Zenless Zone Zero Proxies Explained: Who Are Belle and Wise?
In Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ), players are introduced to Belle and Wise, the central sibling duo who operate under the alias “Phaethon.” These two serve as Proxies, unlicensed guides who assist Agents in navigating the perilous, ever-shifting dimensions known as Hollows. Their story intertwines mystery, rebellion, and a deep-seated quest for truth in the post-apocalyptic city of New Eridu.
Who Are Belle and Wise?
Belle and Wise are non-combatant protagonists who manage a retro-themed video rental shop called Random Play. Beneath this unassuming facade lies their true occupation: elite Proxies renowned for their success in guiding Agents through Hollows. At the game’s outset, players choose either Belle or Wise as their main character, with the other sibling providing support throughout the journey.
Operating under the codename “Phaethon,” Belle and Wise utilize a unique Hollow Deep Dive (HDD) system. This technology allows them to project their consciousness into Bangboo units, small, rabbit-like robots, to remotely assist Agents in real-time. This method sets them apart from standard Hollow observation systems, which often suffer from significant time delays.
The Role of Proxies in ZZZ
In the world of ZZZ, Proxies are individuals who, often operating outside the law, guide others through the treacherous landscapes of Hollows. Unlike the sanctioned Hollow Investigative Association (HIA), Proxies like Belle and Wise take on high-risk or morally ambiguous missions that the HIA avoids. They often receive assignments through commission brokers and are connected via the Inter-Knot, an online platform where Proxies share advice and accept jobs.
Belle and Wise’s reputation as Phaethon is legendary within this underground network. Their innovative guidance system and consistent success rate have earned them a “Legendary” status on the Inter-Knot. However, their credentials were compromised when their account was stolen, forcing them to rebuild their Proxy legacy from scratch.
A Hidden Past and Deeper Motivations
Beyond their Proxy activities, Belle and Wise harbor a mysterious past. Environmental clues suggest they were once students at Helios Academy, a prestigious institution in New Eridu. Their chosen codename, “Phaethon,” references the son of Helios in Greek mythology, hinting at a personal connection to the academy’s founder, Arche, who disappeared within Hollow Zero. This connection implies that their Proxy work may be driven by a desire to uncover the truth behind Arche’s disappearance and the catastrophic events surrounding Hollow Zero.
Additionally, lore hints at Belle and Wise being subjects of experimental brain chip implants, granting them an innate understanding of technology. Belle excels in audio and communication systems, while Wise has a deep comprehension of video and power systems. These skills not only aid in their Proxy missions but also suggest a deeper narrative involving their escape from a controlled environment and subsequent pursuit of autonomy and truth.
