Ethereal Beasts
Corrupted manifestations of Ether energy threatening New Eridu's safety.
Ethereal Beasts are the corrupted entities that inhabit the Hollows of New Eridu, serving as the primary antagonistic force in the Zenless Zone Zero universe. Born from exposure to unstable Ether energy during the Cataclysm, these creatures range from mutated animals and objects to distorted remnants of humanity. They pose a constant threat to civilians and infrastructure, necessitating the deployment of Proxies and Bangboo to clear paths through dangerous distortions. Their existence is tied directly to the instability of the Hollows themselves.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Ether Corruption within Hollows
- Habitat
- Distorted Zones and Hollow Layers
- Threat level
- Variable (Low to Catastrophic)
- Countermeasures
- Proxies
- Police
- Bangboo
- Nature
- Corrupted Biological or Material Entities
- Status
- Active Threat
- Energy source
- Ambient Ether Concentrations
Lore & Background
The emergence of Ethereal Beasts is a direct consequence of the Hollows opening across the world. When physical reality fractures, Ether leaks into our dimension, warping matter and life forms caught within the distortion fields. This process is known as Etheric Corruption, transforming ordinary objects or living beings into hostile monsters driven by chaotic energy. These entities do not follow a hive mind but rather operate on instinctual urges to consume more Ether or defend their territory within the Hollow. Over time, some evolve into massive bosses capable of destabilizing entire layers of reality. Their presence is the main reason why New Eridu relies heavily on Proxies to navigate these zones safely. Despite their monstrous appearance, lore suggests that many Ethereal Beasts were once ordinary citizens or pets lost during Hollow incidents. This tragic origin story adds a layer of sorrow to the combat, as agents often fight against former humans who can no longer recognize them.
Reader's Guide
Unlike organized syndicates, Ethereal Beasts lack a unified command structure or political agenda. Their primary drive is instinctual survival and the consumption of Ether energy that fuels their existence within Hollows. This makes them an unpredictable natural disaster rather than a strategic enemy force. New Eridu authorities view them as immediate threats to public safety, deploying Police Task Forces alongside licensed Proxies to contain outbreaks before they reach residential zones. While most operate on feral impulses, certain high-level variants act as guardians for specific Hollow layers, protecting unstable anomalies that could cause further distortions. There are no named leaders among the beasts themselves; instead, their strength is dictated by Ether density and mutation levels. Combat against them requires specialized Bangboo support to navigate hazardous environments safely. The relationship between humanity and these entities remains strictly adversarial. Efforts focus on containment and eradication rather than negotiation. Understanding their behavioral patterns is crucial for Proxies aiming to clear Hollows efficiently without sustaining casualties or allowing corruption to spread into the city proper.
Did You Know?
- They drop Ether Crystals and materials used by agents to upgrade gear.
- Bangboo are specifically designed to be immune to the corruption affecting these creatures.
- Some variants possess elemental affinities like fire, ice, or electricity.
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