Parallel Memory

As the tension dissipated with Princess Elenia's departure, the atmosphere in the dining hall gradually returned to normal.

However, now that the princess was gone, their attention naturally shifted to Zero who boldly faced off against Princess Elenia.

Many felt that Zero was being stupid arguing with Princess Elenia while some like Dwarf races thought that it was courageous of Zero to face off against Elenia.

Dwarves are honest people and whether it be friends or with enemies, they like to be honest. They felt that Zero was brave for doing and saying what he wants just like them.

But obviously, he would also earn hate from some, especially the Elves. They didn't do anything since they were the host and other races were guests. But many vowed that they will make Zero regret his arrogance.

Mia turned to Zero with a concerned expression. "You really know how to stir up trouble, don't you?"

"Hey, I didn't start it. She's the one who pointed fingers at me and accused me of looking down on her."

Mia sighed, shaking her head. "Well, let's try to avoid any more trouble, shall we? We're guests here, after all."

Zero nodded his head though he felt that it wasn't his fault.

Anyway, the break time was over and the contest was going to resume.

*******

"Elenia, where did you go?"

King Tranduil asked when Princess Elenia was back.

"Humph! I just went to check on the contestants."

Princess Elenia replied, with an obviously bad mood. She couldn't stop thinking about Zero who disrespected her. It was her first time, and also going to be the last.

( Just you wait! )

She also hoped that she would quickly get Zero as her opponent. And even pray that he doesn't get eliminated until he meets her.

"Y-You- You didn't get into another fight, did you?"

King Tranduil asked. He was able to guess that something was up by looking at Princess Elenia's behavior.

He was concerned about the trouble that his daughter might have caused.

"Dad, it is not my fault. There is someone from the Human Race who disrespected me and even called me crazy."

Princess Elenia exclaimed. She felt wrong because her father was accusing her of making trouble when clearly she was wronged by Zero.

"Huh?"

King Tranduil was surprised to hear something like that. Never did he think that anyone would call her something like this.

( But daughter, I think that you really are crazy! )

King Tranduil thought. He wasn't offended by what was said to his daughter and even agreed.

After raising Elenia for so many years and all the trouble she caused, he would hardly think of his daughter as normal.

"But Elenia, you didn't do anything to him, right?"

King Tranduil asked worriedly. He wasn't worried about anything happening to Elenia but rather what she might have done to the person who said she was crazy. ｂｅ𝚍𝚗ｏｖｅ𝚕．𝚗𝚎𝚝

"DAD!"

Princess Elenia yelled as her father seemed more concerned about Zero than her. She was here telling her father about the insult she received, and her father was more worried about the person than her.

*Tch!

"He is fine!"

"Oh! Thank God! Elenia, no matter what, don't forget that they are our guests. You are not allowed to attack them."

King Tranduil was relieved but also advised Elenia. He was still worried that Elenia might go and attack the person afterwards.

"Dad! Why are you siding with that person? He insulted your daughter and… and I don't think something will happen to him even if I attack him."

Princess Elenia said. Since Zero was able to survive from her mana aura, she didn't think that an ordinary attack from her would cause any serious damage to Zero.

"Elenia, you didn't attack him, right?"

Once again, King Tranduil was worried because of Elenia's statement.

"I only released my mana aura. But he was fine!"

Princess Elenia said. Although she would make trouble all the time, she had never lied to her father.

"Oh! So, you had a conflict with Rank-S from the human race. Don't take it to heart. Like you, they have their pride and wouldn't shy away from confronting you."

King Tranduil thought that the person who argued with Elenia must be Rank-S since he could withstand Rank-S mana aura.

Moreover, he thought that maybe it might be because of the ego that Princess Elenia and that person fought. As human, King Tranduil knew that they considered themselves superior and that might have caused some problem with his daughter who equally has that ego.

"No, dad! He was just a Rank-A human!"

Princess Elenia replied.

"Rank-A!"

King Tranduil widened his eyes in surprise. His daughter was strongest in Rank-S and even Rank-SS might have some trouble fighting her.

So, he couldn't believe that Rank-A person not only confronted Elenia but could also withstand her aura.

"Who?"

King Tranduil asked. He was already thinking of many candidates including Hiro Ernest. He thought that the person might be very talented.

"His name is Zero. The one who saved Sylvia from my attack."

Princess Elenia answered.

"Him?"

He also has a good impression of Zero and also someone he has kept an eye on. With Elenia's statement, that interest only grew.

"Dad, I can use my full strength against him, right?"

Princess Elenia asked.

"...."

King Tranduil thought for a second. He has previously been told to never use her full power against lower ranked people.

However, if what Elenia told was true, then Elenia might need to use her real strength even against Rank-A.

"You can! But don't overdo it!"

"Sure!"

Princess Elenia replied while thinking about how she was going to toy with Zero.

******

The geniuses were back to the stadium after the lunch hour was over. The fight has resumed as normal.

There were not many changes until Zero's name was revealed.

"Zero Elea of the Human Race Vs Aricen of the Elven Race!"

The announcement has made many people interested including Princess Elenia and King Tranduil. Princess Elenia was obviously upset that her name was not called up against Zero.

Other geniuses were also paying attention to Zero after what has transpired.

They wanted to know whether he was really that strong for him to withstand Princess Elenia's aura.

Zero walked towards the arena, not caring about all the stares he was getting. He only had little support even from Human Races.

On the other hand, Aricen walked towards the arena with much support from his fellow race.

"Aricen, beat him until he cries!"

"Aricen, you gotta avenge Princess Elenia. Let him know what it means to offend Royals of Elves."

"Don't spare him! You need to make him regret it. Don't end the fight quickly!" …

All kinds of support was given to Aricen for him to beat Zero. And most of them believed that Aricen will be able to win because Aricen was Rank-A+ while Zero is Rank-A, one sub-rank below Aricen.

[ Insight Perception ]

Zero checked his opponent who seemed to be Rank-A +. However, he wasn't worried as he knew that he was stronger than his opponent.

As Zero and Aricen stood face to face in the arena, the tension in the stadium reached a new level.

Aricen obviously didn't have a good feeling about Zero who insulted Princess Elenia.

Aricen sneered at Zero, his voice dripping with condescension. "Today sure is my lucky day. I have to put the person who insulted our princess back to his place." He chuckled.

Zero remained calm, not rising to Aricen's taunts.

But Aricen wasn't done yet. He still has to insult and provoke Zero further.

Aricen spoke in a low, mocking tone, making sure the audience could hear every word.

"You know, it's a pity Princess Elenia didn't get to be your opponent. It would have been much more entertaining to watch her put an arrogant human like you in his place."

Zero raised an eyebrow but maintained his composure. He wasn't sure what gave Aricen so much confidence.

Aricen continued, his words dripping with condescension. "But it is okay! I will do the deed in her place. It is a waste of time for her to fight you. I alone am enough!"

Aricen wasn't finished. He took a step back, his expression smug. "But don't worry, human. I'll at least keep you alive. But if you beg for forgiveness now, I might go easy on you."

*YAWN!

"Are you done yet? If so, let's get the battle started. I don't have time to waste on you!"