Mutated Corruption

* Characters

Anby, Belle, Billy, Miguel, Nicole, Wise

**Mutated Corruption** is the third act in Chapter 000 of the *Zenless Zone Zero* storyline.

## Dialogue

 **Commission Description**

Aptitude for Ether: Refers to a kind of resistance and adaptability to the corruptive effects of Hollows.
### Mutated Corruption

**In the Cretan Hollow, at the old metro junction station...**

**Billy:** It's a hit!
**Billy:** Woah, barely missed me!
**Billy:** Sorry, it's nothing personal, we're regular people, you're monsters... we're destined to be enemies.
**Billy:** I'll aim for the weak spot, it won't hurt.
**Billy:** Hmm?
**Billy:** Uh-oh, forgot to reload!
**Billy:** OK buddy, just wait a sec!
**Billy:** Wahhh--!
**Anby:** Hmph!
**Anby:** ...Stay focused.
**Billy:** Ahaha, whoopsy-daisy!
**Billy:** Wait, who's that over there?
**Miguel:** Hmph!
**Anby:** The strongbox is right at his feet.
**Billy:** That's it! Perfect, saves us the hassle of searching for it.
**Billy:** Slow down Anby, what are you gonna do?
**Anby:** Catch him, then recover the strongbox.
**Billy:** Wait a sec...
**Miguel:** I... Ughhh— Destroy... Ughhhh!
**Billy:** Yep, he's been corrupted by the Ether. This mutation is so intense, I don't think this guy has any aptitude for Ether.
**Miguel:** ...Ughhh— Destroy... Can't... take... Ughhhh!
**Anby:** His consciousness is still struggling!
**Billy:** It's too late, Ether Crystals are forming all over his body, he's already—
**Miguel:** ...Ughhh— Save... Destroy... Ughhhh!
**Billy:** It's the core!
**Billy:** Dammit! He's almost completely mutated!
**Billy:** Ughh!
**Anby:** ...!
**Miguel:** Uh-huh...
**Billy:** This guy's a tough one. Anby! Get ready!
**Anby:** Roger that!

### Advanced Ethereal

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(A cinematic plays)

**Billy:** It's recovered?
**Billy:** Is this guy's Ether activity still increasing?
**Anby:** Shall we keep up the assault?
**Billy:** No! We don't have the firepower to match it in a prolonged battle!
**Billy:** Let's bounce!
(Cinematic ends)

**Meanwhile, in downtown New Eridu.**
**At a video store on the corner of Sixth Street, over in Janus Quarter...**

**TV:** ...We're returning now to the scene on Fourteenth street, where an explosion occurred on one of the upper floors of a residential building shortly after the appearance of a Companion Hollow.
**TV:** "According to our sources, Public Security set off the explosion.
**TV:** In their operation against the violent Red Fang Gang, Public Security took extreme measures and used the weaponry of their air unit."
**TV:** The leader of the Red Fang Gang is yet to be brought to justice. However, and is thought to have fallen into the Hollow. The head of Public Security has refused to comment.
**TV:** The bomb squad are currently on their way, please don't come to Fourteenth Street! We'll continue—
**Nicole:** No need to watch anymore! I was there when that explosion took place.
**Nicole:** It's urgent! Billy, Anby, and the target of my commission have fallen into that Hollow! I'm in dire need of a Proxy!
**Wise:** Hello Nicole... It'd be nice of you to knock next time.
**Belle:** I feel like I hear of your urgent needs at least three times a month, Nicole...
**Nicole:** You can make fun of me all you want after you help me deal with this crisis.
**Nicole:** Please, legendary Proxy "Phaethon"!
**Wise & Belle:** What trouble are you in this time?

(Chat with Nicole)
**Belle/Wise:** Doesn't look like there's anyone suspicious outside.
**Nicole:** Don't worry, I wasn't followed! It took a lot to get out of Fourteenth Street, but I left alone.
**Belle/Wise:** I hope so. Things have been tight lately with the City Founding Memorial Day just around the corner. The H.A.N.D. has increased efforts to catch Proxies, and even set up a hotline. Things could go bad if we're not careful.
**Belle/Wise:** So... Which creditor is chasing after you this time, Nicole?
**Nicole:** That's not it! I was set up by Public Security and that angry reporter from the Lido channel!
**Nicole gives a brief account of the conflict with the Red Fang Gang. Some minutes later...**
**Belle/Wise:** I see, so Billy and Anby fell into a Hollow.
**Nicole:** Yes! I have to get them out! And I need to get back what the client wants! It's an emergency, and you're the only ones who can help!
**Belle/Wise:** Why don't you make a rescue application with the Hollow Investigative Association?
**Nicole:** I... don't want to make us a target for the Association right now. If they found we'd been involved in Hollow raiding, we'd be in big trouble.
**Nicole:** And I'd lose more than just money with those guys! But I can't just abandon my squad, right?
**Belle/Wise:** That doesn't sound on-brand for you.
**Nicole:** Don't be mean! I allocate a large portion of revenue to the "employee rescue budget"!
**Belle/Wise:** So you have a limited budget to save them?
**Nicole:** Look... my request is simple! Just get my people and the thing my client wants out of the Hollow safely!
**Nicole:** You don't accept basic Proxy work now? "Phaethon"?
**Nicole:** Finish this one, and I'll clear my entire bill in one go!
**Belle/Wise:** Deal!
**Nicole:** Still no good? Then I'll add... Huh? You'll do it?
**Nicole:** ...I miscalculated. I should have waited until you finished talking about the additional payment before agreeing.
**Nicole:** Oops. Sorry, bro. I agreed too quickly.
**Nicole:** Great! There's no time to waste! I'll be waiting for you in the Hollow!
**Belle/Wise:** Don't push yourself, you just got hurt in the explosion, right? You can't go running around the Hollow in your current state. You'd best stay here and recuperate.
**Belle/Wise:** We just have to guide those two out of the Hollow. You can leave it to us.
**Nicole:** But! ...Uhh...
**Belle/Wise:** If you're still worried, help bring this little one near the Hollow later.
**Nicole:** Ohhh? Deploying your "Bangboo Double," huh? OK!
**Belle/Wise:** Then it's a deal. Come here Nicole, I'll tend to your wounds.
**Belle/Wise:** (Bro, I'll come help as soon as I deal with Nicole. Be careful "sneaking" in. / Sis, I'll leave getting into the Hollow to you. I'll provide support as soon as I can.)
**Belle/Wise:** Well then... Let's get to business!
(New Commission Added - The Hare and the Proxy)

## Change History

Released in **Version 0.13**[Edit History]