In a parallel 21st century, the robotics sector experiences swift global progress. By 2050, Japan has solidified its position as a dominant force in robotic technology and production through Daiwa Heavy Industries. As the field advances to incorporate robotic augmentations of the human body, the indistinct boundary between humans and machines sparks an abrupt change in global sentiment. In reaction, the U.N. enacts a unilateral prohibition on further robotics research and development in 2067. Japan vehemently opposes this ban but cannot stop its enactment. In dissent, Japan withdraws from international affairs and adopts a high‑tech isolationist stance. Only commerce continues, yet Japan vanishes from the world stage.
A decade later, a series of uncanny events prompt the U.S. technology enforcement agency SWORD to suspect that Japan has hidden extensive development of prohibited technologies via the RACE network. SWORD sends a squad of elite agents to infiltrate Japan and collect intelligence on the nation. Vexille, an experienced operative in the team, discovers the chilling reality behind Japan"s decade‑long seclusion.
