Parallel Memory

Because of the destruction caused by Lisa and Sylvia, the ring could not be used for another match.

The ring needed to be repaired. With all kinds of Art in existence, there were also people with Earth Magic who used their skill for building stuff. They can use those skills to build houses, and repair rings and it is faster compared to construction using traditional methods.

Even though it was a fast method, participants still needed to wait a bit before the fight resumed. It was like some kind of interval.

At that moment, ads were running on the big screen in the stadium and also on TV broadcasting the tournament. Ads featured Tech Genesis' products, including the most recent phone made using Mana batteries, which are alleged to last for up to five years without recharging. With the partnership that they had with The Authority, only they had such privileges.

During this time, Lisa was being treated by staff. The other three didn't need treatment as they didn't use much of their power in their round.

After a while, the staff fixed the ring. It was as if nothing had happened and looked brand new. They also strengthened the ring so that it does not get destroyed again.

"Sorry for the delay, folks. We totally underestimated the power of our participants. We never thought that the stadium built to withstand the power of Rank-B would be destroyed in this tournament. But now, we're ready to continue the tournament!"

The announcer said, his voice booming through the stadium. The crowd cheered as the participants stepped into the ring. The first match of the semi-final was between Hiro and Zion followed by Misha and Lisa.

They entered the ring and looked at each other. This was the time that the two rivals could face each other to see who was stronger.

Zion Maxwell was particularly excited about the fight. In order to surpass Hiro and Zero, he underwent many tough trials and battles. He risked his life in order to get stronger.

Hiro was also excited to see how much Zion had improved. There was no good opponent for him in the competition except his friends. Now was the opportunity for him to fight them. Zion served as both a friend and a rival. He believed that he would need to fight very seriously if he didn't want to lose.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the next round of the tournament! It's time for our next match to begin. In this semi-final, we have two very talented fighters from Ace Academy, Hiro Ernest, and Zion Maxwell. We have already seen how powerful they are but they might be hiding more. Are you ready for an epic battle? Let's get started!"

The announcer signaled the start of the fight.

[ "Imperial Spear Style: Swift Strike" ]

Zion wasted no time launching his attack, the Imperial Spear Style: Swift Strike. Hiro was quick to dodge the attack, but Zion was just as quick to follow up with a flurry of strikes.

[ "Star Swift" ]

Hiro increased his speed in order to deal with Zion's strike. As Zion used a spear that was faster to strike and had a long reach. Hiro needed to be faster if he wanted to counterattack. With Star Swift, Hiro's speed increased which made it easier for him to dodge Zion's attack.

[ "StarShaterrer Style: Stardust" ]

Stardust is an attack that involves a series of quick and precise strikes that can overwhelm an opponent with a flurry of attacks. To counter Zion's swift attack, Hiro also needed to use a fast skill.

Zion was forced to defend himself with all his might, blocking and dodging the attacks with incredible speed and skill. The two fighters moved around the ring with lightning-fast movements, their attacks, and defenses creating a blur of motion.

The crowd watched in awe as the two fighters battled it out, each refusing to back down. It was clear that both Hiro and Zion were giving it their all. People are not even able to see how powerful their attacks were because they were too fast in nature.

[ "StarShatterer Style: Void Destruction' ]

[ "Imperial Spear Style: Imperial Pierce" ]

[ "StarShatterer Style: Complete Annihilation"]

[ "Imperial Spear Style: Obliterate Strike" ]

However, as the battle progressed, it was apparent that Hiro was winning. Hiro's attacks were quicker and with Hiro being ranked higher than Zion, he had a higher stat which was a big advantage. Zion's injuries continue to increase while Hiro has yet to get hit.

-CLANG! -CLANG! -CLANG! -CLANK!

Zion backed off a bit in this exchange. He looked at Hiro who was still full of energy. He knew that with his current strength, it would be impossible for him to defeat Hiro who is in Rank-B -.

[ "Sovereign Will" ]

Despite the disadvantage he was facing, Zion refused to give up. He took a deep breath and gathered his energy. With fierce determination in his eyes, he unleashed his skill, the Sovereign Will.

Hiro got himself ready. He had seen that skill in the last tournament when he fought with Zion. Zion's power would be drastically increased by the skill.

[ "Imperial Spear Style: Life Reap" ]

[ "StarShatterer Style: Complete Annihilation" ]

The fight continued again. However, unlike before Zion had strength equal to that of Hiro. He managed to land a few hits on Hiro although he also received the same amount of damage.

The battle seemed to be in a stalemate. However, everyone knew that once Zion's skill ends, he would lose the match. Though they were not very disappointed as Zion had done everything and managed to even injure Hiro for the first time.

If not for Hiro, everyone thought that Zion would be the strongest person in this tournament. Zion was very talented but it was a pity that he had to compete with Hiro who was gifted by God.

"Zion, if we continue the fight, the result will be the same as last year. You sure that you don't have anything else to show."

Hiro said. His voice was not arrogant but filled with expectation. With how Zion was, Hiro didn't think that this was everything he had. If that were the case, he would be disappointed.

"Humph! Looks like someone is eager to lose. Sure, I will show you everything I have got. Hiro, make sure to use your full power or you might end up dead. I also don't know how powerful this is going to be."

Zion replied. His voice was filled with the arrogance that he once had. But his eyes showed determination as never before. It did not seem like he was just saying empty words.

He put down his sword and closed his eyes as his entire attention was focused on gathering his mana for his most powerful skill. Hiro watched as Zion prepared to use his skill.

He didn't interrupt as he was curious as to what Zion would do and also because he had no idea what he did. In the event that it was an attack, he would not have enough time to dodge if he went to attack him now.

-HUUU!

Zion opened his eyes as he imbued himself with every mana available to him.

[ "Sovereign Will II" ]