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 shoulders, Maximus

like for all of you to please calm down and let me continue talking.

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

"Good."

step forward, Maximus continued

whether we are eligible for joining their alliance or not. They had one request when telling us to come, and

eyes scanned the audience like

are asking us to prove ourselves...our

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

are they trying to have us prove? That we

the tension. He was

attention towards the

to them the abilities of

his eyes, Maximus's eyes paused on a few individuals

on Kevin that was standing at the back

the distance, Kevin suddenly felt an electric

'Strong...'

He inwardly muttered.

but Kevin could feel just how big the gap between

faint satisfied smile on his face,

investment. We need to convince the other races that we are worth investing in...prove to them that were are not dead

looks flashed across the faces

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

just how important this opportunity was for

the frown of some of the people present started to

asked decided to

people

"Good question."

a small device in his ear, Maximus opened his palm

"Five?"

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

head, Maximus

are to bring five hundred people maximum. We've tried to ask 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

were being granted a chance, with only five hundred people

piss them off, they could find themselves

the

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

attention of the people present as they were

wanted to participate in the event. This was a chance

a doubt bring a lot of prestige and

the hall shared these same thoughts as all

knew exactly what they were thinking and once again poured cold water

the five hundred members have already

"What!?"

nosy as some people expressed how unfair this was to the others. But

care if you think this is unfair, but the four hundred people that we've

hand and lowering it down, Maximus gestured for everyone present to shut

the five hundred, there are still one hundred spots

do we

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

the

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 the tournament will get the

the world as many of those that

his words sink in for a

I think that's

made his way toward the stairs that led to the bottom of

"Oh right."

from the mike, recalling something, he turned

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

Maximus's face

in the hall, his deep and powerful voice resounded throughout

not allowed to refuse. You are here

slight killing intent

Maximus's words

were selected and

sink in, everyone drew a cold