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 Ellenโ€”the shark Thiren with a penchant for snacks and a mysterious pastโ€”is 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.

๐ŸŽญ 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.

  • "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.

    • 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).

    • 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.

    navigating-the-heartstrings-of-new-eridu-a-guide-to-ellen-s-trust-in-zenless-zone-zero-image-0

  • "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.

    • Correct Answers: "Why do I feel like the guest here?" โ†’ "I thought you knew." โ†’ "Yup!"

    • 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.

    navigating-the-heartstrings-of-new-eridu-a-guide-to-ellen-s-trust-in-zenless-zone-zero-image-1

  • "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.

    • Correct Answer: "You wanna keep it low-key?"

    • 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.

    navigating-the-heartstrings-of-new-eridu-a-guide-to-ellen-s-trust-in-zenless-zone-zero-image-2

  • "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.

    • Correct Answer: "Let's do it!"

    • Outcome: A straightforward regular Trust increase. This is a pure 'go with the flow' moment, showing you're up for any adventure she proposes.

    navigating-the-heartstrings-of-new-eridu-a-guide-to-ellen-s-trust-in-zenless-zone-zero-image-3

๐ŸŒƒ 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

navigating-the-heartstrings-of-new-eridu-a-guide-to-ellen-s-trust-in-zenless-zone-zero-image-4

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 Trustโ€”it'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.

navigating-the-heartstrings-of-new-eridu-a-guide-to-ellen-s-trust-in-zenless-zone-zero-image-5

๐Ÿ’Ž 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 ๐ŸŽญ 10,000
Trusted (Lvl 4) x30 Ellen's Dynamic Wallpaper ๐Ÿ–ผ๏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 roundโ€”a 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.

navigating-the-heartstrings-of-new-eridu-a-guide-to-ellen-s-trust-in-zenless-zone-zero-image-6

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 Polychromeโ€”they 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.