Parallel Memory
chapter-499

After the intense battle and the heartwarming speeches, the geniuses and spectators were invited to a grand celebratory dinner hosted by King Thranduil in the magnificent Elven Palace. The dinner hall was adorned with sparkling crystal chandeliers that cast a soft, enchanting light over the long, ornate tables. Elven musicians played soothing melodies in the background, creating a serene atmosphere.

The geniuses from various races, including Mia Frostine, found themselves seated at the center table, where they were joined by King Thranduil himself. The table was decorated with exquisite floral arrangements and intricate sculptures that complemented the place.

As the dinner commenced, a sumptuous feast was served, featuring dishes made from precious mana herbs to other rare ingredients.

The geniuses from various races talked with each other. With the contest, many were able to find geniuses from other races who were similar to them.

There was also the fact that many geniuses who fought each other acknowledged each other, and there was also an understanding born that was able to make each race acknowledge the strength of other races including the Human Race.

There were also many geniuses who conversed with talents like Hiro and Mia. They wanted to know them as they were undoubtedly more talented than even those who were considered geniuses.

Zero wasn't very popular and the reason was clear. Remembering the bloody scene caused by Zero, not many had the guts to talk with Zero.

But there were still others who didn't care about that and wanted to know him better. One of them was Elowyn of Dryads Race which was defeated by Zero.

And Dwarf who were honest with their desire and didn't think much of what happened at the contest.

Although not everything was well and good. There were still some people who were arrogant and thought of themselves as superior but as losers, they had to keep their heads lower.

The only one allowed to be arrogant was Mia Frostine, the undefeatable genius. She can feel superior because she was and in fact, is stronger than them.

There was still Princess Elenia but strangely she was quiet at that moment. Well, not very strange considering her mother was by her side.

It seems that the only one who could control Princess Elenia in this whole world was her mother.

King Thranduil, a gracious host, toasted the unity and cooperation among the races, highlighting the importance of such gatherings in strengthening the bonds between their kingdoms. He also praised Mia Frostine for her outstanding performance and the dedication of all the geniuses.

Amidst the laughter and conversation, Uriel and Gabriel, the Aasimar guardians, entered the hall, escorting Seraphine, who had regained consciousness. Her injuries had been tended to by skilled elven healers, and although she was still weak, her determination and spirit remained unbroken.

A hushed silence fell over the room as Seraphine made her way to the center table, supported by her friends from the Aasimar race. King Thranduil stood and welcomed her with a warm smile, recognizing her bravery and unwavering resolve.

"Seraphine," he said, "your courage and tenacity in the face of adversity have earned you the respect and admiration of everyone here. You are a shining example of the strength and resilience that can be found within the Aasimar race."

Seraphine blushed and nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude. She knew that even in defeat, she had achieved something remarkable.

But just like Princess Elenia, it seemed like she wasn't very satisfied with the defeat and glanced at Mia like she was determined to fight again.

But it seems that, unlike Princess Elenia, she knew how to keep her manners and didn't confront Mia in front of everyone.

The dinner continued with renewed energy and enthusiasm, and the geniuses from all races, including Seraphine, shared in the joy and celebration. The Elven Palace echoed with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses as the geniuses toasted to their newfound friendships and the promise of the Luminary Spring.

*******

The next morning, human geniuses were greeted by Nock Fletcher who was happy over the moon.

Well, indeed he was still happy about Mia winning the contest. Not only was it with the reward of Mia being able to stay at Luminary Spring longer than others and getting strong but also a pride for the Human Race.

The other agents from The Authority were also smiling. "Good Work, Everyone!"

Nock continued, "Today, we will be guarding you all until we reach Luminary Spring."

It seems like reaching Luminary Spring wasn't an easy task. '

Led by Nock and the Rank-S guards, other geniuses followed them. They were soon taken to the outside of Royal Castle where other races' geniuses were gathered along with their own guards.

As the geniuses from various races and their respective guards gathered outside the Royal Castle, there was a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. The unity and camaraderie forged during the grand celebratory dinner had left a positive mark on everyone, and the journey to Luminary Spring was seen as the in their shared adventure.

King Tranduil arrived soon after with a group of Elven guards. He smiled at the crowd and addressed them.

King Thranduil, standing tall and regal, addressed the gathered geniuses from various races and their guardians with a commanding yet warm presence.

"My dear geniuses from every race," he began.

"I cannot overstate the importance of our journey to Luminary Spring. It is a path fraught with peril, for the path to greatness is rarely without challenges."

The geniuses and their guardians listened attentively, their faces a mix of anticipation and determination.

"Once you leave the safety of Eldoria," King Thranduil continued, "You will venture into lands where the power of mana fluctuates unpredictably. The terrain is treacherous, with dense forests, towering mountains, and hidden dangers. It is a place where the very essence of nature can be both a boon and a bane."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "But the most dangerous of all is the Luminary Spring itself!"

King Tranduil confused a lot of geniuses. They only knew some information about Luminary Spring, which is that it unlocks potential and makes them more strong.

They had no idea what danger that kind of heavenly place would possess.

"Danger?"

"I wasn't told about this! Isn't it like a lake filled with mana essence?"

"What can be dangerous about Luminary Spring? Is the Elven King trying to scare us?" …

There was a lot of discussion out of concern about their safety. There were also some who were quite calm about the situation like all the Even geniuses and Zero.

Amelia and Mia also weren't worried. Although they didn't know what the danger that King Tranduil was talking about, looking at the Elves, they knew that it wasn't something that would kill them or at least have some kind of solution to that danger.

King Thranduil surveyed the geniuses and their guardians with a knowing smile, his ageless eyes filled with ancient wisdom.

He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to hang in the air. The geniuses exchanged worried glances, realizing that Luminary Spring was more perilous than they had initially thought.

"Indeed," he continued, "Luminary Spring is a place of unparalleled power, but it is not without its challenges. The essence of mana that flows through it is so potent that it can overwhelm an unprepared body, causing it to burn with the very energy it seeks to absorb."

He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to hang in the air. The geniuses exchanged worried glances, realizing that Luminary Spring was more perilous than they had initially thought.

"But fear not," King Thranduil reassured them. "There is a solution to this problem. Each of you will be provided with special pills crafted with various rare mana herbs found only in the depths of Eldora. These pills will serve two purposes."

King Thranduil took out a pill radiating some energy and continued, "These pills," the Elven King explained, "are designed to absorb and regulate the overwhelming mana essence of Luminary Spring. They will protect your body from harm and allow you to harness its power safely."

The geniuses looked at the pills with a mix of curiosity and relief, realizing that they were a crucial safeguard for their journey.

"But that's not all," King Thranduil continued. "They also help your body absorb more mana from the Luminary Spring."

The geniuses were relieved and once again excited. It means that as long as they took the pill, there wasn't a danger in going to Luminary Spring.

"The number of pills each of you will receive," King Thranduil continued, "will be proportional to your achievements in the contest. As I have already stated, those who showed good potential and those with good ranking will be allowed to stay more in the Luminary Spring."

There was a collective nod of understanding among the geniuses. Only now did they know what King Tranduil meant by allowing more time to the geniuses who fought well. It had meant more pills.

The aura that they can detect from the pill also indicates that it is a very precious pill, so it must be very hard to procure.

King Thranduil then handed each genius a vial containing the precious pills. The vials shimmered with an otherworldly light, and the pills themselves seemed to pulse with energy.