Parallel Memory

"Sylvia Mavis from the Human Race and Princess Elenia of the Elven Race!"

The next match was between one of the strongest ranked beings, which is S and the other was the lowest ranked in that group of geniuses, B.

The match result had already been decided before it even began!

"Humph! Dad, I was impressed by what that little human could do. However, that still doesn't change what I think. I think that it is useless to rely on other people. And I will prove to you by winning this contest."

Princess Elenia said before heading towards the stage.

*SIGH!

King Tranduil wants Elenia to think like a princess as in a hundred or so years, she might take his place.

He hoped that in this contest, someone might teach her that there is more to a person than simply power. 𝑏𝑒𝑑𝘯𝑜𝘷𝑒𝑙．𝑐𝘰𝘮

Anyway, in any case, she was his daughter and he also hoped that she would win the contest and prove her talent to the world.

It was really tough to be a father and a king at the same time!

With the name announced, the Elven races got into a frenzy and cheered for their princess.

As Princess Elenia walked onto the stage, a wave of cheers and applause erupted from the Elven spectators. Their voices carried a mixture of excitement and pride, as they showed their support for their beloved princess.

"Princess Elenia, show them your strength!"

"Go, go, Princess Elenia!"

"We believe in you, Your Highness!"

The cheers grew louder and more fervent as Elenia made her way to her designated spot. Her radiant presence and the anticipation in the air were almost palpable. Since most of the spectators were Elves, their cheer filled the whole arena.

On the opposite side of the arena, the atmosphere was very different. The humans all know the strength of Sylvia and despite being one of the most talented people, they didn't hold any hope of winning.

"I will be going then!"

Syvlia said as she stood up. She tried to act as composed as possible but the opponent she got was really strong. So strong that she knew that she couldn't win even if she was 10 times stronger.

Despite that, she refused to give up and decided to challenge one of the strongest.

Misha and Lisa looked at Sylvia with concern. They wouldn't have said anything even if she decided to give up as the difference in strength was too much.

They didn't even know how to cheer her up.

"Sylvia, do you really want to go?"

Hiro asked worriedly.

Sylvia put on a brave expression and replied confidently, "Don't worry! I am not thinking about winning. I will give up when it gets tough."

Hiro felt a bit relieved. It wasn't a bad idea to go and challenge one of the strongest. She could surrender when she couldn't fight and Hiro was convinced that she would surrender if she got hurt.

"Good Luck!"

Misha and Lisa managed to say.

Sylvia nodded her head as she also headed towards the stage. On her way, she met Zero who stood there silently looking at the stage.

"Hey, Zero! Don't you have anything to say to me?"

Sylvia asked teasingly.

Zero turned his gaze toward Sylvia, his green eyes locking onto hers. His voice, usually calm and measured, carried a rare intensity as he spoke, "Go there and win!"

Sylvia blinked in surprise, taken aback by the unexpected seriousness in Zero's words.

"Haha… You should stop joking! Don't tell me that you forget I am just Rank-B?"

Sylvia said.

Zero still looked into her eyes with seriousness. It was for sure that Zero was not joking.

"Why?"

???

"Why do you think you are not going to win?"

Zero asked.

"Huh? I mean Princess Elenia is rank-S and I am just Rank-B. She is above me by two major ranks. I couldn't possibly win this fight!"

Syvlia replied with a bit of anger in her voice. She was probably angered at her own self for being weak.

"Maybe!"

Zero replied.

Sylvia felt a mix of emotions. She was disappointed as Zero was also lacking confidence in her. But she wasn't angry with Zero as she didn't believe that she would win.

"However, that doesn't mean that you can't win."

( You are one of the main character after all! )

Zero thought. Well, she didn't think that it was impossible for Sylvia to win considering that even he had managed to kill a Rank-S monster at Rank-B.

Of course, there were a lot of variables but that didn't change the fact that he managed to kill it. With Sylvia being the main character, who is to say that those variables wouldn't assist her.

Moreover, there was one more reason why he believe that Sylvia could win and that was-

"Huh?"

Syliva was once again surprised as it seems that Zero still believes that she could achieve victory.

"How?"

"Princess Elenia seemed like a prideful Elves. And with how prideful she is, I don't think she would use her full power. Moreover, she seemed to like to show off based on how she acted earlier."

Zero continued.

"There is a high chance that she will underestimate you and let her guard down, at that time if you can deal a finishing blow to her, she will lose. Even if she is Rank-S, as long as she lets her guard down, she is vulnerable as any other being after all."

"..."

Sylvia was surprised that Zero thought of all this. When confronting a powerful enemy, most would just think that they will lose just like her. They wouldn't think about all other variables like this which might change the outcome.

As Zero's words sank in, Sylvia found herself pondering the possibilities he had presented. His perspective was different from hers, and it made her think about the situation in a new light. A glimmer of hope began to stir within her.

"Zero, you really think there's a chance?" Sylvia asked, her voice tinged with a mixture of uncertainty and determination.

"I wouldn't say it if I didn't believe it. Remember, battles aren't just about power. Strategy, timing, and exploiting weaknesses matter too. Princess Elenia might be strong, but that doesn't mean she's invincible."

Sylvia's gaze shifted back to the stage, where Princess Elenia stood confidently, waiting for the match to begin.

The contrast between their attitudes was stark—Elenia's pride and confidence versus Sylvia who is unsure and scared.

However, with Zero word, Sylvia felt some kind of reassurance that maybe she could win. At least, she wouldn't know until she tried.

"Thank you, Zero! Then I will be going!"