Zenless Zone Zero: Soldier 11 deserves Deeper Lore

Zenless Zone Zero, while still in its infancy as a game, has already captivated fans with its unique characters and engaging narrative. However, much of the lore surrounding individual characters remains underdeveloped. Fortunately, players can delve into the backstories of certain characters through cinematics and Agent Story missions, and it’s likely that future updates will further enrich the overall storyline. There’s a chance that the developers are reserving some details for upcoming content.

One character whose lore has yet to be fully revealed is Soldier 11. As an S-rank Fire-type Attack Agent, she belongs to the Obol Squad, a faction linked to the New Eridu Defense Force Obsidian Division. While details about Soldier 11 are scarce, hints in the game suggest that she may play a significant role alongside Phaethon and his companions.

The Significance of Soldier 11 and the Obol Squad

Players are introduced to Soldier 11 during the "Mole in the Hole" Agent Story mission. Here, she identifies herself as the Defense Force Sergeant of the Obol Squad, acting as both the Primary Responder and Striker for her faction. Throughout the mission, she enlists Phaethon’s help in uncovering a mole within her team, battling through waves of soldiers and Ethereals in the Hollow.

In "Mole in the Hole," players quickly realize that Soldier 11 is an enigmatic and somewhat socially awkward character. She often speaks in a serious, military tone and insists on giving Phaethon a military nickname. However, her interactions with the Sixth Street cats and her passion for spicy noodles reveal a more playful side to her personality.

As a playable S-rank Agent, Soldier 11 can be acquired from the standard banner. Once obtained, players can unlock Trust Missions and Trust Events to deepen their friendship with her. Additional information about Soldier 11 indicates that she has relinquished her past identity, now only known by her codename.

Soldier 11’s Connection to Anby Demara

The character teaser for Soldier 11, titled "The Defense Force's 'Ruthless' Operation," features her in combat while receiving guidance from Anby Demara. This detail suggests a significant connection between the two characters, particularly as fans have noted their similar designs and shared swordsmanship.

It’s possible that Soldier 11 and Anby were colleagues in the Obol Squad prior to the events of Zenless Zone Zero, with Anby now affiliated with the Cunning Hares alongside Nicole Demara and Billy Kid. Fans have also observed that Soldier 11’s Chinese voice line refers to her as "zero" if Anby is swapped in, hinting that this could be Anby’s previous codename. Additionally, there’s a prevailing theory that Soldier 11 might be a clone of Anby, which could explain their physical resemblances and combat styles.

In Greek mythology, the term obol refers to an ancient coin used as payment to Charon, often placed over the eyes or inside the mouth of the deceased. This connection to death might imply that the Obol Squad functions as a specialized strike team or group of assassins.

The Future of the Obol Squad Lore

Despite the intriguing hints, Zenless Zone Zero has yet to provide a comprehensive introduction to the Obol Squad, leaving fans curious about how Soldier 11 and possibly Anby became involved with this faction and what role it plays in the overarching narrative. Past updates have shown that main story missions tend to highlight specific factions, like the Sons of Calydon in Version 1.2, suggesting a similar approach could be applied to the Obol Squad.

Fans eagerly anticipate future updates that delve deeper into the lore of the Obol Squad, shedding light on Soldier 11’s significance within the faction and her connection to Anby. Expanding this lore would not only heighten the excitement surrounding Zenless Zone Zero’s narrative but also provide dedicated players with insights into how the Obol Squad engages in the battle against the malevolent forces of the Hollow.