"Let us proceed with the contest. Do your best!"
With a collective sigh of relief, the atmosphere in the grand hall began to lighten. The tension that had been building up due to Princess Elenia's antics was now dissipating, thanks to Queen Thalassa's presence and her willingness to take responsibility for her daughter's behavior.
The geniuses refocused their attention on the upcoming contest. This event was a significant opportunity for them to showcase their talents and prove their worth to the various races present in the hall.
They can show who among these races were superior and it was especially true for humans who were discriminated against. They were eager to show why they were the strongest race in the world and have others respect them.
However, if there was one thing that they learned from their encounter with Princess Elenia is that they couldn't underestimate their opponent. They were reminded once again that the ones gathered in that hall were all Top geniuses of their race.
King Tranduil left the hall along with his wife and daughter. Princess Elenia turned around and stuck out her tongue before leaving with them.
Soon, servants came to escort the geniuses to another place for each race. The place was where the guards of the geniuses were gathered.
Servants and attendants bustled around, preparing for the feast that would follow. Long tables adorned with fine linens and exquisite dishes were set up in the adjoining chamber. A tantalizing aroma wafted through the air as chefs meticulously crafted dishes that catered to the varying palates of the participating races.
"What do you think? Do you think we can win the contest?"
Mia asked Zero and Amelia.
"Well, I am not particularly good at fighting, so I don't really have a chance to win! Although I will try to get in the Top-10."
Amelia replied. She wasn't particularly bad at fighting, however, when faced against geniuses, it was not enough. However, with her S-Rank, there was a chance to get into Top-10.
Mia nodded understandably.
"What about you, Zero?"
Mia asked. Although Zero's rank was A, she had never underestimated him. She still didn't know his full power. Although Zero will not use Dark Energy, he still has many trump cards that allows him to win against even Rank-S.
"I am also not sure! I can try but I am not particularly interested in winning."
Zero replied. He will certainly try but if he was faced with a tough opponent, he would rather give up.
( Maybe I should quit if I do end up winning in the first round? )
Although the extra days in Luminary Spring sound great, it was not to the point that he wanted to show his full power in front of everyone.
Seeing Zero was also not interested in winning, it seemed that it was up to her. The contest was not just for the rewards but also a matter of pride for the race.
Although Mia didn't particularly care about winning, however, this was something that will affect the opinion of others race towards humans. So, she had to do her best.
Maybe winning the contest might create a favorable impression towards other races. Anyone, there needs to be someone from the human race to do well in the contest.
As the one of the strongest from the human race, it was her responsibility that her ranking was high, maybe number 1 if possible.
If she were to compare the combat power of the group of geniuses there, she reckon she was number 1 or maybe number 2 since Zero had that powerful attack that killed Ifrit.
Anyway, such discussions are happening all around. Many were excited since they could get extra days as a reward. Rank-A and below didn't have much hope of being in the Top-10, however, they hoped that they could impress King Tranduil and get rewarded.
"Hiro, do you think that you can get a good ranking?"
Sylvia asked. They were the lowest ranking among the group of geniuses. However, according to King Tranduil's words, there was a chance that they could get rewarded by fighting well.
Although their ranks were lowest, in terms of fighting they were leagues ahead, at least when compared with people of the same rank. However, all the people gathered were also geniuses, so there was a chance that they could lose miserably even against the same rank.
"If our luck is good, there is a good chance!"
As long as they don't meet Rank-S, there is a good chance of grabbing the rewards. However, he couldn't underestimate other races, especially after witnessing Princess Elenia's power.
"We should be careful not to underestimate them. If we are cautious, we can win this!"
"Humph! Just beat them. Rather I am hoping that I could fight with you!"
Zion said. Since it was a contest with random draw, there was no rule saying that you wouldn't be fighting against the same race and Zion hoped his opponent would be Hiro or Zero.
Zion had never forgotten Zero who seemed to be an unreachable wall, even greater than Hiro. Although at the moment, he wasn't sure how strong he was, he still knows that at least he was powerful.
As for Hiro, he was his eternal rival. He has fought with hiro multiple times as training. Although the number of losses of his were greater than win, he still managed to win sometimes. However, when it came to competition and no training, his win rate was still 0.
So, he hoped that he could fight in this contest against him and win. As for the reward promised by Elven King, that was secondary to his fight with Hiro.
"Well, if luck permits!"
"Lisa! Misha, what are your thoughts?"
Sylvia directed her question to the other two ladies.
"Considering my strength, I don't think I could get very far. If I am lucky, maybe I might advance a couple of rounds!"
Misha replied. She was confident in her strength but as much as she was confident, she was also well-aware of her strength. She didn't think that against so many Rank-A and Rank-S, she could get very far.
"I will try my best. As for the result, only god knows!"
Lisa replied. She was not that optimistic either. But since she was there, representing the human race, she could at least do her best to not humiliate the human race.
The responsibility of winning the contest fell on the five S-Rank in that group of geniuses. As for the rest, all they could do was try their best.