Episode 3

**"Pair Change"** is the fourth episode of *Zero Game* released by Zelbasen. Hanna is established as Zero Game's first place ranker with 20,000 LP, demoting Elliot Baek to second place.

## Plot

After perusing the data files, Mr. X draws up a list of only four players to possess over 10,000 LP: Hailey Lee, Travis Yoo, Nathan Kim, and Alex Baek. Other than Alex, these top rankers are now deceased. Records show that although Alex once had 120,000 LP, he now only has 1,792 LP. Mr. X mulls over this discovery in concern as he watches over Hanna.

At the Collapsed Cathedral, Rita reviews the list of top rankers, explaining that Perry Joo, previously fifth rank, has been removed from the list and loses all ranker advantages. Elliot Baek, formerly first rank, loses the Stone of Reincarnation to Hanna, the new first rank. Rita reports that the new game rules abolish the Neutral Zone and permits PVP in all zones. With Hanna newly assuming first rank, Rita teleports her and her pair partner, Alex. Before disappearing, Rita refutes Elliot's accusation of excessive interference, claiming she is only acting on behalf of the Operator. Perry asks Elliot if they should follow in pursuit; Elliot deems it unnecessary.

Hanna and Alex are teleported to Alex's Home Base. Finally relaxed, Alex declares he and Hanna are "walking lotteries" with their high ranks, paired status, and accumulated life points. Once both of their passive skills are ready for use, they will be heading to the Ability Shop in the center of the Neutral Zone, where Hanna can purchase an ability. The journey, however, will have many risks, so Alex proposes a pair feature called "Pair Change," which allows paired partners to switch bodies. With abilities and passive skills switched along with the bodies, Hanna can enter as Alex through the front into the Neutral Zone and take all oncoming attacks. As Alex's face is well-known and reputable, Hanna can then use her passive ability, Mirroring, to counter weaker players and intimidate them from subsequent attacks. While the players are distracted, Alex, as Hanna, will enter the Neutral Zone from another entrance and reach the Ability Shop.

While laying out the foundation of the plan, Alex broods over the unpredictable factor: Elliot. He explains to Hanna that Elliot is bound to anticipate their moves and approach them in the Neutral Zone. As long as Elliot is unaware of the Pair Change, Hanna should be able to endure until Alex reaches the Ability Shop. Alex discloses Elliot's ability as Shadow, which is rendered useless in the absence of light. While it would be ideal to carry out the mission after sunset, the Ability Shop inconveniently closes at the same time. Hanna and Alex arrange to reach the Ability Shop exactly at closing hours.

On December 13th at Entrance C of the Neutral Zone, Hanna, in Alex's body, effectively carries out her side of the scheme by attracting numerous players and reflecting their attacks. As Alex predicted, Elliot shows up in front of Hanna. Hanna, still in Alex's body, fires beams of red electricity at him with a gun Alex loaned her. Immediately noticing the unfamiliar battle technique in his brother's body, Elliot activates his Shadow ability and throws Hanna to the ground. In Alex's bruised and bleeding body, Hanna stands back up.

## Character Appearances

* Mr. X
* Players
	+ Hailey Lee
	+ Travis Yoo
	+ Nathan Kim
	+ Alex Baek
	+ Hanna Yoo
	+ Elliot Baek
	+ Jay
	+ Loveme
	+ Perry Joo
* NPCs
	+ Rita

## Location Appearances

* Collapsed Cathedral
* Alex's Home Base
* Red Village

## Abilities and Skills Appearances

* Teleportation (NPC)
* Electronic Master
* Mirroring
* Shadow

## Item Appearances

* Stone of Reincarnation
* Electric Gun
* Staff

## Gallery

Alex and Hanna teleported back to Alex's Home BaseAlex as Hanna beats a userElliot beats up Hanna, who is in Alex's body