Side Story: Anby Demara

Lore & Background

Anby Demara exists in a state of perpetual limbo, her mind often drifting to a place that feels more real than New Eridu itself. Her Side Story illuminates the source of this detachment: a traumatic past where she was separated from someone significant, leaving her with fragmented memories and a profound sense of loss. Unlike other Proxies who fight for glory or money, Anby fights to protect the fragile connections she has managed to rebuild in the present. The narrative explores the concept that Hollows are not just physical anomalies but manifestations of collective trauma and forgotten history. For Anby, these zones act as mirrors reflecting her own internal void. The story suggests that her unique ability to navigate these spaces without losing herself is tied to her acceptance of her past rather than the suppression of it. This realization allows her to finally step out of the shadows she has inhabited for so long.

In Their Own Story

The rain in New Eridu always smells like ozone and old rust, but today, Anby smelled something else—faint, sweet, and impossible. She stood at the edge of a Hollow fissure, her hand resting on the hilt of her blade, not ready to strike, just watching. The distortion in the air shimmered, forming shapes that looked like people she couldn't quite name. A voice called out from within the static, soft and familiar, asking if she had forgotten him yet. Anby closed her eyes, feeling the cold wind bite at her cheeks, and whispered a silent promise to herself: not today. Not while the Cunning Hares were still waiting.

Reader's Guide

The quest begins with an emotional hook where Anby withdraws from the group, prompting the Proxy to investigate her sudden silence. Players must navigate a series of Hollows that act as metaphors for her fractured memories, solving environmental puzzles rather than focusing solely on combat. Key objectives involve finding specific artifacts or locations tied to Anby's past, which trigger flashbacks and dialogue sequences revealing her backstory. The emotional beat peaks when the Proxy confronts Anby about her fear of losing everyone again, forcing a moment of vulnerability where she admits her reliance on the team. The resolution shifts from isolation to connection. By helping Anby process these memories, the player unlocks a new dynamic within the Cunning Hares. The final mission is less about defeating an enemy and more about Anby choosing to stay in the present, solidifying her bond with Billy and the Proxy as she accepts that moving forward doesn't mean forgetting.

Did You Know?

• Anby's combat style often reflects her internal state, becoming more aggressive when she feels disconnected from her memories.
• The Side Story heavily features imagery of rain and water, symbolizing both cleansing and the fluidity of memory in New Eridu.
• During this quest, players learn that Anby's stoicism is a defense mechanism developed to survive a traumatic separation.
• The narrative hints at a specific, unnamed individual from her past who remains central to her emotional arc.

Combat Proficiency and Origins

Anby Demara serves as the primary combatant for the Cunning Hares, a small-scale temporary work agency that accepts commissions larger agencies reject. Her fighting style is defined by an unusual level of competence and efficiency, contrasting sharply with her struggles in non-combat aspects of daily life. This dichotomy stems from her dark past as "Soldier 0," the former captain of Silver Squad, a specialized unit composed entirely of clone soldiers. Unlike typical characters who might have organic growth stories, Anby's background is rooted in military conditioning and artificial creation. Her transition from a numbered soldier to a member of the Cunning Hares marks a significant shift in her identity, particularly after Nicole Demara adopts her family name for her. This adoption provides Anby with a sense of belonging she previously lacked as an experimental asset. Within the game's mechanics, she represents the high-skill ceiling required to navigate the Hollows effectively, acting as the physical shield and sword for her agency while relying on others for social navigation.

Faction Dynamics and Agency

The Cunning Hares operate under a unique business model within New Eridu, functioning as a scrappy alternative to established organizations. Founded by Nicole Demara, who is known for her financial struggles despite her savvy nature, the group relies heavily on Anby's combat prowess to fulfill dangerous contracts. The team composition highlights the game's diverse character roster, including Billy Kid, an intelligent construct and gunslinger, and Nekomiya Mana, a mischievous Thiren catgirl. Anby's integration into this family is pivotal; she was originally found by Nicole after her time with Silver Squad ended. Her presence allows the agency to take on high-risk jobs that would otherwise be impossible for such a small team. The dynamic between the financially irresponsible founder and the hyper-competent soldier creates a central tension in their operations, driving the narrative of their survival against corporate schemes like those of the Vision Corporation.

Design Philosophy and Development

Anby Demara's creation exemplifies Zenless Zone Zero's "backwards designing" strategy, where combat movements and weapon mechanics were prioritized before finalizing her visual appearance. This approach allowed the development team to ensure that her character model perfectly matched her intended role as a highly efficient fighter. Unlike previous HoYoverse titles, this game embraces non-human playable characters and varied aesthetic influences, drawing inspiration from franchises like Street Fighter for combat animations. Although Anby appears human, the design process reflects a broader commitment to quality over quantity, ensuring each agent feels distinct. Her character file can even be altered post-release, similar to updates made for other agents like Hoshimi Miyabi. This flexibility ensures that her visual presentation remains consistent with gameplay evolutions, maintaining the high standards set by the production team led by Li Zhenyu.

Narrative Role and Storytelling

Beyond her role as a combat specialist, Anby's backstory is fleshed out through "Agent Stories," which provide depth not fully explored in the main campaign. These narratives reveal her journey from being a clone soldier to finding a new family within the Cunning Hares. Her character arc intersects with broader plot points involving the Vision Corporation and the rescue of former neighbors, highlighting themes of redemption and found family. As a member of an independent faction, she operates outside the traditional power structures of New Eridu, often facing threats that larger organizations ignore. The game uses her past as "Soldier 0" to explore the ethical implications of clone warfare and artificial soldiers. Through teasers and social media promotions prior to her release, HoYoverse built anticipation for a character who embodies both the cold precision of a weapon and the warmth of a new beginning.