Zenless Zone Zero Seed: Story about "Love, Death & Constructs"

On the eve of the new Agent Seed's release, the official Zenless Zone Zero channel premiered her animated short, "Love, Death & Constructs". This short tells a heartwarming and touching story that unravels Seed's past, clarifying many instances of foreshadowing the developers had previously embedded for her. Today, let's delve into the tale of "Love, Death & Constructs" together.

1. Foreshadowing of Seed in Zenless Zone Zero

In the previous build-up of the character Seed, the official laid two instances of foreshadowing. One was about her "naive and innocent" nature - Trigger once said that Seed was the most headache-inducing member, who would stuff flowers into her mouth and even wear Soldier 11's tactical goggles on an indescribable part, not seeming like a "normal" girl. The other referred to the name "Seed": it doesn't only refer to herself, but also to an Seed Sr. who once saved her.

This animated short explained both foreshadowings. Seed's past is tragic: due to the Hollow invasion, Seed's family died, and the young girl stayed in a Corrosion-eroded Hollow for half a month.

The devastating disaster caused severe emotional deficiency in Seed. Although the story doesn't state it explicitly, from Seed's behavior of eating flowers (the reason mentioned is that they seem weak and thus edible), it's not hard to imagine how Seed managed to survive during that time in the Hollow. Inner fear and emotional deficiency made Seed lose her "heart".

After saving Seed, Seed Sr. assumed a "fatherly" role. He bathed Seed, taught her to recognize objects, and most importantly, helped her perceive life-guiding her to touch flowers, cats, and more, planting the "seed of a heart" within her. A construct with a "heart" and a little girl without one; Seed Sr. aimed to sow this "seed" deep within Seed's being.

This rescue came at a cost. Upon first encountering Seed, who was identified as a high-risk unit, Seed Sr.'s self-defense system activated. To protect her, he destroyed this system, which indirectly led to the failure of his own logical core, rendering him inoperable.

After days of companionship, Seed gradually found herself. Facing Seed Sr.'s departure, she chose to pilot Seed Sr., becoming his "heart"-allowing him to "live on" in another way.

2. Zenless Zone Zero Seed's Real Name - "Flora"

At the end of the short film, we learn that Seed's real name is Flora. Flora is the Roman goddess of flowers and plants, symbolizing rebirth and the arrival of spring-representing life and new beginnings. She is often depicted as a beautiful maiden holding a basket of flowers, scattering petals across the land to bring color and fragrance to the world.

Here, reflecting on the "SEED" engraved on Seed's mech: beyond paying homage to Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, it carries another meaning-"seed". Just as Seed Sr.'s protection and care ultimately allowed Flora, this "seed," to blossom into a beautiful flower.

3. Zenless Zone Zero Seed Animated Short Film Homages

Additionally, this Seed short film contains numerous homages. Firstly, the title "Love, Death & Constructs" pays tribute to the TV series "Love, Death & Robots," an adult-oriented anthology of animated shorts spanning various genres and formats, which includes depictions and contemplations on robots.

The scene where Seed Sr. breaks through the warning and dismantles the self-defense system homage's the game Detroit: Become Human, specifically the moment when androids break through their underlying protocols. Players can influence the story's development by controlling androids to override these foundational protocols.

The game is set in 2038 Detroit, USA, a city thriving due to the integration of androids into "Love, Death & Robots" intelligent androids assume various roles, liberating human labor and becoming a crucial part of existence, though circumstances later change. Players experience the chaotic fringe of this new world through the perspectives of three androids; their choices can alter the plot and endings, shaping Detroit's future.

In game Detroit: Become Human, The segment where Kara saves the little girl from domestic violence:

That concludes all our interpretation of the Zenless Zone ZeroSeed animated short: "Love, Death & Constructs"! We wonder if you've grown fonder of Seed after watching it? Let's all look forward to Seed's release! Of course, don't miss our more articles and the official Zenless Zone Zero merchandises on our site.