In the neon-drenched labyrinth of New Eridu, where Hollows whisper and dreams flicker like faulty signage, a connection deeper than any commission awaits. For the discerning Proxy, forging a bond with the enigmatic Ellenโthe shark Thiren with a penchant for snacks and a mysterious pastโis a journey of its own. As of 2026, mastering the delicate art of conversation and shared moments is the key to unlocking the treasures of trust, from whispered confidences to tangible rewards. This is not merely a transaction; it's a dance of dialogue, a poetic interplay where every word chosen can build a bridge or widen a chasm. To navigate this, one must be savvy, attentive, and sometimes, just a little bit lucky.
๐ญ The Trust Hangouts: Shared Moments in the City's Pulse
These are the curated dates, the planned rendezvous where you extend an invitation via text and await her reply in the digital ether. Each location holds a different key to her heart.
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"Are these really just ordinary snacks?" at 141 Convenience Store
The journey often begins with curiosity and caution. When faced with Ellen's questionable culinary suggestions, the path to her favor is clear. Avoid the dubious and embrace the delicious.
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Correct Answers: "I dare not try it." โ "Is soda rice edible?" โ "You sound like you've tried it." โ "Get something delicious!" (Recommend a delicious snack).
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Outcome: A regular Trust increase followed by a Significant Trust increase to cap the hangout. It's all about playing it safe and showing good taste, a real 'no-brainer' for building rapport.

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"You There? Can I Borrow Your Wifi?" at Random Play
A hangout that feels like stepping into her world. The correct response here is one of playful acknowledgment and shared understanding.
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Correct Answers: "Why do I feel like the guest here?" โ "I thought you knew." โ "Yup!"
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Outcome: That second choice grants a regular Trust increase, paving the way for another Significant Trust increase at the end. It's about being on the same wavelength, a silent 'you get me' moment.

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"Do Shark Thirens Need Two Tickets?" at 404 Live
A moment of discretion and subtle support. The key is to acknowledge her need for anonymity while offering a gentle, understanding presence.
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Correct Answer: "You wanna keep it low-key?"
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Outcome: This single, perceptive question yields a regular Trust increase and is followed by the now-familiar Significant Trust increase. Sometimes, less is more, and a simple, insightful query speaks volumes.

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"Time! To! Choose!" at Waterfall Soup
The simplest of decisions, yet no less important. At this Sixth Street eatery, enthusiasm is the only correct currency.
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Correct Answer: "Let's do it!"
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Outcome: A straightforward regular Trust increase. This is a pure 'go with the flow' moment, showing you're up for any adventure she proposes.

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๐ The Trust Events: Serendipitous Street Encounters
These are the unscripted moments, the chance meetings in the city's plazas and alleyways where fate (and the game's code) throws you together. Here, your words must be as quick and apt as a parry in the Hollows.
| Event Location | Trigger Condition | Key Correct Answer(s) | Trust Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lumina Square (Alley near Coff Cafe) | Talk to Ellen standing in the alley. | "I was just doing what you said." | Regular Increase |
| Lumina Square (Silver Artwork Statue) | Talk to Ellen beside the central statue. | "It's pretty cool." | Regular Increase |
| Lumina Square (Outside Quality Tea) | Approach Ellen near the tea shop. | "Why not?" | Regular Increase |
| Howl's Newsstand, Sixth Street | Automatically triggers when near Ellen and friends. | "Starving Dreams (Gastronomy)." โ "What's the magic word?" โ "You actually said it!" | Regular Increase |

A special note must be made for the commission-based event, "Are There Multicolored Hollows in the Dreams of Proxies." This is the gateway to unlocking Ellen as a promoter at Random Play. Interestingly, your choices here don't affect Trustโit's a narrative key, a 'plot device' more than a test. After securing the 'Enter the Ether' movie and inviting her, the event plays out, forever memorialized in the Partner Archive for revisiting.

๐ The Rewards of Rapport: A Glittering Trove
Why embark on this journey of whispered words and shared soups? The rewards are both tangible and transcendent, a testament to a bond forged in the heart of a chaotic city.
| Trust Level | Polychrome | Special Rewards | Dennies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friendly (Lvl 2) | x20 | x3 Advanced Freeze Chip | 5,000 |
| Close (Lvl 3) | x30 | Hostile Wake-Over Affinity ๐ญ | 10,000 |
| Trusted (Lvl 4) | x30 | Ellen's Dynamic Wallpaper ๐ผ๏ธ | 15,000 |
The Hostile Wake-Over Affinity is no mere trinket. When Ellen graces your squad in the depths of Hollow Zero, this affinity can trigger special events, unlocking unique Mindscapes that twist the reality of the current roundโa powerful tactical and narrative advantage. Meanwhile, Ellen's Dynamic Wallpaper allows you to adorn your pause menu with her presence, a constant, living reminder of your connection. It's the ultimate 'flex' for a dedicated Proxy.

Thus, the path to Ellen's trust in Zenless Zone Zero is painted not in broad strokes, but in the fine details of chosen words and accepted invitations. It is a quiet symphony played out in convenience stores and city squares, where every "I thought you knew" and "Let's do it!" adds a note to a growing harmony. For the Proxy who listens, who chooses wisely, and who shows up, the rewards are more than just Dennies and Polychromeโthey are glimpses into the soul of New Eridu, reflected in the eyes of a shark Thiren who has learned to call you friend. The city buzzes on, but in these shared silences and conversations, something real is built, one correct answer at a time.
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