Parallel Memory

As Hiro and his friends followed Professor Mia to a nearby café, their minds were filled with questions about Zero.

They also kept looking back and forth towards Zero. They were sure that he was Zero, although he had grown taller and looked a bit different than in their memories.

On their way towards a cafe, they wanted to ask him some questions but found it incredibly awkward for them to ask Zero questions. After all, it had been two and half years since they last saw each other.

Moreover, even the year when they were classmates, they didn't really speak with Zero much. The only one who was in a good relationship was Sylvia and Misha.

And what would they even ask him? Why were you gone? Where have you been for the past two and half years?

Who are they to probe into what he did? He could do whatever he wanted and he wouldn't need to explain it to them.

Although they wanted to know and wanted to ask him how he became so strong.

Anyway, they quietly followed Professor Mia who was walking alongside Amelia and Zero. They could see Zero occasionally speak with Professor Mia like they were friends.

They were surprised by Professor Mia who was smiling at Zero.

For the past two years, she was their professor and taught them. However, they never saw her smiling like today.

Their eyes also fell on Amelia. Hiro could detect powerful energy from Amelia and could tell that she was stronger than him.

"She is the Saintess, right?"

Sylvia whispered to them.

"I think she is. I had heard that Professor Mia was friends with the Saintess before."

Lisa replied.

"And he is Zero, right?"

Sylvia asked.

"He should be!"

Misha answered.

"What is Zero doing with them?"

Sylvia asked.

They all thought for a second but couldn't come up with an answer. Until 10 minutes ago, they didn't even know that Zero had returned from wherever he was. How could they know why Saintess and Professor Mia were so friendly with him?

Although they could understand Professor Mia as she always seemed close to Zero even at Ace Academy.

"Who knows!"

Hiro answered.

"Hehe… He has become somewhat handsome now. What do you say, Lisa?"

Sylvia teased Lisa.

Lisa blushed slightly, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. She shyly glanced at Zero, who was engrossed in conversation with Professor Mia and Amelia.

It was true that he had grown more attractive over the years that she hadn't seen him.

Flustered by Sylvia's playful remark, Lisa stammered, "Uh, well, I guess he does look attractive... though he looked cuter before."

"Hehe… So you prefer younger Zero? Unexpected, isn't it Misha?"

Sylvia asked.

"Well, I don't know about preferences, but he certainly has changed a lot. From the conversation, it seems that you like his current appearance."

Misha replied.

"I do like his current appearance but he is still far from the look that I am looking for in a man. He needs to become more handsome if he wants to have me."

Sylvia jokingly replied.

As Hiro and his friends entered the café with Professor Mia, they found a secluded corner to sit and talk.

Hiro and his group kept their eyes on Professor Mia while occasionally glancing at Zero.

"Would you like to order something? My treat!"

Professor Mia said as she called for the waitress.

"Black Coffee for me,"

"I just need a glass of water." …

"I have not seen you for months and it seems like you all have grown even stronger, especially Hiro. Congratulations on ascending to Rank-A!"

Professor Mia said.

"Thank you, Professor Mia!"

Hiro replied politely.

"So, I assume that all of you are here because of the Elves' invitation."

Professor Mia asked.

They all nodded their heads. She thought it was natural as this group of students was one of the greatest talents she has taught.

"Well, we are also here because of that. Let me introduce her, she is Amelia and the Saintess of the Church."

Professor Mia gestured towards Amelia, who smiled warmly at Hiro and his friends. They exchanged greetings, and the girls couldn't help but feel a sense of awe in Amelia's presence.

She was pretty looking, something that even they had to admit. Amelia's aura overflowed with kindness and grace, embodying the qualities the girls admired and aspired to possess.

"Nice to meet all of you," Amelia said graciously.

"I've heard a lot about your accomplishments from Professor Mia. It's impressive for your age to reach such a rank."

"Thank you, Saintess Amelia."

Hiro replied, trying to maintain his composure.

Amelia smiled warmly, her eyes glancing briefly at Zero before returning her attention to the group.

Saintess Amelia thought that maybe they were Zero's friends although they didn't really behave like friends. Anyway, she could see that they were interested in Zero and were occasionally glancing at him.

( Are they perhaps scared of Zero and his power? )

Amelia thought to herself. She was curious why they seemed to be interested in Zero.

"And I don't think that I need to introduce him."

Professor Mia said as she gestured towards Zero.

Zero sat quietly, his gaze fixed on the table in front of him. He didn't say anything nor did Hiro's group say anything for a brief period.

Professor Mia was confused by the silence. She was certain that Zero had a good relationship with them. Other than them, she has never seen Zero associated with other students.

She even had a thought that maybe they didn't recognize Zero. After all, even if one were classmates, you might forget each other after 2 years of not seeing each other.

After a brief silence, Sylvia mustered up the courage to break the ice. "Um, Zero... It's been a while since we last saw you. We were surprised to see you here with Professor Mia and

Saintess Amelia."

Zero looked up, meeting Sylvia's eyes for a moment.

"Yes, it has been a while."

Zero replied.

There was another silence.

"So, how did you encounter William?"

Saintess Amelia asked after not being able to bear the silences.

"This …"

Hiro and Sylvia began telling the entire story about how they met and how they created trouble for them.

"William and his friends are too evil. Zero did a nice job teaching them a lesson!"

Amelia said. She felt a bit pity towards William as his face was swollen by Zero's slap. But it seems that there was no need to feel pity for that scumbag.

"Anyway, why were you staring at Zero?"