PARALLEL MEMORY

Chapter 423: Etheron City [2]

The following day, Zain and his team returned to Sanctum Aurea.

Zero, Amelia, and Mia were eager to explore the city since it was their first time visiting. Etheron City, situated on the border of the Human Domain, had previously been a sparsely frequented location.

However, the situation had changed due to Elves extending invitations to human geniuses to visit their nation. As a result, the city was now bustling with activity, teeming with numerous visitors.

The geniuses didn't travel alone; they were accompanied by a team of protectors, much like Holy Knights who were assigned to escort Mia, Amelia, and Zero. While the Holy Knights had left as they weren't needed considering their strength, it was not the case for other geniuses who still had their guards with them.

Mia and Amelia could recognize most of the geniuses that were present there and it was the same for them. The moment they noticed Mia, their eyes would inevitably stare at them.

"Haha, it seems that we garner a lot of attention because of you."

Amelia said to Mia teasingly.

"I don't think you can say that with so many people staring at you."

Mia replied. Although Mia got most of the attention because of her fame, people staring at Amelia was no less.

Amelia's appearance could easily contend with Mia who is regarded as the most beautiful woman. Men can't help but be mesmerized by her looks.

Zero on other hand was like a weed in between flowers. Although his charm was good, considering he was with Mia and Amelia, he was no less than a goblin.

But the glare he got might be twice that of the two of them. Many people were jealous of Zero who was with two beauties. They could help themselves but curse at him.

"Who is he? Why is he with Ice Enchantress?"

"I look much better than him. How could such a person deserve to have two beautiful girls?"

"It should have been me, not him!" …

Zero had the urge to wear his mask which he put inside the Spatial Ring. He couldn't feel hatred being directed at him even though he didn't do anything.

Mia seemed less bothered by attention as she was used to it. Since she was little, she was treated as such because of her talent and looks.

Anyway, the three of them continued to go around and explore the place. And in front of them, a small crowd seemed to have formed.

The guy who was surrounded by people was holding a spear. He looked pretty handsome and looked strong.

"He is Orion! He reached Rank-A at the age of 22 and is said to be one of the strongest in his generation. His sword Art is pretty powerful and people of the same rank could barely receive three of his attacks."

Mia explained to Zero.

"Oh, so he is Orion! The one who is said to have saved a town from Dungeon Outbreak. No wonder people are surrounding him. He seemed to have been hailed as Hero in that town."

Amelia added. The reason for Orion's popularity was because of a recent deed where his name was spread across the world.

"Hmmm… "

Zero stared at Orion but couldn't remember anyone with such a name. becoming Rank-A at age 22 was an incredible feat and something that even talented people rarely achieve.

Orion was talking with the people when he noticed Mia and immediately came towards her. The people out of respect seemed to give way to Orion and looked in his direction where they noticed the trio.

Many could recognize Mia Frostine but not many could recognize Amelia and Zero. However, Mia was enough to shift their focus to her.

As Orion approached the trio, he wore a warm smile on his face, exuding an air of confidence and charm.

"Mia Frostine, the renowned Ice Enchantress! It's an honor to meet you," he said, offering a handshake.

"Likewise, Mr. Orion. It is nice to meet you!"

Mia replied, although she didn't shake his hand. It didn't bother Orion as he knew Mia was not touching men.

It was not because Mia hates male or anything but because men would always try to pursue her and seem to want to take advantage of her, so she avoids having to touch them even if they are handshakes.

"And these are?"

Orion asked, turning his attention to Zero and Amelia.

"These are my companions," Mia introduced with a smile. "This is Amelia and Zero, who are my companions."

Amelia and Zero nodded politely, acknowledging Orion's presence.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both as well," Orion said, turning his friendly gaze towards them, although Zero felt a bit self-conscious under Orion's penetrating gaze.

Orion seemed to dislike Zero and he knew why. He had already seen a similar gaze from all the people that he had seen before.

It was surprising that even a genius such as Orion seemed to act the same way as others.

"So, Ice Enchantress should also be here because of the Elven invitation, right?"

Orion said.

"Yes!"

"And they are?"

"Also invited by the Elven nation."

Mia said.

Orion looked surprised, especially at Zero. He tried really hard to remember Zero but no matter what, he couldn't remember him.

The people who were invited by Elves were all geniuses who are famous throughout the world. And most of them who he met, he could recognize them.

However, it was a different story for Zero who he didn't recognize. Orion might have heard Zero's name or seen him in Tournament Of Academies but he didn't win the tournament, so he was not so popular that Orion would remember his face.

Moreover, Zero had grown up since then. Even if the person knows him, he wouldn't be sure it was Zero unless they were close to each other.

So, Orion had no idea how strong or talented Zero was. But from the appearance, he concluded that Zero might be around B rank.

"Ice Enchantress, if you don't mind, would you like to go with me? I, along with some of the companions, are going to meet with other people who are going to the Elven nation."

Orion asked. Mia was really beautiful and no matter who laid their eyes on her, they would like to make her theirs.

Orion was the same and the moment he laid his eyes on her, he wanted to make Ice Enchantress his.

Orion didn't think that there was anything wrong with his intention. Orion was also proud as he was hailed as geniuses throughout his life and even hailed as Hero.

He has also won Tournament Of Academies when he was a student. So, he didn't think there was anything wrong with him trying to woo Mia.

As much as Orion's offer was flattering, Mia politely declined, "Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Orion, but I'm here with my friends to explore the city. Perhaps some other time."

The crowd was also watching the interaction between the two. Even though there was Amelia and Zero by Mia's side, their focus was on Mia Frostine.

From their conversation, they could see that Orion was trying to flirt with Ice Enchantress. Girls who like Orion cursed at Mia and were jealous of her.

They tried to invite Orion to walk with them but were rejected. So, they were jealous when Orion invited Mia when he rejected them.

"Looks like Orion was rejected!" 𝑏𝑒𝘥𝑛𝘰𝑣𝑒𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"Haha… What did I say? Although Orion is good, how could he compare to Ice Enchantress? Be it her background or talent, Orion is lower than Ice Enchantress. He should have known his place."

"He is too arrogant! Did he think Ice Enchantress was like other girls? How can she easily give in to his requested." …

Although the girl was not happy about the situation, men were all happy at Mia rejecting Orion's invitation. They also made sure to mock him, though in a low voice as they didn't want Orion to find them.

Orion was angry at Mia refusing his invitation. He could hear all kinds of insults being hurled at him after Mia refused his invitation.

He was angry both at the crowd and Mia. But his expression remained the same with a smile on his face.

"Of course, I understand. If you change your mind, feel free to find me. It would be an honor to get to know you better."

Orion said before leaving with his other companion.