You should post in Bennvenn's discord server, people in there are bootleg experts. This looks like a 16MB or 32MB ROM with SRAM, but lacking the extra components needed to add a battery. So you'll likely need a batteryless-patched ROM.
I am aware. That is precisely why I am here, asking you all.
I am failing to see how? In its current state it cannot retain a save without a batteryless patched ROM. Adding a battery to allow the SRAM to function properly sounds like an...