Episode 43

**"Joining Hands"** is the forty-fourth released episode of *Zero Game* by Zelbasen.

## Plot

In the Ability Shop, Hanna realizes how late it has become and quickly thanks Loveme for sharing the history of Red Moon. As they bid each other goodbye, Loveme invites Hanna to freely visit, assuring her that they will always be on the same side. Blushing, Hanna thanks Loveme once again and leaves out the door.

Meanwhile, Elliot, Perry and Nathan Kang stand outside of the Ability Shop, observing three other players who are pinned down by Alex. Knowing that Elliot and Alex are on bad terms, one of the players quickly accuses Alex for stopping them from entering the Ability Shop without reason. To his despair, Elliot simply smiles and assures him that he deserves a beating for not listening to Alex. Hanna suddenly appears from the Ability Shop and is thoroughly bewildered at the scene before her. Alex chastises Hanna for not informing him before leaving the Home Base. Hanna quickly thanks him for worrying about her, promising to do so the next time she leaves. The three players, still kneeling down on the ground, ask why Alex and Elliot are having a civil conversation instead of attacking each other.

     Elliot reveals that he struck an alliance with Alex. Terrified that the top players have united in power, the other players quickly scramble away. Elliot laughs and calls after them, advising them to spread the word. Worried that users will begin attacking them, Perry asks Elliot if publicly announcing the alliance is a good idea. Elliot then explains that it will draw those out of hiding. Moments later, Alex notices Nathan's presence and asks who he is. Elliot reveals that Nathan is their newest ally from Red Moon. Alex flatly claims to not recognize Nathan, who becomes indignant. After learning that Nathan has already cleared Level Four, Elliot pairs him with Eva, himself with Kate, Perry with Kyle, and Hanna with Alex. As Alex acknowledges Nathan as their ally without question, Nathan silently wonders if their nonchalant attitude was an act.

At Alex's Home Base, the designated meeting area, the group cheerfully gathers in the living room, waiting for dinner to be served. Perry screams at Nathan, insisting that he takes off his horns. Nathan, now dressed in White Hound attire, sits patiently in the middle of the group as Hanna busily ties his hair into a low ponytail. After Hanna compliments him on his new makeover, Nathan blushes in appreciation, assuring her that he will keep this appearance. Alex irritably kicks Nathan from behind. Ignoring Nathan's protests, Alex then requests Hanna to tie his hair as well. As Hanna cheerfully agrees, Perry comments how shameless Alex is. When Elliot suggests to tie his hair as well, Perry quickly offers to help. Kyle and Eva come out of the kitchen to announce that dinner is ready, and are greeted by the sight of Alex and Elliot with their hair tied up in strange styles.

As everyone sits down to eat dinner, they compliment Kyle and Eva for making the food. Hanna wonders why she has never felt hungry before, to which Alex explains that eating food is not necessary in Zero Game. Kyle objects, explaining that having a nice, warm meal strengthens oneself for another full day. Perry wholeheartedly agrees and requests for park cutlet with cheese next time. Hanna smiles and notes that she misses the feeling of having a meal together with so many people. Alex quickly assures her that he is willing to cook her a meal anytime. Kyle scoffs, boasting that he used to be in the restaurant business, and claims that an amateur like Alex is incapable of making quality food. Hanna then inquires what motivated Kyle learn cooking, to which he responds that there was a certain someone whom he wanted to make a nice, warm meal for.

As the others busily eat the food, Elliot sits outside of the house, staring up at the sky. Alex comes out of the house and asks Elliot if he saw Hanna's appearance when she consumed the 10-Year Potion. Alex and Elliot both acknowledge that they recognized Hanna from 10 years ago. Elliot admits that it is too difficult to be in her presence now that he is aware of her identity. After all, he never visited her in the outside world during the last 10 years in fear that she would look at him with resentment. He chuckles at the ironic coincidence that allowed all three of them to meet again in Zero Game, wondering if they would have been friends in the outside world had he not pushed Alex into the water that night so many years ago. Alex then asks about the well-being of their parents. Elliot explains that while they appear to be doing well, even time could not heal the wounds that were left on the day Alex died. Alex lets out a sigh and states that their parents should forget about him. When he asks why Elliot entered Zero Game knowing that regrets will not achieve anything, Elliot responds by asking why Alex appeared in Zero Game even though he is already dead. Alex then remembers that the Operator is supposed to explain their situation after they completed Level Two, but is nowhere to be found. At that moment, Mr. X appears in front of the two boys, apologizing for his late arrival. Elliot and Alex stare at Mr. X with a shocked look on their faces.

## Character Appearances

* Mr. X
* Players
	+ Hanna Yoo
	+ Loveme
	+ Alex Baek
	+ Elliot Baek
	+ Nathan Kang
	+ Perry Joo
	+ Jay (mentioned)
	+ Eva Lee
	+ Kate Lee
	+ Kyle Jan
	+ Kyle's Unknown Associate
* Guilds
	+ White Hound
	+ Red Moon (mentioned)

## Location Appearances

* Ability Shop
* Alex's Home Base

## Item Appearances

* Information Tab
* Holy Water (mentioned)
* 10-Year Potion (mentioned)

## Trivia

* Nathan Kang is referred to *Vincent* in this episode.

## Gallery

Alex is startled to see Hanna come out from the Ability Shop while Elliot smilesAlex and Nathan Kang bump fists as a sign of the start of their cooperationAlex kicks Nathan Kang over jealousyKyle and Eva come out from the kitchen to announce that the food is readyAlex and Elliot are both shocked from seeing Mr. X