Parallel Memory

Meanwhile, in the background, a crew of skilled artisans and stagehands worked diligently to prepare the contest stage.

Soon enough, it was the start of the contest that was announced ad hoc.

The grand hall was packed to the brim with dignitaries, spectators, and participants. Most spectators were those Elves that were working for the Royals as others were not allowed in.

Apart from them were the people who tagged along with the geniuses. They were mostly bodyguards or people who were sent to protect the young geniuses.

The atmosphere was electric, and all eyes were on the stage. King Tranduil, standing tall and regal, addressed the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed representatives of the races, and most importantly, our brilliant geniuses," He began, her voice ringing clear throughout the hall.

"Today, we gather to witness a contest that transcends borders and biases. A contest that will determine not just individual superiority, but the unity and strength of our world."

As the King's words echoed through the hall, a sense of anticipation and excitement filled the air.

"Each one of you gathered here represents the pinnacle of your respective races," King Tranduil continued, his gaze sweeping across the assembled geniuses. "Your talents and abilities have brought you to this stage. I hope that you show us something amazing, worthy of your title as geniuses."

The participants below were already sizing up their opponent. Others couldn't wait to show their power. Each race wants to show that they were superior to others.

"The rules of the contest are simple. Each participant will be randomly paired against another geniuses. The battles will take place on the stage before you, and the outcome will be determined when you lose consciousness or surrender. Apart from them, the referee will also interfere if the fight gets too dangerous."

"To the victor of each battle goes the honor of moving forward in the contest, and to those who prove themselves most exceptional, we have many rewards!" King Tranduil declared, his tone carrying a sense of grandeur.

With a wave of his hand, King Tranduil signaled for the contest to begin. The stadium had some kind of artifact which randomly showed the names of two contestants. It was spinning and slowly came to a stop.

"Then, for the first match, Lucuis from the Human race and Balin from the Dwarf race."

The referee announced the name that was displayed.

It is unknown whether Lucuis has good luck or not for being the first one to go but he seemed eager enough. It seems that because of all the humiliation caused, especially by Princess Elenia, Lucuis was eager to prove himself.

Well, that seems difficult with Balin as his opponent.

Zero could already predict the result. Although he didn't know much about Balin, he did know Lucius well enough.

Balin was one sub-rank higher, which meant Balin was B+. However, Balin should be a genuine genius sent over here rather than like Lucuis who used his background.

Lucuis could hardly win against a genius of the same rank, not to mention someone who is ranked higher than himself.

The most positive result would be Lucuis surviving at least a minute on the stage.

However, unlike what Zero thinks, Lucuis was thinking the opposite. It seems that he is so confident that he didn't think that he would lose.

"I am off!"

Lucuis said confidently to his friend.

"Lucuis, don't hold back!"

"Show them what we are made of!"

"That pesky man has no chance at all!" …

It was not only Lucuis, it seemed that his entire group believed that he would win. Zero could only sight looking at those ignorant groups of people.

"Oh! So the first match is between Dwarf and human. This is going to be interesting!"

"I had seen Dwarf fight before. Their defense is almost impenetrable and they have immense strength. But I don't know what to expect from a human."

"The human seemed very confident. Maybe he has something hidden in his arsenal. I heard that each human fights differently and they all fight differently than each other." …

The spectators were also excited. For most, it is their first time seeing other races fight. It was also an opportunity for them to know different races' fighting styles.

The moment had arrived. The grand hall held its collective breath as the first pair of contestants, Lucuis and Balin, stepped onto the contest stage. The tension in the air was palpable, and the gazes of the spectators were fixed firmly on the two geniuses. The referee stood ready, a stern expression on his face.

Lucuis, his determination apparent in his eyes, faced Balin, who exudes an air of quiet confidence.

"This will be over in a second!"

Lucuis declared arrogantly. His confidence made the dwarf Balin cautious. As humans were considered stronger, Balin couldn't help but be on his guard even though his rank was higher.

Lucuis confidence only further solidified that notion.

The referee raised his hand, ready to signal the beginning of the battle. A hushed silence fell over the crowd as the anticipation reached its peak.

And then, in an instant, the battle began and ended!

"..."

The audience didn't know what to say!

Balin moved with astonishing speed, a blur of motion. Before Lucuis could fully comprehend what had happened, Balin had closed the distance.

With a swift, precise strike, Balin incapacitated Lucius with a single, well-placed blow. The crowd gasped collectively, their astonishment mingling with shock.

( This was it? )

That was what was on everybody's mind. The battle had only gotten started and victor was already there.

It would be understandable if the difference in strength was too much but it was just one sub rank. And with Lucuis arrogance, they thought that he had something up his sleeve. But this was it.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed representatives of the races, I hereby declare the victor of this match to be Balin of the Dwarf race!"

The referee hurried forward to confirm Lucuis's defeat and ensure his well-being. The crowd erupted into a cacophony of whispered conversations, exclamations, and murmurs of surprise.

"Wasn't that human too weak?"

"Yeah! How could one get knocked out by one hit?"

"Are humans weaker than we thought? How come they are the dominant race?" ….

The audiences began wondering. Lucuis was too weak and that made it seem like humans as a whole were weak.

Lucuis was carried out of the stage as the name of the second round was announced!