Introduction

Premise
Z/X is a card game for people 16 and older, made by media company Broccoli and Video Game creators Nippon Ichi Software. Using a 3 x 3 Grid, the game requires use of tactics to win. The game's premise concerns 5 alternate futures of mankind (Genetic Cloning, Computer Technology, Biotechnology, Psychic Powers and Immortality) all of which are vying to assure their future comes to past by influencing the modern day.


Terms

Z/X
Common Noun
Z/X is an abbreviation of "Zillions of enemy X" (or to make it more clear: An incalculable number of unknown enemies), which is pronounced Zeks. It is said that it was a code name given by the C.I.A. (Central Intelligence Agency) when a large number of abnormalities appeared from the gigantic Black Point that appeared suddenly in Washington D.C., but the truth is unknown. Those abnormalities were connected to the Black Point which served as a Gate for them, and are the inhabitants from 5 different alternate future realities, and it became clear from contact with the Z/X that they understood human speech. As well, based on the characteristics of their home realities, it was found out that there were at least 4 different races from each timeline. Taking advantage of their unique traits, they have all come to the present to prevent the time-line of their rivals from ever happening. As they have been separated into five groups, they each seek to ensure the birth of their future, while making sure the chances of the other ones happening falls drastically.


Capture
Common Noun
The act of capturing a Z/X with a Card Device. Insect and Animal-Types can be brought under the control of the Owner, the owner shouldn't be an idiot and should realize Humanoid and really strong Z/X can do as they please. Even if they are lucky enough to capture an Z/X, they can be attacked during Activation, and some people have lost their lives as a result. However, there are cases where Z/X, fascinated by the owner would choose to lend their power to those they consider worthy enough to use the Card Device to fight the other futures.
Resource Syndrome
Common Noun
Something that flesh-and-blood humans may develop from exposure to huge amounts of Resource due to approaching a Black Point unprotected. While most suffer severe headaches, prolonged nausea, and eventually fall into a coma, there are a few cases of people who were barely affected. It may be possible that the reason is an issue of constitution, such as how some people handle alcohol. Although people can spontaneously recover from scumming to the effects of Resource, the after effects return from time to time, though, the worst possibility is that the person might never awaken from the coma...


Resource
Common Noun
A mysterious energy emitted from the Black Points (BP). Because flesh-and-blood entities cannot approach the Black Points, it remains an understudied field of research, especially with its connection to the Z/X. Resource is considered to be the source of the Z/X's ability to function in the present, and they cannot maintain their presence here if they lose this energy. Powerful Z/X need to consume vast amounts of Resource, and due to this, they cannot go far beyond the periphery of the Black Point. Conversely, Z/X that appear far from the source Black Point are relatively Z/X. All Z/X can sense where Resource pours from and how much there is in order to properly consume it, but there are varying degrees of awareness. As a result, it is possible to gather how strong a Z/X is based on how far away it is.


Card Device
Common Noun
Card-Type Computers that can capture and enslave Z/X, they produce "Resource" energy of the same quality as that emitted by Black Points. The ability to catch Z/X is called "Capture", while the ability to release them is called "Activate".. Of course, because the inside of the Device is filled to the brim with Resource energy, it is possible to heal wounded Z/X. While it was developed by modern scientists, it is readily apparent that technology far beyond the limitations of current science has been used in every step of its construction, so there are some sound rumors that they were built with cooperation of some of the Z/X. Currently the amount being distributed is quite small, and what few there are has been handed over to government forces, such as police and military, in order to fight the Z/X. But apparently there are tales of counterfeits being sold on the Black Market for huge sums...? However, even if you are lucky enough to get a genuine model, you still have to win over the Z/X in question, and it said to be a Herculean task to handle. In fact, being able to grab hold of the flow of Resource energy, in particular, seems to require raw, natural talent, rather than any actual age or experience. The Card Devices are increasingly improved with each passing day, and it is said that there are multiple versions of varying quality in existence.


Activate
Common Noun
The act of a Z/X being released from the Card Device. The Card Device releases Resource energy when Activate is used, so with repeated use, the amount of Resource generated by the Device can turned the surrounding area into an artificial Black Point. Thus, regardless of whether or not there's a Black Point around, it allows for the Activate of extremely powerful Z/X.


Ignition Overdrive
Common Noun
Ignition Overdrive is the ability to use multiple Z/X at the same time. Strictly speaking, IG (Ignition) is the preliminary stage of activating, while OD (Overdrive) refers to multiple Z/X being used being formed. Because the talents of the Card Device User to the flow of Resource and the like are called into question, those who can actually do this are exceedingly rare. Even those who are gifted can't choose when this ability activates. Since this wasn't an intended feature of the Card Devices, the activation mechanism remains a mystery. Some of those who can use it call themselves "IGOD", as being able to do it might as well be an act of God himself.

(Jan 10th, 2013 Update)
This function of the Card Device is shrouded in a mystery. However, a theory has emerged that this phenomenon occurs when the hearts of the Ryuu no Miko and those who desire to save the world join together, but further study is required, but it does seem a hopeful possibility.


Evol Seed
Common Noun
At the same time, unidentified objects such as Dragons began to appear in many parts of the world, reports spread of a mysterious power called "Evol Seed" appearing on one Card Device after another.

Theories have appeared, that are not impossible, that this could be a hack from the Ryuu no Miko and various hostile forces.

In any case, studies on the card device have not progressed very far, and it is not impossible that there are still functions that people don't know about.

Black Point
Common Noun
Gateways to alternate realities that suddenly appeared in five locations across the planet. These nightmarish gates constantly pour out the Z/X without end, ushering in an era of destruction and genocide. They are jet-black because they are zones that completely consume all surrounding light, causing them to be called "The Black Points". These dome shaped black barriers make the area impenetrable, it's impossible to let people know they're being invaded or not, and it's impossible know or hear what's going on inside. Since the affected area (in the dozens of km) is infested with Z/X, all public access is forbidden.

The first Black Points appeared at the following points:
　　・ Washington D.C. (The United States of America)
　　・ Buenos Aires (Argentina)
　　・ Paris (France)
　　・ Pretoria (South Africa)
　　・ Tokyo (Japan)
Shortly after the appearance of these 5 gigantic Black Points, 4 other Black Points formed in Japan one after another, though they were smaller than the first. Japan, facing 5 Black Points consuming huge amounts of area on such a small land, was badly bruised, and to make matters worse, it lost its capital. The Black Point that formed in Tokyo spans more than 50 km in diameter.