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 talking. I've only said a small part

worded them made it seem as though he was asking a favor from the audience, but the commanding

"Good."

a step forward,

eligible for joining their alliance or not. They had one request when telling us to

Maximus's eyes scanned the audience like

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

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

trying to have us prove? That we can

was a reporter

towards the reporter, Maximus nodded

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

again scanning the room with his eyes, Maximus's eyes paused on a few individuals within

on Kevin that was standing at

by Maximus from the distance, Kevin suddenly felt

'Strong...'

He inwardly muttered.

a stare, but Kevin could feel just how big the gap

his face, Maximus

investing in...prove to them that were are not dead weight. We don't want

in the hall as complicated looks flashed across

to hear that they were being treated as mere objects that were being tested to see if they were worth the investment or

they also knew just how important this opportunity was for

wasn't long before the frown of some

asked

many people can we

"Good question."

onto a small device in his ear, Maximus opened

"Five?"

the hall as

his 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

noises in the hall once again quieted down as they all understood the implication behind his

people present, they were going to be at the

did anything to piss them off,

the members

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

people present as they

the event. This was

a doubt bring

hall shared these same thoughts as all eyes focused

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

the five hundred members have

"What!?"

again 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

care if you think this is unfair, but the four hundred people that we've selected have already proven to us that they

down, Maximus gestured for everyone

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

how do we

time, instead of it being a reporter asking the question, it

face the

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 chance to participate

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

for a good minute, Maximus adjusted his tie

I think that's enough

waved his hand and made his way toward the stairs

"Oh right."

of steps away from the mike, recalling something, he

soon receive a message on your devices telling you about participation, but I

face

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

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

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

Maximus's words were

they were selected and refused, they would

that thought sink in, everyone drew a cold