Side Quest: Proxy License Exam
Pass the test, earn the badge, and prove you belong in New Eridu.
The Proxy License Exam is a pivotal side quest sequence that serves as the formal rite of passage for new Proxies in New Eridu. This storyline challenges players to guide their chosen Proxy through a series of rigorous tests designed by the Proxy Association, ensuring they possess the necessary combat skills, ethical judgment, and survival instincts required to navigate the dangerous Hollows safely. Beyond mere gameplay mechanics, this quest functions as a narrative cornerstone for character development, particularly for the protagonists. It forces them to confront the harsh realities of their new profession while interacting with key figures and the diverse cast of New Eridu's residents who rely on Proxies for survival.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Side Quest; Story Arc
- Key location
- New Eridu, Proxy Association Offices & Hollows
- Primary focus
- Proxy Certification & Skill Assessment
- Key characters involved
- The Protagonists (Belle & Wise)
- Narrative role
- Character Introduction & World-Building
- Status
- Completed; Canonical
Lore & Background
In a city where the line between safety and catastrophe is drawn by the walls of the Hollows, the Proxy License Exam acts as the great filter. The Association does not grant this title lightly; it requires candidates to demonstrate mastery under pressure, tactical decision-making under pressure, and the ability to protect civilians from the monstrosities known as Ethereals. The exam is less about academic knowledge and more about gut instinct and raw capability in a chaotic environment. For the protagonists, this journey is not just about passing a test but understanding the weight of the responsibility they are about to shoulder. Every obstacle encountered during the exam mirrors the real dangers that await them as full-fledged Proxies. The process highlights the unique culture of New Eridu, where survival is a collective effort and trust between Proxy and Client is the most valuable currency one can hold.
Reader's Guide
This arc begins with the initial registration at the Proxy Association, where candidates must navigate bureaucratic hurdles before facing practical trials. The first phase focuses on combat proficiency, requiring players to defeat waves of Ethers within specific time limits while managing stamina and resources effectively. The emotional core shifts during the intermediate stages, which often involve rescue scenarios or protecting a vulnerable NPC from simulated threats. These missions test the Proxy's ability to prioritize civilian safety over personal glory, reinforcing the ethical code required for licensure. The final chapter culminates in a high-stakes evaluation where all learned skills are tested simultaneously against a formidable opponent. Success here unlocks the official Proxy status, granting access to higher-level Hollows and deeper storylines involving the city's hidden mysteries.
Did You Know?
- The exam curriculum is frequently updated by the Association to reflect emerging threats from newly discovered Hollows.
- Failing specific segments of the exam can trigger unique dialogue interactions that reveal more about the character's personality.
- This quest line serves as the primary tutorial for the game's core combat and exploration mechanics.
More in Main Quest & Side Stories
Elsewhere in Zenless Zone Zero
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