Parallel Memory

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

Zero's calm response seemed to catch Aricen off guard. The crowd fell into a hushed silence, surprised by Zero's unwavering confidence in the face of Aricen's provocation.

The geniuses felt that Zero really was arrogant. He wasn't really afraid of Rank-S Elenia and it was the same for Aricen, both of whom are stronger than him, at least in terms of rank.

Aricen, not used to his taunts being met with such indifference, felt a twinge of frustration. He had expected Zero to react with anger or fear, but Zero's composed demeanor was getting under his skin.

"Very well, human. You'll regret your arrogance soon enough!"

Aricen said. He didn't think that wasting any more words on Zero was going to yield anything. He gave him the chance to apologize but he didn't. So, Aricen was going to teach Alan a lesson that he will never forget, or at least that is his intention.

"Are you both ready?"

The referee asked, not really caring about their dispute.

"Yes!"

Aricen replied as he summoned his bow and arrows. Zero gave a nod.

"Then let the battle begin!"

The signal was given, and the duel began. Aricen swiftly drew his bowstring, sending an arrow flying toward Zero with incredible speed and accuracy. His elven archery skills were legendary, and he aimed to overwhelm Zero with a barrage of swift and precise shots.

Even though Aricen was confident, it didn't mean that he was underestimating Zero. He still remembers Zero's incredible speed and the geniuses of Elves also discussed countermeasures.

Although they couldn't say for sure whether it would work or not, they knew that their long-range attack was the worst type of enemy for Zero who relies on his speed to overwhelm the opponent.

So, as long as they could preoccupy Zero at a distance with their attacks, and not let him utilize his speed, they thought that they could win.

So, Aricen started with his rapid attack giving him no chance for Zero to utilize his full speed.

However, for Zero, those attacks were nothing difficult to handle.

He gracefully dodged Aricen's arrows, his movements fluid and efficient. It was clear that attacks like this would not be able to defeat Zero.

The crowd watched in amazement as Zero deftly parried the arrows with his blade, countering with powerful but controlled strikes of his own. Each clash between their weapons and projectiles sent sparks flying, showcasing their impressive martial prowess.

But it was certain that those attacks were doing nothing to Zero. But it was also true that Zero had to defend himself and he couldn't defeat Aricen like Zero had previously defeated his Dryad opponent.

Aricen thought that his tactics were working and Zero couldn't utilize his biggest strength which he considered was his speed.

But he also knew that his attack wasn't inflicting damage to Zero. So, he decided to attack with his more powerful skills.

[ "Arcane Arrow Torrent" ]

Aricen attacked with multiple arrows which were impossible to dodge, plus all the arrows were very powerful and would implode on impact.

This was a technique that was both difficult to defend and dodge. The only downside is the mana that is consumed.

Zero also knew that it was impossible to dodge since it covered almost every place that he could go. However, unlike Aricen, he didn't think it was anything difficult to defend against.

Zero stood still as he gathered mana.

"Aricen has used his favorite skill. That human is done for!"

"That is what he gets for insulting our princess. He must have been arrogant because of his speed. Now let's see how he defends against this."

"It is boring. I thought that he had something for him to fight with the princess. Guess, he was just talking and no action."

"Humph! He was so scared that he couldn't even move. At least, try to dodge, and that way we might at least acknowledge your determination." …

The Elves began discussing with the majority thinking that this was it. They all believe that Zero's only strength is his speed and that without it, he would lose.

King Tranduil and Princess Elenia also watched the whole fight. King Tranduil expected more and didn't think that Zero was going to lose easily as he could see that Zero was still calm.

Moreover, he thought that someone who could withstand his daughter's aura wouldn't be that weak. In any case, King Tranduil wasn't a person who drew conclusions hastily.

On the other hand, Princess Elenia was disappointed thinking that the person who disrespected her was only worth this much. She thought that it was a pity that she couldn't fight against Zero herself.

The human side was a bit nervous. Although not many supported Zero, they didn't want Zero to humiliate the Human Race like this.

Hiro and his group were also worriedly looking at Zero fights. Despite knowing that Zero had many hidden cards up his sleeve, they felt how powerful the attack was.

Though Mia and Amelia weren't worried at all. They had seen Zero take a much stronger attack like it was nothing.

Aricen grinned thinking that he won but then Zero started to use his skill as well.

[ "Ice Wall" ]

Instantly, a thick, translucent wall of huge ice materialized in front of Zero, forming a protective barrier just in time to intercept the incoming arrows.

-BOOM! -BOOM!

The torrent of arcane arrows collided with the ice wall, creating a spectacular display of exploding magical energy and ice shards. However, that still failed to penetrate Zero's Ice wall and Zero was unscathed behind the Ice Wall.

Aricen's confident grin faded as he realized that Zero had not only defended against his attack but had done so effortlessly. His magical barrage had been effectively nullified by the ice wall, leaving Zero unharmed.

"Huh? This… "

"Wasn't this guy using a sword yesterday? How come he is using Ice magic?"

"Humans and their endless tricks. He must have learned other Art as well!" …

The audience didn't understand what had happened. For the most part, an individual will either choose magic Art or maybe weapon Art.

They all thought Zero used a Sword because that is what he used yesterday, although he only used it to point at his opponent's neck.

"Is that all?"

Zero casually asked. Well, he did this because his opponent was saying a lot of things before the match and he thought that maybe he had something to show for it.

Aricen gritted his teeth as he felt humiliated by Zero's question.

"Humph! That is just a start. Don't think that was my full power."

Aricen replied.

"Oh… Then let me see!"

Zero said.

[ "Shadow Slash" ]

Zero had now begun attacking. But his opponent was also not someone who would go down easily.

He easily dodged the attack but Zero had moved closer and was still moving closer to Aricen. Since Aricen was an archery user, he will be weak at closed ranger fights which Zero is good at.

[ "Ice Shard" ]

Zero attacked continuously while also moving closer. Aricen has also seen through Zero's intention and isn't going to let Zero succeed.

Aricen knew he had to maintain distance to have the upper hand, so he quickly conjured a defensive spell.

["Gale Barrier"]

A powerful gust of wind encircled Aricen, forming an invisible barrier that repelled Zero's advances. The wind barrier created a buffer zone between the two combatants, preventing Zero from getting too close.

Zero's blade sliced through the air, but it couldn't breach the barrier of swirling winds. Aricen seized this moment to regain his composure and assess the situation.

The audience watched in awe as the two opponents clashed, their skills and abilities on full display. It was a mesmerizing duel between two individuals of top talent, each showcasing their unique talents.

The wind barrier provided Aricen with much-needed breathing space. He took a deep breath and focused on his mana once more.

Aricen channeled his mana into his bow, infusing his arrows with an even more potent magical energy. With a swift motion, he released another volley of arrows, this time aiming not just to overwhelm Zero but to also make Zero back off.

Since Zero was closer than before his arrows were stronger and also shot at a much rapid pace.

Zero dodged and deflected his attacks but the situation became like the earlier where he was forced to go on defense.

[ "Ice Embodiment" ]

Zero's body was now covered in Ice Armor which protected him from Arisen's attack. Zero pushed through Arisen's attack and was going to get closer to Aricen.

Aricen, noticing how his attacks were not working, decided to once again shoot Zero with his Arcane Arrow Torrent attack.

But Zero was not going to let him do that. Arcane Arrow Torrent attack could indeed break his ice armor and Zero didn't want to spend his time on defending, so he decided to intercept his attack.

[ "Blizzard Storm" ]

Using Blizzard Storm, Zero was able to obstruct Aricen's view, though only for a limited period of time.

Aricen lost track of Zero and knew that he couldn't attack him before he could deal with the Blizzard Storm.

["Gale Barrier"]

Aricen immediately used the Gale barrier to not only protect himself from Zero's sneak attack but also to counter the Blizzard Storm.

He soon regained some vision in his vicinity as his gust of wind had blown away the blizzard storm but then was shocked by what was in front of him.

Zero had already broken through his defense and was now standing before him with the sword on his neck!