PARALLEL MEMORY

The journey was harsh, filled with monsters and constant fighting, however, none of the geniuses complained.

Well, almost none. William and his friends who were with them would constantly complain saying that it is boring, that food is not good or that sleeping is not comfortable.

It could be seen how much sheltered life they lived. Anyway, despite their complaints, there was nothing that anyone could do.

It was not like they could eat five-star restaurant food in such a dense forest. And they had to sleep in their tents.

Anyway, they continued to venture deeper into the treacherous territory.. The bond between the geniuses grew closer.

They had to rely on each other's strengths and supported one another during battles. The geniuses understood the importance of teamwork, and acknowledged their peers' power. 𝗯𝗲𝐝𝐧𝗼𝐯𝗲𝐥.𝗻𝗲𝐭

Almost all, some were still thinking that they are the greatest talent and that they were above others. However, no problem arises as they were in the presence of Nock Fletcher.

During their travels, they encountered more formidable adversaries. The monsters became increasingly cunning and strategic in their attacks.

Hiro's combat prowess continued to astound the group. His swordsmanship was unparalleled, and he seemed to possess an innate talent of finding opponents' weaknesses instantly.

Each strike he made was precise and efficient, incapacitating even the most formidable monsters with ease.

Despite being one of the youngest, he was one of the geniuses who killed the most monsters. Even the other three S-Rank geniuses were observing Hiro during combat.

Some praised them while others looked at Hiro with jealousy. The title of greatest talent of humanity was something to be jealous of and such a title brought envy and anger from other geniuses.

Because such a title meant that Hiro was more talented than them which was true but as geniuses some of them couldn't accept it.

Nock Fletcher also couldn't help but be intrigued by Hioro's abilities. Although he still found Zero to be stronger, it didn't stop him from being surprised by Hiro and others' skill.

Sylvia, Misha, Zion and Lisa looked weak because of their rank, however, considering their age and skill, they were not to be underestimated.

And during this journey, they all knew why this junior of theirs was in the limelight. They were indeed more talented than they were though most of them wouldn't agree with that.

As the group of geniuses made their way through the dense forest, the magnificent Elven Cities slowly came into view. The sight took their breath away. The cities were a stunning fusion of nature and architecture, seamlessly blending with the surrounding landscape.

The buildings stood tall and elegant, adorned with intricate designs that showcased the Elven craftsmanship. Elven gardens, vibrant with colorful flowers and exotic plants, added a touch of ethereal beauty to the surroundings. Bridges crafted from enchanted wood spanned crystal-clear streams, connecting the different parts of the city.

Sylvia, her eyes wide with awe, exclaimed, "Look at this place! It's like stepping into a dream. The beauty of the Elven Cities is beyond words."

Lisa, equally mesmerized, added, "I've read about the Elven architecture and their connection to nature, but seeing it in person is truly astounding. It's like nature itself has become a living part of the city."

Misha, her voice filled with excitement, chimed in, "I can't wait to explore every corner of this place. Just imagine the knowledge and magic we will encounter within these walls."

Other groups were equally surprised and excited by the sight of Elven city. They might be the first humans in centuries to come to Elven City.

"Listen up! The Elven City is just before us, however, I want to remind you that this is not a vacation and that we are a different Nation. They have their own laws and I hope you all will keep them in mind."

Nock continued as he needed to remind them.

The group of geniuses nodded in agreement, understanding the importance of respecting the laws and customs of the Elven City. Nock's reminder served as a stern yet necessary caution to ensure they didn't inadvertently cause any trouble or disrespect the elves and bring trouble to themselves.

"STOP!"

As the group of geniuses approached the entrance of the Elven City, a stern voice echoed through the air, commanding them to halt. Startled, they turned to see a group of Elven guards standing before them, their weapons drawn and ready.

One of the guards, a tall and imposing figure with piercing green eyes, stepped forward and scrutinized the group. His gaze fell upon Nock, who stood at the forefront of the group. With a hint of suspicion in his voice, he addressed Nock directly.

"You, human. What business do you have in Elven Domain?" the guard asked, his tone laced with authority.

Nock stood tall, meeting the guard's gaze without hesitation. "We have come because of the invitation of Elven's Royal Family," he replied respectfully.

The guard's expression shifted, showing a mix of surprise and understanding. He exchanged a brief glance with his comrades before stepping back.

"Can you show me the proof?"

The guard asked.

"Sure!"

Nock hands over the letter from the Elven's Royal Family. The guard checked the mana of the letter and confirmed its authenticity.

"Very well," the guard said, his tone less stern. "If you have been invited by the Royal Family, we shall escort you. But be warned, any misbehavior or disrespect will not be tolerated."

"You!!!"

"How dare you!"

"You were the one to invite us? Do you think you could control us?" …

It seems that the guards' tone made many of the geniuses uncomfortable. Only a small guard dared to order them and they didn't like that.

They didn't like some guards who are weak to tell them in such a tone.

As the guard's words hung in the air, a mixture of surprise and annoyance rippled through the group of geniuses.

They had expected a warmer reception, given their esteemed status and the purpose of their visit. Some of the geniuses exchanged glances, their expressions betraying their discontent.

Orion couldn't help but voice his frustration. He didn't like some weakling commanding him in such a way.

"Excuse me, but we are weak like you. We are geniuses from our respective nations, invited here by the Elven Royal Family. We deserve to be treated with respect."

The guard's gaze hardened, his authority evident in his response.

"Being geniuses does not grant you immunity from following our rules and customs. Your talent may be impressive, but it does not entitle you to special treatment. Here, only the Royal family has the authority to do what they like. If you don't want to get in trouble, I hope you do as we say."

"You! Who do you think-"

Orion couldn't take the disrespect anymore. He didn't expect that Elves who is just a guard would treat him as such.

He was going to fight with him and show him who is superior here.

"Stop!"

Nock interfered.

"Remember why we came here!"

Nock continued. "You don't need to worry. We came here to build a good relationship with Elves and listen to you all."

"Very well, but remember, you are guests here. Behave accordingly, and all will be well."

With the tension eased, others breathed a collective sigh of relief. It wouldn't have been good if they had conflict with Elves in their territory.

Although they also didn't like the way they were treating them. Although they were humans, they were invited by the Royal Family of Elves, so they needed some sort of respect. Instead, the guards were treating them like some criminals.

They felt looked down upon. However, that was only because they couldn't sense the guards mana aura. They thought that those guards were weak and were commanding them. However, it couldn't be more different.

The reason why Nock stopped Nock who seemed to want to fight with the Elven guard was because the Elven guard was Rank-S. Orion would have gotten himself beaten up if Nock didn't stop him.

Rank-S geniuses, Nock and Zero could sense the guards power. Although their mana were hidden quite well with the environment, they had the good sense to tell that the Elven guard who Orion wanted to fight with was at the peak of Rank-S.

It wasn't weird for such strong Elves to look down on them except for Nock who is more powerful than him.

Anyway, whether they liked it or not, they had to endure it.

With the guard's permission granted, the group of geniuses followed the escort of elven guards, entering the magnificent Elven City.

To read the uncut version, go to 𝑏𝑒𝘥𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝑙.𝘰𝑟𝑔.

The bustling streets greeted them with a sense of enchantment. Elven residents, clad in elegant garments, moved gracefully through the city, their ethereal beauty and tranquility a stark contrast to the harshness of the outside world.