Code: Realize

Code: Realize − Guardian of Rebirth is an otome visual novel from developer Otomate, first released for PlayStation Vita in Japan in 2014, with North American and European releases following in 2015. The story is set in a steampunk world and draws on a cast of literary and historical figures, including Arsène Lupin, Abraham Van Helsing, Victor Frankenstein, Impey Barbicane, and Count Saint-Germain. Two fan discs—Code: Realize − Future Blessings (2016) and Code: Realize − Wintertide Miracles (2019)—were later released, both localized in English by Aksys Games. An anime television adaptation by M.S.C aired from October 7 to December 23, 2017.

The plot follows Cardia, a girl who lives isolated in an abandoned mansion, keeping a promise to her father. Her body contains a deadly poison that melts or rots anything her skin touches, leading locals to call her a monster. After her father disappears, the Royal Guards break in to capture her, but she is rescued by the thief Arsène Lupin. Cardia then joins Lupin and his group on a journey to find her father and discover a way to remove the poison from her body.

Cardia Beckford carries a virulent poison from a crystal called the Horologium inside her, which melts anything she touches. She has no memories from the past two years except her father’s instructions: never fall in love and stay in the mansion until he returns. Isolated and feared as a monster, she lacks emotions and worldly knowledge. After being stolen away from the English army by Lupin, she works with him and his allies to find her father and a cure for her poison.

Arsène Lupin is a great thief who delights in causing trouble and claims nothing is unstealable. Bright and confident, his skills in thievery and decisive action back up his bravado. He steals Cardia from the English army and begins working with her, seemingly with a hidden goal. Over time, he falls in love with her; in the anime, he is her love interest.

Abraham Van Helsing, called Van, is a former member of the secret intelligence organization Twilight and a war hero from the conflict against vampires. Known as the Human Weapon for his combat skills, he is cold and willing to use any method for his own goals, though he secretly cares for Lupin’s group. He pursues Finis, the head of Twilight, whom he holds a grudge against.