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 his shoulders,

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

polite 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 be hidden from the people present who nodded their heads

"Good."

step forward, Maximus

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

eyes scanned the audience

are asking us

bucket of cold water had been poured on the heads of everyone present, everyone cooled down from their previous excitement and heavy tension enshrouded the

to have us prove? That

spoke amidst the tension. He was a reporter from

his attention towards the reporter, Maximus nodded his

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

his eyes, Maximus's eyes paused on a few

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

Maximus from the distance, Kevin suddenly felt

'Strong...'

He inwardly muttered.

stare, but Kevin could feel just

his face, Maximus turned his attention back

in...prove to them

complicated looks flashed across the faces

being treated as mere objects that were being tested to see if they were

also knew just how important this opportunity was

the frown of some of the people present started

another person asked decided to

people can we

"Good question."

onto a small device in his ear, Maximus opened his palm and raised

"Five?"

as they looked at

head,

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

again quieted down as they all understood the

with only five hundred people present, they were going to be at the

to piss them off,

are the

was from

people

the event. This was a chance for them

a doubt bring a lot of prestige and

these same thoughts as all eyes focused

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

of the five hundred

"What!?"

the hall became nosy as some people expressed how unfair this was to the others. But it was clear that Maximus did not care about their opinion

is unfair, but the four hundred people that we've

hand and lowering it down, Maximus

I've said before, of the five hundred, there are still

how do

time, instead of it being a reporter asking the question, it was actually one

to face the

so. Just before the conference will start. The top one hundred contestants of the tournament will get the chance to

sounded throughout every speaker in the world as many of

his words sink in for a good

think that's enough

waved his hand and made his way toward the stairs

"Oh right."

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

people that have been selected, you will soon receive a message on your devices telling you about participation, but I want you guys to keep something in

face suddenly

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

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

they felt the slight killing intent hidden behind

Maximus's words

selected and refused, they would become

thought sink in,