Let me tell you, fellow Proxys, the saga of how I conquered the ultimate feline challenge in all of New Eridu! In 2026, I finally achieved what many thought was a myth: I maxed out Inky's Trust Level and earned that glorious 'Purrfect Partner!' trophy. This wasn't just petting a cat; this was a masterclass in patience, observation, and learning the intricate language of meows. Forget Hollows, the real final boss was a small, black, suspiciously intelligent cat. I'm here to spill all the secrets so you can experience this purr-fection too.

It all began not with a cat, but with a soldier. My journey was gatekept by the legendary Agent, Soldier 11. I had to dive headfirst into her multi-part Agent Story, 'Mole in the Hole.' Let me be clear: this isn't a side quest you can ignore. It's a full-blown narrative arc with its own rewards and drama. 🎭 After finally putting the 'Mole' to rest, I woke up the next morning to a text from Soldier 11 herself! She wanted to meet behind the God Finger arcade on Sixth Street to check on a certain cat. That moment, that text, was the golden ticket. Completing that initial Trust event unlocked the possibility. Inky was now officially part of my Sixth Street patrols, lurking in the shadows, waiting to be understood.

Phase one of Operation: Befriend Inky was all about restraint. This cat was skittish! I saw him perched on a crate, and my first instinct was to pet that fluffy head. Big mistake. A virtual hiss and a trust decrease were my rewards. I learned the hard way: when Inky is alert, you observe. The only correct answer is to 'Watch it quietly...' like some kind of cat documentary narrator. It felt silly, but every time I chose that non-physical option, I'd see that sweet, sweet 'Trust Level Increased' notification. It was a test of my willpower!

Then, the game changed. After what felt like an eternity of quiet watching, Inky's Trust hit Level 2. A small quest popped up at the 141 Convenience Store, and suddenly, Seafish Canned Cat Food was on the menu! 🐟 This was the turning point. Now, Inky would communicate with specific meows, and my job was to interpret them perfectly. This is where most people fail, but not me! I became a maestro of meows. Here's the sacred text, the codex I lived by:

Mixing these up meant failure. I had to listen carefully. Was it a short 'Me-ow' or a drawn-out 'Meow-ow'? My gaming headphones became my most important tool. Sometimes, I'd find him chilling with other cats. The rule here was simple but brilliant: 'Feed the little black cat.' Sharing is caring, and Inky loved me for my generosity to his friends.

And then... Level 3. The Hide and Seek phase. 😼 I'd find him, he'd give me a look, and the option 'play with it for a while' would appear. Selecting it launched me into the most adorable scavenger hunt across Sixth Street. I had to find his hiding spots, which were devilishly clever:

• In the back of the truck next to the 141 Convenience Store.

• Inside the pipes in the alley left of the store.

• Lounging in a chair at Coff Cafe like a paying customer.

• Perched on top of tires behind Officer Mewmew.

• Casually lying on a box by the newsstand.

Each successful seek brought us closer. The bond was palpable! Finally, after one last perfect game of hide and seek, the ultimate mission unlocked: 'A Date With the Black Cat.' The name says it all. This was the culmination of our journey. Completing this final, heartwarming mission was a moment of pure triumph. The trophy notification flashed on my screen. But more importantly, I was given the option to adopt Inky and, the ultimate privilege, rename him. (I called him 'Shadowpaw,' obviously).

Looking back from 2026, this journey with Inky remains one of my most memorable gaming experiences in Zenless Zone Zero. It was a meticulous, rewarding side quest that required more thought than any puzzle. It taught me patience, attention to detail, and the profound joy of earning a virtual cat's trust. If you're out there in New Eridu, don't just chase Bangboo and Bangboo. Find Soldier 11, learn the meows, master the seek, and earn your own Purrfect Partner. It's absolutely worth every single moment. Now, if you'll excuse me, Shadowpaw is waiting for his afternoon snack.