Introduction to the Lore & World

Grasp the foundational lore of the Hollow Night and its unique world in Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r].

Welcome, new In-Birth! Before you dive headfirst into the chaotic yet elegant battles of Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r], understanding the foundational lore and the unique world it inhabits will significantly enhance your experience. This guide will provide you with the essential knowledge to grasp the narrative threads woven throughout the game, allowing you to appreciate the motivations and histories of its diverse cast.

The Hollow Night and EXS

At the core of Under Night In-Birth's world is the phenomenon known as the Hollow Night. This mysterious event occurs periodically, blanketing urban areas in an unnatural darkness. During the Hollow Night, the veil between worlds thins, and a powerful, ethereal energy called EXS (Existence) becomes abundant. This energy is both a blessing and a curse, drawing out unique individuals and dangerous entities.

• What is EXS? EXS is the manifestation of one's existence, their very soul and will. It is the power source for all supernatural abilities within this world.
• In-Births: Individuals who survive exposure to the Hollow Night and awaken to the ability to manipulate EXS are known as In-Births. Each In-Birth's EXS manifests uniquely, granting them distinct powers and often a "Weapon of EXS" – a personalized tool or extension of their abilities.
• Voids: The antithesis of In-Births, Voids are monstrous creatures born from the Hollow Night. They are drawn to and consume EXS, often preying on both humans and In-Births. They appear as shadowy, often grotesque figures.

The Organizations and Their Agendas

The world of Under Night In-Birth is not merely a stage for random encounters. Several powerful organizations operate within the shadows, each with their own goals concerning the Hollow Night, EXS, and the fate of humanity. Understanding these factions is crucial to piecing together the overarching narrative.

Night Blade

The Night Blade is an ancient organization dedicated to protecting humanity from the threats posed by the Hollow Night and Voids. They actively hunt Voids and attempt to control the spread of EXS. Their methods are often pragmatic, and they hold a vast repository of knowledge regarding the supernatural.

• Key Figures: Characters like Hyde Kido (though initially an unwilling participant) and Linne are deeply connected to the Night Blade. Linne, in particular, is a central figure due to her unique circumstances and ancient lineage.
• Goals: To maintain the balance between the human world and the supernatural, primarily by eradicating Voids and preventing catastrophic EXS outbreaks.

Aegis

The Aegis is a relatively newer organization, often at odds with the Night Blade due to their differing philosophies. They believe that EXS can be harnessed and controlled for the benefit of humanity, rather than simply suppressed. They conduct research and experiments to understand and manipulate EXS.

• Key Figures: Orie Ballardiae is a prominent member of Aegis, acting as an executor of their will. Her dedication to justice and order stems from her organization's ideals.
• Goals: To understand, control, and ultimately utilize EXS for the advancement and protection of humanity, often clashing with the Night Blade's more conservative approach.

Amnesia

A more enigmatic and often antagonistic force, Amnesia is a group of powerful In-Births with their own mysterious agenda. They often appear to be manipulating events from behind the scenes, and their true motives are shrouded in secrecy. They are known for their ruthless efficiency and powerful members.

• Key Figures: Merkava, a monstrous In-Birth, and Chaos, a cunning strategist, are notable members. Their actions often directly impact the other factions.
• Goals: Their ultimate objective is unclear, but they consistently seek to gather powerful EXS and often instigate conflicts to further their own ends.

The Paradox

Less of an organization and more of a cosmic entity or force, the Paradox represents the fundamental instability and danger inherent in the Hollow Night itself. It is often associated with the most powerful and destructive aspects of EXS, and its influence can drive individuals to madness or grant them immense, uncontrollable power.

• Key Figures: The enigmatic Kuon is deeply tied to the Paradox, embodying its destructive potential and acting as a catalyst for major events.
• Goals: The Paradox doesn't have "goals" in the traditional sense, but its presence drives the cyclical nature of the Hollow Night and the constant struggle for existence.

Navigating the Story Modes

To fully immerse yourself in this rich lore, we recommend the following steps:

1. Start with Arcade Mode: Each character's Arcade Mode provides a self-contained narrative that offers insights into their personal motivations, their connection to the Hollow Night, and their interactions with the various factions. Pay close attention to the dialogue and character specific endings.
2. Unlock Chronicle Mode: After completing a few Arcade Mode runs, delve into the Chronicle Mode. This is where the overarching story of Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r] truly unfolds, providing a more cohesive narrative that connects the individual character stories. It's presented as a visual novel, so be prepared for extensive reading.
3. Revisit Arcade Mode with New Knowledge: Once you have a better grasp of the main plot from Chronicle Mode, replaying Arcade Mode with different characters will allow you to pick up on subtle nuances and foreshadowing you might have missed initially.
4. Explore the Gallery: The in-game Gallery often contains character profiles, lore entries, and event summaries that can further deepen your understanding of the world. check it regularly as you unlock new content.

By following these steps, you'll not only become a formidable fighter but also a knowledgeable participant in the eternal struggle of the Hollow Night. Good luck, In-Birth!