In the heart of New Eridu, a city rebuilt from the ashes of the Hollows disaster, a humble video store serves as more than just a front. For the intrepid Proxies navigating the chaotic streets, the Random Play Video Store is a sanctuary, a command center, and, most importantly, a thriving business. The art of managing this establishment has evolved into a cornerstone of success, far beyond its initial purpose as a simple homebase. By 2026, the strategies surrounding promoter recruitment and store development have been refined into a precise science, turning a quiet shop into a bustling hub of commerce and reputation.

Eous, the loyal android, was the original cornerstone. In the early days, his steady, if somewhat limited, assistance was all a Proxy had. But as the Inter-Knot Level climbed and the store's infrastructure expanded, a revelation dawned: one could not build an empire alone. The dusty shelves and flickering monitors held potential, but it required a team to unlock it. The first breakthrough came automatically, a reward for navigating the treacherous events of Chapter 1. Suddenly, the store was no longer an isolated island.

New faces began to linger by the display racks—NPCs from all walks of New Eridu life. A nervous clerk from a nearby shop, an off-duty Constable, even a reformed Sixth Street hooligan. The process was elegantly simple. A casual conversation, a well-placed recommendation about the store's unique collection of Hollows exploration tapes, and their eyes would light up with interest. With a handshake or a nod, they joined the roster. These NPC promoters became the lifeblood of daily operations, each shift they worked steadily funneling more Dennies into the coffers and slowly, surely, burnishing the store's name across the city's districts.

Yet, the true prestige came from a more exclusive tier of recruitment. The Agents—elite fighters and explorers like Billy Kid or Anby Demara—were not swayed by mere conversation. Their allegiance was earned through shared danger and proven trust. The bond forged in the Hollows was the key. As a Proxy battled alongside an Agent, completing commissions and sharing moments in the interlude sequences, a silent meter of trust filled. Reaching a specific, pivotal level of this bond was the first gate.

The second was a test of dedication: the videotape request. This was no ordinary cassette. These were personalized missions, often cryptic and tied deeply to the Agent's own history or desires. Finding these tapes became a meta-game in itself. While some were locked behind specific Agent Trust Events—unique story vignettes that deepened the character's narrative—others were hidden in the world like treasures.

Proxies learned to scour every corner:

🔍 Exploration Pays Off: Forgotten tapes could be found tucked away in derelict subway tunnels, on the rooftops of abandoned buildings, or even as rewards for solving environmental puzzles in the Hollows.

🚚 Mini Cargo Truck Caches: Scattered around the city were unmarked, miniature cargo trucks. Unlocking these often required solving a quick logic puzzle or defeating a small group of Ethereals guarding them. Their contents were random, but the chance for a rare promoter-unlocking tape made the hunt irresistible.

Completing the videotape request was the final rite of passage. It demonstrated a Proxy's commitment to understanding their ally beyond the battlefield. Once submitted and viewed—a process that often played out like a short, personalized film—the Agent would formally accept the role of promoter. Their presence in the store wasn't just for show; it attracted a different caliber of clientele and significantly boosted both income and reputation gains.

The modern Proxy's strategy, therefore, became a balancing act on two fronts. On one side, the efficient management of a reliable NPC workforce, scheduling shifts to maximize earnings during peak city hours. On the other, the long-term, personal investment in key Agents, strategically deepening bonds to unlock the most influential promoters. The store's level became a badge of honor, a direct reflection of a Proxy's social and managerial prowess within New Eridu's ecosystem.

By 2026, the top-tier Proxies don't just run a video store; they curate an experience. The soundscape is a mix of retro game jingles, the hum of CRT TVs, and the murmured conversations of diverse promoters serving customers. The aisles are patrolled by both friendly local faces and legendary Hollows fighters taking a break from the chaos. This vibrant microcosm, built one promoter at a time, proves that in Zenless Zone Zero, strength isn't only measured in combat prowess. True power lies in building connections, managing resources, and turning a simple video rental spot into the beating heart of a personal empire in a city that never sleeps. The Dennies flow in, the reputation spreads, and from behind the counter, a Proxy watches their kingdom grow, one satisfied customer and one loyal promoter at a time.