Episode 5

**"Zero"** is the sixth released episode of *Zero Game* by Zelbasen. A mandatory Battle Royale event called "Catch the Operator" has been initiated, administered by Noise.

## Plot

In a flashback in the real world, Mr. X recalls holding Hanna's hand, a camera, and the red X secret code they share.

In present time, Hanna, Alex, Elliot, and Perry Joo are still facing off. Elliot is seething, perplexed by Hanna's choice of the Copier ability, which comes with many restrictions and consequences along with its high level power. He cannot fathom as to why Alex chooses to make his pair partner stronger than himself. Alex, on the other hand, confidently relays to Hanna that Elliot's ability is rendered useless now that it is nightfall, and Perry's ability is visible and easily handled. Coming to the same conclusion, Perry suggests she and Elliot should retreat. Although Elliot is reluctant, Perry uses a Portal-Return Scroll to teleport them away.

Noise appears in front of Hanna and Alex, admitting he was watching the PVP and is disappointed the conclusion was so anticlimactic. He then uses a Megaphone, announcing to all users in the Red Village that Battle Royale has become mandatory. The new event, "Catch the Operator," rewards the winner 1,000 LP. Hanna checks her Information Tab for a reference photo of the target Operator, and is astonished to recognize him as the same NPC who managed the Ability Shop when she visited earlier. Alex dismisses her revelation, claiming the owner of the Ability Shop is a woman with pink hair and heart-shaped sunglasses. They decide to split up to search, Alex heading for the Ability Shop, Hanna searching the roads.

As Hanna wanders around, a burst of yellow-green flower petals appear in the sky, lit by the glow of lampposts. Large red X's appear in front of Hanna, identical to the ones she and her father used for their secret code in the real world. Desperately, Hanna follows the code and bursts into a room where Mr. X awaits. He smiles and tells her "I'll be waiting at the end of the game" and disappears in a flurry of flower petals. Returning to the Operator Room, Mr. X is greeted by Rita, who politely reminds him to follow the rules of an operator. She then asks if she should put Hanna's name on the list of potential winners. Mr. X, wiping his tears, tells Rita he will no longer attempt to foresee the outcome of the game, because people are always changing.

Back in the Red Village, Alex finds Hanna crying alone where Mr. X left her. Pretending not to notice her tears, he asks her what her plans are next now that she has a powerful ability. Hanna, hastily wiping her eyes, declares she wants to continue their partnership to clear the game. Pleased, Alex agrees.

## Character Appearances

* Mr. X
* Players
	+ Hanna Yoo
	+ Loveme
	+ Alex Baek
	+ Elliot Baek
	+ Perry Joo
* NPCs
	+ Noise
	+ Rita

## Location Appearances

* Red Village
* Ability Shop (mentioned)

## Abilities and Skills Appearances

* Flame
* Copier
* Electronic Master

## Item Appearances

* Electric Gun
* Portal-Return Scroll
* Staff
* Megaphone
* Information Tab

## Gallery

Hanna channels Loveme's Flame abilityHanna and Alex are confused who the owner of the Ability Shop isHanna meets follows clues and meets Mr. X