Episode 45

## Plot

At Alex's Home Base, Elliot whispers something into Hanna's ear. As she gives him a panicked look, Elliot assures her that everyone else will do fine without him.

In the Operator Room, Michael tells Mr. X that the Game System is among one of the NPCs. Shocked by the new information, Mr. X wonders who the System could be.

Back at the Home Base, Kate and Eva Lee take a stroll oustide. Kate suddenly coughs into her hand. As Eva worries over her sister, Kate reassures her that everything is fine. They walk back to the base, suggesting to take another walk with everyone else after Level Three is over. Kate agrees, hiding the blood in her hand behind her back.

Nathan Kang reports to Jay about Kate's weak health. Grinning, Jay compliments Nathan's new appearance, assuring him that it suits him. Still under the impression that Jay is Gina Park, Nathan reminds her that she used to like the horns. To avoid the subject, Jay advises Nathan to leave before his absence becomes suspicious. Once Nathan is out of sight, a figure dressed in a red hood appears in front of Jay. With her face hidden by the hood of her cloak, the girl agrees that Kate will become useful in their plans. When Jay reminds the girl of their promise, the girl threatens Jay with an entourage of glowing red skulls. Unfazed, Jay reassures her that she is only checking for confirmation of their alliance. After taunting Jay to her satisfaction, Red Hood disappears.

Elliot spots Nathan coming from the forest and nonchalantly asks where he has been. As Nathan attempts to lie, Elliot casually deduces out loud that he must have been reporting to Jay. Aggravated, Nathan succumbs and declares that Red Moon is not bonded by fake alliances, as Elliot believes. Chuckling, Elliot assures Nathan that he will see what a real team is like. Elliot gathers the guild members in the house to discuss their strategy for Level Three. Hanna attempts to engage Alex, who is silently sulking in the corner, in the conversation to no avail. Elliot proceeds to explain that the next level is a siege battle. As they brainstorm several strategies, Alex snatches the paper out of Elliot's hand. Frustrated, he snaps that instead of creating offense and defense teams, each player should take a specific role. Since Nathan is on their team, there is no need for many defense players. Smiling, Elliot praises Alex for still having a good brain, and states that he will follow his lead. Pleased by the compliment, Alex continues to explain his strategy. As he listens, Nathan becomes unsettled as he watches the White Hound members working together and building trust. Alex chastises the others for choosing roles based on their preferences rather than strengths. As they bicker with each other, Hanna stares

     uneasily at Elliot, thinking silently that she is unwilling to sit back and watch another person die.

Meanwhile, Noise drops a load of paperwork onto the floor, startling Rita. His eyes turn red as danger signals begin appearing in the Operator Room. A voice appears inside of Noise's head, stating that they have found the System. He falls to his knees, clutching his head as he demands to know who the strange voice belongs to. Red Hood grins and states that no one dares to lay their hands on the System.

## Character Appearances

* Mr. X
* Players
	+ Hanna Yoo
	+ Elliot Baek
	+ Kate Lee
	+ Eva Lee
	+ Jay
	+ Nathan Kang
	+ Kyle Jan
	+ Perry Joo
	+ Alex Baek
	+ Red Hood
* NPCs
	+ Michael
	+ Rita
	+ Noise
* Guilds
	+ White Hound

## Location Appearances

* Alex's Home Base
* Operator Room

## Gallery

Kate clenches her fist full of bloodAlex formulates a strategy for Level ThreeNoise is being controlled by the unknown NPC