The Author's POV

"An announcement that will shake the foundations of the human domain."

Maximus's words thunderously rang through every corner of the venue as the hearts of everyone witnessing the scene started beating faster.

Be it the people attending or those watching from whatever means that had, everyone's eyes were glued on Maximus in the middle of the hall.

With all the attention focused on him, Maximus's composure remained firm.

Then, opening his mouth, he finally made his announcement.

"We've just received news that in a month from now, the three other races have decided to host a conference in the elven domain to discuss whether humanity will be able to join their alliance..."

Silence.

Absolute silence enshrouded the hall and the whole human domain. Everyone, from the people present in the hall or watching outside, opened their eyes widely as Maximus's words repeatedly rang through their ears.

The silence did not last for long, however, as all the reporters simultaneously stood up and the flashes coming from the cameras repeatedly flashed across the stage.

"Your excellency Maximus, are your words true?"

"Will humanity finally join hands with the other races?"

"What is the so-called event that will happen in a month's time? Any more details on that?"

The questions were endless, and it wasn't only the reporters that asked the questions as the people that were invited also started to ask questions, not caring about their statuses.

The Union wasn't kidding when they said that this was a huge announcement.

Everyone was prepared to hear something outrageous, but this was beyond their expectations.

It had to be noted that ever since the three races entered the earth, they had never tried to associate with humanity.

But out of nowhere they suddenly wanted to join hands with humanity?

This was mind-blowing.

Just imaginining the technology and trades that they could make with the other races once they allied together made everyone realize that humanity was soon going to face a new era of prosperity.

It made them all excited!

'So he's already announced it?'

Staring at the scene from behind, Kevin leaned on one of the tables and took a sip of his drink.

He of course knew of the event before anyone present.

However, it wasn't the Union that told him, but it was in actual fact, the red book.

With him being able to see what Ren was up to, he of course knew what was going on. In fact, he knew even before the Union did.

This was why he refused to tell the others about it. After all, only he knew the secret of the book.

'Now that I think about it, it's been a while since I last checked the book…'

About half a year or so.

Since Ren was doing fine and spending most of his time training, Kevin no longer felt the need to check the book.

He too had been training like crazy during this past year, and he wanted to see for himself just how much Ren had improved.

Since they were going to reunite soon, he didn't want to be spoiled too much.

A competitive flame ignited in his eyes as his thoughts paused there.

After all, he was planning on having a good spar when they would once again meet. If possible, he wanted to give him a good beating too.

The amount of crap Ren said the last time he checked the book pissed Kevin off quite a bit.

"Everyone please quiet down."

Disrupting Kevin out of his thoughts was Maximus's voice.

Following this, a terrifying pressure enveloped the entire hall, instantly shutting down the mouths of all the people present.

"Thank you."

relaxing his

of questions to ask, but I would like for all of you to please calm down and let me continue talking. I've only said a small part

made it seem as though he was asking a favor from the audience, but the commanding tone could not be hidden

"Good."

step forward,

domain with the scope of deciding whether we are eligible for joining their alliance or not. They had one request when telling us to come, and that was to show them why

the audience

terms, they are asking us to

of cold water had been poured on the heads of everyone present, everyone cooled down from their previous

to have us prove? That we

spoke amidst the tension. He was

his attention towards the reporter, Maximus nodded

display to them the abilities of our top-ranked people

room with his eyes, Maximus's eyes paused on

long, his eyes paused on Kevin that was standing at the back of

Maximus from the distance, Kevin suddenly felt an electric shock course through his

'Strong...'

He inwardly muttered.

was only a stare, but Kevin could feel just how big the gap between Maximus

a faint satisfied smile on his face, Maximus turned his attention

are worth investing in...prove to them that were are not dead weight. We don't want to be treated as cannon fodder now

descended in the hall as complicated looks flashed across the

treated as mere objects that were being tested to

knew just how important this opportunity was for

of some of the people present

person asked decided to

people can we

"Good question."

onto a small device in his ear, Maximus opened

"Five?"

spread throughout the hall as they looked at Maximus's raised

head, Maximus

for more, but the elves aren't too keen on letting too many of

once again quieted down as they all understood the implication behind his

five hundred people present, they were going to be

them off, they could find themselves

the

was from A.I.S.R,

people present as they

wanted to participate in the event. This was a chance for them

well, they would without a doubt

as all eyes

what they were thinking and once again

hundred members have already been

"What!?"

was to the others. But it was

don't care if you think this is unfair, but the four hundred people that we've selected have already proven to us that they are the top

down, Maximus gestured

there are still one hundred spots that are open for

do

instead of it being a reporter asking the question,

to face the guest, Maximus

a small tournament that will take place for the next month or so. Just before the conference will start. The top one hundred contestants of

in the world as many of

his words sink in for a good minute,

think that's enough for

and made his way toward the stairs that led

"Oh right."

steps away from the mike, recalling something, he turned to face the mike once

those four hundred people that have been selected, you will soon receive a message on your devices telling you about participation,

face

his eyes locked on everyone in the hall, his deep

to refuse. You are here to represent humanity. Your refusal will be

chill ran through the spine of some of the people present as they felt the slight killing intent hidden behind his words. Some of the

words

and

thought sink in, everyone