Parallel Memory

Chapter 736: Chapter : Rivals

A week had passed since Lilith secretly visited the human capital.

For the first time in months, the deadlock that had trapped the leaders of humanity finally showed signs of moving forward. Commander Rurik’s proposal had been accepted, and the invitation for the Devil King’s successor to speak before the assembly had officially been approved.

Yet, despite the importance of the decision, Zero looked surprisingly calm as he walked through the halls of Tech Genesis.

Beside him walked Mia Frostine.

The afternoon sun poured through the enormous glass windows of the building, casting long shadows across the polished floor.

Mia stole a glance at Zero.

"You’ve been unusually quiet."

Zero shrugged.

"I’ve always been quiet."

"Not this quiet."

He looked at her with a faint smile.

"You’ve known me for years and only noticed now?"

Mia clicked her tongue.

"Stop changing the subject."

Zero simply laughed and continued walking.

The news of Lilith’s invitation had spread throughout the upper levels of the city, though ordinary citizens knew very little beyond the fact that the meetings would continue soon.

Only those directly involved understood how important this invitation truly was.

Mia folded her arms.

"So, where is she?"

"Still here."

"You let the future queen of the Devil Kingdom stay in your company for an entire week?"

"Technically, Aiden let her stay."

Mia stopped walking and stared at him.

"You really don’t understand women at all, do you?"

Zero blinked.

"What did I do this time?"

Mia shook her head and sighed.

"Nothing."

That answer somehow made Zero even more confused.

The elevator doors opened, and the two stepped onto the top floor.

Meanwhile, inside the penthouse, Lilith stood beside the giant window, staring at the city below.

For the past week, she had spent most of her time hidden inside Tech Genesis while Zero handled the political preparations. Though she had traveled all the way to the human capital, she had barely left the building.

The sound of footsteps echoed from behind.

Lilith turned around.

And froze.

Mia stood at the entrance beside Zero.

For a few seconds, silence filled the room.

The last time they had met, the world around them had been collapsing.

Dust had filled the air.

The Devil King had fallen.

Zero had been unconscious.

Everything had been chaos.

Now, they stood inside a luxurious room overlooking the capital.

Mia was the first to speak.

"Long time no see."

Lilith smiled politely.

"Lady Mia."

Zero immediately sensed something strange in the atmosphere.

The smiles on their faces looked friendly.

Too friendly.

Mia stepped forward and looked Lilith up and down.

"You seem healthy."

Lilith nodded.

"So do you."

"I heard you’ve become queen."

"I heard you’ve become a hero."

Mia smiled.

"Not by choice."

Lilith laughed softly.

"Neither did I."

Zero quietly sat down on the sofa, suddenly feeling that something dangerous was happening.

The two girls sat opposite each other.

Then, almost simultaneously, they turned toward him.

"Zero."

"Zero."

He looked left.

Then right.

"...Yes?"

Mia smiled sweetly.

"How have you been recovering?"

Lilith smiled just as sweetly.

"Did you remember to take your medicine?"

Zero frowned.

"I wasn’t aware this was an interrogation."

Neither answered.

Instead, Mia walked to the kitchen.

"You haven’t eaten, right? I’ll prepare something."

Lilith immediately stood up.

"I can help."

Mia smiled.

"You’re our guest."

Lilith smiled back.

"I insist."

For some reason, Zero suddenly felt cold.

The two disappeared into the kitchen.

From inside, he could hear their voices.

"So, how long have you known Zero?"

"Long enough."

"And you?"

"Also long enough."

"Interesting."

"Very interesting."

Zero stared blankly at the ceiling.

He had faced the Devil King himself and somehow survived.

Yet the atmosphere coming from the kitchen was far more terrifying.

A few minutes later, Aiden entered the room carrying documents.

He immediately noticed Zero’s expression.

"...What happened?"

Zero pointed toward the kitchen.

"I think they’re fighting."

Aiden listened carefully.

The voices sounded perfectly calm.

"They sound fine."

"That’s what worries me."

At that moment—

"Zero, do you prefer meat or fish?"

Mia shouted.

Before he could answer, Lilith’s voice followed.

"Zero likes lighter food after recovering."

Mia replied immediately.

"That’s because he doesn’t eat properly."

Lilith answered just as quickly.

"He didn’t eat properly in the Devil Kingdom either."

Aiden slowly turned toward Zero.

"...Good luck."

"I survived Aamon."

"Unfortunately, I can’t help you with this battle."

An hour later, dinner was finally ready.

The three sat around the table while the evening sun slowly disappeared beyond the city.

The atmosphere was peaceful.

At least on the surface.

Mia carefully placed a plate in front of Zero.

"You should eat more."

Before Zero could respond, Lilith pushed a bowl toward him.

"Start with soup first."

Mia frowned slightly.

"He needs protein."

Lilith shook her head.

"He needs proper nutrition."

Zero looked down at the mountain of food now sitting before him.

"I think I need mercy."

Neither listened.

Mia poured him water.

Lilith handed him bread.

Mia adjusted his plate.

Lilith moved the vegetables closer.

Zero glanced at Aiden, who had wisely chosen to sit on the opposite side of the room.

Aiden immediately lowered his head and focused on eating.

He wanted absolutely no part in whatever this was.

Mia smiled at Lilith.

"I didn’t expect the queen of the Devil Kingdom to know how to cook."

Lilith smiled back.

"I didn’t expect the famous Ice Queen to know either."

Zero quietly took another bite, pretending he couldn’t hear anything.

Mia suddenly turned toward him.

"Zero, which one tastes better?"

Lilith looked at him expectantly.

Zero froze.

He slowly put down his fork.

"I suddenly lost my sense of taste."

Aiden nearly choked on his drink.

Mia narrowed her eyes.

"Coward."

Lilith nodded.

"Definitely."

For the first time that evening, all three laughed.

As the night grew deeper, the conversation gradually became lighter.

They talked about the human capital.

About the Devil Kingdom.

About the absurd misunderstandings Lilith had experienced during the past week.

"You really thought the elevator was eating people?" Mia asked.

Lilith immediately defended herself.

"People walk in and disappear."

"That’s how elevators work."

"That’s exactly what makes them suspicious."

Zero burst out laughing.

Mia joined him.

Lilith crossed her arms.

"You humans laugh now, but one day that thing will betray all of you."

Hours passed before anyone realized how late it had become.

Outside, the streets of the capital had fallen silent.

Mia stood from her chair and looked outside.

"It’s too late to return."

Zero nodded.

"You can stay here tonight."

Lilith immediately added, "There’s plenty of room."

Mia looked between the two before sitting back down.

"Fine."

For some reason, Zero felt as though he had just agreed to something dangerous again.

The next morning arrived faster than expected.

The sun had barely risen when Lilith stood at the entrance of Tech Genesis, prepared for the long journey back to the Devil Kingdom.

Mia and Zero accompanied her outside.

For a few moments, nobody spoke.

Lilith looked toward the distant horizon.

"A week from now, history might change."

Mia nodded.

"Or everything could become worse."

Lilith smiled faintly.

"Let’s hope for the first option."

She turned toward Zero.

"Thank you."

Zero shook his head.

"I haven’t done anything."

"You ended a deadlock that lasted for months."

"I only gave people another excuse to argue."

Lilith laughed softly.

"Even so."

For the first time since arriving in the human capital, genuine hope appeared in her eyes.

"If this succeeds..."

She looked toward the sky.

"Humans and devils might finally walk the same path."

Zero remained silent.

Mia simply watched her.

After a few moments, Lilith turned around and began walking toward the city gates.

Neither Zero nor Mia moved until her figure disappeared into the distance.

Far away, in the Devil Kingdom, celebrations had already begun.

Some devils gathered in taverns, raising their cups high.

"Our queen is a genius!"

"She has trapped humanity in its own politics!"

"Let the humans fight among themselves!"

"By the time they realize the truth, we’ll have recovered!"

They laughed loudly, convinced that Lilith was deceiving humanity and leading them toward chaos.

Others sat quietly in their homes, speaking of a different future.

"A peace treaty..."

"Do you think it’s possible?"

"I don’t know."

"But maybe our children won’t have to fight."

For the first time in generations, hope and hatred existed side by side.

Meanwhile, back in the human capital, the Church, the Authority, and the War Council continued their political games, each side preparing its arguments for the meeting to come.

And standing between those two worlds—

Between hope and revenge—

Was a single girl flying home with dreams of changing the history of Edolas forever.