The Author's POV

A day after the shocking announcement made by the Union, a bustling atmosphere filled the whole human domain as everyone went to their local Union branch and signed up for the upcoming tournament that was going to be held in two days.

Everyone, be it young or old, wanted to participate. Some were a bit hesitant about joining when they heard that they couldn't leave, but the Union suddenly released another piece of news which assuaged everyone's fears.

Whoever participated in the conference and performed well would be able to join the Union as an honorary member. Not just that, they got to enjoy the benefits of being part of the Union without actually being tied down with it.

It was then that those who were initially reluctant no longer hesitated and signed up for the tournament.

"So you've also got invited."

Standing below one of the Union branches, basking beneath the warm sunlight, was Kevin.

With the gentle sunlight enveloping his features, his crimson eyes shined brightly, making him look especially handsome.

Wooosh—

Suddenly, a nice breeze brushed past his body, freshening his mind.

"Congratulations."

At the moment, he was talking to someone on the phone. The person was none other than Emma, who shared the news about her invitation to Kevin. Albeit a bit late, she had her reasons for not telling sooner.

Naturally, Kevin understood why and didn't say much else.

—Yeah. I think most of the high rankers of the Lock got an invitation to the Conference. Amanda, Jin, Han Yufei, Troy, you, and some other names that I don't really remember. Apart from that, I heard they summoned most of the ranked heroes. Not all, though. Some were forced to stay behind.

"Well, it's understandable. Imagine what would happen if all heroes left the human domain at the same time to attend the conference. All hell would break loose here."

Even though the Monolith and the Union had signed an agreement, at the end of the day, that was only applicable to them.

If the demons chose to invade the human domain, humanity would be rendered helpless. As such, the decision to only bring five hundred individuals was the best one.

Not that they had a choice anyway.

—Hmm… Say, what are you doing right now?

"What am I doing?"

Lifting his head up and staring at the tall skyscraper, Kevin shrugged.

"Well, I'm about to leave for the elven domain."

—Already?

Emma's voice raised a few pitches. She sounded surprised by the sudden development.

"Well, we are not technologically advanced enough to teleport five hundred people at the same time, so the Union decided to send people in batches of ten, and I happen to be part of the second batch that is being sent."

—I see.

Emma sounded a bit concerned at first, but after hearing Kevin's words, her voice softened up a little bit.

—Okay, I'll be seeing you soon anyways. Since I'm part of the people invited, they are bound to take me to the tournament venue.

"They sure…huh?"

Midway through his sentence, Kevin suddenly felt a powerful wave of mana coming from the building behind him.

Turning around, his eyes squinted.

"…Looks like something is happening."

Vrr— Vrr—

he said those words, his watch suddenly started

Kevin turned his wrist

here right now. The portal

that it was time for him to hang

I need to go right now or I'll be late.

—Wait, don't your da—

Emma could voice out any more complaints, Kevin had

Emma, but I

making sure that he looked presentable, Kevin entered the building

Wooosh—

the building, a strong wind brushed past Kevin as his hair and clothes fluttered

black metallic frame that stood in the middle of the room. A huge gap

be the

a better look at the portal in the

in Ashton city. And thanks to what the Union

meters away from the portal, Kevin could vividly see thick residual threads of mana encircling the air before forming

and more mana threads swirled around it,

steadily started to expand, creating a strange translucent purple veil that covered all parts of the squared portal. The veil itself was thin, but it

in your

wearing a Union uniform, a tall middle-aged man pointed towards

where you're standing, head

Kevin flatly replied,

without saying another word, Kevin walked toward the designated

just talked to Kevin was Mike Rotondo, and he

over a couple of months, they were quite familiar with each other, hence why when Kevin was ordered

wonder how much longer till

Kevin's eyes locked onto

before due to the uncontrollable

only a few humans had ever stepped foot inside, so no one knew

as beside him were nine other individuals all wearing similar attire, staring at the portal in

all waiting for the moment when the portal would

"It's done."

throughout the place as an old man with

access to long-distance portals. It's truly marvelous," he shouted

the portal and tracing his finger on its metallic frame, the old scientist circled the portal more than five times

the people present, his eyes narrowed

'section chief', the old scientist pointed toward

domain. I've already set the coordinates. All you need to do is

services." The section chief replied, staring at

"Alright, alright."

glanced at the

is all the thanks I get after doing all of this work…" He

have not heard him, the section chief

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready."

towards the others and asked the same

the coordinates have been set to the elven domain. There should be a few human representatives there already. By the time you arrive, they should be waiting

black ring rested, the section chief asked, "Have you made sure to

"Yes sir!"

replied at the

answer, the section chief took a step to

portal and do our race

those words, one by one, the

'This is it…'

his turn, Kevin took a deep breath to calm