Episode 22

**"Arachne"** is the twenty-third released episode of *Zero Game* by Zelbasen. Jay visits Loveme at her ability shop, revealing her desire to rebuild her life within Zero Game. Johan asks Alex whether or not he is still a living player.

## Plot

Jay enters the Ability Shop and greets Loveme, addressing her as Ms. X. Contrary to her usual cheerful self, Loveme solemnly asks Jay why she killed Noise's Level One NPC. Jay explains that, just like how she caused Loveme's demotion from Operator, she killed the NPC to prove that NPCs and Operators are not invincible. Rather than restarting her life in the real world, Jay reveals her desire to rebuild her life in Zero Game. In order to become an Operator, she must gather as much information about the Game System as possible. Meanwhile, in the Operator Room, Mr. X surveys his files, deciding to speak to Elliot and Alex Baek once they complete Level Two.

Back in the Church, Micaela interrupts Alex and Johan's conversation, redirecting their focus to the quest to kill Arachne. After giving a feeble explanation of what they should do, Micaela sends them off, reminding Johan that this is the last time he can face Arachne. As they leave the Church, Johan suggests that Alex's missing energy could be a game error or a bug. Unconvinced, Hanna recalls Micaela telling her that NPCs are the deceased in the real world and therefore do not retain living memories. She then remembers Alex claiming he remembers nothing past the age of eight. Alex wakes her up from her deep reverie, expressing concern for her. Observing this, Johan asks if the two of them are in a relationship. Hanna rudely denies it, offending Alex.

     At the entrance of Arachne's Nest, Johan explains that there is a monster that guards the webbed fortress. As if summoned, a large spider monster with a human face attacks Hanna, who uses the Flame ability to ward it off. Realizing it is weak against fire, Hanna offers to fight it alone while Johan and Alex advance into the nest to find Arachne. Hanna privately thinks to herself it is better to not face Arachne, who can most likely turn into her father in front of the group if Hanna faces it. Johan voices his concern about leaving Hanna to deal with the monster herself, but Alex reassures him that this level of combat will only serve as a chance for her to practice her ability.

At the Ability Shop, Jay continues to goad Loveme, explaining that she has been investigating the inner workings of Zero Game since she arrived. She discovered early on that Alex is dead in the real world, but somehow entered the game as a player instead of an NPC. Loveme, the Operator at the time, blended in with the players to examine the possibility of an entry error for Alex. Jay caught Loveme speaking to an NPC, confirming Jay's suspicions that Loveme was the Operator posing as a player. Realizing Loveme is intent on protecting Alex's life, Jay caused an incident that almost killed Alex and herself. Loveme somehow undid the actions that day, saving both Alex and Jay's lives, and lost her position as Operator.

     Having heard enough, Loveme activates her Flame ability, setting off an explosion that shakes the entirety of the Red Village. Jay stands her ground, warning Loveme that she will perish if she harms Jay now that she is no longer an Operator. Loveme casually tells her that, having already died once, dying a second time to protect the kids is no big deal. She blasts long-range bursts of flames at Jay, who barely dodges them. Vexed by the fact that Loveme is genuinely trying to murder her, Jay sneers that dead people should stay gone. Unfazed, Loveme confesses that she already lost everything 10 years ago. Having died in an accident, she holds many regrets for not living her life properly. With Jay complicating matters for the twins, and Loveme confusing things for Hanna, Loveme wishes to do the right thing and send Jay and herself to hell.

## Character Appearances

* Mr. X
* Players
	+ Loveme
	+ Jay
	+ Hanna Yoo
	+ Alex Baek
	+ Elliot Baek (mentioned)
	+ Johan Lee
* NPCs
	+ Noise's Level One NPC
	+ Micaela
* Monsters
	+ Arachne's Monster

## Location Appearances

* Red Village
* Ability Shop
* Operator Room
* Level Two Game Field
* Church
* Arachne's Nest

## Gallery

Jay reveals her desire to rebuild Zero GameHanna is captured by Arachne's monsterLoveme uses Flame to attack Jay