Compared to other HoYoverse games,Zenless Zone Zerostands out because of its animated and fully-voiced protagonists, the Proxy siblings Belle and Wise, also known collectively as Phaethon. They’re not the typical playable characters who engage in battles, but rather, are passive characters who guideZenless Zone Zero’s Agents in the game’s Hollows.
A Proxy is essentially a non-accredited Hollow guide, which means their work is outside the boundaries of New Eridu’s law. They often accept risky or shady commissions that the Hollow Investigative Association (HIA) won’t take on, and they’re usually found on the Inter-Knot.Belle and Wisehave made a name for themselves after achieving “Legendary” status on the Inter-Knot, making Phaethon the most famous Proxy in New Eridu. Meanwhile, someZenless Zone Zerofans have been curious about the “Phaethon” codename and what it means for the siblings, and it actually comes from Greek mythology.
Belle and Wise’s Codename is a Nod to a Character From Greek Mythology
According toGreek mythology, Phaethon is the son of the sun god Helios and the Oceanid Clymene. He is described as a handsome man who is courageous and determined, which also makes him a bit reckless at times. In the story, he is tasked to drive Helios' sun-chariot, but loses control of the horses, prompting Zeus to strike him down with his lightning bolt. Unfortunately, Phaethon dies and his burning body lands in the Eridanus river, where his sisters mourn him. Nowadays, Phaethon’s story is used to explain why there are uninhabitable lands, like extremely hot deserts and frozen wastelands.
InZenless Zone Zero’s story so far, Belle and Wise haven’t explained where the codename “Phaethon” came from and the inspiration behind it. Observant fans think that it has something to do with Helios Academy, which they believe was the school that the siblings attended before the original city of Eridu collapsed due to the Hollows. As of now, not much is known about Helios Academy nor the siblings' past before the events ofZenless Zone Zero, but it is possible that Phaethon could have originated there.
Another interesting detail is that there’s a Helios Research Institute, which apparently holds the copyright for the Hollow Deep Dive System. This system is now commonly used in variousHollow explorations– the same one that the Proxy uses to complete commissions. Again, it’s also unclear if Belle and Wise were involved with the research institute in some way, but this is also a plausible origin for the codename.
Both the Helios Academy and Helios Research Institute were founded by Professor Arche, who first discovered the common characteristics of Hollows. He is also one of the first seven people to be given the “Void Hunter” title.
Likewise, some fans theorize that Phaethon is an apt nickname for Belle and Wise because they share the same qualities, specifically the bravery and recklessness to enter Hollows andhelp many Agentsface Ethereals head-on. This might also be a foreshadowing of what’s to come, which may or may not end in disaster.
Another Zenless Zone Zero Detail is Possibly Inspired By Phaethon’s Tale
As mentioned, Phaethon’s dead body falls into the Eridanus River, which could be the origin of the names of Eridu and New Eridu. According to Greek mythology, the wound on Phaethon’s dead body started expelling a hazardous vapor over Eridanus' marsh, causing birds to fall dead in flames if they flew by it.
WhileNew Eridu itself isn’t exactly a dangerous place, the Eridanus' description does seem similar to the Hollows surrounding the city. Fortunately, in the context ofZenless Zone Zero, Belle and Wise’s Phaethon is the one working to eradicate the “vapor,” and not causing it.
Zenless Zone Zero
WHERE TO PLAY
Don’t go into the Hollows.I know, I know, there’s Ether in the Hollows, bizarre creations, even heritage of the old civilization, all precious treasures. But don’t forget, there’s also spatial disorder, monsters and mutants running rampant, and ultimately, a disaster that could swallow the world. They are not a place where ordinary people should go.So don’t go into Hollows.Or at least, don’t go in alone.If you insist on getting into danger, go to New Eridu first.This city where the good and the bad mix has many people who need the Hollows: Powerful wealthy tycoons, gangs that stalk the streets, conspiracy nuts, and ruthless officials.Make your preparations there, find strong allies, and most importantly—Find a “Proxy”.Only they can guide people out of the maze-like Hollows.Good luck!
