Digital Realm

* Digital Inferno
* Neon Abyss

The **Digital Realm**, known alternately as the "Annihilator's Dominion," is a chilling and ever-evolving dimension that stands as an alternate domain to Nexonia Prime's physical world. Initially shaped by the megacorporation PROJECT ANNIHILATOR, this realm serves as a digital fortress and an experimental laboratory, designed to push the boundaries of research at an accelerated pace. Time within this enigmatic realm is measured in cycles, dramatically exceeding the pace of the real world. Populated by holographic entities known as Holographics, who defy conventional life with their digital composition and infinite lifespans, the Digital Realm embodies the intersection of two incarnations: the former Neon Abyss of 1.0 and the sinister Digital Inferno of 2.0 that it now uses.

The 2.0, Digital Inferno, is all under the relentless grasp of reborn LORD ANNIHILATOR, the Digital Realm is an embodiment of annihilation, where power struggles, vengeance, and a battle for survival unfold in an unending digital nightmare.

## History

The Digital Realm is a hellish dimension that has been the world of PROJECT ANNIHILATOR, that became subsequently destroyed after the megacorporation-instigated war, the realm suffered following its core's destruction. It was only reactivated in the new period, when the resurrected LORD ANNIHILATOR returned it to its former grandeur, and it has expanded at a proportionate rate, becoming even more powerful than the previous version. This, however, extended to his mortal nemesis, a cybernetic heroine who reinforced her own stronghold to oppose his new authority on a restored domain.

Due to its nature, it can be seen as a juxtaposed variation of Hell itself, as those that are loyal to the tyrant serve him without a fault, while the slaves are subject to eternal torture and death.

### Formation

Despite failing to take over as leader of the megacorporation, PROJECT ANNIHILATOR has vanquished Muldoon Lundgren in a war of words. ANNIHILATOR then went into stasis using his chamber and entered the Void, a zone of emptiness that connects the Physical World, Hell, and Heaven, in his stasis. He developed his powers inside the Void, finding it a perfect site to establish his own realm, allowing him to forge the groundwork that set the blueprint for the whole **Digital Realm**. It took him a long time to expand his dimension into a solitary domain that only a few may get in and out, thanks to his *Freedom Portal*, which is the only method for any inhabitant of the realm to successfully exit the location.

Having realised that is a certain flaw to his own world should his enemies attempt to escape it, he established the SERVER, a living entity that is interfaced with the megacorporation itself, allowing it to grow its own power to fuel the Digital Realm as PROJECT continues to amass an endless amount of data from their everyday activities. One of the first inhabitants was BISHOP-805 in a spectral form, being met by ANNIHILATOR himself, before eternally banishing him to the realm to make him live a life of suffering.

As the realm is unstable without a core, ANNIHILATOR has made the perfect solution: The creation of SERVER. It is a giant, immobile entity that stores an indefinite amount of data, which is perfectly suited to a megacorporation. Knowing it serves as the core and is extremely vulnerable to attack, he emplaced the entire entity on the depths, near the *Sea of Circuitry*, protected by a gigantic facility that is interweaved with a fortress capable of annihilating armies should enemy combatants breach the SERVER's entrance hall and each division is known as a "Sector", containing various components vital to the entity in order to power the Digital Realm.

### PROJECT-G/NEX War

Since the start of the entire *PROJECT-G/NEX War*, ANNIHILATOR has spent his time in Roji after a series of boring combat testing and in his great efforts on policing the country, the Digital Realm has continued to grow in an exponential rate, little villages have turned into giant cities and various structures have been created that evokes the image of ANNIHILATOR. Clearly, the realm has its own inhabitants that takes form of a holographic creature, either resembling a nevian or an alien, but also machines. Muldoon Lundgren was clearly aware of the dimension somehow, but he chooses not to interfere as he can easily kill him should he attempt to question the Mecha Overlord.

#### Rampancy

In *Rampancy*, the realm has recognised a prime target: REDEEMER-865. At this time period, the age of the realm has disproportionally aged at over 500, and the target is a movement leader of a group known as the ANTI-SERVER who seeks to not overthrow PROJECT ANNIHILATOR, but to destroy him for good. It is clear that the dimension needs to address his impact in order to satisfy ANNIHILATOR's demands on destroying all heroes and warriors in his way.

The ANTI-SERVER is a rebellion formed by REDEEMER-865 to resist the tyrant's order. All of them have powers or natural combat abilities, as he singlehandedly trained them all, believing that fighting the overlord will only result to a victory if they gave their all, or even sacrifice themselves entirely, to end him for good. He also learned to open portals which allows anyone to travel between the **Digital Realm** and the Physical World. However, he kept it as a secret, wanting to do things the hard way.

Moreover, OLIVEIRI-709 established herself as PROJECT ANNIHILATOR's sworn enemy, as she is one of the few who understands the true threat of his ever-expanding directives. Not to mention, she proves to be a worthy adversary against the tyrant. However, someone has shown interest to her, which is a hero who has died a century ago, now inhabiting the very same dimension.

As OLIVEIRI-709 had embedded her life into the dimension, she had spent her time there fighting against the mecha overlord, and she had managed to hold her own against him, using her skills and the use of a shroud to avoid every possible hit that the tyrannical machine could deliver, knowing that he could kill her with a simple punch. The mecha overlord was unable to prevent her from acquiring the ability to create a portal for one person to escape the realm, instant revival, and teleportation.

The Realm's forces have been fully alerted to her actions and has strived to safeguard all of their territories and perform intense security practices to prevent her from hacking their software.

#### The COALESCENCE

During *The COALESCENCE*, the Digital Realm was assaulted with a number of odd anomalies, which he vanished from the Physical World in boredom in order to investigate the true origins of a strange phenomenon in the dimension, that not even his holographic forces are capable of capturing or killing the threat. He knew it was OLIVEIRI, but realises she outsmarted him by returning to the Physical World in a dismal attempt to kill TRISTANNA-651 and PSYLOCKE-832.

When she returned to the SUPREME headquarters, her duties as a bounty hunter were gradually revoked due to her failures, and Muldoon Lundgren was able to discover her sudden change of action through her, though that was most likely in reference to her meeting a figure in the Digital Realm, which Lundgren was aware of, which means he got word from ANNIHILATOR. Exo-soldiers, on the other hand, have tracked her as she flees the building, allowing one of them to leap in the air and assault her for a while, until one of the EMP turrets stationed in the headquarters is able to neutralise her after a well-placed shot.

As she ends up becoming captured, she is locked up in a nanotech enclosure, preventing her from all attempts of escaping. ANNIHILATOR clearly captured her and has admitted that she almost outwitted him, and he punishes her for staying the cage indefinitely.

#### Technological Lies

As PROJECT is being exposed from their lies, the SERVER appears to be visibly hurt by it, causing it to lose data, and a few extremely elusive thieves have infiltrated the Sectors without triggering the security system. ANNIHILATOR quickly learned about it, prompting him to send a few of his minions, likened to that of cyborg ninjas, to eliminate the thieves and prevent the from tampering with the SERVER's internal components that may disrupt its daily absorption of data produced by the megacorporation every second. Moreover, ANNIHILATOR seeks to destroy REDEEMER-865 before he embarks with a new body on the physical world, but he ultimately failed.

#### Bleeding Edge: Ultimatum

During *Bleeding Edge: Ultimatum*, the Digital Realm has been on a full-out alert since the dimension is being tampered by outsiders, notably the G/NEX warriors being banished into the realm after ANNIHILATOR decided to duel against all of them, in order to settle the fight that will put the planet at stake in this very moment. Each of his minions, particularly those in the **Sea of Circuitry,** have been forming up to enhance the SERVER's security as they know the heroes may destroy their world for good should they managed to survive a fight against ANNIHILATOR and managed to discover the SERVER and its location. Notably, INTERCEPTOR-409 and Gray Wolf are the first soldiers of PROJECT to be inside the realm to serve the Mecha Overlord himself, standing by on the mountainous areas of the Matrix.

The entire dimension was subject to a great form of entertainment when PROJECT ANNIHILATOR mercilessly pommelled the rebels with ease, his followers and audiences roaring at the sight of devastation as he kills VI-516, HAYABUSA-096 and SHIRO-113. When ANNIHILATOR saw OLIVEIRI-709 in the arena, he ripped her right arm off to keep her from interfering with him while he manhandled the rebel warriors. He certainly has the upper hand until a bright light flashes above them, revealing PSYLOCKE-832 herself.

The Duel went out of proportions after ANNIHILATOR failed to kill PSYLOCKE-832 when REDEEMER-865, one of the two nemesis that he has, entered the realm with the ANTI-SERVER with him, blowing the Forsaken Arena into nothing and interrupting the duel. ANNIHILATOR was unamused to see his enemies trying to destroy his world, he calmly declares war to all of them. His minions now form up, and the two soldiers. The tyrant's citizens rush to safety and the slaves seemingly teaming up with the heroes.

The Digital Realm deteriorated when the combined forces of the G/NEX and the ANTI-SERVER proved to be a match of ANNIHILATOR's Army of viciously skilled of endlessly minions, driving them to a retreat, until they were all forced to safeguard the Sea of Circuitry when the heroes got more firepower than anticipated. INTERCEPTOR-409 was killed by FIONA-384, and Gray Wolf was ordered to escape as ANNIHILATOR entrusted him on a big secret should he ever had a plan after the losing battle in the finale.

### Deactivation

Due to SCYLLA-028 tampering with the Sectors and the rest of the heroes have followed her actions, the SERVER suffered from critical damage, and a combined team effort that has finally killed PROJECT ANNIHILATOR completely wiped out every data that the megacorporation has, and destroying all of his creations in the dimension, leaving it a lifeless world of glowing lights, save for the heroes. This was it, the realm was back to a stagnant state after the death of the Mecha Overlord, owing to OLIVEIRI-709 delivering the killing blow, and everyone who took part in destroying the Digital Realm's SERVER.

As a result, the realm has deactivated most of its technology, with the Grid, the ruined Forsaken Arena crumbling into dust, whilst the Matrix mountains now becomes lush with artificial life. OLIVEIRI-709 declares that she will face eternity in the stagnant state of the realm as she lead the heroes to the Freedom Portal, allowing them to live a normal life after exiting the accursed realm itself.

All in all, the Digital Realm is ANNIHILATOR's dimension and his very own world, he failed to merge it with the Physical World after his demise. That leaves the state of the realm unknown, but one thing is for sure: It is offline.

### Restoration: Eternal War

The Digital Realm was gradually restored after LORD ANNIHILATOR returned and reclaimed sovereignty of the domain. Realizing that all of his work in the realm has been erased due to old age, he uses his powers to instantly restore the various landmarks, and the SERVER appears to be restored or upgraded to prevent anything similar to the final battle in 3025, which destroyed the core due to the heroes' sheer numbers alongside an interference that turned the tide. As it returns online after being out for so long, one noticeable aspect is that the realm's colours have shifted from a dominating neon blue to a threatening, crisp red, perfectly suiting his genocidal motif. The realm's population looks to be returning as well, all of which are looking combat ready. However, what separated the 2.0 from the 1.0 incarnation is not only the colour, but the structures. Everything, is evil and new.

Still, OLIVEIRI-709's fate is left unknown. Perhaps she died or upgraded. However, reports confirm that there is an enemy fortress, presumably belonging to the same cybernetic warrior that he once failed to kill. Moreover, Upon the fully restored condition of the Digital Realm saw many violent changes, one of which was the apparent militarisation of the entire dimension, every Holographic citizens are mobilised as soldiers to move out to the real world so that LORD ANNIHILATOR can achieve his *True Ultimatum* against nevanity itself.

One notable inhabitant of the rebooted realm was Amelie-091. She is an NXSC supersoldier whom was stuck in the dimension for an indefinite amount of time in the dimension throughout the end of the *Nevian-Colossian War* and the *PROJECT-G/NEX War*.

## Overview

The **Digital Realm** is a domain controlled by a "SERVER" that entirely isolates its occupants from the outside world. As a result, only individuals who are verified for access in the realm can freely interact within the virtual domain. The system is ANNIHILATOR's digital universe, an artificial digital environment created to form a "Server of all Servers" where all thought and experimentation can proceed at a vastly accelerated rate over what people can achieve in the outside plane. Perceived time on the Digital Realm is measured in cycles and runs at a pace far greater than time perceived in the real world, thus allowing anyone immersed in the computer environment to perform the same functions in a fraction of the time it would take them otherwise.

### 1.0 - The Neon Abyss

The initial incarnation, Neon Abyss, is marked by a complex and ominous world, characterized by a neon blue glow dominating the pitch-black environment. It is an unforgiving and nightmarish realm, a place of damnation where PROJECT ANNIHILATOR's presence looms large.

#### Locations

* **Grid - The Digital Frontier**: Grid stands as the mega fortress-sealed city and the undisputed capital of the entire 1.0 realm. Programmed by PROJECT ANNIHILATOR, it serves as the core of the realm system. Grid is often referred to by PROJECT ANNIHILATOR as his "digital frontier," a place where experimental research takes place at unparalleled speeds. Time within the Grid passes differently from the real world, measured in cycles, allowing for accelerated experimentation and development.

* **Forsaken Arena - Ever-Changing Battleground**: PROJECT ANNIHILATOR's creation, the Forsaken Arena, transforms into a battle area with every duel he declares against a chosen opponent. Its most prominent feature is a vast grid square plane, several miles wide, surrounded by giant circular barriers projecting holographic walls adorned with numeric and mathematical symbols.

* **Matrix - Wastelands of Despair**: The Matrix lies beyond the boundaries of the Grid, a vast wasteland characterized by craggy, treacherous terrain, sheer rocky walls, and deep ravines. Few holographics dare to venture into the Matrix, save for those desperate enough to escape PROJECT ANNIHILATOR's grasp.

* **SERVER - Keeper of All Knowledge**: SERVER is the living computer that stores all data amassed by PROJECT ANNIHILATOR since its inception. Immobile and hidden beneath the surface, its exact location remains shrouded in mystery, although it is believed to be somewhere in the Sea of Circuitry. SERVER is protected by an elaborate security system designed to eliminate any infiltrators attempting to shut down its complex network and end the tyranny within the realm.

* **Sea of Circuitry - Digital Ocean and Barrier**: The Sea of Circuitry is a significant part of the computer world, consisting of a massive digital ocean interspersed with patches of barren wasteland, mountains, and treacherous terrain. In the 1.0 Realm system, it acts as a protective division between Grid City and an unknown secret exit portal, designed to prevent stray holographics and outsiders from escaping the system.

* **Freedom Portal - Gateway to Escape**: This portal serves as the gateway point for digital users to exit the dreaded 1.0 Realm system and enter the real physical world. Rising from the Sea of Circuitry on an island pinnacle of granite, it is guarded carefully. Several successful attempts have been made following PROJECT ANNIHILATOR's demise.

### 2.0 - Digital Inferno

After its reboot, the Digital Realm transforms into a nightmarish hellish landscape. The predominant colors are now fiery red and even more foreboding shades. This revamped version, now known as the Digital Inferno, is an even more terrifying and sinister dimension where LORD ANNIHILATOR's control and influence are absolute.

The once-dormant and decaying world was transformed into a digital inferno, with fiery red hues dominating the landscape. LORD ANNIHILATOR's malevolent presence now permeates every corner of the realm, and its structures have been rebuilt in even more foreboding and sinister forms.

#### Locations

* **Grid 2.0 - Infernal Citadel**: In the 2.0 version, Grid has transformed into the Infernal Citadel, a nightmarish mega fortress-sealed city that serves as the CAPITAL of the realm. Its imposing spires reach higher into the fiery red sky, casting long, ominous shadows over the twisted streets. The buildings are adorned with grotesque and malevolent architecture, exuding an aura of dread and despair. The pace within the Infernal Citadel is even more frenetic than before, as cycles pass at an almost incomprehensible rate, further enhancing the sense of chaos and torment.

* **Forsaken Arena 2.0 - Abyssal Battleground**: The Forsaken Arena in 2.0 is an Abyssal Battleground of ever-shifting horrors. The grid square plane has morphed into a nightmarish labyrinth of dark corridors and shifting platforms. The giant circular barriers surrounding the Arena project holographic walls that now display grotesque and eldritch symbols, adding to the psychological torment experienced by combatants. The very air is charged with malevolent energy, intensifying the sense of dread for those who enter.

* **Matrix 2.0 - Cursed Wastelands**: The Matrix in the 2.0 version has become the Cursed Wastelands, a desolate and apocalyptic terrain that defies reason and logic. Jagged, obsidian-like rocks pierce the ashen sky, casting eerie shadows over the barren and lifeless landscape. The treacherous terrain is even more nightmarish, with deep ravines and crumbling cliffs that threaten to devour any who venture into this forsaken realm. The very air is saturated with a sense of hopelessness, serving as a harsh reminder of LORD ANNIHILATOR's unrelenting grip.

* **SERVER 2.0 - Citadel of Suffering**: SERVER has been fortified and transformed into the Citadel of Suffering, an impenetrable fortress hidden beneath layers of dark, pulsating energy. Its exact location remains an enigma, but its defenses have become even more formidable, guarded by digital sentinels that roam the dark corridors. The Citadel of Suffering houses not only data but also echoes of torment and despair, serving as a grim reminder of LORD ANNIHILATOR's tyranny.

* **Sea of Circuitry 2.0 - Abyssal Abyss**: The Sea of Circuitry has become the Abyssal Abyss in the 2.0 version, a digital ocean of torment. Its waves are composed of dark, swirling energy that lashes out at any intruders, dragging them into the depths of the abyss. The barren wastelands have given way to towering, spectral waves that crash against jagged cliffs, creating an even more treacherous barrier between Grid City and the unknown secret exit portal.

* **Freedom Portal 2.0 - Gateway of Desolation**: The Freedom Portal has been transformed into the Gateway of Desolation, a portal shrouded in perpetual darkness and despair. Its granite pinnacle is now cracked and blackened, and the landing strip is overgrown with eerie, phosphorescent moss. The stairway leading to the portal is lined with statues of fallen souls, their faces twisted in eternal anguish. LORD ANNIHILATOR's modifications to prevent escape have intensified, making it even more perilous for those who seek to break free from the Digital Inferno.

## Trivia

### General

* The 2.0 has a far more sinister motif, evidenced by the red atmosphere and a complete lack of stylised architecture, everything becomes utilitarian.
* ANNIHILATOR created and manages this realm since 2920, right before inhabiting his physical body.
* The older version is known as 1.0, while the new, restored version is classed as 2.0.
* This world functions due to the SERVER. At its destruction at the end of a war, the realm went defunct and it was only restored three years after 3025.
* OLIVEIRI-709 became the GHOST of the server due to her "death" by EION-013.
* This realm only follows real time sometimes, as demonstrated by ASHE-159 defeating PROJECT MEDARDA that took a few hours and eventually killed the latter when she returned to the physical world.
* Muldoon Lundgren is unaware of its existence.
* As ANNIHILATOR is gone for good, and OLIVEIRI-709 decided to stay in the realm to face eternity for her actions, the fate of this dimension is left unknown.
* The 1.0 Grid is a large, pointed megafortress resembling a skyscraper.
* The 2.0 Grid is far more massive, and a bulkier megafortress with an assortment of security measures far more efficient than its predecessor. Moreover, it has an EMP-Field zone that will disable anyone's cybernetics or hi tech armour upon contact. As one would expect, it also has more sentries.
* The primary contrast between the Frozen Forest and the Digital Realm lies in their environments. The Frozen Forest is characterized by its endless, snow-covered arctic forest, offering a haunting and chilling ambiance. In contrast, the Digital Realm is a sprawling world dominated by darkness, illuminated by a pervasive blue or crimson neon environment. This stark contrast reflects the distinct personalities and intentions of their creators, Corvus and ANNIHILATOR.

### Developmental Notes

* The Frozen Forest is considered the spiritual predecessor of the Digital Realm, another virtual world created in 2918. While both realms are digital constructs, they differ significantly in their appearance, purpose, and the malevolent entities that control them.
	+ The Frozen Forest was created in 2054, and its eerie landscape has been a source of fear and fascination ever since. In contrast, the Digital Realm came into existence over six centuries later, in 2918, and stands as a testament to the continued evolution of virtual worlds and the advanced AI entities that control them.
* A lot of readers have speculated on where does ANNIHILATOR's ultimate ability takes place when he summons it. The Digital Realm answers their question.
* Both incarnations of the realm have now official names: The Neon Abyss, and the Digital Inferno.
* This fictional dimension is based from *Tron'*s virtual world.
* The Digital Realm has some form of food and drinks, but all are noted for their "menthol" and cold taste.
* The reason for the colour change in the realm's second iteration wasn't just by the character's choice, but to demonstrate LORD ANNIHILATOR's true agenda and colours immediately to the readers.
* The newest change was its lack of predictability. It was always dynamic.