LACUNA

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LACUNA (ラクーナ, Rakūna) is the virtual space where Digimon Liberator takes place. It's a cyber world formed from a complex fusion of mapping data from the real world. Users can access it through a Full Dive using a Translation Another Life Engine, or T.A.L.E., metaverse pods available at amusement facilities nationwide, where they set their D-Storages and put on goggles to start the machine..

Overview

LACUNA was discovered by Cool Boy, who used its source code to create the foundation of the Liberator system. Few people know its true nature, and most players believe that it is merely a game world created and managed by humans.

Unchain and Close came into existence in LACUNA before Cool Boy's arrival, through unknown means. At that time, poisonous winds were killing Digimon in Cross Connectia, driving them to seek refuge in LACUNA. By this time Metatromon's side of Cross Connectia was mostly destroyed, while its other half Dalphomon stubbornly stayed there because of a grudge. However, most Digimon cannot survive there for long without disintegrating, and the miasma has also begun to encroach upon LACUNA. Certain Digimon, such as Yolkmon, possess an immunity that allows them to remain there for extended periods. Before being separated from Yolkmon, Unchain copied this immunity and gave it to Metatromon. He subsequently used his Alter Ride to transform Digimon encountered in E.G.G. into Maquinamon, copies of Metatromon.

LACUNA is divided into seven distinct areas, each with its own cities and landscapes. Its environments combine mapping data from the Real World into unfamiliar configurations, producing scenery that appears recognizable while differing from any actual location.

Players explore this world through avatars controlled using T.A.L.E., which reads their brainwaves and motor signals rather than requiring physical movement. In addition to card battles, they can purchase items, trade with other players, and take sightseeing tours. Jewel serves as the central hub, providing shops, practice facilities, access to the other six areas, and a facility where players can consult Game Masters.

Under normal circumstances, players can only bring their registered Partner Digimon into the overworld in its Level III form. Members of the debugging team can use their Unique Emblems to evolve their partners outside battle, allowing them to traverse difficult terrain and investigate otherwise inaccessible locations. The team assists the Game Masters by investigating bugs, confronting malfunctioning NPCss, and occasionally resolving disputes between players. Its members also have access to Garden, a confidential administrative area containing their dedicated facility, Avalon.

Within the game's Main Scenario, LACUNA is presented as a collection of cities whose original inhabitants, Digimon, possessed an advanced civilization. Following their disappearance 300 years earlier, robots and androids became its dominant inhabitants. Players assume the role of an explorer from a dying planet, sent to determine whether LACUNA is suitable for their people's migration. Their investigation involves encounters and battles with NPCs throughout its seven areas, gradually uncovering the origins of LACUNA, the disappearance of the Digimon, and the purpose of E.G.G.

Areas

Emerald Coast

The Invasive Forest City Emerald Coast (侵森都市エメラルドコースト Shinshin Toshi Emerarudo Kōsuto; Dub: Emerald Coast, the Invasive Forest City) is a vast city encroached upon by nature. It primarily features skyscrapers, but there are also places resembling Southeast Asian ruins and Japanese-style buildings, all of which are taken over by plants.

It functions as a tutorial area for beginning players embarking on their first adventure, with most of the battle NPCs encountered being low-level. It's beloved by many players for its quiet atmosphere relatively peaceful setting, making it useful as a base of operations.

There are two types of quest in this area:

1. Defeating a set number of low-level NPCs within a designated time limit, designed so that new players can get accustomed to the battle system. The NPCs notably use Green cards and are programmed to let the players win unless they make significant mistakes.
2. Answering NPC quizzes about the Digimon Card Game. These quests are unique to the Emerald Coast and feature various levels of difficulty, ranging from deducing the names of cards and Digimon to more complex problems. They're designed to be enjoyed by both beginners and seasoned players, with rewards varying by difficulty level, though they primarily consist of decorative items that enhance the players' appearances and D-Storage units. However, successfully solving high-difficulty questions may also yield ability items that can be used to create new Tamer Cards. There is talk of an NPC which specializes in quizzes with exceptionally high rewards, but it remains a rumour.

NPCs that act as conduits to the episodes of the Main Scenario's prologue are located in the Emerald Coast. One of these is Makina, a robot on the brink of shutdown who entrusts several cards to the players starting the Main Scenario, before exhausting its power.

Hatsumōde Forest

Hatsumōde Forest (初詣の森 Hatsumōde no Mori; Dub: Shrine Forest)

Sanctuary

Sanctuary (聖域 Seiiki; Dub: Sanctuary)

Jewel

The Central District Jewel (中央府ジュエル Chūō-fu Jueru; Dub: The Central District of Jewel). Jewel serves as LACUNA's central hub and the starting point for new players. Its predominantly white skyscrapers incorporate architectural influences from different cultures. Its shopping district sells cards, clothing, accessories, and D-Storages, while designated spaces allow players to trade items with one another.

The Free Battle Area allows players to practise against NPCs or other players without summoning actual Digimon. Battles are prohibited elsewhere in Jewel. A portal connects the district to LACUNA's other six areas, and nearby NPCs provide additional transport services and sightseeing tours. Jewel also houses a facility where players can consult Game Masters about bugs and other problems.

In the Main Scenario, the city developed around E.G.G. as android researchers gathered to investigate the computer. The player meets Chain, an android researcher who teaches them how to use Digimon Cards. Chain then requests their help in collecting six treasures called Relics, which are said to provide access to E.G.G.'s otherwise inaccessible records.

Lapis Marines

The Ever-Sunny Seascape Lapis Marines (連晴海岸ラピスマーリンズ Rensei Kaigan Rapisu Mārinzu; Dub: Lapis Marine, the Ever-Sunny Seascape). Lapis Marines is a coastal resort area with an expansive blue ocean, white beaches, and rocky shores. It is known for its almost uninterrupted sunshine, although rare periods of rain are associated with special encounters. A city beside the beach provides shops and other facilities, while beachfront stalls sell food and drinks, including beverages that temporarily improve rare item drop rates. Recreational activities include swimming, diving, jet skiing, and fishing.

Outside the city, stronger battle NPCs inhabit the rocky coastline. The area's principal landmark, Lapis Stadium Tower, is an enormous lighthouse built on a cliff. It hosts regular tournaments as well as larger events, during which additional NPC opponents become available nearby.

In the Main Scenario, the player investigates rumours of an underwater temple while searching for the Relics. During a storm, a gate appears beneath Lapis Stadium Tower. A voice challenges the player to overcome seven trials, beginning with a battle against three guardians.

Obsidian Desert

The Dusty Demonic Realm Obsidian Desert (塵外魔境オブシディアンデザート Jingai Makyō Obushidian Dezāto; Dub: Obsidian Desert, the Dusty Demonic Realm). Obsidian Desert consists of a heavily industrialized city surrounded by desert, ancient ruins, and pyramids. Its automated factories manufacture parts for NPCs and perform maintenance, while some facilities produce components associated with Cyborg and Machine Digimon. Hidden passages within the surrounding ruins connect to other areas, including locations inaccessible through ordinary routes.

Battle NPCs are relatively scarce, but their strength makes the area suited to experienced players. Another attraction is the Junkyard Scavenger, a merchant who conceals his face with a paper bag and sells rare ability items and other goods. His shop changes location and does not appear on the D-Storage map.

The area contains side quests that expand on the game's setting. In "Obsidian Truth", the player follows a frightened NPC named Perla through the industrial city's alleyways while their map is disabled. Records discovered in its factories reveal that the region was once fertile and green, raising questions about its transformation into a desert.

Amber Remains

The Time Static Domain Amber Remains (時静領域アンバーリメインズ Jisei Ryōiki Anbā Rimeinzu; Dub: Amber Remains, the Timeless Domain). Amber Remains is a city built among ancient ruins, with archaeological structures incorporated into its infrastructure and scattered throughout its outskirts. These resemble sites from several real-world cultures, including Japanese burial mounds, Chichén Itzá, Angkor Wat, and Olympia, while differing from their originals. Guide NPCs offer tours of the area.

Many of its battle NPCs use Angel Digimon. Some conduct Conditional Battles that increase the starting number of security cards or raise the play costs of particular cards, encouraging prolonged matches and careful resource management. These battles are the basis of the area's "Timeless Domain" designation. A hidden location known as the "Untimely Domain" is instead associated with accelerated battles involving turn limits or reduced security.

In the Main Scenario, the player searches for a gemstone said to govern time, confronting androids who identify themselves as its protectors. Their investigation also connects the gemstone to a missing Relic from Obsidian Desert, reportedly concealed within a secret part of Amber Remains.

Ruby Mountain

The Roaring Flame Zone Ruby Mountain (轟炎地帯ルビーマウンテン Gouen Chitai Rubī Maunten; Dub: Ruby Mountain, the Inferno Zone). Ruby Mountain is a volcanic region characterized by active volcanoes, flowing lava, and airborne ash. Rather than a single continuous city, it contains settlements scattered among caves, cliffs, and other features of the volcanic terrain.

Despite its hazardous appearance, it is a popular sightseeing destination. Its settlements contain shops and stalls selling souvenirs and exclusive emotes with fireworks or explosion effects. An NPC dressed as Meramon operates a ramen shop where players can participate in a shop-management minigame. Jumping into the central volcano's crater transports players to a special area containing NPCs and a commemorative mini-event.

Battles are generally intended for intermediate and advanced players, and frequently impose special conditions. These include periodically trashing security cards or deleting Digimon a set number of turns after they enter the battle area.

Tlalocmon is an important NPC in the area's Main Scenario. A quest-exclusive server also depicts a transformed version of Ruby Mountain in which its lava has cooled and solidified, leaving a barren landscape.

Amethyst City

The Sharp Sky Corridor Amethyst City (尖鋭天廊アメジストシティ Senei Tenrō Amejisuto Shiti; Dub: Amethyst City, the Sky Spire Corridor). Amethyst City was the last of LACUNA's seven areas to become accessible. It consists of densely packed skyscrapers with unusual shapes and construction materials, including structures that could not exist in the Real World. The area remains permanently at night, with neon lighting illuminating its busy streets.

Flying vehicles known as carriers travel between its buildings. Players can pay to pilot them within the area and participate in the regularly held Amethyst Cup race. Safety systems prevent collisions, while players who jump from a carrier are immediately transported to Jewel.

The area's battle NPCs are particularly powerful and frequently use purple decks. Unlike areas emphasizing Conditional Battles, these encounters primarily test conventional deck construction and playing skill. Rewards include rare accessories and exclusive ability items.

The final chapter of the Main Scenario begins here. Following attacks by mysterious androids, the player investigates their attempts to obtain the Relics and their control devices. Chain's research reveals that the attackers have been programmed to target these objects, while traces of an unidentified being provide another clue to LACUNA's mysteries. In the webcomic itself, it is the location where Unchain unleashes their final attack on LACUNA with numerous soul-stealing rogue NPCs using said final scenario as a cover.

E.G.G

E.G.G (エッグ Eggu), short for Extent of Governing Ground, is an enormous computer. Within the Main Scenario, E.G.G. is said to observe events throughout LACUNA and preserve records of its history. Its inaccessible contents attract android researchers, whose gathering around the computer eventually leads to the development of Jewel. During the final arc, it was destroyed by Unchain and used by them as a component for the Noah Project attacks, where they sacrifice numerous players to use as security shields for his new world. It was restored back to normal after Shoto defeats Unchain, and all of the victims were restored alongside it.

Garden

Garden (ガーデン Gāden). Garden is a secret administrative space believed to exist within E.G.G., functioning as a spatial representation of the virtual world's backend. It resembles an apparently endless white expanse containing floating boxes of various sizes. Its existence is concealed from ordinary players, while members of the debugging team enter it to receive assignments.

Access normally requires a Unique Emblem, although a Game Master can authorize entry without one.

Avalon

Debug Team Dedicated Area "Avalon" (デバッグチーム専用エリア〝アヴァロン〟 Debaggu Chīmu Senyō Eria "Avaron"; Dub: Avalon, the Debugging Team's Private Area). Avalon is the debugging team's dedicated facility within Garden. It stands at the centre of the white expanse and resembles an enormous D-Storage. The team uses this private area because of the confidential nature of its work.

Virtual Shinjuku

Yao Qinglan initially created the Quest-only Area <Virtual Shinjuku> (クエスト専用エリア《仮想新宿》 Kuesuto Senyō Eria <Kasō Shinjuku>; Dub: Quest-only Area <Virtual Shinjuku>) for Altea to see the outside world. In DEBUG 5, it was used to testrun him. Later on, it was used by Yao to isolate Unchain so Shoto and Owen can stop their rampage in surface LACUNA.

Appearances

Manga

Digimon Liberator

In "Welcome to LACUNA", Owen Dreadnought entered LACUNA at some point after his defeat to Zenith in the Digimon Card Game World Championship.

Kazama Shoto entered LACUNA for the first time alongside Kinosaki Arisa following Owen's example, using a T.A.L.E. at an arcade. When he did, he found himself falling, as welcome messages appeared in English, Japanese, Korean and Chinese Simplified. As he fell, Shoto saw an orb with two crossing rings, and screamed in terror as he kept falling. He managed to land on his feet in LACUNA, and later met Arisa and her Partner Digimon, Junkmon.

Several more players and Digimon were shown in LACUNA in "DigitalGate Open". Shoto and Arisa themselves landed in the Emerald Coast, where they were attacked by a Battle Type NPC that should not exist in that area.

Novel

Digimon Liberator

Yuuki and Impmon go to Ruby Mountain in "Yuuki" to take care of a rogue NPC. Despite their loss, Yuuki still obtained an ability item and some new cards here, which she'd use to build her Dark Dragon deck. With it, they fought the NPC once again in "HEAVY METAL PLAY", winning this time.

Saikiyo and Funbeemon go to Emerald Coast in "Saikiyo" at the latter's suggestion, though only because the former wanted to fight an NPC that defeated Yuuki and Impmon earlier, as he saw it as good practice for his new deck. He fought the NPC in front of a vine-entangled stone pyramid reminiscent of ancient Central American civilizations, ultimately winning the fight.

Additional Information

References	Notes

Digimon Alysion
Main Characters	Hondo Kanata • Valner Dragnogh • Kurusu Koga
Partner Digimon	Gemmon (Futre) • Renamon • Herissmon
Terms	D-STORAGE • T.A.L.E. • LACUNA • ALIOL
Related Pages	List of Characters • FIREBIRD GIRLS
Related Media	Digimon Liberator (Comic/Novel) • Digimon Card Game