Parallel Memory

"Furthermore, I heard a rumor that one of the Rank-SS Devils was killed in one of those Gates."

"What? Rank-SS Devil?"

Zero and Amelia exchanged worried glances as they absorbed the news of the rumored Rank-SS Devil's death inside one of the Gates. The implications were significant, and it explained why the Devils seemed to be shifting their focus and displaying caution

"Then that might explain their behavior!"

Amelia said understandingly.

Rank-SS, the strongest entity in the world, being killed within the Gate. If that were the case, it suggested that the Gate is more dangerous than many think, potentially harboring Rank-SS monsters or even Rank-SSS monsters.

Such a revelation would undoubtedly cause panic everywhere. If even the mightiest Devils couldn't survive, how could others?

If that was the truth, Devils might indeed shift their attention toward Gate and try to curb the problem. Rank-SS death was a big deal and it was almost like snapping away one of the trump cards of Devils.

"Anyway, these are mere speculations. Devils had been doing things differently compared to the past. We might not be able to predict what they will do."

Mia said.

They talked for a bit. Mia had all kinds of access to information and she didn't hesitate to share them with Zero and Amelia. Zero and Amelia were now more aware of the situation.

They finished their breakfast and proceeded to assist with the reconstruction. Although not an expert in construction, Zero was immensely helpful due to his strength. He effortlessly carried large stones and swiftly cut down trees for the building process.

Furthermore, he never needed to rest, making him a valuable asset.

Mia also joined in, providing whatever assistance she could. Together, they worked diligently throughout the day.

During that period, Amelia seized the opportunity to get closer to Zero and took advantage of the situation. Sometimes, under the pretext of assisting him, Amelia would engage in conversations and flirtation with Zero.

Mia noticed this as well. She couldn't understand how Amelia, despite being inexperienced in relationships, managed to make such advances. Nevertheless, it was evident that Amelia was putting in considerable effort to establish a close connection with Zero.

Mia watched the scene unfold with a mixture of bitterness and longing. She still hadn't figured out the best way to approach Zero, so for now, she remained passive.

One afternoon, after completing her work, Amelia spotted Zero. With a mischievous smile playing on her lips, she walked up to him, holding a tool in her hand. "Hey, Zero, do you need any help?" she asked, her voice carrying a playful tone.

Zero looked up, appreciating the offer. "Actually, an extra pair of hands would be great. Care to lend me a hand?"

As they worked together side by side, Amelia subtly incorporated flirtatious banter into their conversation. "You know, Zero, I have to admit, your dedication and attention to detail are truly admirable. It's inspiring to see someone so passionate about their work."

A faint smile appeared on Zero's lips as he replied, "Thank you, Amelia. I'm just doing what I can. It's something anyone could do."

"Hehe... Oh, really? You could still act arrogant, you know!" Amelia teased, referring to a time when Zero and Amelia didn't get along. However, that was all in the past.

"What? Don't you know that I am a humble guy. How can you say that I was acting arrogantly?"

Zero retorted.

Mia, who had been observing them from a distance, couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. The way Amelia flirted with Zero, even if it wasn't too obvious to him, was enough to make Mia's heart ache. She clenched her fists, contemplating whether to approach them or keep her feelings to herself.

( No, I can't stay like this or I will lose him. I went through this two years ago, and I refuse to repeat the same mistake again! )

Ma's determination grew stronger as she approached Zero.

"Zer-"

*SHUDDER!

!!!

Just when Mia was about to call Zero, they sensed something unusual. The same feeling was experienced by the highly ranked Holy Knight guarding the place.

"What is this disturbance that I am sensing?"

"It is like space itself getting broken."

"Is someone attacking us again? Or is it the effect of some artifact."

They felt a disturbance, as if something was tearing through space. Speculation arose that it could be another attack from the Devils or Devil Contractors.

"That is-"

However, Zero and Mia have a much deeper understanding of the situation. They personally experienced what was about to happen and knew it all too well.

"It's a Gate!" exclaimed Zero.

He didn't have a pleasant experience with Gates. It was the place where he first gained memories of the Emperor of Destruction, and it was also a treacherous location that required extreme caution just to survive.

If it weren't for Mia, who was also pulled into the Gate, Zero was certain he would have perished. Even with Mia's presence, they were already on the brink of death.

Had it not been for Elixir's sudden appearance, Professor Mia would have died, and Zero's body would have succumbed to Dark Energy.

Their survival was purely a stroke of luck!

"Everyone, retreat from this place!" Mia shouted.

There were many people who were unaware and vulnerable. If they became trapped in the Gate, their chances of survival would be extremely low.

!!!

Mia's shout immediately startled many of the people.

It wasn't just Mia, but also numerous Holy Knights who urged and assisted the others in retreating from that place.

But it was only for a few seconds before the Gate manifested itself.

Zero could sense its power. He couldn't quite recall the sensation from the previous Gate he and Mia were trapped in, but he felt that the newly manifested Gate held a similar level of power.

This meant that the Gate contained Rank-A monsters and perhaps even Rank-S monsters. It was one of the most perilous Gates that could have appeared.

Of course, neither Mia nor Zero found it dangerous anymore. They have grown stronger since then. Either one of them could easily handle those Gates alone, but it posed a significant threat to the other people present.

[ "Ice Wall" ]

[ "Ice Embodiment" ]

[ "Ice Creation" ]

Zero immediately attempted to prevent people from being sucked into the Gate by conjuring an Ice Wall. This measure successfully prevented many individuals from being pulled into the Gate, but it was not entirely effective.

Due to the immense gravitational pull exerted by the Gate, it was only a matter of time before both the Ice Wall and the people near it would be dragged in.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Zero employed Ice Creation to push those individuals out of the Gate's influence. Fortunately, there were also Holy Knights who assisted in rescuing and escorting them away.

However, the most heavily impacted individuals were undoubtedly Zero, Amelia and Mia, who were positioned at the center of the chaotic scene. They were still focused on preventing others from being drawn into the Gate, leaving no time for their own safety.

Moreover, they did not appear to require immediate assistance.

"Mia! Zero! What should we do?"

Amelia exclaimed with concern. However, unlike Mia and Zero, she was worried as it was her first time. She was scared that maybe something dangerous would happen to them.

"We should also go out!"

Amelia exclaimed.

Yet, by that time, the suction power of the Gate had become too overwhelming for them to escape.

[ "Shadow Dance" ]

Zero attempted to escape using Shadow Dance, but it became evident that even in his shadow form, he was being drawn into the Gate. The Gate had fully materialized, resembling a black hole that allowed nothing to escape.

"Amelia, we will be fine," reassured Mia. She also made an attempt to escape, but it was too late. However, the situation wasn't as dire as it seemed.

They had managed to prevent others from being pulled into the Gate. Now, only the three of them remained, possessing the power to defend themselves.

Amelia was the only one who raised concern, but as long as she avoided encountering the boss monster, she would generally be safe.

"Amelia, we might be transported to different locations. Just remember to find us first and avoid getting into fights," advised Mia.

Amelia nodded. But she was still worried.

"Yes, Amelia! It will only be a few days before we defeat the boss and find our way out," Zero reassured her. Naturally, they were worried about her, but the chances of survival were much higher than the chances of dying.

Amelia stared at them in worry. The one to get caught in the Gate, one was her best friend, other was someone she loves. And then herself.

It would be weird if she was not worried.

However, the two of them exuded confidence and remained composed. Just as they had said, perhaps things would turn out alright!

And she also knew that they were someone who had experienced this already, so she trusted them. Moreover, they were indeed powerful and didn't need to worry about surviving.

"Okay! I will believe you!"

Amelia said. Then she brace herself for the impact.

-SWISSSH!