Amidst the chaotic battles against Ethereals in the Hollow and the relentless grind for HIA materials, Port Elpis offered an unexpected sanctuary—a tranquil pier where the rhythmic lapping of waves replaced the clang of weapons. The Elpis Ultimate Angler Championship emerged as Zenless Zone Zero's latest diversion, inviting weary Proxies to trade combat gear for fishing rods. This serene interlude wasn't just about relaxation; it promised lucrative rewards while masking a deeper mystery beneath its placid surface. For Belle and Wise, perpetually navigating financial storms, Qingyi's suggestion to join this competition felt like a lifebuoy in turbulent waters. Little did they know, their quest for piscine prizes would entangle them in an art heist spiraling through the Hollow's shadows.

Casting Lines and Unraveling Crimes

Driven by desperation and Qingyi's nudging, the siblings arrived at Port Elpis' iconic tentacle-adorned warning sign—the gateway to the fishing minigame. Initiating it required a simple interaction, but mastering the catch demanded sharp reflexes. Players found themselves immersed in a three-step aquatic dance:

1. The Waiting Game: Eyes locked on a circular indicator drifting toward a button’s rim in the screen’s corner.

2. Rhythmic Reactions: Sudden button prompts demanded either sustained pressure or frantic tapping, echoing the fish’s erratic struggles.

3. Endurance Battle: Repeating step two until the aquatic adversary’s stamina vanished, symbolized by a depleted bar.

Each successful haul contributed to Belle and Wise’s redemption arc—transforming fish into Denny recruitment chances, Polychromes 💎, and gear upgrades. Yet, the tournament’s cheerful façade hid darker currents. PubSec agents Qingyi and Zhu Yuan soon roped the duo into an art-theft investigation, blurring lines between leisurely angling and perilous Hollow skirmishes. Combat missions punctuated the fishing tranquility, revealing stolen artifacts and shadowy syndicates.

Permits, Perks, and Piscine Archives

Progress wasn’t measured solely in fish count. Every catch and story milestone elevated the Fishing Permit tier, unlocking game-changing boons:

• 🎣 Rarity Magnet: Increased odds for elusive species like the Neon-Scaled Lanternfish.

• ⚔️ Battle Augments: Temporary ATK surges and skill enhancements during Hollow encounters.

• 🔍 Discovery Boost: Wider scanning ranges for aquatic hotspots.

Simultaneously, the Fish Encyclopedia cataloged each species, turning collections into celestial achievements. Stars accumulated with every new entry, and crossing thresholds showered anglers with Angler Points—fuel for further Permit ascension.

However, not all denizens of the deep surfaced freely. The Ghostly Ink Squid and Crimson Tidal Eel remained imprisoned behind story locks, accessible only after unmasking the art thief alongside Zhu Yuan’s tactical brilliance. This duality—serenity versus subterfuge—became the event’s heartbeat.

Port Anecdotes: Whispers Along the Docks

Beyond the main narrative, vignettes dubbed Port Anecdotes dotted the coastline, weaving intimate tales with familiar faces. Lycaon 🐾 debated fishing philosophies while Rina calibrated sonar-tech amidst bait boxes. Even Bangboo companions chimed in, their mechanical whirs harmonizing with seagull cries. Completing these micro-stories demanded versatility:

• 🎮 Hybrid Objectives: Blend rod casts with Ether-fueled skirmishes against rogue Ethereals.

• 📜 Emotional Payoffs: Uncover hidden lore about New Eridu’s coastal communities.

• 🎁 Reward Cascades: Earn exclusive bait kits and vanity items like the "Abyssal Lure" hat.

As Belle finally hoisted the tournament’s championship trophy—a shimmering marlin sculpture—the journey crystallized. What began as a desperate bid for currency had morphed into a testament to Zenless Zone Zero’s layered design. The pier’s calm waters reflected not just skies, but the game’s soul: a realm where tension and tranquility coexisted, rods and revolvers equally vital. Players departed with bulging inventories, Denny joining their roster, and the certainty that in New Eridu, even peace could bite back.