Among the many side quests that color the narrative of Trails from Zero, A Sincere Favor stands out for its blend of emotional depth and community engagement. Taking place in the heart of Crossbell City, this quest may appear modest at first glance, but it carries a deeper message about personal connection and gratitude. For players who are carefully following the story and aiming to complete all support requests, this quest is both memorable and rewarding. Understanding how to complete it, and what makes it resonate, is important for players who want to experience all that Trails from Zero has to offer.
Understanding A Sincere Favor in Trails from Zero
Where and When It Appears
The quest A Sincere Favor becomes available in Chapter 3 of Trails from Zero, once the player has progressed to a certain point in the main story. It appears on the support request board at the SSS headquarters, as most quests do, and is listed as a normal request, not a hidden one.
This quest is particularly easy to miss if players are rushing through the chapter. However, those who make time to check all available quests will find it listed among several other optional tasks. It’s not just filler content it contributes meaningfully to world-building and character development, especially among the NPCs in the city.
Quest Giver and Background
The quest is issued by a resident named Marlowe, a staff member at the Cathedral in Crossbell. When players meet with Marlowe, they learn that the favor he is asking for is not urgent in a traditional sense, but rather heartfelt. He wishes to deliver a special thank-you gift to someone who once helped him during a difficult time in his life. This person lives somewhere in Crossbell City, but Marlowe doesn’t have much information other than a few vague details.
How to Complete A Sincere Favor
Step-by-Step Quest Guide
To complete this quest efficiently and receive maximum DP (Detective Points), players should follow these steps:
- Talk to Marlowe at the Cathedral: He’ll explain his request and give you a vague description of the woman he wants to thank.
- Investigate around Crossbell City: Based on his clues, begin asking NPCs in residential areas about people who might match the description.
- Visit the Harbor District: Eventually, you’ll be led to a woman named Melda, a flower shop owner near the waterfront.
- Confirm her identity: Through a brief dialogue, it becomes clear that she is the person Marlowe wishes to thank.
- Return to Marlowe: After confirming, report back to the Cathedral to complete the quest and receive your reward.
Detective Points and Rewards
If you correctly identify the person and don’t make any mistakes along the way, you’ll receive full DP for the quest. In Trails from Zero, DP acts as an evaluation system for Lloyd and the SSS team, influencing their rank and eligibility for end-of-chapter bonuses. So it’s worth completing this quest with care, not only for the experience but also for maximizing progress.
What Makes This Quest Stand Out
Emotional Resonance
Unlike combat-focused quests or fetch missions, A Sincere Favor is driven by emotional motivation. It emphasizes kindness and the importance of expressing gratitude, even years after a good deed has been done. Marlowe’s sincere desire to thank someone who made a difference in his life brings a human touch to the game’s world, making Crossbell feel more alive and connected.
Deepening World-Building
This quest also adds layers to NPC development. Many of the people you talk to during your investigation are not directly involved with the favor but still offer interesting perspectives, insights, or reactions. It shows how information travels and how people remember even small acts of kindness. It also ties into the broader theme of civic duty and personal responsibility that runs throughout the game.
Tips for New Players Taking on Support Requests
Don’t Rush Through Quests
In Trails from Zero, rushing through quests can lead to missed opportunities. Many side quests offer more than just rewards they include details that flesh out characters and settings. Taking your time with requests like A Sincere Favor ensures you get the most out of the experience.
Talk to All NPCs
One of the strengths of the Trails series is its detailed NPC scripting. Characters update their dialogue as the story progresses, and many side quests depend on talking to the right person at the right time. When investigating this quest, don’t hesitate to talk to everyone you encounter even those who may seem irrelevant at first.
Keep a Notebook or Checklist
Because support requests often involve multiple steps or involve NPCs in various districts, it can help to keep a written note of clues or areas you’ve visited. This is especially helpful if you take breaks between play sessions or if you’re trying to 100% the game on your first run.
How A Sincere Favor Reflects Trails from Zero’s Themes
The Power of Community
One major theme in Trails from Zero is the importance of community in shaping and sustaining Crossbell. A Sincere Favor echoes this by showing how small acts of kindness can ripple across time. Marlowe’s gesture, while personal, reflects a broader value that Crossbell’s citizens share: caring for one another beyond duty or obligation.
Humanizing the World
So many RPGs focus on grand battles and world-ending stakes. While Trails from Zero certainly includes those elements, it also spends significant time developing the personal side of its world. This quest humanizes not only Marlowe and Melda but the world itself, reminding players that heroism isn’t always flashy it can be found in quiet moments of recognition and heartfelt connection.
Completing A Sincere Favor
Though it may not involve combat or rare treasure, A Sincere Favor in Trails from Zero is a standout side quest for players who appreciate character-driven content. It ties beautifully into the game’s narrative style, where every detail matters and each person has a story worth discovering. Completing it rewards more than just DP it leaves a lasting impression of Crossbell’s depth and heart. For those aiming to explore the game to its fullest, this quest is a must-do, and a quiet reminder that even small favors can carry great emotional weight in the grand scheme of the journey.