Let me tell you, navigating New Eridu these days is no walk in the park, especially with the ever-present threat of the Hollows. It's wild to think these corrupted zones are just part of our daily reality now. Whether you're dreaming of a gig with the Hollow Investigative Agency (HIA), considering some... let's call it "freelance exploration," or just want to make sure you don't accidentally turn into an Ethereal mutant on your commute, understanding your Ether Aptitude is absolutely crucial. It's the difference between a successful mission and becoming a permanent, corrupted resident of the Hollows. So, buckle up, and let me break down everything you need to know in 2025.

So, what is Ether Aptitude? In simple terms, it's your body's natural defense stat against the corruption that floods the Hollows. Think of it like your spiritual immune system. It measures two key things:

1. Your resistance level: How well you can shrug off the corrupting influence.

2. Your endurance timer: How long you can safely stay inside before things get dicey.

Here's the kicker—your Aptitude isn't static. It's a living metric that changes with your life. Feeling run down? Stressed about rent? Had one too many Bangboo-themed energy drinks? All of that can cause your score to dip. That's why regular testing is a must, not just for pros but for everyday citizens too. The city pushes those over-the-counter home test kits for a reason!

Cracking the Code: Reading Your Test Results

Getting tested is straightforward, but understanding the results is where the magic happens. You'll get a report with a colored gauge that runs from 0 to 100. Here’s the official breakdown everyone in New Eridu lives by:

Score Range	Official Rating	What It Means For You
0 - 50	❌ Not Suitable	Do not enter the Hollows. Seriously. Stick to the safe zones.
51 - 79	⚠️ Conditional	You might handle brief, low-corruption zones with proper gear. Not HIA material.
80 - 100	✅ Excellent	Prime candidate for Hollow work. The HIA recruitment office is your next stop.

The golden number is 80. Hit that, and doors start opening. Fall below 50, and your Hollow-exploring dreams are, unfortunately, on ice.

The Elite: Who's Built for the Hollows?

Not everyone with a high score ends up in the same line of work. New Eridu has developed whole ecosystems around the Hollow-savvy. Here’s who you’ll find operating in the gray:

• The Proxies: These are the ultimate guides. They know the Hollows like the back of their hand and can sneak clients in and out without a trace. The most famous? The sibling duo “Phaethon.” They're legends on the Inter-Knot. If you need a guide, they're the ones you want—if you can afford them.

• Hollow Raiders: Okay, let's be real. Hollow Raiders are basically ZZZ's version of bounty hunters. They're the mercenaries, the deniable assets. They take the jobs that are too hot for the official city contractors. High risk, (hopefully) high reward. It's a tough life, but someone's gotta do it.

• New Eridu Public Security (NEPS): The cops. To chase criminals who flee into the Hollows, they gotta be adept in Ether corruption. They're the lawful counterpart to the Raiders, and you don't want to cross them in a dark, corrupted alleyway.

• H.A.N.D. (Hollow Affairs & Neutralization Department): 😬 This is the spooky one. A city-sanctioned special force shrouded in secrecy. They get the jobs no one else can even think about. Rumor has it that even folks with the highest Ether Aptitude will turn tail and run if they see a H.A.N.D. operative. They're the boogeymen of the boogeymen.

Keeping Your Score High in 2025

Given how much it fluctuates, maintaining a good Ether Aptitude is an active lifestyle choice. It's not just about genetics; it's about daily habits. Here’s my personal routine to keep my stats in the green zone:

1. Manage Stress: This is a big one. New Eridu is a stressful city! I find meditation apps designed for neural calibration work wonders. A stressed mind seems to be a more corruptible one.

2. Physical Wellness: Regular exercise isn't just for looks. The White Star Institute's latest 2025 bulletins show a direct correlation between physical fitness and corruption resistance. I hit the gym, or at least do some home workouts.

3. Regular Testing: I don't wait for an annual check-up. I use a certified home test kit once a month. Catching a dip early lets you correct course before it becomes a problem.

4. Diet & Supplements: There's a whole market for "Aptitude-boosting" supplements. Do your research. I stick to a clean diet with plenty of nutrients that support neural resilience.

Living in New Eridu means living with the Hollows. Your Ether Aptitude is more than a number; it's a passport, a job requirement, and a health metric all rolled into one. Whether you're aiming for an HIA badge, planning to hire a Proxy like Phaethon, or just want to sleep soundly knowing you're safe, understanding and managing your aptitude is the most important skill you can have. Stay safe out there, and may your gauge always read in the green! ✌️