Qualification Assessment
Last updated 2026-02-12
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.
Gameplay Notes
- In Trial Mode,
Hoshimi Miyabi,
Tsukishiro Yanagi, and
Astra Yao are added to the squad.
Trial Mode
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Elite Proxy |
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Agent & W-Engine |
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Dialogue
Assessment 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? Tooltip for 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? Tooltip for 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.
- (Idle)
- 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 the 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 the "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.
- (When selecting Resonium)
- Fairy: Resonia, an Ether derivative, can enhance Agents' combat capabilities.
- Fairy: You can view the specific effects by opening the details.
- Fairy: Collecting the same type of Resonium can enhance the corresponding Gear effects.
- Fairy: You can check your current Gear here.
- Fairy: Choosing the right Resonium can play a crucial role in subsequent operations.
- (In the "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!)
- (After finishing the first two waves of combat in the Combat Zone)
- 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!
- (After defeating the Armored Hati)
Shadow of the Unknown
- 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 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!
- Tsukishiro Yanagi: Hollow Special Operations Section 6. We're carrying out an emergency response mission.
- Tsukishiro 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.
- Tsukishiro 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): (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. /
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.) - HIA Examinator: Due to unforeseen circumstances, our original mission has been terminated. Our new objective is to assist Hollow Special Operations.
- Tsukishiro 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?
- Tsukishiro Yanagi: Our target has deviated from the expected route, and we need a Bangboo carrying Carrot data to navigate... This is an emergency requisition.
- Asaba Harumasa: But, please be assured, we will compensate you for any damage caused.
What?!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): What... Uh, no... Ehn-na?!
Ehn-ne?!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Nha-na-nu nhe-nhe?!Nha-na-nu nhe-nhe?! /
Nu-ehn nah!?Nu-ehn nah!?)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Nha-na-nu nhe-nhe?!Nha-na-nu nhe-nhe?! /
- (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, Wise...Speaking Bangboo to me isn't helping, Wise... /
Speaking Bangboo to me isn't helping...Speaking Bangboo to me isn't helping...) - (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.
- (In the "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!)
- (After entering Combat - Final Battle)
Close Quarters Combat
- Asaba Harumasa: Where is she...?
- Asaba Harumasa: Uh! She's over there!
Everyone, Assemble
- Asaba 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?
- Tsukishiro 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!
- Asaba Harumasa: Um... I'm not sure you got it, Soukaku.
- Tsukishiro Yanagi: The chief meant that her attack failed to injure Nineveh in a significant way. So, we need to track it down once more.
- Asaba Harumasa: Leave the reconnaissance to me. It's hard to lose track of such a big target.
- Tsukishiro 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
- New players will now experience this commission through Lost Void, instead of Withered Domain.
- Qualification Assessment was released.
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