510 Zero's Shocking Growth!
Elara's eyes remained fixed on Zero, someone who she didn't recognize but was far more powerful than many of the geniuses including Hiro.
Looking at the appearance, Elara was able to make out that Zero was younger or was of similar age to Hiro. But Zero had completely outranked Hiro who she thought was the most talented.
Elara stared at Zero for a few more seconds before turning her head towards King Tranduil to ask about Zero.
However, when she turned her head, she noticed King Tranduil having a stunned expression with his eyes widened. And the direction he was looking at was Zero.
Despite huge expectation, even King Tranduil didn't expect that Zero would go from Rank-A to Rank-S -.
King Tranduil obviously wanted to know Zero's progress since he wanted to prove to Elara that Zero was also someone that they needed to keep their eyes on.
However, Zero's progress was far greater than what he thought which left him stunned. However, King Tranduil quickly regained his composure. He couldn't stay stunned with a dumbfounded expression in front of so many people. Elara was also setting aside her curiosity and doubts for the moment. "Ahem! Esteemed geniuses, you have performed admirably in returning safely from your perilous journey," King Tranduil, regal in his bearing, addressed the gathered group with a commanding presence.
"In addition to the triumphant return, it is evident that each one of you has undergone remarkable growth and improvement. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you."
The king's words echoed through the courtyard, and a sense of pride and accomplishment filled the air. The geniuses stood with a newfound sense of confidence.
"As a token of our appreciation for your efforts and achievements, I declare a grand celebration in your honor. Let the festivities commence, and may this joyous occasion mark the beginning of even greater accomplishments for every one of you!"
The geniuses dispersed as they needed to rest for a while before attending the celebration that King Tranduil prepared for them.
Princess Elenia quickly went to her father's side as his speech ended.
"I have reached Rank-S + peak. It wouldn't be long before I ascend to Rank-SS -."
Princess Elenia excitedly talked about her progress and improvement while also bragging about how she killed some powerful monster on the way.
"I just gave one punch and those monsters were trembling in fear." …
Despite Elenia's bragging, King Tranduil felt that her bragging was lackluster compared to her usual ones.
Usually she will talk about how powerful and talented she was and how she will eventually become the strongest. Although she was still bragging, there was no such comment as being the most talented or strongest. And it was obvious to see why as well. With Mia breaking through Rank-SS - and Zero breaking through to Rank-S -, it would be hard for even Princess Elenia to believe that she was the unparalleled genius she thought she was.
Princess Elenia tried to act like usual, but in reality, she was still deep in thought, grappling with the realization that her two rivals were exhibiting a level of growth that far surpassed her own.
Even if she was arrogant, she wasn't stupid and knew that Mia at the moment could defeat her easily. And there was also a big chance that Zero might also be able to defeat her, now that he was at Rank-S -.
This was a big hit to Princess Elenia's confidence though she tried her best to hide it and not think much about it.
King Tranduil, who knew his daughter well, obviously noticed this and was also able to come to a similar conclusion for her unusual behavior.
He knew that Princess Elenia might be disheartened to see her growth being less than that of Mia and Zero. Even so, King Tranduil didn't think that it was a bad thing. One should always accept reality and know that there is always someone better. However, he recognized the need to address the issue if it became bigger and Elenia were to lose confidence in herself.
It wasn't good to be overconfident but it was also not very good if one were to lose confidence in oneself.
Princess Elenia chatted with King Tranduil for a few minutes before getting dragged away by the queen who needed to freshen up Elenia.
After the queen took Elenia away, King Tranduil was finally alone with Elara. They had already decided previously to discuss and share what they thought after seeing the geniuses progres.
But when they were finally alone and it was time for discussion, they were silent instead of discussing about what they thought. It was because both of them were in deep thought about Zero's new rank.
Elara doesn't know about Zero and she didn't even know the person she was curious about is Zero. King Tranduil, on the other hand, knew about Zero and was more surprised about his progress. To go from Rank-A to Rank-S - wasn't easy and to be able to achieve it at that age was unheard about.
King Tranduil didn't think that even the last Rank-SSS of the Human Race was able to be Rank-S - at Zero's age.
"King Tranduil, just who is that child?"
Elara finally asked. In her lifetime, she had seen many people and heard of many things. There was also her ability to see the future due to which she had come to know many people.
In her lifetime, at least three humans were able to become Rank-SSS and even among them, she couldn't remember anyone who was able to achieve Rank-S - before the age of 20.
Not only that, even the future Hiro was only able to become Rank-S - when he was in his twenties.
Although right now, because of her intervention, Hiro's progress has sped up and he might also become Rank-S - before the age of 20, still it was a big surprise that there is someone who was able to achieve that.
Elara asked King Tranduil and she didn't need to mention any other thing as she knew King Tranduil would know who she was talking about.
"He is Zero Elea. The one I mentioned before."
King Tranduil answered.
"Zero Elea?" she repeated, recalling King Tranduil talking about him. At that moment, she didn't do much of it as she was pretty confident that there would be no one who would come close to Zero in terms of talent.
But now, she was having second thoughts regarding that.
( I can't believe that there is someone who is more talented than Hiro Ernest. But why didn't I hear anything about him in the future? )
Elara thought. If there was indeed someone who is more talented than Hiro Ernest, Elara was sure that she would have at least heard about him once.
But she couldn't remember hearing that name at all.
( Maybe in the future something happened to him? )
Elara thought. This was the only conclusion that she could come up with. Although talented, she thought that maybe in the future, Zero met some disaster which might have killed him or made him useless which could be the reason why he is unknown in the future.
This was the case for many people. Not every talented person will be able to shine in the future. Although their progress might have been fast when they were young, it didn't mean that every one of them will achieve something in the future.
There were many unknown variables that would obstruct them in the future. Which is why Elara was very confident in Hiro as he would be able to achieve great things in the future.
"So what do you think? Do you still believe that Hiro Ernest is unparalleled and we should solely rely on him?"