Zero had no other option but to accompany Professor Mia, who wanted to intervene in the conflict between Hiro and William.
He knew he would be meeting the main characters, which made him feel a bit awkward. However, he didn't think it was a problem and believed that his relationship with them wasn't so close that he needed to explain his disappearances.
It was similar to running into a middle school classmate in college or at the workplace.
Zero speculated that there was a high chance they might not even remember him, except for Misha.
( Well, maybe Sylvia would remember me too, since we used to talk quite often. Or at least I hope so. )
Zero thought.
In any case, the tension between the two sides was escalating.
"Excuse me, please!"
Professor Mia said, and the people made way for us as we walked through the gathering crowd. It seemed that people naturally followed Professor Mia's command.
"Ah, Hiro, always trying to play the hero. But I don't see anything wrong with what I said or Lucus's proposal. In fact, it should be considered an honor that Lucus has taken an interest in her,"
Due to our enhanced hearing, we were able to overhear the conversation between Professor William's group and Hiro's group.
Zero grew angry as it appeared that Professor William and his gang were targeting Misha.
( If Eleanor were here, that guy would already be dead for speaking to Misha in such a manner. Since she isn't here, maybe I should be the one to do it. )
Zero thought with anger.
"That's enough!"
Professor Mia intervened, and Zero and Amelia followed suit. Amelia also seemed disgusted by Professor William's group after overhearing their conversation.
Now, all eyes were on Professor Mia. The crowd was curious about the person who had intervened in the conflict, and they were also captivated by Mia's appearance.
The two groups also looked towards the source of the interference. The people on Professor William's side appeared annoyed and eager to say something, but when they saw Professor Mia, they fell silent.
They knew who the Ice Enchantress was, and even if they didn't, her presence alone was enough to quell any dissatisfaction.
On the other hand, Hiro's group wasn't angry about someone intervening. It was expected, considering the commotion they had caused. However, they were surprised when they saw who had intervened.
Although their attention quickly shifted from Professor Mia to the person behind her, he seemed oddly familiar to them.
Misha immediately recognized Zero, who had grown since the last time they had seen each other.
He had gotten taller and appeared to have become an adult. Well, it was natural, as she had also grown up. However, since she hadn't seen him in almost two years, it felt strange.
Contrary to Zero's thoughts, Lisa, Sylvia, Hiro, and Zion were also able to identify him. They widened their eyes in surprise.
(It's Zero!)
That was the thought that crossed their minds the moment they laid eyes on him.
"Mia!"
Professor William exclaimed happily. He was glad to see Professor Mia and didn't mind her interruption.
However, his demeanor changed when he noticed she was accompanied by someone else. He squinted his eyes, glaring at Zero, and yelled,
"Who the hell are you? And why are you with my Mia?"
Professor William shamelessly asked, further infuriating Professor Mia, who was already angered by Professor William's behavior.
Although she knew Zero wouldn't misunderstand her relationship with Professor William, she still grew angry at someone claiming her as his when she was standing in front of the person she liked.
Zero was initially surprised because Professor William already disliked him before recognizing him. However, he calmed down after realizing it was Professor William he was dealing with.
Professor William was someone who believed he was superior to everyone and made enemies wherever he went.
Zero wore a mocking smile and chose not to respond to Professor William's question. He knew exactly what to do to provoke him further.
Instead of playing along with Professor William's demands, Zero knew that ignoring him would only make him angrier. It would challenge his sense of superiority.
"YOU!"
And just as Zero expected, Professor William grew even more furious at being ignored, especially because of Zero's mocking smile.
"I don't care who you are, but how dare you ignore me! AND GET THE HELL AWAY FROM HER!"
Professor William commanded.
Still, Zero refused to budge and continued to ignore him. He didn't even look in Professor William's direction.
"THAT'S IT!"
Professor William exclaimed as he channeled his mana into his leg.
-WHOOSH!-
Professor William rushed forward to attack Zero. He didn't even recognize Zero, but he attacked because Zero was with Mia and due to her behavior.
He didn't bother assessing the strength of the other party. Professor William was truly beyond redemption, and it was a miracle he had survived this long with such behavior.
Zero looked at Professor William playfully. Although Professor William held the rank of A, his speed seemed more like that of a B-rank.
(Let's have some fun!)
Zero thought. He disliked Professor William, of course. If Professor William had changed, Zero wouldn't have cared about him. But based on his actions, it seemed he had only gotten worse.
"Humph! Huh? Scared to even move. Who told you to ignore me earlier!"
Professor William taunted when he saw that Zero wasn't making any move, despite preparing to attack. However, that didn't mean he intended to hold back. Even if it meant potentially killing the other person, he was willing to do it, convinced he could avoid punishment.
Professor William threw a punch at Zero's face, or so he thought. However, he felt nothing upon impact, even though he should have made contact with Zero's face.
When he looked again, Zero had disappeared!
"Huh?"
Professor William was confused. He was certain that the person he had punched was still there.
"William, behind you!"
Lucus shouted, feeling somewhat nervous.
Being farther away from Zero, he witnessed the entire sequence of events.
He smiled at the sight of Zero not moving, thinking the person was about to get beaten up. However, just before William attacked, Zero vanished from his sight and reappeared behind William.
Lucus yelled to warn William. From that display alone, he could tell that the person William was fighting was powerful and frightening.
Professor William quickly turned his head and saw the most infuriating sight of his life.
Zero, who had evaded his punch, didn't even spare him a glance. He was treated as if he didn't exist.
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