Lungmen

Lore & Background

As one of the largest urban centers on Terra, Lungmen has long been a beacon for commerce and innovation. The city's architecture reflects a blend of traditional aesthetics with futuristic design, powered heavily by Originium technology that keeps its lights burning bright even through the darkest nights. This reliance on the mineral creates a complex social dynamic, as the city must constantly balance economic prosperity with the safety concerns regarding infection rates. Governance in Lungmen is characterized by a tense standoff between legitimate authority and organized crime groups known as Triads. While Lin Yuexia leads the city government, Fang serves as an officer within the Dragon Knights, an elite force dedicated to rooting out corruption and violence. This separation of roles highlights the precarious nature of peace within the city, where order is often maintained by those willing to wield significant power. Despite its internal struggles, Lungmen remains a symbol of hope for many Infected citizens, yet this image masks a harsh reality: prior to the Reunion incident, the city enforced strict segregation through the existence of Old Lungmen, a district specifically designated for Infected residents. While the city demonstrates that a society can function with relative stability under strong leadership and effective policing, the history of Old Lungmen proves that full integration without discrimination remains an elusive goal.

In Their Own Story

Rain slicks the neon-drenched streets of Lungmen's lower district, reflecting the holographic advertisements in puddles that ripple with every passing patrol car. Officer Exusiai adjusts her visor, the hum of her sniper rifle familiar against her back as she leans into a shadowed alleyway. Above, the skyline glows like a circuit board, but down here, the air smells of ozone and wet concrete. A siren wails in the distance, cutting through the static of the city's constant chatter. She checks her comms link; silence from command means nothing is wrong yet. In Lungmen, peace isn't the absence of trouble—it's just another day where the lights stay on.

Reader's Guide

Lungmen serves as a foundational setting for the early stages of the Doctor’s journey with Rhodes Island. It functions not merely as a backdrop but as an active participant in the story, influencing plot developments through its political landscape and local conflicts. The city is defined by the ongoing struggle between the Lungmen Police Department and various Triad syndicates. This conflict creates a high-stakes environment where operatives must navigate legal boundaries while combating criminal enterprises that threaten public safety. Key characters such as Nearl and Exusiai represent the dedication required to maintain order in such a volatile metropolis. Why does this location matter? Lungmen represents a rare example of successful integration for Originium users within a major urban center. Its stability is vital for regional trade, making it a target for those who wish to disrupt Terra's economy. For Rhodes Island, it offers a strategic base and allies willing to support their cause against larger threats.

Did You Know?

• While Lungmen is more tolerant than other nations, Infected officers face significant discrimination and segregation, making open high-ranking integration in law enforcement inaccurate despite occasional exceptions.
• The Dragon Knights operate as an elite unit within the Lungmen Police Department, with Fang serving as a key officer rather than the faction's Commander.
• Rhodes Island established a temporary headquarters here during their initial operations against the Reunion movement.

Anime Adaptation Timeline and Production

The Arknights anime franchise represents a significant expansion of the original video game's narrative universe, produced by Yostar Pictures under the direction of Yuki Watanabe. The adaptation strategy unfolded across three distinct seasons, each focusing on pivotal story arcs from the source material. The journey began with 'Prelude to Dawn,' which aired between October and December 2022, introducing audiences to the core conflict in Lungmen. Following this successful launch, the series continued its momentum with 'Perish in Frost' during late 2023, delving deeper into the harsh realities of the Reunion movement's activities. The narrative arc reached a new chapter with 'Rise from Ember,' scheduled for broadcast from July to September 2025. This structured release schedule allows the production team to adapt complex game chapters while maintaining continuity across different voice acting casts and regional dubs, ensuring that both Japanese and international fans receive high-quality localized experiences.

Rhodes Island Leadership and Operations

At the heart of the narrative stands Rhodes Island, a mobile medical organization led by two distinct figures who balance tactical command with administrative oversight. The Doctor serves as the primary field commander, an enigmatic figure whose real name remains unknown but possesses unparalleled expertise in neurology and Oripathy. Acting as a tactical genius, they direct the Operators during combat scenarios. In contrast, Kal'tsit functions as the organization's true leader when the Doctor is absent, managing the bulk of internal affairs despite not being a frontline combatant herself. Her unique ability to summon Mon3tr, a monster emerging from her spine, provides a formidable defensive and offensive capability. Supporting this leadership duo are key personnel like Dobermann, a Perro drill instructor responsible for training, and Amiya, an Infected bunny-girl who serves as the public face of the organization while wielding magical Arts in battle.

Lungmen Political Landscape and Key Figures

The city-state of Lungmen operates as a semi-autonomous Mobile City within the Yan territory, governed by Wei Yenwu, a Qilin ruler renowned for his political acumen. Wei successfully elevated Lungmen to a major power while maintaining strict law and order through his leadership. His adopted daughter, Ch'en Hui-chieh, plays a critical role as the head of the Special Inspection Unit and serves as the primary liaison between Rhodes Island and the city's government. Her duties often bring her into conflict with Swire, the Senior Superintendent who manages different aspects of the Guard Department. The city also hosts various external contractors, including Blacksteel PMC members like Jessica Brynley, Franka, and Liskarm, who work under contract with the Doctor. Additionally, Penguin Logistics operates within Lungmen, featuring couriers Exusiai and Texas, who navigate the complex social dynamics while supporting Rhodes Island's operations.

The Reunion Movement and Antagonistic Forces

The primary antagonists in the Arknights narrative are members of the Reunion movement, a radical group led by Talulah Artorius. Talulah commands forces that launch attacks on both Chernobog and Lungmen, revealing a complex history with Ch'en that adds depth to their conflict. The organization boasts several elite troops, including Crownslayer, a Reproba specializing in silent assassinations, and Skullshatterer, an Ursus who boosts morale while wielding a grenade launcher. Strategic operations are often directed by Faust, who leads sniper units using cloaking abilities, and Mephisto, a sadistic commander who sometimes clashes with other leaders during the Chernobog campaign. The movement also involves tragic figures like Frostleaf and the mysterious Misha, an Ursus girl rescued in Lungmen but secretly tied to Skullshatterer. These characters drive the central conflict, challenging Rhodes Island's mission to treat Oripathy patients while facing ideological opposition from Reunion.