Parallel Memory

( Hiro's POV )

Hiro was invited to the birthday party of the heir of Crazy Sword, guildmaster of Silverblade. The birthday girl is Mrs. Sophia who had reached Rank-A - which was really rare for her age.

Sophia would have been considered the most talented among her age group if not for Mia Frostine. Sophia's talent was second only to her.

Not only that but She is also known for her beauty which is comparable to Professor Mia. Some also called her the Most Beautiful person.

Hiro had come with Lisa, Zion, and Slyvia. They were chatting when suddenly the crowd started getting loud.

The whole crowd was looking at the entrance. Hiro was curious too and looked at what got their attention.

All the people invited here are influential and powerful. To get their attention was not as easy as normal people.

[ "Huh?" ]

Hiro could not believe what he saw. There he saw two people who seem like a beautiful couple.

However, it was impossible for them to be a couple. Hiro knows that fact better than anyone because the boy was his classmate and the other was his teacher.

He looked at his companion to see that they too were stunned by what they saw. Not to mention Slyvia who is always expressive, even Lisa who rarely shows different expressions has an astonished face.

Hiro again looked at the couple. He particularly looked at the man with Professor Mia. He had his hair cut and looked more handsome than usual.

But the green eyes and the aura he excluded all were the same as Zero. Hiro at first doubted that he might be a person that just looked like Zero but when that man came to them, Hiro confirmed it was indeed Zero.

*****

Currently, the sky had already turned dark. However, the Emerald Banquet hall remained brightly lit. The hall played loud music and a lot of people were entering and exiting the place.

[ "Isn't it etiquette for man to lead their partner?" ]

Professor Mia asked Zero while turning around and elegantly making her way to Zero's side. She held out her hand.

Zero could only bitterly smile and sigh. He could only take her hand and lead the way.

They walked through the main door. The crowd and noisiness inside once again caused Zero to frown slightly.

With Mia Frostine's appearance, it was natural that she would easily catch people's eyes, especially men.

Immediately, numerous gazes were shot over. When these gazes saw that Mia's and Zero's hands were being held together, they became momentarily blank.

They immediately stared at the Zero with strange gazes. Some gazes were of curiosity while others were filled with sourness and fury.

Holding hands and going out with Mia Frostine might be the dream of many young men of Star City. However, Mia's strength and her cold personality shattered most of their hopes.

Although Professor does not necessarily disdain others getting close to her, however, people who were familiar with her know that this enchanting and beautiful woman does not like people pursuing her.

She does not hide her disdain for people who flirt with her. If the men do not stop courting her, she does not mind showing her powers to scare them off.

It was already extremely hard for men to be ordinary friends with her, not to mention going out with her.

The men with strength were rejected, men with appearance didn't even get a glance from her and even men with good fame were ignored by her.

No matter the background, wealth, or power a person held, they were all rejected by her.

Therefore, when they saw that Mia Frostine was actually holding hands with a man whose appearance was not great, whose rank was E, and when his fame was nonexistent, they couldn't help but be angry at him.

Of course, with Mia's appearance and aura, there was no shortage of admirers at the party. The previous men who courted Mia were comparing Zero with themselves. They all thought that they were all better than him in every way.

The only thing he was superior to was his youth. The men were younger or at least looked younger than them. They thought Mia preferred younger boys.

[ "Who is that boy with Mia Frostine? Don't tell me he is her boyfriend." ]

[ "I have never seen him before. He looks young, his age is probably lower than 20." ]

[ "Who would have thought the Ice Enchantress who didn't give glances to men is into a little boy." ]

[ "I didn't know what men like about that vixen. She even managed to seduce my boyfriend before." ]

[ "Why? Is being strong good for women? I am as pretty as her but all men are ensnared by her." ] ...

The various different kinds of gazes around him cause Zero's face to twitch a little. He pulled Mia's hand and entered the party as his expression calmly endured those intense gazes.

As they passed through the crowd, Mia's footsteps suddenly came to a stop. Zero's gaze leaped over her and eyed the group in front of her. At that spot, a pretty girl was smiling as she happily conversed with those around him.

The beauty that was at the center of the group was naturally the most important person at this party, Sophia Flores.

She was currently standing prettily with a group of people around her. Her exquisite and peerless face contained a gentle smile. The pink-colored dress embedded with a precious gem that only the rich could wear would occasionally reveal the graceful curves underneath.

When comparing her figure, she did not appear to be any worse than Mia Frostine. However, their auras were completely different.

Mia had a cold aura which makes one feel distant while Sophia's aura was warm making people open up to her.

Sophia turned around to see what caused the commotion among the people and saw Mia. She quickly hugged Mia when we reached near them.

[ "~Mia, you are finally here. I have been waiting for you." ]

A little later, Sophia raised her head and looked carefully at me. She smiled and turned her face towards Mia.

[ "I can't believe the cold beauty of the Ace Academy managed to snatch a man before me. I thought you were going to die single." ]

She then turned her head toward me and grinned.

[ "Young man, how did you steal her heart. She was always indifferent to any kind of pursue." ]

[ "It is not like that." ]

Professor Mia interrupted Sophia.

[ "Anyway, let me introduce you to her. She is the birthday girl, the daughter of Crazy Sword, Sophia Flores." ]

Professor Mia introduced her.

[ "Happy Birthday, Ms. Sophia. I am Zero Elea, partner of Mia for tonight's party." ]

[ "I will go and greet my other classmate. You can also go chat with your friends over there." ]

Professor Mia pointed in the direction of Hiro and others. She went with Sophia to their group of friends.

I didn't know anyone except Hiro. So, I went to greet him.

Hiro and Zion were wearing what men would typically wear at parties. Black suit and black ties.

Sylvia was wearing an absolutely stunning red dress which really suits her. It made her look more mature.

Lisa was wearing a white dress which made her look innocent and elegant.

If not for the fact that I was just with a more stunning woman than them, I would have been captivated by their beauty.

Lisa and Sylvia were also beautiful having many men drooling at them, however, Professor Mia was even more so. Lisa and Sylvia have not fully matured leaving them to be more cute than pretty.

[ "Good Evening! I didn't expect you all to be here already." ]

I greeted Hiro and others. Though I don't understand why they are making faces like that.

Their eyes widen with mouths open slightly. It was a little amusing to watch their faces right now.

There was no response for a while. I thought I was not loud enough, So I thought I needed to repeat myself. However, before I repeated myself, Sylvia replied.

[ "Y-eah!... Emm. W-why were you coming with Professor Mia?" ]

Sylvia asked while stuttering.

[ "Obviously because I am Professor Mia's partner." ]

I told her calmly. Rather than giving an excuse and making it like I am committing some kind of crime, it is better to straight away tell the truth.

This will make some things less awkward and less mortifying, like when you take other things without permission and the owner asked you whether you had taken their things. You have to admit right away without finding some excuse.

This indirectly means I have taken your things, I didn't steal them and I will return them.

Similarly, I am trying to tell her, I am Mia's partner, so what? It is not like I am breaking any law. I didn't do something I should be ashamed of.

[ "..." ]

There was no response. I just awkwardly stared at them, occasionally, touching my hair.

[ "Good for you! " ]

Sylvia clapped her hand and replied excitedly after a few seconds. The pause in between their replies is really making things awkward for me.

[ "We came together an hour earlier. I didn't think I would see you with Professor Mia. ~What happened to you chasing Lisa? Did you already forget her?" ]

[ "Ehhh?" ]

Just when I was thinking about what I should say, I felt a hand on my shoulder.

Turning around I saw a man that I don't recognize but I do recognize the person beside him.

( Professor William )