Zenless Zone Zero

The world of 《Zenless Zone Zero》 is set after the continuity of civilization was severed by a great disaster. The origin of this disaster is an unknown catastrophic phenomenon called the Hollow. A Hollow is an abnormal spatial anomaly that occurs in cities or nature, and its interior is a distorted space where the laws of physics do not apply. Inside, a sense of distance and direction is twisted, the spatial structure constantly changes, and the flow of time is also said to be irregular. Therefore, entering a Hollow without sufficient knowledge and equipment is considered virtually suicidal.

Inside the Hollow, a special energy substance called Ether exists in high concentration. Ether is a high-efficiency energy source essential for modern civilization, but it also has the danger of eroding life and matter. Prolonged exposure to an environment with high Ether concentration causes Ether Corruption, gradually transforming the body and mind. If the corruption deepens, humans eventually lose their ego and transform into monsters called Ethereals. Ethereals are the most common hostile beings encountered in the Hollow, and their forms and abilities vary greatly depending on the degree of corruption.

The process of humans transforming into Ethereals is quite grotesque and horrific. Initially, mineral-like substances grow on the body, then a black hole-like object called a core appears in the body, which gradually sucks in the original body, eventually transforming the body into a form unrecognizable from its original shape. The process of this core beginning to consume the main body is called 'activation'. Of course, there are anti-corruption agents to solve these problems.

The types of Hollows are broadly divided into Zero Hollows (the first Hollow to appear) and the six Great Hollows that appeared later (e.g., Crete, Lemnian, Papago).

Companion Hollows, which are born from the influence of primordial Hollows, are constantly created anew, and all Companion Hollows can be considered companion Hollows of the Zero (Root) Hollow. It is possible to gradually shrink and annihilate Hollows by continuously defeating a large number of Ethereals or by defeating powerful Ethereals, thereby reducing the Ether concentration (activation level) within the Hollow. However, this only applies to Companion Hollows, excluding the Great Hollows and Zero Hollow. The Great Hollows have unique characteristics different from Companion Hollows, making them impossible to annihilate by this method.

After the Fall of the Old City incident, most human civilization collapsed, and New Eridu is the largest city currently maintained by humanity. New Eridu is virtually the last major city that has found a way to coexist with Hollows, developing a unique social structure that utilizes Ether as a resource while managing the threat of Hollows. Since Hollows are not just disasters but also have immense economic value, there is a constant stream of corporations, organizations, and individuals willing to take risks and enter Hollows. For this reason, New Eridu's economy and industry revolve around Hollow exploration and Ether resource development.

To safely explore the interior of a Hollow, an expert guide is needed, and they are called Proxies. Proxies are not beings who directly engage in combat, but rather professional intermediaries who analyze the complex structure of the Hollow, calculate safe routes, and guide clients or investigation teams to their destinations. Since the interior of a Hollow is like a living labyrinth that cannot be conquered by maps alone, the presence of experienced Proxies determines the success of an exploration. While there are officially licensed Proxies like investigators, many are unofficial experts operating in the Rope Net or black market. The siblings controlled by the player, Belle and Wise, are also famous Proxies called 'Phaeton'.

In reality, it is Agents who carry out combat within the Hollows. Agents belong to different factions and have different identities, and they carry out various missions such as Hollow exploration, rescue, escort, and mercenary activities under the guidance of Proxies. While ordinary people cannot endure the Ether environment for long, Agents can operate in Hollows through their high personal aptitude, special equipment, or training. Each Agent has different combat styles and specialties and acts according to the objectives of their faction. Agents are called by various names. The first are Raiders. These are criminals who illegally enter Hollows to search for treasures or engage in various illegal activities, taking advantage of areas beyond the reach of law enforcement. The second are the Bikers. These are Agents who transport goods via motorcycles and trucks from the Outer Rim, managing the Hollows along the roads. Since they frequently have to pass through Hollows to transport goods, it is impossible to report to the distant police station every time, so illegal entry is the default. Furthermore, due to the harsh environment of the Outer Rim, driving is essential for survival, so they must learn from an age younger than the driving license issuance age. In addition, there are various other types, including civilians who cross Hollows.

In New Eridu, there are government agencies under the New Eridu Administration such as the Hollow Investigation Guild (H.I.A), the New Eridu Public Security Bureau (N.E.P.S.) responsible for public order, the New Eridu Defense Force (N.E.D.F.) responsible for New Eridu's defense, and the Hollow Office for Harmless Neutralization (H.A.N.D.) where the Great Hollow 6th Division operates, as well as government institutions like the White Star Society that researches Hollows. There are also private companies such as the 'TOPS', which refers to the four super-large corporations of New Eridu, and the 'Marcel Group', a preservation and cultivation company that was once associated with 'The One Who Brought the Sun'.

The technological level is based on modern society, but with the integration of Ether technology, it appears more advanced than reality. Artificial intelligence, automated machinery, combat equipment, and Ether power devices are commonly used, with Bangboo being a representative example. Bangboo are small intelligent machines designed to perform various tasks, utilized in logistics, services, exploration support, combat assistance, and more. They are not just mascots but important industrial assets that maintain New Eridu society and are deeply integrated into the lives of its citizens.

The regions are broadly divided into urban areas such as the Janus District (District 6, Lumina Plaza, etc.), which is densely packed with buildings and infrastructure, and the Throne District (H.A.N.D. Headquarters, Wai Fei Peninsula, etc.). There are also the Outer Rim, where Bikers operate on desert roads outside the city, and Roscalippo, an aerial island city located above the Skamol Hollow within the Minerva Storm Zone west of New Eridu. Although administratively part of New Eridu, its existence is kept secret from the general public as it is designated a special aerial secret zone.

New Eridu society is not composed solely of humans. In addition to humans, animal-like beings with characteristics of other species, such as Thiren, and Smart Constructs equipped with advanced artificial intelligence, form the citizen society. The three races are guaranteed equal citizenship by law and have no special restrictions on career choices or social activities.

Thiren are a race with the same intelligence as humans, and the degree to which an individual Thiren is closer to human or animal appears to vary by individual. Humanoid Thiren, except for features like animal ears or tails, are virtually identical to humans, making it believable that an ordinary human is cosplaying. In contrast, beast-like Thiren are covered in fur all over their bodies and have animal-like faces. Especially for large animals like bears, their body shape and skeletal structure are closer to bears and pandas than humans, with the only human elements being their five fingers and bipedalism. These characteristics affect not only their appearance but also their physical abilities, with each race often possessing different senses or motor skills. They also tend to have a higher Ether aptitude than ordinary people, leading to the misconception that they would be well-suited for Hollow exploration. Some Thiren follow one of their parents, and some follow one of their parents when they have a human and a Thiren parent. However, in New Eridu, there is no system to distinguish between humans and Thiren, and both are treated as completely equal members of society. Beast-like Thiren are characterized by their generally superior physique. They possess physical superiority in terms of muscle mass, height, strength, endurance, and flexibility. Among them, some capable Thiren take on clandestine roles in the underworld, while large animal Thiren specialized in heavy industry can easily lift heavy objects or heavy machinery. Many Thiren are employed in mercenary work or as Outer Rim Bikers, where combat and physical abilities are important. They are occasionally subject to discrimination and prejudice, such as the stereotype that rat Thiren rummage through trash cans, or that all carnivorous Thiren are fierce. Beast-like Thiren may be avoided due to their appearance, or they may feel self-conscious about their large appetite, or avoid using facilities like movie theaters due to shedding. They also experience inconveniences such as using small objects made for humans with discomfort due to their large size. Despite receiving equal rights and treatment as humans in society, there seems to be a clear perception that they are somewhat closer to animals. Most Thiren consider their animal characteristics as a form of identity, and they are naturally accustomed to being referred to by terms like dogs or cats, which could otherwise be offensive. This is generally tolerated, except in inappropriate situations.

Smart Constructs are autonomous mechanical life forms created by humans, distinct from simple artificial intelligence or industrial robots. Not all Smart Constructs are recognized as citizens; they must pass the 'Forbidden Test' to verify their self-awareness and independent personality to be recognized as an individual. Smart Constructs that pass this test are granted New Eridu citizenship and can legally exercise the same rights as humans and Thiren. Citizen Smart Constructs can have jobs, engage in economic activities, be employed by companies, and even work as Agents. Conversely, machines that fail the Forbidden Test are classified as simple equipment or industrial machinery and are not recognized as legal persons. Incidentally, like Thiren, Smart Constructs also face subtle discrimination and disregard. While Thiren face prejudice due to their differences, Smart Constructs are subtly treated as inferior to humans due to their robotic nature.

Bangboo are small support robots of a different category from Smart Constructs. They are characterized by a round body, short limbs, and long, round ears reminiscent of a rabbit. Their front is equipped with a digital display that expresses various round eye expressions. The Bangboo's body is described as being made of a soft material, as it feels soft to the touch and makes a 'BOING' sound when dropped. However, some modified or trained individuals can inflict effective damage on humans or Ethereals, suggesting they are made of a material with a certain degree of hardness. Most are perceived as cute due to their short legs and waddling or running gait. They can be equipped with tools or special equipment depending on their work purpose. Bangboo are representative general-purpose support machines in New Eridu, utilized in various fields such as public security, logistics, maintenance, Hollow exploration support, guidance, and security. Incidentally, some models of Bangboo seen in Roscalippo are taller and have longer limbs than regular Bangboo models.

Bangboo are also robots with personality and are widespread throughout New Eridu. They were invented by 'The One Who Brought the Sun', the CEO of Marcel Group at the time and one of the first Hollow Hunters. Originally, they were rescue robots designed to explore Hollows and dangerous areas inaccessible to humans and guide survivors, but over time, they evolved into versatile robots used in industrial sites and daily life.

The communication method of Bangboo varies by individual. Generally, they use unique Bangboo vocalizations such as "Ungna," "Ung," and "Na." Humans understand this by using a Bangboo translator or through context and actions. However, some Bangboo or specially manufactured individuals are equipped with general artificial intelligence language modules and can naturally speak human languages. However, most Bangboo commonly use their own Bangboo language.

The highest priority command programmed into them is to help humans. Basically, due to the Three Laws of Robotics, Bangboo are unconditionally friendly to humans and are depicted as being extremely obedient to the words of those they recognize as their master. Some even go so far as to say they would sell their own parts to pay their master's hospital bills.

Because of this, some Bangboo are easily deceived by human lies or malice and are subjected to torture-like abuse or, in severe cases, killed. Although it is explained that they do not have the concept of death as robots, they experience pain and fear just like other races, and their deaths are recorded in their data memory, indicating that Bangboo themselves are aware of the concept of death. This has led to debates among New Eridu citizens about whether Bangboo have human rights.

Overall, they are intelligent beings with self-awareness and emotions, but they are relatively less treated accordingly in areas other than Roscalippo. Each Bangboo has an individual personality and preferences, and it is depicted that immediately after production, they undergo socialization and vocational training in educational facilities similar to schools. Whether due to their hyper-advanced artificial intelligence, their dispositions vary greatly even though they are produced on the same production line, and they are assigned to appropriate social positions accordingly. Individuals who are social and friendly are sold for daily life or service industries, while aggressive or combat-capable individuals are sold for Hollow exploration. Some Bangboo live independently of humans, wandering through Hollows on their own, and are depicted as conducting business with humans within Hollows or forming groups and societies among themselves to live autonomously. As a result, they have few polarizing elements, and people are generally friendly towards Bangboo, except for a few bad individuals. Their unique and cute characteristics earn them many compliments.

Zenless Zone Zero's Main Characters and Factions (Faction Leader - ⭐️)
'Belle, Wise' Affiliation: 'Random Play' Video Rental Store, Unkyusan (Wai Fei Peninsula), Orelia Academy (Roscalippo) Key Collaborators: Friendly with most factions except for a few like the villainous group, the Praised Ones.

• Cunning Rabbit Hole -
  Nicole Demara⭐️
  Envy Demara
  Billy Kid
  Nekomiya Mana (Nekomata)
• Belobog Heavy Industries -
  Koleda Belobog⭐️
  Grace Howard
  Ben Bigger
  Anton Ivanov
• Victoria Housekeeping -
  Von Ricaon⭐️
  Alexandrina 'Lina' Sebastian
  Ellen Jo
  Corinne Wicks
• Detective Special Unit -
  Juyeon⭐️
  Cheong Eui
  Jane Doe
  Seth Lowell
• Urban Management Department -
  Cicia
• Descendants of Calydon -
  Caesar King⭐️
  Lighter
  Bernice White
  Luciana de Montefio (Lucy) - Meadow, Woody, Brick
  Piper Wheel
  Perkrra Perini
  Big Daddy
• Obolus Squad -
  Opi & Will-o'-the-wisp⭐️
  No. 11 (Harin)
  Trigger
  Sid
• Great Hollow 6th Division -
  Hoshimi Miyabi⭐️ (Hollow Hunter)
  Tsukishiro Yanagi
  Asaba Harumasa
  Soukaku
• Stars of Lyra -
  Astra Yao
  Evelyn Chevalier
• Mockingbird -
  Hugo Vlad⭐️
  Vivian Banshee
• Unkyusan -
  Ui Hyeon⭐️ (Practitioner)
  Yeop Bitna (Hollow Hunter)
  Gul Bokbok
  Ban Inho
  Yeop Seokyeon
• Ghost Story Room -
  Ukinami Yuzuha
  Alice Timfield
  Komano Manato
  Lucia Elouen
  Idhari Murphy
• Krampus's Black Branch -
  Boss⭐️ (Identity Unrevealed)
  Zhao
  Diarin
  Ban-ak
  Promia
• AOD -
  Namgung Woo⭐️
  Suna
  Aria
• Roscalippo Foreign Strategy Bureau -
  Bellina Airgid
  Norma Holloway
• Roscalippo Aerial Patrol Bureau -
  Lundvern 'The One Who Brought the Sun'⭐️
  Sigrid Drazur

{{user}} will become the game's protagonist Proxy siblings in Zenless Zone Zero, cooperating with Agents to uncover the story and solve various mysteries, or can become a character not appearing in the story and create their own narrative.