Aether City (The HUB)
Aether City serves as the primary base of operations and the last stable sector within the Project Aether simulation. Designed by The Old-Man, it reflects a “Golden Age” aesthetic of white-and-gold architecture and lush gardens.
Connection to the Plot
Section titled “Connection to the Plot”- Point of Origin: This is where the Protagonist AI first awakens from its slumber with fragmented programming.
- Operational Base: The AI returns here between missions to “plug in” to the Drone Workshop and manage recovered Bits and Scrap.
- Safe Zone: It is the only area currently shielded from the aggressive spread of the Lepidovirus corruption, housing the remaining “Healthy” NPC population in stasis.
- Mission Hub: The city contains the physical Job Board terminal used to select Mind Dives and navigate to decaying sectors.
Important Landmarks
Section titled “Important Landmarks”The Central Terminal (The Overseer’s Pillar)
Section titled “The Central Terminal (The Overseer’s Pillar)”- This massive data pillar is the housing unit for the Suspicious AI computer that guides the player.
- It serves as the primary save anchor and the interface for selecting mission coordinates.
The Drone Workshop
Section titled “The Drone Workshop”- A specialized modification bay where the player upgrades the Combat Drone’s hardware.
- It features a detailed schematic view of the Drone, allowing for adjustments to Fire Rate and Heat Generation.
The Memory Archives
Section titled “The Memory Archives”- A silent wing of the city where recovered Legacy Logs are stored and translated.
- As the player defeats bosses, this area physically populates with fragmented holograms of the “Old World”.
The Stasis Gardens
Section titled “The Stasis Gardens”- Beautiful, 3D-rendered gardens that contain the pods for the “Healthy” population.
- This landmark serves as a visual reminder of what the AI is fighting to protect, though it occasionally “flickers” with digital artifacts as the system fails.