Zenless Zone Zero Lucia: A "Madcap" and "Ethereal" Magical Girl?

Long time no see! Zenless Zone Zerohas now entered Version 2.3, with various voices rising one after another, and the game continues to progress. However, our appreciation for new characters is never late! Today, our focus is on Ms. Lucia, who spends her days identifying popular Ethereals on the Inter-Knot. So, let's step into the world of Ethereals together.

1. Zenless Zone Zero Lucia - Cultural Investigation

Lucia is a very common name derived from the Latin word "Lux", originally meaning "Bringer of Light" or "One Who Brings Light". The "Elowen" following the name comes from the ancient elven language "Elowynn", meaning "Daughter of the Dawn", also symbolizing hope, light, and vitality, representing aspirations for the future and a positive, upward spirit. Interestingly, this forms a contrast between light and darkness with her online username "Night Emissary".

Based on this lady's horns and the text describing her fear of parchment, Lucia is undoubtedly a Goat Thiren. Her pointed elf-like ears also connect her to the "goat" demons of Western legend.

From Lucia's pupils, we can see they are horizontal and rectangular, similar to those of herbivorous hoofed animals. Such pupils grant them a wider field of vision. Lucia's title "Night Emissary" likely originates from the mythological Lilith, the first wife of Adam, who was created by God from clay. Lilith left the Garden of Eden due to dissatisfaction with God's will, and her image gradually transformed into that of a magical and ageless female demon.

Modern artistic creations often use this figure to explore the relationship between humanity and nature, the body and the world. In the context of strange tales, Lucia naturally aligns more with the demons of Western legend and has numerous connections to the occult.

2. Zenless Zone Zero Lucia - Outfit Design

Of course, to understand Lucia, one must first understand her officially modified costume design. Initially, the overly high hat brim and collar made Lucia appear somewhat hunched, creating a visual impression that her neck was missing overall; this part had too many elements. Moving down, the metal disc on the chest also seemed somewhat superfluous, making the torso area appear overly complicated as well, lacking contrast in density, with too many graphical elements but no guiding lines.

After the modifications, the large collar was removed and replaced with a metallic pendant choker. The hat brim was also lowered, which undoubtedly better accentuates the girl's facial shape. The top was changed to a halter style with a metal ring necklace, emphasizing the sense of lines more strongly. This enhances the perception of the clothing's structure. Overall, the changes to the costume are very good!

Speaking of metal ornaments, we can see numerous decorations on Lucia's body. The main ones they represent are: the key, the teardrop shape, and the large disc at her waist. I believe the black symbol in the center of the large disc resembles an abstraction of a goat's head, reinforcing our impression of Lucia's identity as a Goat Thiren.

The teardrop shape in symbolism is often associated with purity and nature, representing the natural state of life. This aligns with the state of Lucia's race living on the edge of the Hollow. This is perhaps the foundation for her interest in the Hollow's marvellous ecosystem. Similarly, the "water" element can also express a thirst for knowledge.

The key shape also emphasizes this point, as the key is also a symbol of sacred authority. As a summoning-style magical girl, the key is undoubtedly a common graphic element.

However, if you ask me about my favorite part, it would undoubtedly be the second book on Lucia's person. The first book is the one Lucia holds in her hands, while the second book is actually Lucia's hood. This might not be immediately obvious from her official artwork alone, but the design becomes clear when she wears the hood. From the PV, we can see the word "Read" written on it. The hood features a layered design resembling book pages, with multi-colored rectangular pieces acting as bookmarks placed between different "pages," and the inside is filled with text resembling handwritten notes. Therefore, when Lucia puts on her hood, she is essentially placing herself within the pages of a book. This kind of metaphorical design deeply resonates with me.

As a unique and whimsical Thiren, Lucia's focus on Ethereals is arguably her most distinctive trait. I'm somewhat looking forward to how this storyline will depict the relationship between the little goat and Ethereals, and Lucia's EP is exceptionally ethereal and even a little catchy.

In the little goat's dreams throughout one night, we see her kaleidoscopic dreams. Moving from the city to the jungle nature and back to strolling in the city, ending with a scene of card battling, it strongly matches the chaotic nature of dreams. Within it, we can also spot small Easter eggs, such as fairy tale characters like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and the Little Mermaid.

What deserves attention should be this little goat possessing Ethereal characteristics, which to some extent likely represents herself. Would a self with different public characteristics be accepted? The little goat integrating into the flock gives her the answer, so afterwards, she chooses to wander the city alone. Although solitary, she doesn't appear lonely. With such a vibrant inner world, her imagination is sufficient to bring colorful brilliance to the world.

Now, Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.3 is officially live! I wonder if you've managed to acquire Lucia right away? We believe that after learning about her story and background, you'll surely like this magical little goat even more. Of course, don't miss our future articles and in-site merchandises either. See you next time!