Parallel Memory

The spectator couldn't see much after Zero had used Blizzard Storm. The whole arena was covered and they could only see the snow.

"What is happening?"

"This should be that human's skill. What an AOE skill! It could cover the whole arena."

"His mana should be depleting. This would definitely be released quickly. And Aricen will defeat him."

"This must be his trump card. Once this fails, Aricen will defeat him." …

They discussed with each other about the current situation as they couldn't watch the fight anymore. They could only patiently wait for the skill to subside or cancel by Zero.

Most Elves believed in Aricen and predicted that he would win. They thought that this was Zero's last struggle before he was defeated.

Others who didn't side with either also believed that Zero would lose. After all, Aricen was Rank-A + and the skill wasn't particularly an offensive move, so they assumed that Zero was just trying to buy time.

However, everyone was interested in what was going on. But soon after, a gust of wind blew which blew away the Blizzard Storm.

Everyone recognized this skill of Aricen and knew that he might have used it to defend himself or to counter the Blizzard Storm of Zero.

Still, they could see anything as most of the area was still covered in Blizzard Storm. The referee also has no way of knowing what was happening despite being inside the Blizzard Storm.

As he wasn't allowed to interfere, he couldn't do anything other than protect himself.

But they didn't need to wait much as Zero released the skill soon after and the arena was turning back to normal.

"The skill is going away. Looks like this is the end!"

"That human should be defeated. I thought he might last a little longer but who cares. He was just some human with a really big attitude."

"The skill is released, so I guess Zero lost." …

They thought that since Zero skill had been released so quickly, it must be that the caster had lost.

But when the stage became normal, they were shocked by what they saw.

Aricen was on his knees with Zero's sword at his neck. They didn't what happened but one thing was sure, Aricen had lost.

"Winner! Zero Elea of the Human Race!"

The referee announced the result which was obvious to anyone.

Zero put his sword back into his Spatial Ring and walked back.

The spectator was stunned for a second and didn't know what to say until the referee's announcement.

It was final! Aricen has really lost.

"What? I can't believe it!"

"Did Aricen lose in those seconds when we were unable to see them? How is this possible!"

"That human should have used an underhanded method. There is no way Aricen could lose so easily." …

The supporters of Aricen which are mostly Elves couldn't believe the result and they couldn't control their emotions. They didn't think that Aricen would lose to someone like Zero.

They didn't think that it was possible for Zero to defeat Aricen who is in Rank-A +, in that short period of time.

As for how he quickly managed to win the fight, he first used Blizzard Storm not only to stop Aricen from attacking but also so that he would be caught off guard by what he was going to do next.

Zero used the Frost Wing, which enabled him to fly above the Gale Barrier and completely ignore his defense. Then it was what it was.

Zero quickly appeared before Aricen and kept his sword pointing at Aricen's neck before he could react.

Aricen couldn't react as he was unable to sense and see Zero and when he did, Zero's sword was at his neck.

Aricen was shocked and realizing that he lost, he dropped to his feet. His confidence was shattered and he could only admit defeat.

And that was what the spectator saw after the Blizzard Storm was released. The referee didn't need to think much as Zero emerged victorious.

Zero walked away after the referee had announced the result. Everybody looked at Zero with a bewildered expression.

They didn't know what happened but seeing how Aricen seemed so defeated that he couldn't move, one could tell that Zero had overwhelmed Aricen.

Although both Zero and Aricen didn't have many injuries, Aricen's spirit was broken by how easily he lost and anyone could see how much impact it had on Aricen.

"That Aricen wasn't strong at all! Looks like all had was his big mouth."

"It's a pity that we were unable to see what was happening."

"Zero, huh? Looks like he wasn't acting tough. He could be a worthy opponent."

While Elves couldn't believe the result, other races accepted the result and also began showing more interest in Zero.

Previously, it was his speed and then his bravery to confront Princess Elenia. And now, with his victory over Aricen, they understood that Zero was a formidable opponent.

"*PHEW! Looks like he has won the fight."

Sylvia said relieved to see Zero okay. She was a bit worried seeing how Zero had been pushed to defend and thought that he might lose.

"Well, we already know he is strong. He should still have many trump cards. I don't think he was even struggling against Aricen much."

Hiro analyzed and shared his thoughts. Apart from Dark Energy, Hiro knows that Zero could also use Dual Art. He has used none and he was able to win against someone of Rank-A +.

This has given him a new understanding of Zero's power. And even though he thought he knew about Zero's strength, that didn't mean that he could win against him.

Using everything he has, Hiro assumes that he only has around a 20-30 % chance of beating Zero.

The geniuses gave way to Zero and looked at him in a new light. Zero was perhaps one of the strongest humans under Rank-S. Being able to defeat Rank-A + meant that apart from Rank-S, no one stood a chance of defeating him.

Even the Rank-S geniuses looked at Zero warily. They were already guarded against his speed but now found that he still had many powerful techniques under his belt.

"Impressive!"

King Tranduil exclaimed.

Unlike others, he saw almost everything that had transpired. He not only was impressed by Zero's strength but also by the tactic he used to defeat Aricen.

He finally understood the reason why someone in Rank-A could stand up to his daughter who is in Rank-S. He thought that Zero was worthy of that.

"Humph! Looks like you are unlucky."

On the other hand, Princess Elenia still didn't acknowledge Zero. She just felt that since Zero won, he might now have to fight her which is pretty unlucky of him.

She thought that if he had just lost, he would be spared of all the humiliation and suffering that she was going to put him through.

"Elenia, you should probably be careful of this guy."

King Tranduil warned Elenia. He felt that Zero might be one of his biggest enemies of Elenia. Not because of Zero's skill but because of his mindset.

Unlike his daughter who fights on impulses, Zero is the kind that analyzes their opponent and makes use of their weakness.

Princess Elenia, because of her strength, doesn't really think much when fighting. It is because she doesn't need to. She could win against any opponent without needing to rely on any tactics.

Elenia was surprised that her father was warning against someone who was as weak as Zero. Even if Zero was talented compared to his peers, she didn't think that he would stand any chance against her, a Rank-S fighter.

"Dad, you don't need to worry about someone like her. I will easily crush people like him."

Elenia said confidently.

King Tranduil sighed, knowing that his daughter's overconfidence could be her downfall. He had seen countless talented fighters fall due to arrogance and complacency. Still, he hoped that Elenia would heed his advice.

But he also knew that failure was the mother of learning and Elenia might learn something if he lost or maybe struggled against Zero.

Well, there were many things that he needed to teach Elenia before she could become the ruler of Elven Domain.

But that didn't mean that he didn't love her or wish for her to lose. As the father, he obviously wants his daughter to win and also likes her childish behavior but he also knows that as the royal family of Elves, Elenia needs to learn many things.

"Elenia, I hope that you mature a bit through this contest."

King Tranduil muttered.