Qualification Assessment is the very first stage of Hollow Zero, and serves as an introduction to the various mechanics and gameplay systems contained therein. It is unlocked during The Zero Zone,[Note 1] and must be completed before any further exploration of Hollow Zero can be attempted, or any further progress can be made in Phaethon's Story.
Prior to the release of Version 1.4, the Qualification Assessment took place in Withered Domain, however since that point, new players will instead undertake the commission inside Lost Void.
Lost Void[]
Dialogue[]
- (Idles)
- Institute Researcher 1: We need to keep a close watch.
- Institute Researcher 2: That makes sense.
- Institute Researcher 3: Let us head back in one more time!
- Obsidian Division Soldier 1: No can do, rules are rules.
- Institute Researcher 4: Alright, alright...
- Obsidian Division Soldier 2: No anomalies detected!
- Obsidian Division Soldier 3: Stay alert!
- (Talk to Ray)
- Ray: Ready to head out? I'm excited to see what you can do.
You look like you've got something to say.- You seem like you're itching to jump in.
- Ray: That's right. Here's a little bonus: pick one piece of gear before heading out.
In exchange, I'll gather their usage data. - Is it okay if I haven't earned my license yet?
Aren't you worried I'll break it without proper training?- Ray: There's always some risk with testing, I'm well aware of that.
And I've seen your Bangboo's skills — you might surprise me. - Ray: I've got a feeling you're going to... blow me away.
- (Equip Gear)
- Fairy: Master, now let me introduce "Gear."
- Fairy: Let's select one to choose the relevant information.
- Fairy: Gear usually have unique and powerful effects.
- Fairy: You can view the specific effects by opening the details.
- Fairy: Once you've equipped your desired Gear, it's time to begin your adventure!
- (Approach Robot)
- Fairy: Master, you can train using the robot in the training grounds.
- (Talk to HIA Examinator)
- HIA Examinator: Ray's lending you her precious equipment? That's rare. She must have high hopes for you.
- HIA Examinator: Once you're all set, I'll power up the system. Ready?
- No problem at all.
- I'm ready!
- (In a "Rest and Recuperation" zone)
- (Talk to Unknown Healer)
- Unknown Healer: You look exhausted... Don't worry. Just relax. This is a safe place.
- Unknown Healer: Hollow Zero is rough, huh? It's alright, I can treat your wounds if you'd like...
- Unknown Healer: Or, I could offer you some... enhancements.
- Unknown Healer: They're powerful enough, I can guarantee that. As for side effects... well, who knows, right? Hehehe.
- (In a "Bangboo Store" zone)
- (Idle)
- Bangboo 1: En-nah-nah~ (Welcome, investigator~)
- Bangboo 2: Ehn-nu-nah~ (We're not responsible for anything after the merchandise leaves the counter~)
- (Talk to Aidie)
- Aidie: Uhnnn-nah en-na! (Hey! You're an independent Investigator, right? Over here, over here!)
- Aidie: Nhe-ne ne-nha-ni! (I'm a HIA Bangboo assistant responsible for delivering Hollow Supplies.)
- Aidie: En-ne-ne, nu-nha-nu! (Resonia, gear.. and all sorts of other goodies — anything you need, I've got it!)
- Aidie: Nha-ne-ne ne-nha-ni! (Of course, you also need to have enough Gear Coins!)
- The HIA examinator fiddles with the measuring instrument in her hands with a solemn look on her face.
- Did something happen?
- Are you unhappy with my performance?
- HIA Examinator: You have nothing to worry about... There's nothing wrong with your performance. Your abilities are extremely outstanding for independent investigators.
- HIA Examinator: There's a problem with the instrument. Although the unusual Ether activity of Hollow Zero often causes equipment malfunctions...
- HIA Examinator: Such a high reading is unsettling nonetheless, so I tried to recalibrate the device.
- HIA Examinator: More Ethereals are approaching. I'm counting on you to buy us some time!
- (In a "Friendly Talk" zone)
- Agentboo 1: Nuh-nah! (You can recover your stamina here!)
- Agentboo 2: En-nah-nah! (Safe travels!)
- Devilboo: En-nah~ (The key is using your ultimate move~)
- Sumoboo: Enh-nah! (The key is in regular attacks.)
- Cryboo: Nuh-nah! (The key is to make it funny!)
- (Talk to Aidie)
- Aidie: Uhnnn-nah en-na! (Hey! You're an independent Investigator, right? Over here, over here!)
- Aidie: Nhe-ne ne-nha-ni! (I'm a HIA Bangboo assistant responsible for delivering Hollow Supplies.)
- Aidie: En-ne-ne, nu-nha-nu! (Resonia, gear.. and all sorts of other goodies — anything you need, I've got it!)
- Aidie: Nha-ne-ne ne-nha-ni! (Of course, you also need to have enough Gear Coins!)
Withered Domain[]
Notice
The following information is kept for archiving purposes and posterity.
Mechanics[]
Qualification Assessment has two difficulty levels: Edge, and Frontline.
Edge[]
The Edge difficulty serves as a tutorial for the mechanics of Hollow Zero, with a mostly fixed layout. The first floor consists of a looping square layout, with 5 tiles per side. Reaching the end of each side leads players to the next side of 5 tiles, with each tile intended to show the individual aspects of Hollow Zero.
- The first side has a Gacha event at the end where players can choose one of 3 random Resonia.
- The second side has an enemy encounter at the end, which rewards a Resonium when defeated.
- The third side has a Call for Support event to allow players to call for additional Agents.
- The final side has a Bangboo Merchant, and the floor's final boss encounter.
The second floor also has a fixed layout, consisting of two large rectangular areas connected at the middle by a single tile containing Special Area 7777. Players start out at the bottom left corner of the map, with the objective of reaching the boss encounter on the upper right corner. Crossing through the connecting tile leads players to an enemy encounter linked to locked tiles around it: players must defeat this enemy to unlock the tiles around it and access the boss.
During combat at the boss encounter, Harumasa and Tsukishiro Yanagi will occasionally appear when performing Quick Assists or Chain Attacks, dealing additional damage to enemies.
Frontline[]
The Frontline difficulty has a more complex level layout for players, and also introduces more of Hollow Zero's unique mechanics, including Artifice Resonia, and the Call for Bangboo event tile on the first floor.
This mission will also be the player's first encounter with a Frontline Supply Outpost between each level. This will also be the the player's first encounter with the S-Rank Gate, which unlocks additional supplies if the player achieves an S-Rank rating during the previous floor's final battle; for this particular mission, Fairy will unlock the S-Rank Gate for the player, allowing players to access the supplies even if they only achieve a B or A-rank previously.
Story (Mysterious Encounter)[]
Notice
Despite the move from Withered Domain to Lost Void, the overall story, included in The Zero Zone, remains the same.
Assessment Begins[]
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
"Assessment Begins"Video Summary: Upon entering Hollow Zero, the investigator and examiner from the association explained the necessary precautions and your objective. The mission officially begins.
- The HDD is officially remotely connected to the outpost's communication terminal...
- (SiblingSibling): (Hello... Just a quick check-in... How's the signal, Wise?Hello... Just a quick check-in... How's the signal, Wise? /
Hello... Testing, testing... All good on your end, Belle?Hello... Testing, testing... All good on your end, Belle?) - (SiblingSibling): Okay, the HDD system's comms connection and diagnostics criteria are all fine. At least we know our equipment is up to the challenge.
- (SiblingSibling): So, we just need to cooperate with an HIA investigator to complete the assessment, and you'll be able to obtain an official Hollow Zero Investigation License.
- (SiblingSibling): (I'm counting on you, Wise!I'm counting on you, Wise! /
Good luck, Belle!Good luck, Belle!) - HIA Examinator: I'm the HIA investigator in charge of this operation. You may refer to me as the "Examinator."
- HIA Examinator: Refrain from using weapons beyond the allowed specifications, do not deviate from the planned routes during operations... I'm sure you're already familiar with all these rules.
- HIA Examinator: Still, I'd like to remind you that the difference between Hollow Zero and other Hollows isn't just its size.
- HIA Examinator: If you underestimate the threats of Hollow Zero and don't prepare for its "variations," you'll pay a painful price.
- HIA Examinator: After all, the Association is not obliged to purchase personal insurance for outsourced personnel.
- HIA Examinator: Of course, the Association also provides simulated Resonia to assist candidates. Make good use of the special traits provided by Resonia to enhance your squad's combat capabilities.
- HIA Examinator: Off you go. I'll judge your performance fairly.
Shadow of the Unknown[]
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
"Shadow of the Unknown"- (Cutscene Start)
- HIA Examinator: Wait... One signal indicates some activity, two — significant activity. Three is an intense reading, and four...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): What's going on?
- HIA Examinator: N—No way! T—That's impossible...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): What's that sound?
- HIA Examinator: Wait...
- HIA Examinator: That's...
- HIA Examinator: Watch out—!
- HIA Examinator: Damn it, it's her...
Temporary Recruitment[]
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
"Temporary Recruitment"Video Summary: Due to the presence of dangerous Ethereals nearby, Section 6 requested the evacuation of all personnel. In the midst of this process, Section 6 mistakes you for a Bangboo from the White Star Institute and recruits you as their guide.
- The young woman vanishes into the distance in pursuit of the giant Ethereal.
A couple of people wearing similar uniforms arrive from the direction she came in... - Tsukishiro Yanagi: Chief, remember to keep a safe distance from the target.
- Asaba Harumasa: There's no way we can catch up with the chief when she's sprinting like that.
- HIA Examinator: This uniform... Are you from HAND? Oh, not only that, but you're also Special Operations agents!
- Yanagi: Hollow Special Operations Section 6. We're carrying out an emergency response mission.
- Yanagi: An extremely dangerous Ethereal has appeared in this area. No matter what your goal is here, you are advised to head to the nearest evacuation point.
- Yanagi: I need you to support this operation as a mobile tactical unit. This is an official mobilization order from me, the deputy chief of Hollow Special Operations Section Six.
- (SiblingSibling): "An extremely dangerous Ethereal"? That's what caused the disturbance just now, right?
- (SiblingSibling): (Such an exaggerated size and a dramatic show of force... I've never seen anything like it. We have to get everyone out of here now, Belle.Such an exaggerated size and a dramatic show of force... I've never seen anything like it. We have to get everyone out of here now, Belle. /
Are Ethereals supposed to be that... ginormous? Anyway, let's take everyone to the evacuation point.Are Ethereals supposed to be that... ginormous? Anyway, let's take everyone to the evacuation point.) - HIA Examinator: Due to unforeseen circumstances, our original mission has been terminated. Our new objective is to assist Hollow Special Operations.
- Yanagi: The institute's navigational Bangboo. I need it to keep guiding us in the upcoming operations. Any objections?
- (SiblingSibling): "Navigational Bangboo"? Does she mean Eous?
- Yanagi: Our target has deviated from the expected route, and we need a Bangboo carrying Carrot data to navigate... This is an emergency requisition.
- Harumasa: But, please be assured, we will compensate you for any damage caused.
- What?!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): What... Uh, no... Ehn-na?!
- Ehn-ne?!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Nu-ehn nah!?Nu-ehn nah!? /
Nha-na-nu nhe-nhe?!Nha-na-nu nhe-nhe?!)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Nu-ehn nah!?Nu-ehn nah!? /
- (SiblingSibling): (N—No way! How can we let Eous get hurt?N—No way! How can we let Eous get hurt? /
Seriously, we're going in expecting damage?Seriously, we're going in expecting damage?) - Soukaku: Pleaaaase, little Bangboo! I'll keep you safe!
- HIA Examinator: There's no doubt about this little fellow's navigational capabilities, but the "possibility of severe Bangboo damage" wasn't included in the risk clause we've signed before...
- HIA Examinator: Well, since this is an official request from HSO agents, I'll leave this Bangboo to you for now.
- HIA Examinator: It should be fine. I'll figure out a way to explain it to its owner.
- It's not "fine"!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (It's not fine by any measure. Why didn't she ask us first?It's not fine by any measure. Why didn't she ask us first? /
Fine? How come she just went with it? Shouldn't she ask us first?Fine? How come she just went with it? Shouldn't she ask us first?) - (SiblingSibling): (Keep it down, Wise. Don't let them find out Eous is remotely controlled.Keep it down, Wise. Don't let them find out Eous is remotely controlled. /
Keep it down, Belle, or we'll get caught. After all, they don't know that this "navigational Bangboo" is remotely controlled.Keep it down, Belle, or we'll get caught. After all, they don't know that this "navigational Bangboo" is remotely controlled.)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (It's not fine by any measure. Why didn't she ask us first?It's not fine by any measure. Why didn't she ask us first? /
- En, ehn-ne?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): En... ehn-ne-ne???
- (SiblingSibling): (Speaking Bangboo to me isn't helping...Speaking Bangboo to me isn't helping... /
Speaking Bangboo to me isn't helping, Wise...Speaking Bangboo to me isn't helping, Wise...) - (SiblingSibling): Well, they don't even know that Eous is remotely controlled. Why would they ask us for our opinion...
- (SiblingSibling): The HSO agents are the best of the best. Besides, assisting them is our only option at the moment.
- (SiblingSibling): At any rate, acting as a "navigational Bangboo" or not, our task remains the same. We just need to lead their team in the right direction.
Story (Frontline Pursuit)[]
Close Quarters Combat[]
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
"Close Quarters Combat"- (Cutscene Start)
- Harumasa: Where is she...?
- Harumasa: Uh! She's over there!
Everyone, Assemble[]
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
"Everyone, Assemble"Video Summary: All the members of Section 6 assembled, and Hoshimi Miyabi engaged in a heated battle against Nineveh, but failed to cause significant damage. A group of Ethereals were drawn to the battle and everyone engaged them.
- Harumasa: I saw the chief — she's there!
- (SiblingSibling): She managed to repel such a huge Ethereal all on her own with nothing but cold steel...?
- (SiblingSibling): Arresting Proxies isn't included in HSO's job description, right?
- Yanagi: Miyabi! Status report. Are you alright?
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Not quite.
- Hoshimi Miyabi: It was a clean slash. It should've struck the Ethereal instantly, like a wooden mallet hitting a porcelain vase.
- Hoshimi Miyabi: But it felt cumbersome, more like dragging a piece of chalk over a blackboard.
- Soukaku: I get it, Chief! It was like splitting the cutting board in half when you just want to cut a slice of butter!
- Harumasa: Um... I'm not sure you got it, Soukaku.
- Yanagi: The chief meant that her attack failed to injure Nineveh in a significant way. So, we need to track it down once more.
- Harumasa: Leave the reconnaissance to me. It's hard to lose track of such a big target.
- Yanagi: There are Ethereals flocking here, likely drawn in by Miyabi's skirmish with Nineveh. We'll take care of them if you don't mind, Chief.
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Alright. Section Six, prepare for battle.
Other Languages[]
| Language | Official Name |
|---|---|
| English | Qualification Assessment |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 资质考核 Zīzhì Kǎohé |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 資格考核 Zīgé Kǎohé |
| Japanese | 資質試験 |
| Korean | 자격 심사 Jagyeok Simsa |
| Spanish | Examen de aptitud |
| French | Évaluation des compétences |
| Russian | Проверка квалификации Proverka kvalifikatsii |
| Thai | การทดสอบคุณสมบัติ |
| Vietnamese | Kiểm Tra Tư Chất |
| German | Eignungsprüfung |
| Indonesian | Evaluasi Talenta |
| Portuguese | Exame de Qualificação |
References[]
- ↑ See the Admin's Note
Change History[]
Released in Version 1.0
- New players will now experience this commission through Lost Void, instead of Withered Domain.
- Qualification Assessment was released.
[]
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