The grand coliseum buzzed with chatter and confusion as the spectators tried to make sense of what had just transpired. Zero's surrender had left them baffled, and the unexpected turn of events had only added to the mystique surrounding him.
"Looks like even Zero lost!"
Misha exclaimed sadly. These are the three people that Princess Elenia defeated that she knew of. First was Sylvia then Hiro and now Zero.
Even though there was a huge power gap between them, it was still disheartening to see her friends lose.
Hiro replied. If one looked at the result Zero indeed lost but looking at the fight, nobody would say that Zero is weaker than Princess Elenia.
"For Zero to push Princess Elenia into a corner shows just how strong he is. And you should know that he still has another trump card up his sleeve. If he used that, he would have won."
Hiro explained. Although he didn't know about Ancient Dragon's Wrath, he had seen Zero use Dark Energy. "Yeah! He really beat Princess Elenia like that. Although it's a pity that he gave up like that, he must have his reasons."
"Anyone, let's get stronger so that Zero doesn't leave us behind!"
Sylvia said. She was now looking forward to Luminary Spring which is said to bring out one's full potential. Others all nodded to Sylvia. They didn't want to get too behind Zero and were determined to get even stronger.
Mia and Amelia greeted Zero with smiles. Unlike others, they respected Zero's decision and also knew the real reason for his surrender.
"Sorry! I didn't win!"
"Hehe… No problem! I will defeat that Princess for you!"
Amelia said confidently. However in reality, she knew that it wasn't possible. Anyways, she has to first get through this round if she wants to compete with Princess Elenia.
"Anyways, you really humiliated that princess. Next time you see her, she will not be that arrogant."
Amelia added. Amelia obviously held a grudge against Princess Elenia for the way she had treated Zero previously. "She should be seething in anger! Hehe… "
Amelia was happy at the thought of Princess Elenia who wasn't able to beat up Zero like she proclaimed. And judging by her expression before she left the stage, Amelia knew that Princess Elenian wasn't too happy about her win. She thought it served her right to treat Zero awfully.
Meanwhile, Princess Elenia seethed with anger in her seat just like Amelia said. She couldn't accept Zero's explanation, and most importantly felt humiliated by the fight.
"My daughter, why are you angry even though you won?"
"That human, Zero, has infuriated me. He surrendered before I could teach him a lesson, and it felt like a mockery of my strength," Princess Elenia replied, her frustration evident in her voice.
"His strength was equal, no it has exceeded me. Even so, he dared to mock me by surrendering. I can't accept this!"
Princess Elenia said. She thought of her battle with Zero, and the entire time, the fight seemed to be going according to what he had planned.
Princess Elenia thought that she could easily win considering her Rank-S strength but instead ended up falling into Zero's trap which enabled him to trap her.
Princess Elenia gritted her teeth once again when she remembered that. She glared at Zero who was casually talking with Mia and Amelia. And this further increased her hatred.
If Zero showed at least some remorse or regret for losing or anything, she might feel that she really won. But looking at Zero's expression, she could easily tell that Zero probably didn't even care.
"Just you wait! I will never forget this!"
Princess Elenia muttered.
King Tranduil knew why Elenia wasn't very happy with her victory. She indeed didn't look like a victor in that fight and the only reason she won was because the other party surrendered, at least that is what many thought.
King Tranduil doesn't believe that Zero would have won ultimately because Princess Elenia still had much of her strength reserved and could have fought for a few more minutes. However, that wasn't the case for Zero and King Tranduil assumed that the reason he gave up was precisely because of that.
King Tranduil had to admire Zero's decision. He knew exactly when to give up and did it before he was beaten. To know one's limit was essentially a skill as well.
King Tranduil was also surprised by Zero's strength. A power that surpassed his rank and even was able to overwhelm his daughter who is in Rank-S. Even though he ultimately gave up and lost, King Tranduil didn't care much about it. More than the result, what he wanted to achieve through this contest was to see the potential and talent of various geniuses and Zero has indeed shown his potential with that fight.
Judging by the talent, King Tranduil thought that Zero was definitely number one on his list. ( Why didn't Elara inform me about such a person? )
King Tranduil wondered. He was told about almost all the talented people including Hiro and his group. But Elara never mentioned Zero which was weird considering how strong Zero is.
( Let's ask her later! )
King Tranduil decided to keep that matter for when he was done with the contest. In the arena, despite the people still talking about the previous battle between Princess Elenia and Zero, the contest was to be resumed.
This time, the fight was between two Rank-S!
Although the fight was spectacular, it wasn't comparable to Zero and Princess Elenia.
In any case, the victor was soon announced and it was time for another fight between Rank-S. This time also, Amelia's name wasn't called out which meant that she was the last person to fight.
And her opponent was Seraphine!
Only their name wasn't announced, so it was easy to guess when the names of the second-last fighters were announced.
"Look like I need to fight with Seraphine!"
Amelia said, not very enthusiastic. After all, her opponent is Rank-S just like Princess Elenia.
Amelia looked at Seraphine who was with her fellow Aasimar and she too was looking at Amelia with a smile on her face.
"Don't worry too much about her and just fight as usual. You can also choose to give up."
Mia said. She did mean to discourage Amelia but was just telling her not to push herself as she was mostly supported and fighting with Rank-S fighters would be a bit too much for her.
In addition, for a healer to reach this stage was already good. This showed just how strong she is despite her specialty being in healing.
"You are right! Maybe I should give up like Zero!"
Amelia said with a bright expression.
If someone looked at her face, no one would think that Amelia was talking about giving up with that kind of bright smile.
After half an hour, the battle concluded. It was not a very long fight for Rank-S -, but quite long if one considered the average time of the fight in this contest. Anyway, the last names for the round were announced.
"Amelia of the Human Race VS Seraphine of the Aasimar Race!"
The referee announced the names. The spectators were all looking forward to this fight, although not as much as the fight between Princess Elenia and Zero.
Even so, the fight of Rank-S was very much anticipated, and knowing her opponent is also Rank-S -, many wondered whether they would be able to see Seraphine's real strength.
Up until now, Seraphine was the only one whose power was still concealed. She easily won against all her previous opponents without much effort.
So, the spectators still don't know just how powerful she is. With Amelia as her opponent, they believe that finally, they will be able to witness her power.
"Good fortune, Seraphine!"
"May the divine providence grace thy path!"
"Triumph shall surely find its way into thine hands!" …
Other Aasimar all cheered for Seraphine as she was their strongest and also the last participant. "Farewell, then! Fear not, I shall not bring disappointment upon thee and all who look upon me!"
Seraphine replied as she walked towards the stage.
"Then I will be going! Wish me luck!"
"Do your best and be careful!"
Amelia also headed towards the arena with the well wishes of Mia and Zero.