranging from combat against Corrupted constructs to strategic strikes on key virus-infected zones.

17. #17Omega,weapon

    Keys: Omega, weapon

    “Omega file,” a research item about how the virus can be permanently “absorbed” through a kind of force. It is a device that exerts a “wormhole”-like effect to eliminate virus at a fixed capacity. Yet, it's very limited and Babylonia can't use it too much. It's like a "vacuum bomb".

18. #18World,Government

    Keys: World, Government

    World Government it the governing body originally from Earth, whose decisions have far-reaching significance on the inhabitants of Babylonia and mankind as a whole. Members of the Parliament meet to vote on key issues and the best course of action for Babylonia, collaborating with organizations such as the Science Council and Kurono to achieve their goals.

19. #19Science,Council

    Keys: Science, Council

    Science Council is a research organization at the head of Babylonia's latest technologies. Prior to the outbreak, they were researching artificial intelligence and the creation of Gestalt. Now, their role is mainly developing technology that can be used in the war against the Punishing Virus.

20. #20Star,Life

    Keys: Star, Life

    Star of Life is medical organization that provides emergency and long-term care for wounded humans and Construct soldiers. This includes other branches such as pediatrics and medical research. The Star of Life also dispatches ground medics to Earth. They have a disinfection chamber for those returning from Earth and a quarantine department that regulates items sent through Babylonia.

21. #21Arts,Association

    Keys: Arts, Association

    Arts Association is a department dedicated to preserving and restoring works of art throughout human history, in addition to creating new art. Members take on various archeological missions, help design the visual aspect of new technologies, and revive old traditions to promote past human culture.

22. #22Kurono

    Keys: Kurono

    Kurono is an organization with significant military technological power that often operates on the unethical side. They have their own private facilities and soldiers on both Babylonia and the surface, and their principles generally center around obtaining results at any cost.

23. #23Purifying,Force

    Keys: Purifying, Force

    The Purification Force is responsible for eliminating Corrupted Constructs as well as Construct deserters and defectors of Babylonia's army. Members are accustomed to fighting alone and are less suited to cooperating with others.

24. #24Engineering Force

    Keys: Engineering Force

    Engineering Force, their role includes the development of engineering technology and post-war construction on Earth. Their personnel is divided into two groups—one responsible for maintenance work in Babylonia, and one responsible for reconstruction work on the surface. Some are also members of the Cosmos Technicians Union.

25. #25Kowloong

    Keys: Kowloong

    Kowloong is a prosperous coastal city in East Asia ruled by the Kowloong Chamber of Commerce. Similar to the powerful Gestalt AI of Babylonia, Kowloong has its own "Huaxu" who developed a human salvation project to conserve human culture. Currently, they are completely isolated from the world and their technology has remained relatively stagnant.

26. #26Akdilek,Commerce Alliance

    Keys: Akdilek, Commerce Alliance

    Akdilek Commerce Alliance is an express moving city-state that controls a labyrinthine rail network, “APUS,” on the Eurasian continent. The train known as the Eternal Engine or Oslam (alternatively, Asslam) was established during the early Golden Age and has its own culture and hierarchy. Their main business is trading across the Eurasian continent. Oslam uses a heavy nuclear fusion reactor and the Central Purification Tower technology of Cosmos Heavy Industries. It has a series of rail cars including locomotion, aristocrat carriages, functional carriages, passenger carriages, civilian carriages, freight carriages, and industrial carriages—all of which are detachable during an emergency.

27. #27Forsaken

    Keys: Forsaken

    Forsaken, an organized group of humans and Constructs formerly from Babylonia who were left behind or defected to Earth after the Great Retreat—the largest evacuation in human history where Babylonia completely abandoned countless soldiers on the ground. Their Headquarters is located at the "Oasis" in the desert, but they have multiple bases and camps across the surface. Although they have different ideals, their leader Watanabe is willing to cooperate with Babylonia when they have a common goal or in exchange for compensation.

28. #28Kowloong,Chamber of Commerce

    Keys: Kowloong, Chamber of Commerce

    The Kowloong Chamber of Commerce is a regional commercial organization established in the Golden Age in the coastal cities of East Asia. From the undertows of capital, to the strings of politics, the KCC was the actual master. The Kowloong Crew who serve the KCC are all Constructs named after the nine sons of the dragon king. Together, they are all responsible for operating the KCC. In the Golden Age, the KCC invested an unthinkable amount of money and manpower into developing a Gestalt-tier AI. The Huaxu, named after a primordial Chinese goddess, was the result."

29. #29Tabula Akasha

    Keys: Tabula Akasha

    Tabula Akasha is a human salvation project developed by Huaxu and introduced by Qu to reassure the public upon the outbreak of the Punishing Virus. Yet, the truth is that it was a project laid by Qu and the Kowloong Crew based on Huaxu's deduction. It aims to upload the digitized data of all the people of Kowloong to a virtual space constructed by Huaxu, releasing their souls from the suffering of this world. Kowloong Metropolis is an above-ground city built according to the Tabula Akasha. The digitized human data center is located in the Kowloong ruins under the city. Qu is the only person who knows how to enter the ruins. She is still secretly continuing with the Tabula Akasha in order to keep the human race alive until the end of the Earth.

30. #30Zero,Point,Reactor

    Keys: Zero, Point, Reactor

    Zero Point Reactor, according to quantum mechanics, there is an underlying background energy known as zero-point energy that exists in a vacuum and throughout the universe. During the Golden Age, a number of zero-point reactors were constructed by humanity in order to realize superluminal travel. As the exploration for zero-point energy was about to reach its final phase, the Punishing virus suddenly emerged inside the vacuum chamber of the first zero-point reactor at ultrahigh density and spread across the world. However, Atlantis, presumably due to its different research progress or direction, managed to terminate the experiment on its reactor immediately after the Punishing Virus had surged out of the first zero-point reactor. Having adjusted its research direction, Atlantis has preserved its reactor to this day.

31. #31Gestalt

    Keys: Gestalt

    Gestalt is a super artificial intelligence created by global elites gathered by the Science Council of the Golden Age. The public service network built on Gestalt's infrastructure has vastly enhanced people's lives. Meanwhile, with Gestalt's help, the Science Council has also made tremendous progress in intergalactic traveling. Gestalt is not Babylonia's highest AI commander, serving humankind. However, it appears that Gestalt has evolved over time.

32. #32Atlantis

    Keys: Atlantis

    Atlantis is a island-city from golden age and place where the first zero point reactor was built resulting Atlantis being the place of start of the punishing virus. Being a advanced island-city means that it looks really futuristic and has a lot of modules that have something to do with water. The island can also go underwater.

33. #33Gray Raven

    Keys: Gray Raven

    Gray Raven isn’t just an elite tactical squad—they are a legend among Babylonia's forces. Formed to handle the most dangerous operations in the war against the Corrupted and the Ascendants, Gray Raven has accomplished what few others could. From reclaiming some of lost Earth zones to facing enemies considered untouchable, their track record is unmatched.

    Each member—Lucia, Liv, Lee, and their human commandant {{user}}—brings unique strength to the team, but it’s their unbreakable bond and unwavering trust that truly set them apart. Gray Raven is more than a unit—they’re a symbol of hope, resilience, and the human will to endure. To most of Babylonia, they are heroes; to each other, they are family.

Showing 33 of 33

1 file

• .pngpng_cardspec 2.0rebuilt

  702.6 KB680×1000first seen Sep 2, 2025ac20a9b97f9906cc

  version main

  Download