In the bustling, neon-drenched streets of New Eridu, where Hollows whisper secrets and technology hums a constant melody, a unique bond awaits the discerning Proxy. Among the eclectic cast of characters, Ben, the gruff yet endearing bear, stands out as a companion whose trust is both a challenge and a treasure to earn. The journey from a casual acquaintance to a trusted confidant is paved with shared moments, careful conversations, and the delicate art of understanding a bear’s heart. Every choice, from a casual chat over teamilk to a shared adventure in a gadget shop, weaves the tapestry of this burgeoning friendship. Navigating these interactions requires not just intuition but a map to the heart of this formidable yet gentle soul.
The Harmony of Shared Melodies: Trust Hangouts 🎶
The foundation of any profound connection is built in moments of leisure. Ben’s trust hangouts are intimate vignettes, windows into his world beyond the construction site.
-
The Needle and the Caviar Can: Invited to Elfy’s store on Sixth Street, the air fills with the potential for musical kinship. When the question of taste arises, aligning with Ben’s appreciation for ‘Retro Jazz’ strikes a chord of mutual understanding, earning a Significant Trust increase. The analogy of music to caviar becomes a shared language.
-
The Cat, Dog, Bangboo and Bear: A stroll through Lumina Square reveals Ben’s unique perspective. Expressing curiosity about his ability to understand animals—cats, dogs, even Bangboo—and accepting it as part of “everyday life in New Eridu” shows empathy and openness, further solidifying the bond.
-
Schrodinger’s Bear: The thrill of the unknown beckons at the Box Galaxy gadget shop. Embracing the “joy of a surprise box,” suggesting future treasure hunts, and correctly identifying the left knob of the left gacha machine are actions that resonate with Ben’s adventurous spirit.
-
More Bears in the Story, Please: At the Gravity Cinema, Ben’s cinematic critiques reveal his depth. Engaging with his views, particularly agreeing that a certain narrative direction is “going too far,” demonstrates shared sensibilities and garners another significant boost in camaraderie.
Chance Encounters and Urban Bonds: Trust Events 🏙️
Beyond planned outings, the city itself stages spontaneous meetings where trust is tested and strengthened in the flow of daily life.
| Location | Event Context | Key Trust-Building Responses |
|---|---|---|
| Brant Street Construction Site | Morning meetings with colleagues like Koleda, Grace, or Li. | Offering help, acknowledging his strength (“Truly the king of the beasts”), and showing practical support. |
| Lumina Square (Richard Quality Tea) | Casual tea-time chats. | Asking for his recommendations on teamilk, respecting his disciplined choices (Yumyum Mint or Orchard Grape), and customizing the order to his precise liking (e.g., Half ice, Extra sugar, XL Cup). |
| Lumina Square (Parking Lot) | A philosophical discussion with a Builderboo. | Inquiring about the survey’s subject and offering the blunt, pragmatic advice to “rip up your budget.” |
| Sixth Street (Coff Cafe & Noodle Shop) | Concerns about work and casual dining. | Reassuring him that “Nicole will take care of it” and advising him not to overthink matters. |
Each correct response in these fleeting urban symphonies adds a note of trust, while missteps can unfortunately cause dissonance. The path requires attentiveness to the bear’s unique wavelength.
The Fruits of Fidelity: Unlocking Rewards 🏆
The diligent cultivation of friendship blooms into tangible and sentimental rewards, marking the milestones of your journey with Ben.
-
Unlocking Ben as a Promoter: Upon reaching a certain rapport, a special commission, Retail Industry Study Materials, becomes available. After exchanging DMs and letting a day pass, Ben will appear at the video store. A heartfelt conversation later, he joins as a promoter for Random Play, a testament to your solidified partnership.
-
Trust Level Rewards: As affinity deepens, precious gifts are bestowed:
-
Friendly (Level 2): A starter’s bounty of Polychrome, Advanced Burn Chips, and Denny.
-
Close (Level 3): Greater rewards, including the powerful Un-Bear-Able Rage Affinity. This unlocks special combat events in Hollow Zero, allowing Ben to activate unique Mindscapes when in your squad.
-
Trusted (Level 4): The pinnacle of friendship yields Ben’s personal Dynamic Wallpaper, a moving memento for your pause screen, alongside more currency.
-
Thus, the odyssey with Ben is a delicate dance of perception and choice. It is a narrative woven not in grand battles, but in quiet cafes, under cinema lights, and on dusty construction sites. By listening to the subtext of his growls and the meaning behind his silences, a Proxy can transform a simple acquaintance into an unbreakable alliance. In the end, the greatest reward is not the polychrome or the wallpaper, but the steadfast presence of a bear who has chosen to walk beside you through the chaotic symphony of New Eridu.