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."

stopped talking, relaxing

you

and the way he worded them made it seem as though he was asking a favor from the audience, but the commanding tone could not

"Good."

forward, Maximus continued his

was saying, the three other races have agreed to host us in the elven 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

the

asking

on the heads of everyone present, everyone

they trying to have us prove? That we

spoke amidst the tension. He was a

attention towards the

have asked us to display to them the abilities of our top-ranked people as well

room with his eyes, Maximus's

his eyes paused on Kevin that was standing at the back

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

'Strong...'

He inwardly muttered.

Kevin could feel just

on his face, Maximus turned his attention back towards the

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

once again descended in the hall as complicated looks flashed across the faces of some of the

were being treated as mere objects that were being tested to

they also knew just how important this opportunity

before the frown of some of the people present started

another person asked

many people

"Good question."

ear, Maximus opened his

"Five?"

throughout the hall as

head, Maximus

five hundred people maximum. We've tried to ask for more, but the elves aren't too keen on

the hall once again quieted down as they

though they were being granted a chance, with only five hundred people present, they were going to be

anything to piss them off, they could find themselves

are the

from A.I.S.R, another famous

question instantly drew the attention of the people present

many wanted to participate in the event.

perform well, they would without a doubt bring a lot of prestige and honor to

the hall shared these same thoughts as all eyes

expressions, Maximus knew exactly what they were thinking and once again poured cold water on the heads of some

hundred members have already

"What!?"

others. But it was clear that Maximus did not care about their opinion at all

this is unfair, but the four hundred people that we've selected have already

it down, Maximus gestured for everyone present to

I've said before, of the five hundred, there are still one hundred spots that are open for people to

how do we access

a reporter asking the question, it was actually one of the

face the

simple, we've set up 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

every speaker in the world as many

for a good minute, Maximus

think that's enough

way toward the stairs that led to

"Oh right."

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

will soon receive a message on your devices telling

Maximus's face suddenly

deep and powerful voice resounded

you're selected, you are not allowed to refuse. You are here to

present as they felt the slight killing intent hidden behind his words.

words were

were selected and refused,

that thought sink in, everyone