Parallel Memory

Zero gazed at the sky, seemingly unperturbed by Professor William's failed attempt to strike him. Professor William, filled with humiliation and rage, seethed with anger.

Zero's sudden disappearance and reappearance, catching everyone off guard, even surprised Hiro's group, who were well aware of Zero's exceptional abilities.

They had momentarily forgotten just how skilled he truly was and it seems that in the time that they had not seen him, he had grown even stronger.

When Professor William was attacking Zero, Hiro had an inclination to intervene, feeling responsible for involving others in the conflict. However, before he could act, Professor William had already made his move.

To Hiro's astonishment, Zero effortlessly dodged Professor William's attack with a level of ease that even Hiro himself hadn't anticipated.

On the other hand, Zion watched the unfolding events with a complex mix of emotions. He clenched his fist tightly, displaying signs of anger.

Lisa, Sylvia, and Misha couldn't contain their delight at witnessing Zero dodge the attack. Like Professor William, they had briefly entertained the notion that Zero might be unable to react in time, but he had once again reminded them who he was.

Meanwhile, Professor Mia and Amelia stood by, observing the confrontation without worry or interference. They had complete faith in Zero's abilities and knew he was more than capable of handling the situation.

"YOU! I underestimated you and held back! Don't you dare think you're stronger than me!" Professor William declared angrily.

His friend brought his lie and thought that was why Zero was able to dodge William's attack. Otherwise, how can someone as young as Zero be able to easily dodge William's attack.

The onlookers, who had initially been surprised by Zero's evasive maneuvers, began to calm down and consider Professor William's claim.

If someone of Professor William's caliber, who held a Rank-A status, had truly unleashed their full power, they didn't think Zero could have effortlessly dodged the attack.

However, Zero merely wore a mocking smile on his face. He could easily discern whether Professor William had utilized his full strength or not.

Professor William's realization that Zero was looking down on him only fueled his anger. As someone who habitually looked down on others, how could he accept being treated with the same disdain?

"HAAAAH!"

Professor William released a surge of mana, causing discomfort among the onlookers. However, Professor Mia countered with her own mana aura, shielding the crowd from any harm.

-WHOOSH!

In a flash, Professor William lunged forward, aiming a powerful punch directly at Zero's face.

Yet, with remarkable grace and precision, Zero effortlessly sidestepped the attack, evading it with ease. His movements were so fluid and swift that they seemed to slow down time itself.

Professor William's face contorted with rage as his attacks continued to miss their mark. Growing increasingly desperate with each failed attempt, he resorted to launching a flurry of strikes and kicks.

Yet, Zero seemed to possess an uncanny ability to anticipate every move, effortlessly dodging, ducking, and weaving with an almost supernatural ease.

The crowd watched in awe and disbelief as Zero flawlessly evaded Professor William's attacks. It was evident that Zero held a power far surpassing his opponent's.

"Who is that young man? How could he overpower Professor William, who holds a Rank-A status? Could he possibly be in Rank-S?"

"I have no idea! I've never heard of such a talented individual before."

"I thought that young man was surely doomed, but it seems that it was the other way round." …

As the battle raged on, it became increasingly clear that Professor William was outmatched. Zero's skills eclipsed his own, and no matter how hard he tried, Professor William couldn't land a single blow.

With every missed strike, Professor William's frustration grew exponentially. His attacks became increasingly wild and reckless, fueled by a mixture of anger and embarrassment. With each swing, Zero gracefully evaded, as if guided by otherworldly intuition.

Zero's serene expression remained unchanged throughout the confrontation. He didn't seem to even try his best yet Professor William was out of breath.

"Let's see how you dodge this!" Professor William exclaimed, summoning his sword. It was evident that he intended to utilize one of his powerful Arts.

Though strictly forbidden to employ Arts in public, Professor William discarded such concerns in the face of his humiliation. His sole focus became landing at least one hit on Zero, even at the cost of breaking the rules.

-SWISH!

As Professor William gathered his mana to unleash his Art, Zero swiftly appeared in front of him and delivered a forceful slap.

-PAK!

The resounding sound reverberated through the area, cutting through the noisy crowd and leaving everyone stunned. ｂｅ𝚍𝚗𝚘ｖｅ𝚕．ｃ𝚘𝚖

Professor William staggered backward, disbelief etched on his face as he clutched his cheek. The humiliation he felt was undeniable, further fueling the flames of anger within him.

"YOU!"

Professor William didn't believe what just happened. He was a proud noble that had never suffered a single time and he was slapped in front of a crowd.

Zero's composed demeanor persisted as he maintained his gaze on Professor William, a hint of amusement lingering in his eyes. The crowd murmured among themselves, their astonishment blending with a newfound respect for Zero's abilities.

"You know, I don't really care about why you suddenly attacked me. But resorting to Art is taking it too far, wouldn't you agree?" Zero finally addressed Professor William.

"YOU!"

Professor William was about to launch another attack.

-PAK! -PAK! -PAK! -PAK!

Zero relentlessly slapped Professor William, each strike resonating strongly. Though the slaps were strong, Zero refrained from amplifying their impact with his mana. While it may have seemed merciless, Zero showed enough restraint to prevent inflicting severe harm.

With each resounding slap, the once proud and intimidating professor appeared disheveled and defeated. His face reddened and swollen from the repeated blows, his hair disarrayed and sticking out in all directions.

His tie hung loosely around his neck, the knot askew. Professor William's typically composed demeanor crumbled, replaced by a mixture of frustration, humiliation, and disbelief.

Bloodshot eyes narrowed with burning fury, he clenched his teeth, enduring the stinging pain in his cheeks from Zero's slaps.

Despite his disheveled state and the overwhelming sense of defeat radiating from him, a stubborn determination remained etched on Professor William's face. He adamantly refused to accept his current condition, clinging desperately to the tattered remnants of his wounded pride.

The onlookers watched in awe and disbelief as Zero continued to strike Professor William, the sound of each slap resonating through the air. Some felt a sense of satisfaction, witnessing the once arrogant professor being put in his place. Others couldn't help but pity Professor William, witnessing the merciless slapping he endured.

Zero's expression remained cool and composed, devoid of any malice or vindictiveness. It was as if he were calmly imparting a lesson rather than engaging in a physical confrontation.