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."

everyone stopped talking, relaxing

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 of what I

asking a favor from the audience, but the

"Good."

step forward, Maximus

joining their alliance or not. They had one request when telling us to come, and that was to show them why they should allow

eyes scanned the audience like a

simple terms, they are asking us to prove ourselves...our

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

exactly are they trying to have us prove?

spoke amidst the tension. He was

his attention towards the reporter, Maximus nodded his

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

the room with his eyes, Maximus's

his eyes paused on Kevin that was standing

felt an electric shock

'Strong...'

He inwardly muttered.

Kevin could feel just how big the gap between Maximus

satisfied smile on his face, Maximus turned his attention back towards the

need to convince 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

as complicated looks

pleasant to hear that they were being treated as mere objects that were being tested

knew just how important

of some

person asked

many people can we

"Good question."

small device in his ear, Maximus opened his palm

"Five?"

spread throughout the hall as they

head,

five hundred people maximum. We've tried to ask for more, but the elves

down as

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

anything to piss them off, they

are the members

He was from A.I.S.R, another

the attention of the people present as

many wanted to participate in the event. This was a

they managed to perform well, they would without a doubt bring a lot

thoughts as all

reading expressions, Maximus knew exactly what they were thinking and once

hundred of the five hundred members have already been

"What!?"

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

unfair, but the four hundred people that we've

lowering it down, Maximus gestured for everyone

said before, of the five hundred, there are still one

do

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

face the guest, Maximus

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

throughout every speaker in the world as many of those that were interested in joining finally saw

in for a good minute, Maximus

think that's enough for

his blazer, he waved his hand and made his way toward the stairs that led to

"Oh right."

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

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

face suddenly

everyone in the hall, his deep and

are here to represent humanity.

killing intent hidden behind his words. Some of the reporters who were only

words

were selected and refused, they would become

sink in, everyone drew a cold