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

know that all of you have a lot of questions to ask, but I would like for all of you to please calm down and let me continue

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

"Good."

forward, Maximus

scope of deciding whether we are eligible for joining their alliance or not. They had

eyes scanned the

terms, they are asking us to prove

on the heads of everyone present, everyone cooled down from their previous excitement and heavy tension enshrouded

are they trying to have us prove? That we can fight?…or

was a reporter from a famous

his attention towards the reporter, Maximus

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

eyes, Maximus's eyes paused

long, his eyes paused on Kevin that was standing at

at by Maximus from the distance, Kevin suddenly felt an electric shock

'Strong...'

He inwardly muttered.

was only a stare, but Kevin could feel just

faint satisfied smile on his face,

investing in...prove to them that were are not dead weight. We

complicated looks

objects

just how important this opportunity was for

the frown of some of the people present

person asked

many people can we

"Good question."

a small device in his ear, Maximus

"Five?"

as they looked at Maximus's

his head, Maximus

hundred. We are to bring five hundred people maximum. We've tried to ask for more, but

the hall once again quieted down as they all understood

a chance, with only five hundred people present, they were going to be at the mercy of the

did anything to piss them off, they could find themselves

are the

He was from

the attention of the people present as they

participate in the event. This was

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

these same thoughts as all eyes

in reading expressions, Maximus knew exactly what they were thinking and once again poured cold water on the

the five hundred members

"What!?"

unfair this was to the others. But it was clear that Maximus did not care about

unfair, but the four hundred people that we've selected have already proven to us

lowering it down, Maximus gestured for

hundred, there are still one

how do

question, it was actually one of the guests present in

face the

small tournament that will take place for the next month or so. Just before the conference

in the world as many of

a good minute, Maximus adjusted his

I think that's

way toward the stairs

"Oh right."

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

those four hundred people that have been selected, you will soon receive a message

Maximus's face

eyes locked on everyone in the hall, his deep and powerful voice

selected, you are not allowed to refuse. You are here to represent humanity. Your refusal will be treated the same

the slight killing intent hidden

Maximus's words

and refused, they would become

that thought sink in,