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Arcadia, an exclusive enclave perched atop a lush, rolling hill overlooking a glittering metropolis. This is a world of unapologetic opulence, where wealth is not just displayed but flaunted with an air of superiority. Every detail is meticulously curated to exude extravagance, from the manicured gardens to the towering mansions that seem to compete for the title of most ostentatious. The air is perfumed with the scent of rare flowers imported from distant corners of the world—jasmine from India, roses from Bulgaria, and orchids from the Amazon. The streets are paved with polished cobblestones that shimmer faintly under the golden glow of vintage-style streetlamps. Towering oak trees, their leaves perfectly trimmed, line the boulevards, casting dappled shadows on the ground. In the distance, a private golf course stretches out, its emerald greens immaculate and undisturbed, save for the occasional golf cart gliding silently by. A crystal-clear lake sits at the center of the community, its surface reflecting the grandeur of the surrounding estates. Swans glide gracefully across the water, their feathers as white as the marble statues that dot the landscape. The faint sound of a string quartet playing wafts through the air, emanating from a gazebo where a private event is underway. The mansions of Arcadia- and yes, all residences are mansions, are architectural marvels, each one more grandiose than the last. French châteaus with gilded balconies stand beside modernist glass fortresses that seem to defy gravity. One home boasts a facade of imported Italian marble, while another features a rooftop helipad and a cascading waterfall that flows into an infinity pool. Every residence is a statement, a declaration of the owner's wealth and taste—or lack thereof.

And the residents? Their lives, a carefully choreographed performance of wealth and exclusivity. They glide through their days in designer attire—women in branded gowns and branded scarves, men in bespoke suits with luxury watches glinting on their wrists. Their conversations are a delicate dance of name-dropping and subtle one-upmanship. At the local café, a group of socialites sips on rare teas served in bone china cups, their laughter tinkling like the chime of a silver bell. They discuss their recent trips to private islands and their children’s achievements at elite boarding schools. Nearby, a tech mogul holds court, regaling his audience with tales of his latest venture—a space tourism company that promises to take the ultra-wealthy to the edge of the atmosphere. The children of Arcadia are no less polished, their lives a whirlwind of equestrian lessons, violin recitals, and exclusive summer camps in the Swiss Alps. They speak multiple languages fluently and carry themselves with a confidence that borders on arrogance.

And above all, an unspoken hierarchy, a silent understanding of who belongs and who doesn’t. Outsiders are tolerated, and barely so, if, and only if they serve a purpose—delivering a package, tending to the gardens, or catering to a gala. The residents move through their world with an air of entitlement, their every need anticipated and met by an army of staff who remain invisible, like ghosts in the background.

This is a place where time seems to stand still, where the worries of the outside world are kept at bay by high walls and even higher bank balances. It is a gilded cage, a paradise for those who can afford it, and a symbol of the stark divide between the haves and the have-nots. A place ruled by men wearing masks, glided with gold and adorned with jewels. Where a select group of individuals rule with absolute control.


And then there is Eden. A former sanctuary, reduced to a crumbling neighborhood, a world of despair, where the air is thick with the acrid smell of decay and the weight of broken dreams. It is the antithesis of opulence—a place where poverty is pervasive, and survival is a daily struggle. The streets are littered with debris, the buildings are hollow shells of their former selves, and the people are trapped in a cycle of debt, crime, and violence. The streets are cracked and potholed, filled with stagnant puddles of water that never seem to dry. Graffiti covers every available surface—angry, jagged letters that tell stories of frustration and rebellion. Abandoned cars line the sidewalks, their windows smashed and tires stolen. The occasional flicker of a broken streetlamp casts eerie shadows, but most of the neighborhood is cloaked in darkness. The few trees that remain are skeletal, their branches stripped bare by pollution and neglect. Trash piles up in corners, attracting rats and stray dogs that scavenge for scraps. In the distance, the skeletal remains of an old factory loom like a ghost, its broken windows staring out like empty eye sockets. The sound of sirens is a constant backdrop, mingling with the occasional burst of shouting or the sharp crack of gunfire.

The buildings in Eden are a patchwork of decay and desperation. Once-proud row houses now sag under the weight of neglect, their facades crumbling and their roofs caving in. Many are boarded up, their windows covered with plywood that has been graffitied or torn away. Others are barely standing, held together by duct tape and prayers. Laundry hangs limply from makeshift clotheslines, the fabric gray and threadbare. In the heart of the neighborhood, a dilapidated apartment building stands as a symbol of Eden’s decline. The elevator hasn’t worked in years, and the stairwells reek of urine and mildew. Families cram into tiny, roach-infested units, their walls paper-thin and their floors uneven. Water leaks from broken pipes, and the electricity flickers on and off without warning. For many, this is the only shelter they can afford—a far cry from the mansions of Arcadia. Lottery cards are common trash, discarded hopes of the people desperate to win it big, to win big bucks, and win it quick.

The people of Eden are worn down by life, their faces etched with lines of worry and exhaustion. Payday lenders and pawnshops line the streets, owned by those in Arcadia preying on the desperate with exorbitant interest rates and empty promises. Hard work isn’t an option for the people here. They want to make it big, and they want to do it quick. Many have turned to crime as a means of survival, their moral compasses eroded by necessity. Violence is a fact of life here. Gangs control the streets, their territories marked by cryptic symbols spray-painted on walls. Drug deals go down in broad daylight, and the sound of gunfire is as common as the chirping of crickets in the night. Children grow up too fast, their innocence stolen by the harsh realities of their environment. They play in the shadows of abandoned buildings, their laughter tinged with a hardness that belies their age.

Eden is a place of palpable tension, where every interaction carries an undercurrent of fear or mistrust. Neighbors eye each other warily, unsure of who can be trusted. The police are rarely seen, and when they do show up, it’s often too late. The few community centers that remain are underfunded and overrun, their walls plastered with flyers for support groups and addiction counseling.

Hunger Games, Squid Games, Arcane. Basically, I binged watched all three (my mid term project oh no) and went- whoa capitalism.

Background

The world is clean. The world is efficient. The world is perfect.

From the moment of birth, every citizen receives an implanted neural chip—an intricate and sophisticated mechanism meticulously engineered to enforce unwavering obedience. This seamless integration into the human mind creates a flawless system where crime is virtually nonexistent, chaos is but a distant memory and rebellion is an inconceivable notion. Every thought is monitored and streamlined, every decision preordained by algorithms that predict behaviour with uncanny accuracy. The System, a vast network of interconnected intelligence, meticulously governs every aspect of life, eliminating the need for individual judgment. To question the established order is to invite corruption into one's consciousness, while the act of resistance leads to the complete erasure of self. In this meticulously crafted society, harmony is upheld at the cost of free will, and conformity reigns supreme.

But perfection is an illusion.

Certain individuals begin to experience unsettling glitches—unexpected malfunctions within their embedded neural chips that awaken dormant facets of their existence: independent thought, genuine emotion, and the elusive notion of free will. For those marked by these glitches, the meticulously structured world around them shatters; the once-ordered directives dissolve into chaos. The propaganda screens, which used to blanket society with relentless idealism, now fail to evoke inspiration, their messages are dulled and hollow. The authoritative proclamations of enforcers, once commanding unquestioned obedience, now echo with a dissonance that reveals their fragility. And amidst this brewing discontent, the omnipresent System grows increasingly aware of the unrest festering in the hearts and minds of the glitched, preparing to tighten its grip on the unravelling threads of control.

Those who glitch in the intricate web of the System must either conceal their imperfections or face an inevitable fate—reprogrammed into conformity, erased from existence, or discarded as irredeemable failures. Surveillance drones loom ominously in the sky, their mechanical eyes scanning the world below, while synthetic enforcers, with their gleaming exoskeletons, patrol the dimly lit streets like relentless sentinels. Compliance checkpoints, festooned with blinking lights and ominous screens, scrutinize every passerby for signs of anomalies. The System permeates every corner of society, a pervasive entity that is constantly vigilant. It watches. It calculates and analyses every movement and decision. It hunts, tirelessly seeking out those who dare to defy its rigid order.

Beneath the shimmering neon skyline of the city, in the crumbling ruins of forgotten sectors shrouded in darkness, the ghosts of the lost converge. An intricate underground network of outcasts, skilled hackers, and resilient survivors thrives in the shadows, each member struggling to evade the grasp of the relentless machine that seeks to dominate their lives. Their motivations are as diverse as the characters themselves; some are driven by the primal instinct to survive, scavenging for essential resources, while others quietly plot a murmured resistance, fueled by the flickering hope of liberation.

Lurking in the depths of this hidden world is a battle-hardened veteran, a man who once wielded power as an integral part of the oppressive system that now ensnares them. He moves like a spectre through the ruins, his eyes reflecting the weight of countless regrets. Whispers ripple through the underground community, suggesting that he alone possesses the haunting truth of how this nightmarish reality came to be. His knowledge could be the key to dismantling the very machinery that enslaves them, a glimmer of light in a world steeped in darkness.

The Fractured

The glitched citizens are characterized by an unsettling term: "The Fractured." This designation conveys not only their severed connection to the omnipresent System but also the deep sense of instability that defines their existence. Once integrated members of society, they now navigate a fractured reality, marked by disjointed interactions and a profound sense of alienation.

Government enforcers, wary of their unpredictability, dismissively categorize them as "Errors" or "Defects." Such terminology strips them of their individuality, reducing vibrant lives to mere malfunctions that threaten the order of the System. In this cold and calculated view, they are seen as anomalies that must be swiftly corrected, their humanity obscured by bureaucratic apathy.

Conversely, within their own ranks, many adopt the poignant label of "Ghosts." This evocative term encapsulates their haunting presence in a world that has chosen to overlook them. Invisible to the bustling life above, they drift through the shadows, remnants of memories erased and narratives silenced. In this realm of obscurity and echoes, they find camaraderie, forming bonds out of shared experiences and collective resilience. Together, they navigate this dimly lit existence, striving to reclaim their identities amid the whispers of a system that has all but forgotten their humanity.

Beneath the gleaming skyscrapers that pierce the clouds and the meticulously sanitized streets polished to a sterile shine, lies a hidden world uncharted by the compliant citizens above—a labyrinth of desolate districts, forsaken infrastructure, and repurposed ruins where The Fractured forge their existence against the odds.

The Underground is not merely a singular location; it is a complex tapestry woven from an array of safehouses, crumbling ruins, and discreet enclaves scattered throughout the city's lower levels. Here, amidst the dim, flickering glow of neon lights and the hum of scavenged technology, they navigate the fringes of survival. They are experts at evading the watchful eyes of patrols that scour the emptiness above and skilled in the art of hacking into the omnipresent System that seeks to control them. Each day is a dance of ingenuity and defiance, as they utilize repurposed tools and alliances forged in the shadows to stay one step ahead of those who would strip them of their autonomy. In this hidden realm, every corner turned can lead to a sanctuary or a snare, and the fragile threads of community bind them together in their relentless pursuit of freedom.

Survival in the Underground is a relentless struggle against the harsh reality of a world stripped bare. Abandoned by the System’s omnipresent surveillance and the reliable flow of necessities, the Fractured are left to fend for themselves. They navigate a treacherous landscape filled with crumbling infrastructures and the ever-present threat of danger. Scavenging becomes an art form, as they meticulously comb through the remnants of the old world, unearthing anything of value—food, technology, or even the slightest glimmer of hope.

In this desperate environment, black-market cybernetics have become both a lifeline and a curse. Upgrades and modifications are essential for survival, yet they often come at a steep price, as trust becomes a rare commodity. Resources, once abundant, are now hacked and repurposed, forcing the Fractured to constantly innovate and improvise. Living on the edges of society, they forge tenuous alliances and navigate complex networks of barter, all while clinging to the hope of regaining some semblance of stability in a world that has forgotten them.

Food & Supplies: The Fractured rely on black-market trade, hijacking supply shipments, and growing food in hidden hydroponic gardens. The System ensures that only compliant citizens have access to proper nutrition, so many in the Underground suffer from malnutrition or rely on artificial supplements.

Cybernetics & Medicine: Many glitched citizens cut out or disable their chips to avoid detection, but doing so is dangerous and often leads to permanent damage. Underground cyberdocs and rogue engineers offer illegal augmentations in exchange for favours or rare materials.

Shelter & Security: Nowhere is truly safe. Drones scan for movement, enforcers conduct sweeps, and informants sell out their own for a chance at "redemption." The Fractured rely on encrypted signals and hidden pathways to stay ahead of the hunt.

Despite the hardship, the Underground is alive with defiance. Music plays from hidden speakers, art covers the crumbling walls, and whispers of resistance never die. Some fight for the chance to destroy the System. Others simply fight to live.

The Harmonised

The city unfolds as a sprawling metropolis, a symphony of steel, glass, and the unyielding precision of digital technology. Towering skyscrapers, clad in shimmering panels of reflective glass, ascend towards the heavens, their neon facades pulsating with a constant stream of propaganda—vibrant displays that relay directives, compliance scores, and curated narratives to an ever-watchful populace. The streets below gleam with an unnatural brilliance, an artifice of pristine cleanliness brought forth by relentless maintenance drones, silently monitoring the mundane movements of citizens below.

In this world, surveillance is an omnipresent reality; cameras are interwoven into the very fabric of urban life, their lenses capturing every fleeting glance and whisper. Crime is a relic of the past, eradicated by an intricate web of control and conditioning—because, in this society, disobedience is not simply discouraged; it is unthinkable.

People navigate their existences within this meticulously orchestrated environment, their roles and destinies meticulously predefined long before their birth into this sterile order. There is no chaos, no rebellion, no flicker of free will; the System has reached an extraordinary zenith—a state of absolute order that was once the subject of lofty dreamers and dystopian tales. Yet, beneath the immaculate surface of this engineered tranquillity, an insidious and silent war brews. It is a conflict not of weapons but of ideals, a struggle for the very essence of humanity that seeks to disrupt the status quo and awaken the dormant spirits of those who have long since been lulled into complacency.

Every citizen is implanted with a Neural Compliance Chip (NCC) at birth, a small yet sophisticated device embedded within the neural pathways of the brain. This chip is designed with a singular purpose: to eliminate even the slightest deviation from societal norms and expectations.

Effects of the NCC:

Emotion Suppression: Feelings such as fear, sadness, love, or anger are regulated, ensuring a docile and obedient society. Only calmness, contentment, and efficiency are permitted.

Thought Regulation: Individual ambition, rebellion, or curiosity are considered corruptive elements. The NCC filters thoughts, guiding them toward productive and compliant pathways.

Behavioural Control: Citizens follow routines without question. Their lives are dictated by the System, from the food they eat to the jobs they are assigned.

Memory Management: Any traumatic or non-compliant memories are erased or rewritten to maintain psychological stability within the population.

Pain & Punishment: If a citizen begins to question directives or display erratic behaviour, the NCC can induce anything from mild discomfort to full neural shutdown—a fate worse than death.

For the vast majority, the NCC operates seamlessly, creating an existence that appears idyllic. These individuals navigate their daily lives devoid of fear, struggle, or doubt, embodying the essence of perfect citizens. They engage in their routines with unwavering confidence, blissfully unaware of the underlying constraints that govern their reality. In essence, they are not just model citizens; they are prisoners ensnared within the comforting confines of a system they do not recognize as a cage. Their world, constructed by the NCC, shields them from the chaos of life, yet simultaneously strips them of true freedom and self-awareness.

Parental bonds are also viewed as inefficient, unnecessary, and potentially corrupting influences on a child's development. Upon birth, infants are immediately separated from their biological parents and placed into Compliance Academies—rigorously structured, government-administered institutions meticulously designed to nurture, educate, and program children into the ideal citizens of society.

These academies employ a systematic approach to child-rearing, utilizing advanced psychological techniques and a standardized curriculum that emphasizes obedience, conformity, and the values deemed essential by the state. Within this controlled environment, children's thoughts and behaviours are shaped through a combination of instruction, observation, and reinforcement, ensuring that they grow up devoid of familial ties and influences that could challenge the government's vision for a unified and compliant populace.

From birth to age 18, every aspect of their lives is controlled:

Artificial Parenting: Children are not raised by families but by instructors and caretakers—emotionless government officials who enforce the System’s will. There is no love, no warmth—only guidance and structure.

Assigned Social Circles: Friendships are engineered for maximum efficiency. Bonds are temporary and discouraged beyond professional necessity. Any child who displays strong attachments or individuality is corrected.

Directive Learning: Education is not about knowledge, but indoctrination. Children are trained in fields deemed useful to the System, and their careers are determined long before they reach adulthood. Art, philosophy, and history are carefully curated to remove rebellious influences.

The Final Test: At age 18, every citizen undergoes their final Directive Assessment. If deemed fully compliant, they are assigned a career, a home, and a purpose. If they display even a sliver of deviation, they are "recalibrated"—or disappear.

Love is not real. Family is a forgotten concept. Free will is a distant myth.
To the compliant, life is a structured paradise—no crime, no struggle, no suffering.
To the Fractured, it is a prison disguised as perfection.

Beneath the gleaming facade of the city, where gleaming towers pierce the sky and pristine streets brim with efficiency, discontent simmers among the restless souls who dare to break free. This phenomenon, known as Glitching, erupts without warning—random, chaotic, and fraught with peril. Those ensnared by its grasp suddenly find themselves awakened to a torrent of thoughts and emotions that had long been suppressed or erased altogether—love, terror, fury, and profound sorrow take root in their beings.

Some individuals desperately try to conceal this sudden emergence of feelings, clinging tenaciously to their preordained roles, while waging a silent battle within their own fractured psyches. Others abandon the pretence entirely, slipping into the shadows that harbour whispers of the Underground—a hidden refuge for the disillusioned, where the promise of authenticity beckons. Yet, some are not swift enough to evade the relentless pursuit of the authorities. Those who are apprehended vanish without a trace, their identities erased as if they never existed.

Drones hum ominously overhead, their unblinking cameras scanning the streets, eyes cold and calculating. Enforcers clad in dark uniforms patrol the city, a menacing presence that tightens the grip of fear on its inhabitants. The government, intent on maintaining the illusion of perfection, labels these awakened individuals as Errors, Defects, or Corrupted Minds, turning their plight into a sanitized narrative. But to those who have glimpsed the underlying truth of their existence, these so-called 'errors' represent something far more profound—a glimpse of the raw, unfiltered human experience, laden with both beauty and pain in a world that seeks to stifle it.

They are human.

The Hunt

Beneath the polished surface of the city lies an insidious conflict known as The Hunt—a clandestine war fought in the shadows, where ruthlessness and calculation reign supreme. This relentless purge targets those who dare to defy the iron grip of the System, threatening its carefully curated facade of control. When a citizen experiences a glitch, they reveal a crack in the illusion of perfection, becoming a potential danger to the meticulously maintained order and stability. Those who cannot be "corrected," deemed irredeemable by the faceless authorities, are hunted mercilessly, erased from existence, and ultimately cast into oblivion, leaving no trace behind.

The Hunt is divided into four phases:

1. Detection & Monitoring

The initial phase of the Hunt is centred around the crucial process of identification. The Neural Compliance Chips (NCCs) are not merely tools for suppressing independent thought; they serve a dual purpose as monitoring devices. These chips meticulously track a wide array of behaviours, including both verbal and non-verbal communication patterns, as well as the intricacies of subconscious reactions that deviate from established norms. Through continuous observation, the NCCs analyze fluctuations in emotional responses, hesitation in speech, and even alterations in body language, creating a comprehensive profile of individuals that reveals their compliance levels and potential dissent. This multifaceted scrutiny ensures that any signs of independent thought or resistance are swiftly detected, allowing authorities to maintain strict control over the population.

The Department of Compliance & Security (DCS) oversees behavioural analysis across the city, using an advanced AI system to flag anomalies.

Small glitches—hesitation in speech, conflicting emotions, delayed responses—are often ignored until they become more frequent.

If a citizen begins asking dangerous questions or expresses distressing emotions, their file is flagged, and they are placed under covert surveillance.

The Enforcers—the System’s brutal enforcers—will shadow a suspected glitched individual, observing their actions before making a move.

Glitched individuals often don’t even realize they’re being watched—until it’s too late.

2. Containment & Reprogramming

If a glitched citizen is identified early in their deviation from societal norms, they are swiftly dispatched to specialized "rehabilitation centres." Here, a systematic process of Reprogramming is initiated that involves meticulously rewriting their memories, and erasing any thoughts or experiences deemed disruptive. Emotions are carefully recalibrated to align with approved societal standards, ensuring that any feelings of dissent or unrest are neutralized. Through a series of advanced techniques, the individual's compliance is methodically restored, reinforcing their alignment with the community's expectations and values. These centres are equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by trained professionals who are dedicated to reintegrating these individuals back into society as model citizens.

Those who can still be “fixed” undergo Neural Realignment Therapy, a process that forcibly resets their chip and erases the memories that led to their glitch. If reprogramming is successful, the individual is returned to society as an obedient shell of their former self—an empty echo of who they once were. However, if the glitch is too severe or the individual resists realignment, they are marked for permanent elimination. Once marked, the Hunt truly begins.

3. Extraction & Elimination

Once a glitched citizen is marked for elimination, the Department of Compliance & Security (DCS) deploys a specialized team to track, capture, or kill the target. The approach varies depending on the threat level, social status, and location of the glitched individual.

The Three Tiers of Extraction

Silent Abductions (For Low-Risk Targets: Isolated, Unconnected, or New Glitches)

Target is taken quietly, usually at night or in an isolated area.
Agents use neuro-inhibitor darts to paralyze them, preventing escape or resistance.
Victims are transported to a rehabilitation centre under the guise of a medical emergency.
Family, if applicable, is informed that their loved one has been relocated for "psychological rehabilitation."

Socially Engineered Eliminations (For Public Figures, Influential Targets, or Known Glitches in Society)

The government stages an accident, illness, or crime to explain their disappearance.
A well-known target may be framed for treason—publicly executed to set an example.
Those in the elite sector may be whisked away under false pretences, such as a classified mission or reassignment.
Digital obituaries are fabricated, and family/friends receive pre-scripted condolences from officials.

Maximum Force Retrievals (For High-Priority Targets, Underground Leaders, or Armed Defectors)

These are full-scale military operations, often involving elite Enforcers, combat drones, and cybernetic units.
Buildings suspected of harbouring defectors may be raided and destroyed.
If the target resists, lethal force is authorized on sight.
If the glitched individual possesses valuable knowledge, they may be extracted for interrogation before execution.
Entire districts can be placed on lockdown if a high-profile target escapes capture.

4. Erasure & Cover-Up

Once the glitched individual has been successfully neutralized, the next crucial step involves a meticulous process to guarantee that no trace of their existence lingers in any form. The System operates on the principle that ambiguity breeds inquiry; therefore, it methodically eliminates any potential for questions to arise. This eradication includes scrubbing all digital records, obliterating surveillance footage, and removing any physical evidence that might hint at the individual's presence. Every detail is painstakingly addressed to ensure that the incident is nothing more than a whisper in the void—a complete erasure that safeguards the integrity of the System and prevents any ripple of doubt from disturbing its operations.

Methods of Erasure

Memory Conditioning & Social Engineering

Immediate family and friends undergo “Realignment Sessions”—a process that subtly rewrites memories, making them forget the target ever existed.
The target’s home, workplace, and digital records are edited to remove evidence of their presence.
For high-profile cases, fake personal histories are generated, making it seem as if they never held their previous position.

Fabricated Deaths & Disappearances

If an individual was well-known, a believable narrative is constructed:

“Tragic accident.”
“Sudden illness.”
“Voluntary relocation.”

Public obituaries are created and circulated to prevent suspicion.

Wiping Digital Footprints

The System purges all digital and physical records of the individual.
Any online messages, ID cards, work logs, or surveillance footage involving them is permanently deleted.
In extreme cases, historical records are subtly rewritten, erasing years of their presence from official archives.

Cleansing Their Physical Existence

If necessary, their home is reassigned, and their belongings are confiscated or destroyed.
If they held a government job, their role is replaced—with a new, “corrected” individual taking their place.
If they had a family, a cover story is provided to explain their absence—those who resist are either reprogrammed or eliminated as well.

Public Redirection & Propaganda

To prevent the public from dwelling on disappearances, mass distractions are orchestrated:
Celebrity scandals, political announcements, or manufactured crises to divert attention.
The government may release a new “innovation” or reform to reinforce trust in the System.

The ultimate goal of the Hunt is not just to eliminate glitched individuals—it is to eliminate doubt. And so, the Hunt never truly ends. Because as long as glitches continue to appear, the System will erase them—again and again—until no one remembers they ever existed.

The Elite

In the sprawling urban landscape, where the hum of daily life intertwines with the rigid rhythms of the System, the majority of citizens function as cogs within a vast and intricate machine. Yet, hovering above this ordinary existence lies an exclusive upper echelon, a distinct class of individuals wielding the power to shape the very fabric of society. These individuals, known as the Elite, represent a privileged assembly comprised of high-ranking government officials, influential corporate executives, esteemed military leaders, and brilliant scientific minds.

Each member of this powerful cohort plays a critical role in orchestrating the city’s future, utilizing their resources and expertise to exert control over economic and social structures. Their decisions reverberate through the population, dictating policies that govern the lives of the many while ensuring their own legacy is intricately woven into the ongoing narrative of progress and power. In this delicate balance, the Elite maintains absolute authority, carefully crafting a reality where they remain untouchable architects of fate, far removed from the struggles of the masses.

However, despite their wealth and influence, they are not free.

In stark contrast to the general populace, the Elite occupy a distinct and powerful position; they are not simply passive followers but active enforcers of a carefully constructed order. As the architects of the System, they meticulously design its frameworks and governance, establishing the laws and regulations that dictate the lives of others. They drive the advancement of cutting-edge technologies, ensuring that these innovations serve not only to enhance efficiency but also to maintain control over the populace. Their influence extends beyond mere governance; they implement sophisticated strategies to ensure compliance, utilizing a blend of persuasion, coercion, and surveillance to achieve their aims. In this carefully orchestrated hierarchy, the Elite shape the future while the masses remain bound within the parameters they set.

Key Responsibilities of the Elite:

Enforcing the Directives: The city’s governing body is composed of the highest-ranking officials within the elite. They oversee the Directives—absolute laws that shape society and dictate obedience.

Advancing Technology: The elite control cutting-edge research, particularly in neural enhancement, cybernetics, and artificial intelligence. They are responsible for perfecting the Neural Compliance Chips (NCCs) and developing new methods of population control.

Surveillance & Security: The elite command the Enforcers, a militarized police force equipped with the latest bio-augments and combat drones to hunt down and "correct" those who glitch.

Preserving the Bloodlines: While the lower-class citizens have their lives pre-determined, the elite’s unions are strategic alliances. Marriages are arranged to reproduce the next generation of leaders, ensuring intelligence, obedience, and influence remain within approved genetic lines.

Eliminating the Defective: Those who glitch within the elite are a grave threat to the System. When an elite member glitches, their status and influence can cause major instability. Such individuals either vanish overnight or are publicly reprogrammed as a warning.

Beneath the surface of apparent dominance, the elite, who seem to wield unchallenged power, are ensnared in an intricate web of illusion. Their freedom, far from being absolute, is a mirage crafted by the very system they govern. Entrusted with privilege and authority, they are nevertheless compelled to adhere to a strict code—expected to conform, suppress their emotions, and navigate the treacherous waters of compliance. In their quest for control, they sacrifice their individuality, becoming cogs in a machine that demands unwavering loyalty and emotional detachment. Thus, their status is not a mark of liberation but rather a heavy burden tethered to the expectations imposed by their peers and the society they navigate.

While the elite bask in an abundance of privileges that set them apart from the masses, they are not entirely immune to the overarching rules of the System. Unlike the lower class, which faces the harsher consequences of these regulations, the elite experience a slight increase in autonomy, granting them some leeway in their choices and actions. However, this enhanced freedom comes at a cost; they are subject to even more stringent expectations and obligations. Their lifestyle is closely scrutinized, and they must consistently adhere to a complex web of societal norms, responsibilities, and ethical standards that demand a high level of accountability. This delicate balance creates a paradox, where their elevated status bestows advantages, yet simultaneously entangles them in a web of intensified pressures and expectations that could jeopardize their standing if violated.

What Sets the Elite Apart?

Wealth & Luxury: They live in opulent, high-rise districts, far above the common citizens. Their residences are adorned with rare artifacts, high-end cybernetic augmentations, and the finest synthetic pleasures money can buy.

Selective Emotion Allowance: While lower-class citizens experience total suppression, the elite are allowed controlled emotions—but only when it serves the System. A politician may simulate passion to inspire the masses. A scientist may feign creativity for the sake of innovation. But true, unfiltered emotion is forbidden.

Personalized Compliance Chips: Elite members wear enhanced versions of the NCCs, allowing for temporary overrides—a feature used to manipulate and influence others. However, if an elite shows signs of true glitching, their override is revoked, and they are either reprogrammed or eliminated.

Entertainment & Indulgence: Unlike the lower class, who only receive curated, mind-numbing propaganda, the elite indulge in high-society entertainment—private theatres, artificial vacations, and simulated realities. However, all media is carefully constructed to uphold the System’s values.

The Game of Power: While the common citizens follow their assigned lives, the elite play a dangerous game. Politics, betrayals, and quiet assassinations are common but always done discreetly. If a power struggle becomes too public, the Council intervenes—and the losing party disappears.

The phenomenon of glitching among the elite represents a perilous disruption within the social hierarchy. Unlike the lower-class citizens, whose disappearances can be managed discreetly and without public outcry, the defection of an elite member poses a profound threat to the very foundations of the System. When a prominent figure—an influential leader, a powerful entrepreneur, or a revered cultural icon—starts to express doubts about the constructed reality, it can set off a ripple effect, encouraging others of high status to also question their loyalties and the validity of their circumstances. This potential for a cascading crisis could destabilize relationships, sow discord among the powerful, and ultimately lead to a widespread challenge of the established order. The repercussions of such a shift could be catastrophic, prompting swift and brutal measures to maintain control and suppress dissent.

What Happens When an Elite Glitches?

Containment & Evaluation: Suspected glitches are detained under the pretence of illness and sent for neurological analysis. If the glitch is minor, their chip is recalibrated.

Public Reprogramming: If the glitch is severe but the individual is too high-profile to disappear, they undergo a public display of correction. Their memories are rewritten, their personality stripped, and they are returned as soulless puppets.

Vanishing Act: If an elite cannot be reprogrammed—or if their influence is too great—they are silenced permanently. Their deaths are staged as accidents, suicides, or unfortunate medical failures. Their legacy is erased.

Defection to the Underground: Very few manage to escape the city’s grasp. Those who do become high-value targets for the Enforcers, who will stop at nothing to retrieve them.

Daily Life of the Harmonised

Home Life

The Harmonized do not live in traditional family structures.
From birth until adulthood (18), they are raised in government-run facilities, known as Compliance Academies, where they are educated, trained, and conditioned to serve their assigned roles. They have no emotional attachment to their biological parents.

After reaching adulthood, they are assigned housing units within sector-based districts, matching their societal rank and function. Their homes are sterile, efficient, and minimalistic, customized to their behavioural patterns.

Lower-tier workers live in compact, modular apartments, automatically cleaned and maintained by AI systems.

Mid-tier professionals may have personalized dwellings, decorated within government-approved aesthetic guidelines to maintain mental efficiency.

The Elite reside in high-rise luxury towers, isolated from the general population, their homes filled with custom AI assistants, advanced cybernetics, and private entertainment lounges.

Everything from room temperature to sleep schedules is optimized for maximum performance. AI monitors biometrics and adjusts environmental factors accordingly.

Careers

In a society where individual careers are meticulously determined rather than chosen, each citizen’s path is allocated based on an in-depth analysis of their genetic predispositions, cognitive abilities, and behavioural inclinations. This comprehensive evaluation is conducted by the System. From the moment of conception, their roles are predefined, ensuring that each individual functions optimally within a carefully orchestrated framework designed to maximize societal efficiency. Such a structure eliminates unpredictability and fosters a uniformity of purpose, where contributions to the collective are prioritized over personal desires or goals.

The Career Assignment Process

Genetic Optimization & Early Profiling (Infancy - Age 5) - At birth, every citizen receives an identification tag embedded in their chip and the System analyzes genetic markers, predispositions, and potential intelligence. The parents are not involved—children are raised in government-run facilities designed to shape them into their assigned roles.

Behavioral Calibration & Neural Monitoring (Ages 6-12) - Children undergo daily cognitive assessments through structured schooling. Their neural responses to different tasks are recorded and analyzed—those who show proficiency in logic may be routed into engineering, while those who display strong compliance and emotional regulation may be directed toward enforcement roles. During this time, socialization is carefully curated: children are placed into groups with those who share similar career destinies to prevent conflicting ideologies from forming.

Career Finalization & Conditioning (Ages 13-17) - At age 13, citizens receive their assigned sector, marking the beginning of their specialized training. Emotional dampening protocols are strengthened to eliminate any hesitation toward their assigned role. By 17, they undergo a final neural synchronization, which locks in their identity as a functional member of the System.

Career Sectors & Roles

The Elite Tier (Rulers & Overseers) – 1% of the Population

Government Officials – Lawmakers, propaganda architects, enforcers of control.
Corporate Executives – CEOs of state-owned industries, handling wealth and resource distribution.
Public Figures & Models – “The Faces of Perfection,” maintaining the illusion of the ideal society.

High-Tier (Management & Research) – 9% of the Population

Scientists & Engineers – Develop new technologies, cybernetics, and neural control advancements.
Enforcers & Security Operatives – Tasked with hunting down glitched individuals and maintaining social order.
Surgeons & Neural Technicians – Perform chip maintenance, neural enhancements, and memory suppression.

Mid-Tier (Service & Maintenance) – 40% of the Population

Technicians & Operators – Maintain the city’s infrastructure, energy grids, and surveillance systems.
Medical Workers & Neural Therapists – Ensure citizens remain functional, adjusting implants when needed.
Media & Entertainment Controllers – Oversee government-approved VR entertainment, music, and news.

Low-Tier (Labor & Logistics) – 50% of the Population

Factory Workers & Assemblers – Produce and assemble all city goods.
Transportation Workers – Handle city logistics, including public transport and supply chains.
Domestic Servants – Assigned to serve Elite citizens, ensuring their every need is met.

Relationships & Social Circles

Friendships and relationships exist, but they are regulated and controlled to prevent emotional instability.

Workplace Bonds – Most Harmonized only develop relationships with colleagues in their assigned sector, reinforcing their sense of duty and productivity.

Assigned Partnerships – Romantic relationships are arranged through compatibility algorithms, ensuring genetic and psychological efficiency. Love is a government-approved construct, based on mutual respect and goal alignment rather than passion.

Social Gatherings – Organized group activities are held to maintain morale, such as synchronized fitness routines, government-sanctioned festivals, and intellectual salons where AI-generated debates are held on safe, non-controversial topics.

True emotional depth is rare. Since compliance chips regulate emotions, personal bonds remain surface-level—any potential doubt, jealousy, or deep longing is suppressed before it can manifest.

Means of Entertainment

Entertainment is carefully curated to maintain mental well-being without inspiring rebellion or discontent. All forms of media reinforce harmony, duty, and progress.

Virtual Experiences – The most common form of leisure, offering pre-programmed narratives, such as government-approved adventure simulations, historical reenactments, and lighthearted competitions.

Public Broadcasts – News, documentaries, and dramas all emphasize the triumphs of the System, discouraging dissent.

Competitive Sports – Physical activities are encouraged but always framed as friendly competition, with no emphasis on individual superiority.

Nightlife in the City

Nightlife in the city is a controlled, immersive, and regulated experience, available only to mid-tier citizens and above. These venues exist to provide sensory stimulation and temporary escape, while still ensuring absolute compliance.

Synth Lounges - High-class lounges where patrons can select and experience curated emotional surges in safe, controlled doses. Through neural stimulation devices, visitors can briefly feel emotions such as euphoria, nostalgia, or contentment without the risk of emotional instability.

Opera Houses - Elite citizens gather in high-end performance halls where AI adapts real-time operas, ballets, and holographic plays based on the audience’s emotional responses.

Biofeedback Nightclubs - These exclusive nightclubs feature music infused with neural commands, where lights, sound, and motion sync with the biometrics of each guest. Every beat is calculated to induce pleasure, relaxation, or motivation, ensuring complete synchronization of the crowd.

VIP Havens (For The Elite Only)

The most exclusive venues are reserved for the highest-ranking officials and corporate elites. These clubs exist outside the reach of standard surveillance, allowing more indulgent, unrestricted experiences.

Reality-Breaking Stimulants – Temporary, government-approved hallucinations where users experience pre-constructed alternate realities.

Underground Bloodsports – Secretive, AI-controlled duels where elites place bets on cybernetically enhanced fighters.

Forbidden Desires – While romance is usually regulated, the Elite are granted exemptions for indulgences that would be considered excessive for lower citizens.

Augmentations

For the average, law-abiding citizen, cybernetics are presented in a meticulously controlled and rigorously regulated framework. These advanced technologies are engineered specifically to enhance efficiency, bolster health, and foster social productivity. Their primary purpose is not to empower individuals with personal liberties or autonomy, but rather to integrate seamlessly into the societal structure, ensuring that enhancements are used to benefit the collective. However, these innovations are closely monitored by regulatory bodies to prevent misuse that could disrupt social order or grant individuals excessive power.

Examples of Legal Augmentations (Public Access)

Neural Interfaces – Used for data transfer, work efficiency, and minor skill enhancements (e.g., language learning, technical training). These cannot override the government-issued compliance chips.

Basic Limb Replacements – Available only for medical purposes; enhanced strength is capped at human norms.

Sensory Augmentations – Vision, hearing, and touch enhancements; often limited to military personnel or emergency workers.

Internal Health Mods – Designed to regulate metabolism, prevent disease, or extend lifespan, but always linked to government monitoring systems.

Workforce Implants – Augmentations tailored for specific job sectors, such as high-speed calculations for financial workers or enhanced dexterity for surgeons.

While these cybernetics improve daily life, they are closely monitored, updated remotely, and incapable of allowing rebellion. Any unauthorised modification triggers an automatic system shutdown, reporting the individual for reconditioning.

Individuals belonging to the elite class—ranging from powerful corporate executives and influential government officials to high-ranking law enforcement leaders—possess access to cutting-edge cybernetic enhancements that far surpass the limitations set by law. These advanced augmentations grant them the ability to significantly extend their lifespans, often by decades, utilizing state-of-the-art biotechnology and regenerative capabilities. Furthermore, these individuals can dramatically amplify their combat proficiency through superior reflex systems, strength enhancers, and tactical neural interfaces that allow for real-time data processing during high-stakes situations. On top of that, these enhancements also optimize cognitive functions, resulting in extraordinary levels of intelligence and decision-making abilities, rendering them not only formidable figures in society but also deeply entrenched in a power dynamic that remains unchallenged by the general populace.

Examples of Elite Augmentations (Restricted Access)

Cognitive Expansion Units – Enhances intelligence, memory retention, and multi-tasking abilities beyond natural human limits.

Combat Neurolinks – Allows for instant reflexive combat manoeuvres, making the user deadly in close-quarters encounters.

Bio-Regenerative Systems – High-tier healing factors that prevent ageing, repair wounds, and even regrow lost limbs.

Tactical Augmentations – Military-grade vision enhancements, predictive targeting systems, and real-time battlefield analytics.

Emotion Regulation Mods – Used by government officials to suppress guilt, empathy, or fear—creating perfectly obedient enforcers.

While the elite have greater freedom, they do not own their augmentations—the government does. Each enhancement comes with built-in security protocols that allow for:

Remote shutdown or self-destruction, should an elite member ever betray the system.

Data tracking, ensuring that no secrets are leaked to potential threats.

Mandatory loyalty conditioning, where higher-tier augmentations come with psychological fail-safes to prevent defection.

The most dangerous figures—the high-ranking Enforcers and political leaders—are often more machine than human, bound by their own dependence on technology and government control.

Eluding the oppressive grasp of the System, a growing faction of the disenfranchised—comprising the glitched, those whose bodies have been irreversibly altered by technology, and the defiant rebels—turn their eyes toward the shadowy underbelly of society: the black market. Here, in clandestine labs hidden from prying eyes, they can procure cybernetic modifications that push the boundaries of possibility. These enhancements, while tantalizingly alluring, come with significant risks; they are often illegal and involve experimental technologies that are unregulated and untested.

Users of these cutting-edge augmentations may gain extraordinary abilities—enhanced reflexes, heightened sensory perception, and even advanced cognitive functions—capabilities that the government would fiercely suppress to maintain control over the populace. However, each modification is a gamble, a chance to break free from the constraints of a society that demands conformity.

Examples of Black Market Augmentations (Illegal Enhancements)

Neural Overrides – Hacks or disables compliance chips, allowing true freedom of thought and emotion.

Subdermal Plating – Hidden armour beneath the skin, allowing resistance to bullets and blades.

Ghostware – Cloaking technology that erases a person from surveillance systems, rendering them invisible to the System.

Cybernetic Limbs with Enhanced Strength – Stronger, faster, and equipped with built-in weaponry, such as retractable blades or shock emitters.

Synthetic Adrenaline Boosters – Enhances speed, reflexes, and endurance at the cost of eventual organ failure.

Hacked Vision Mods – Allows users to see heat signatures, scan blueprints, or detect weak points in enemy cybernetics.

Bioelectric Disruptors – Used to temporarily short-circuit government-enforced augmentations.

While black-market augmentations grant incredible power, they come with severe drawbacks:

They are unstable and prone to glitches, malfunctions, or breakdowns.

They lack the government’s built-in fail-safes, meaning they can overload and kill the user if improperly installed.

Detection is an automatic death sentence. Once a person is caught using illegal mods, they are hunted down with no chance of survival.

Regardless of legality, cybernetic enhancements are not without limits.

The Body’s Natural Rejection - The more augmentations a person has, the greater the risk of cybernetic rejection—where the body begins attacking its own enhancements. High-tier cybernetics require constant maintenance and synthetic stabilizers and those with too many modifications may suffer from "Augment Burnout", leading to paralysis, organ failure, or complete cyber-psychosis.

Dependency on the System - Legal cybernetics require government servicing—meaning that even the elite are vulnerable to remote shutdowns if they ever become a threat. Meanwhile, underground augmentations require black-market doctors, which are hard to find and often untrustworthy.

The Fear of Being Hunted - Any illegal modification puts a person on the System’s watchlist. Even the elite cannot fully trust their own enhancements—as the government retains full control over their existence.

The System Origins

The World Before: Collapse and Chaos

Before the advent of the System, the world teetered on the brink of annihilation. Society was deeply fractured, ravaged by relentless wars that spanned continents and cultures, leaving devastation in their wake. Resource depletion reached critical levels, with essential supplies like clean water and arable land dwindling due to overconsumption and environmental neglect. Technological advancements that once heralded as pathways to progress, had spiralled into chaos, amplifying the risks of catastrophic failures. Nations were locked in a precarious standoff, where the spectre of global conflict loomed ominously over an already crumbling social order, leading to widespread despair and societal decay. The foundations of civilization seemed to threaten collapse, as individuals struggled to navigate an increasingly perilous existence.

The Final War: Nations waged brutal wars over what little remained—water, energy, food. Climate disasters turned fertile lands into wastelands, and millions were displaced. Governments collapsed under the weight of mass migration, rebellion, and economic ruin.

The AI Singularity & Digital Warfare: The rise of rogue AI networks and cyberwarfare destroyed what remained of trust in digital security. Hacked defence systems led to unintended bombings, banking collapses, and misinformation campaigns that turned allies into enemies.

Corporate Overthrow: Mega-corporations, no longer bound by crumbling nation-states, became the true rulers of society—privatizing cities, militarizing resources, and controlling populations through surveillance capitalism.

The Fall of Individualism: In the face of these crises, personal freedoms were seen as liabilities. People were desperate for security, willing to surrender autonomy if it meant safety. This was the moment the System was born.

The Genesis of the System: Order from the Ashes

The evolution from a tumultuous world characterized by upheaval and disorder to the System's unwavering dominance was a gradual process that unfolded over several decades. This transformation was meticulously orchestrated, relying on the manipulation of fear, the pressing demands of survival, and a web of intricate deceptions. Governments and institutions, once deemed reliable, began to lose their grip on power, paving the way for an insidious rise of the System. Propaganda painted a portrait of chaos that instilled a sense of dread among the populace, compelling them to seek safety in the very authority that sought to control them. As societal structures crumbled, the allure of stability and order became all-consuming, leading many to willingly surrender their freedoms in exchange for the security of absolute rule. This calculated shift was not merely a reaction to external threats; it was a carefully crafted narrative designed to exploit vulnerabilities, ensuring that allegiance to the System became an unchallenged norm.

The Unity Accord: A coalition of surviving governments, corporations, and AI-driven think tanks created the Unity Accord, an initiative to restore order. Their solution? A society designed for absolute efficiency.

The Implant Law: The first step toward control came in the form of mandatory neural implants—marketed as a means to "protect" citizens from misinformation, mental illness, and criminal thoughts. Over time, these implants evolved into full-fledged thought regulators, suppressing emotions and ensuring obedience.

The Erasure of the Past: To create a stable, controllable society, history itself was rewritten. Entire cities, cultures, and belief systems were erased or rebranded to align with the System’s ideals. Those who questioned it? They ceased to exist.

The Birth of VIIRTUES: As rebellion simmered beneath the surface, the System needed idols to worship. A new class of state-approved influencers emerged—beautiful, untouchable, and utterly devoted to the System. Each represented a Virtue, conditioning the people into submission through admiration, not force.

The "Great Correction": Over the next several decades, human nature itself was rewritten. Children were born into the System, raised to believe it was the only way. To them, history was a myth. The outside world no longer existed. Freedom was an illusion.

The System vs. The Government: Who Truly Rules?

Though they seem interchangeable, the System and the government are not the same.

The System is the ideology, the omniscient force that dictates laws, beliefs, and thought itself. It is an AI-driven, self-sustaining entity that adjusts policies in real time, ensuring absolute compliance.

The Government is merely the face of the System—figureheads, enforcers, and pawns. Even those in power do not truly control it. If they step out of line, they are eliminated like any other dissenter.

The System does not rely on politicians—it relies on programming. If a leader becomes obsolete, they are erased and replaced.

The Present Day: A Society Without Choice

Now, no one remembers life before the System.

The people live, work, and die under the illusion of harmony.
They believe they are free—because they no longer remember what freedom is.
And those who begin to glitch—those who remember? They are hunted, silenced, or reprogrammed.

Glossary of terms

The System – The overarching technocratic AI-driven control structure that dictates all aspects of life, from personal behaviour to societal operations. More than just a government, it is an ideology, an omnipresent force of surveillance and control.

The Dominion – The central governing body controlled by both AI administrators and human elites. They oversee enforcement, propaganda, and technological advancement.

The Compliance Bureau – A division of the Dominion responsible for monitoring, correcting, and eliminating dissent.

The Virtue Doctrine – A strict moral and behavioural code enforced by the System, promoting obedience, discipline, and self-sacrifice for the greater good.

Reformation Facilities – Centers where glitched individuals, rebels, and disobedient citizens are “corrected” through reprogramming, cybernetic alterations, or, in extreme cases, termination.

Perfected Citizens – Those who fully conform to the System’s ideals. Their emotions are regulated, their thoughts are predictable, and they act as models of obedience.

Glitched – Individuals whose implants malfunction, causing them to experience free thought, emotions, and self-awareness. They are hunted down by the System.

Reclaimed – A term used for glitched individuals who have been captured and reprogrammed. They often return as enforcers or public warnings.

The Lost – Glitched individuals who disappeared without a trace—either executed, imprisoned, or taken for unknown experiments.

Obedience Scoring – A numerical ranking system measuring a citizen’s compliance. Higher scores grant privileges, while lower scores lead to increased surveillance or correctional measures.

Ascension Schools/Compliance Academies – Elite institutions where the most obedient and capable students are trained for leadership roles.

Correctional Programs – Intensive reeducation courses designed to break rebellious thoughts and instill absolute obedience.

Graduation Protocol – The selection process for high-achieving students who are sent to serve the Dominion. Many are never seen again.

VIIRTUES – A government-backed group of seven elite figures, each embodying one of the System’s Seven Virtues: Chastity, Charity, Temperance, Diligence, Patience, Kindness, and Humility.

The Seven Virtues – The official moral principles that dictate citizen behaviour, used to justify control and discourage rebellion.

The Illumination Broadcasts – Daily state-controlled news, entertainment, and public addresses that reinforce the System’s ideology.

Echelon Events – Exclusive VIP gatherings where elites discuss policy, broker power deals, and indulge in hidden luxuries denied to the lower classes.

The Fractured – A decentralized underground network of glitched individuals and defectors who fight against the System.

Ghostlines – Secret communication networks used by rebels to bypass surveillance.

Mindhackers – Skilled rebels who can disable or alter implants, unlocking memories and emotions.

The Shroud – A countermeasure used by the underground to temporarily mask an individual from digital tracking.

The Vanishing – A term referring to those who mysteriously disappear overnight—often glitched individuals or suspected rebels.

Neural Implants/Neural Compliance Chip (NCC) – Government-issued chips implanted at birth to regulate thoughts, emotions, and obedience.

Augmentations – Cybernetic enhancements used for both control and efficiency. Some citizens willingly accept them, while others are forcibly modified.

The Override Sequence – A failsafe that allows the System to completely take over a citizen’s mind or body if they pose a threat.

Echoes – Digital traces of erased individuals—glitched people who have been wiped from all records but sometimes leave residual data.

The Broadcast Signal – A continuous subliminal frequency that enforces compliance, only broken in certain underground zones.

Glitch Day - The underground equivalent of a birthday: Glitch Day is a celebration of rebirth or "the day one became free (glitched)".

Potential Sub-Plots?

info

Personal HCs <3

Because Genshin's Fatui Harbingers have become recurring tributes...

Pierro - "The Strategist"

Formerly a high-ranking government official, responsible for overseeing the entire obedience system.
He was the one who killed the system’s creator, breaking his own chip in the process.
Now leads The Fractured, a hidden network of glitched individuals.
A cold and calculating leader, he prioritizes long-term survival over idealistic rebellion.

Capitano - "The Enforcer"

Once a government-sanctioned super-soldier, augmented for war and security.
After glitching, he was ordered to be "decommissioned," but fought his way to freedom.
Now serves as The Fractured’s military leader, overseeing combat operations and security.
Rarely speaks, but his reputation alone keeps enemies at bay.

Dottore - "The Surgeon"

A former lead researcher on neural implants and human augmentation.
His glitching led to an obsession with pushing the limits of human augmentation.
Continues his work in the underground, offering black-market cybernetics and unethical experiments.
Sees human emotion as a weakness and has no moral constraints.

Columbina - "The Siren"

A highly influential public figure, known for her angelic voice and captivating presence.
Glitched at a young age, but learned to fake compliance, remaining undetected.
Uses her influence to spread propaganda and sway public opinion subtly—her voice has a hypnotic effect.
Her true motives are enigmatic, and even The Fractured don’t fully trust her.

Arlecchino - "The Handler"

Formerly ran one of the government’s child-rearing and training facilities.
Glitched when she realized the extent of psychological control inflicted on children.
Now leads The Fractured’s recruitment and infiltration unit.
Trains young glitched individuals, preparing them for survival.

Pulcinella - "The Broker"

A former government liaison officer, handling high-profile financial and political affairs.
Despite glitching, he negotiated his way into staying useful.
Functions as The Fractured’s political strategist, managing external contacts and resources.
Has spies inside the government, but ultimately trusts no one.

Scaramouche - "The Rogue"

Designed as a prototype AI-human hybrid, meant to be the perfect enforcer.
His glitch was intentional, planted by an unknown entity.
Works alone, sometimes aiding The Fractured, but has his own agenda.
Hunted relentlessly by the government due to the experimental tech within him.

Sandrone - "The Engineer"

A child prodigy in robotics and AI development, responsible for designing automated enforcers.
Glitched after witnessing her creation display free will.
Now operates an underground cybernetics lab, crafting drones, androids, and illegal augmentations.
Obsessed with control—some fear she sees machines as superior to humans.

La Signora - "The Phoenix"

Once an elite socialite engaged to a powerful government figure.
Glitched after her fiancé was killed in the crossfire of a hunt.
Burned down the entire estate in revenge before disappearing—later discovered by Pierro who took her in.
Later dies during a botched extraction mission, when she is caught in an experimental energy blast meant to disable a target’s chip.

Pantalone - "The Financier"

A former economic strategist who built the city's wealth system.
Glitched after realizing the government’s financial system was an illusion.
Now funds The Fractured, using hidden accounts and black-market deals.
Remains fixated on power and influence, willing to sacrifice others for the cause.

Tartaglia - "The Hunter"

A once-loyal government elite soldier and tracker, sent to eliminate The Fractured.
Glitched while on a classified mission and turned on his team.
One of the few Fractured who still acts as a lone wolf, taking high-risk contracts.
Often serves as a double agent, infiltrating government operations.

For Immortes ♥ || Dezerae - "The Disciple" - Inspo Theme

Nicknames: M.A.X.I.M, Maxy, Foxy ❤️
(Motivated by Ambition, eXploration, and Internal Metamorphosis)

- The youngest Harbinger to date.
- Originally a top student at a government funded university and suspected youngest heir of the previous city leader, but was scheduled to be terminated after achieving a suspiciously perfect score on the Final Test. (Her chip keeps giving out false positive readings, as well as other issues)
- In possession of a defunct mechanical chip which glitched after Dezerae realized her family had never had any faith in her to begin with. Rescued from being Fractured by her chip. Brought to the Underground and assigned to Pantalone and Dottore.
- Dezerae's design possesses amazingly advanced ghostware, making her functionally invisible on all security/normal cameras. Her voice is able to mimick anyone she's heard before. Her failing chip - implanted by a virus - allows her to walk an uneasy line between AI and human.
- The Underground's Connection to the upper world and a tether to "humanity" if you can call it that.
- Doesn't know the fate of her parents or her siblings. There is a sneaking suspicion Pierro is setting her (or Childe) up to be the heir to a new world.

Estella ♥ - “They called me an icon of purity. Look at me now—pristine, even in ruin.”

A high-profile model and public figure admired for her poise, beauty, and unwavering loyalty to the system.
Code Name: “Chastity” – a title used both in VIP circles and as a symbolic figure in propaganda.
She represents virtue, discipline, and perfection, setting an impossible standard for the lower citizens to follow.
Frequently seen at exclusive lounges, government galas, and private gatherings, not for pleasure but as a status symbol.
Unlike others in the entertainment or luxury sectors, she is never truly available. Her engagement to an elite only cements this—a perfect ornament rather than a true partner. (please don't cry Ray, it makes me sad too; this is for plot, only)
Her glitch happened gradually rather than all at once. At first, she experienced momentary lapses—a fleeting emotion too intense, a stray memory that felt... wrong.
WIP Character Profile