Parallel Memory

One of the objectives of King Tranduil was to have all the races get along with each other. So that, they can work together to fight off against the disaster that will fall on them.

However, considering the scene in front of him, he knew that it was far from easy. Even the younger generation who should have least hatred was fighting as soon as they saw each other.

This was testament to how fragile the relationship between human and other races are.

It might have been easier for him if he didn't invite humans. However, considering how Elara was elaborating on how powerful Hiro and his friends will be in the future, and also the fact that humans have more geniuses than any other races, they couldn't just exclude humans who could become the greatest power in the battle with the calamity.

However, it might not be easy to achieve, especially when Elara foresees a human killing Seraphine. That just got to show that in the future there might be some conflict between the two races or maybe it was just a personal issue.

"Elara, can you check whether the killer of those Aasimar girls is with the group?"

King Tranduil asked. Elara nodded and looked at them carefully.

"Any luck?"

Elara shook her head and said, "It happened in the future and there would be changes in their body. At the moment, none of them seemed to match."

*SIGH!

King Tranduil was disappointed. If he knew who killed Searaphine, there was a chance to change the future. If not, then they could only pray that it changes naturally.

"Looks like time has come! If I don't show myself, these brats might fight with each other!"

King Tranduil said as he stood up.

********

"There is going to be a small contest for all of you to show your strength. I hope that you all will participate in it!"

King Tranduil said after having given a small introduction.

This is what was traditionally done for more than centuries and considered a ritual by the Elves.

Through the fight, you could show that you are capable and someone who deserves to use the Luminary Spring.

This had turned into a ritual for Elves and an opportunity to prove themselves. And fighting was one way for people to acknowledge each other and bond.

King Tranduil wanted to use this to see whether the geniuses from other races are worth using their scarce resources. And as with Elves, he thought that after fighting, maybe they might come to acknowledge each other's strength.

"Of course, the contest is a friendly competition where participants will showcase their skills and abilities. It will not be a fight to the death, but rather a test of your strengths, agility, and strategic thinking."

"We have a lot of strong guards who will stop you if one were to go too far."

King Tranduil said.

Others quietly listened to him. Other races held the Elven King in high regard and excluding humans and Devils, he was the most powerful person. They couldn't afford to go against him.

As for the humans, well for the Luminary Spring, they kept quiet. Otherwise, some of them who were arrogant would not be listening to the Elven King at all. After all, most of them view themselves as superior to other races.

"The rules are simple. Each participant will be matched with another in a random draw. You will engage in a series of one-on-one combat trials, testing your proficiency in various disciplines such as swordplay, archery, magic, or any other abilities unique to you."

King Tranduil could feel that they were not particularly excited about this. After all, they all wanted to use Luminary Spring and not waste their time on other things. They just hope that the fight completes quickly.

"Haha… Looks like it was boring just talking about some contest!"

King Thranduil chuckled. He was also like them who didn't want to listen or do things other than what he wanted.

"How about this? First round, you will need to fight compulsory, however, starting from the second record, there is no need!"

King Tranduil announced.

This caused many of them to be a bit happy. If the competition was shortened, then the faster they got to use the Luminary Spring.

"From the second recond, only those who want to compete, will need to compete. But remember that there will be a reward for those who perform well."

King Tranduil continued, "For those who get a good ranking will be given extra days to use Luminary Spring!"

As the announcement settled in, some of the participants seemed more intrigued. The promise of extra days to use the Luminary Spring motivated them to compete.

One should know that the more one soaks inside Luminary Spring, the better the effect. However, it was a scarce resource and they can only use it for a limited period.

Those extra days might be something that would help them in the long run. Moreover, this might be the only chance for them to get to use Luminary Spring. This was a rare opportunity.

Those powerful and arrogant people are already thinking that the reward is theirs. And it was the opposite for those who were weak.

They felt that it was a bit unfair as there was a difference in age between them and those powerful people.

In terms of talent, they might be better than those Rank-S that was present there, however, at the moment they were weak compared to them.

King Tranduil seemed to have understood this as he continued, "I know that there is a vast difference in strength because of your age. However, I will not only be rewarding to the winners but also to those who fought well."

With that statement, even those who were around Rank-B felt that they had a chance. If not, no matter how talented they were, they couldn't have won considering the number of Rank-S that were present there.

Maybe even Rank-A wouldn't be able to get to Top-10 unless you are very lucky and you don't encounter Rank-S as your opponent.

"I hope that you all can show us what you've got!"

King Tranduil spoke and was going to go back when his daughter entered the room with a loud bang.

*BANG!

Everybody's attention was on the door which swung open loudly. A young Elve with long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes walked up to King Tranduil.

Everyone except the Elves were confused as to who it was. No one thought that anyone would have the audacity to enter the room where King Tranduil was.

"Daddy, what's all this fuss about a silly contest?" Elenia said, her tone full of disdain. "Why should we even bother with these so-called geniuses from other races? They're all just a bunch of show-offs."

King Tranduil sighed and affectionately ruffled his daughter's hair. "Elenia, my dear, when will you act like princess? And don't underestimate others! Some may be more talented than you."

King Thranduil looked at Elenia as he didn't know how to discipline this child of his. The statement that she said might cause fights as geniuses were usually very arrogant and had very high pride.

Only when King Tranduil addressed his daughter did the geniuses know that it was the Elven princess who entered the room. No wonder that she had the audacity.

However, as expected her insult didn't go well with them especially for human geniuses. There were those that didn't care what they said to them like Zero and Mia. Or like Hiro who didn't take negative things to his heart.

But most of them seemed to be seriously affected by Elven Princess calling them so-called geniuses and Show offs.

And of course, there were Elves who could only listen to their princess comment and agree with it. As for the reason, only they knew!

"Hah? That can't be! I don't think these weaklings could even touch my hair."

Elenia insulted as she looked down upon the geniuses in front of her. She could feel glare from many people but didn't seem to care. Rather she had a devious smile on her face which further irritated those groups of geniuses.

Elenia rolled her eyes, clearly uninterested. "Fine, whatever. But these geniuses won't stand a chance against me. I bet they can't even hold a candle to my powers."

"Enough, Elenia," King Tranduil's voice held authority, making her stop. "I expect you to be on your best behavior during the guests stay. You may be powerful, but that doesn't give you the right to belittle others."

Elenia huffed, crossing her arms, clearly unhappy with her father's scolding. "Fine, I'll behave," she muttered, but her eyes still carried a spark of mockery as she glanced through the geniuses.

King Tranduil turned back to the participants and addressed them. "Please don't mind my daughter's antics. She's spirited, but deep down, she means well. Now, let's proceed with the contest, shall we?"