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—

seconds after he said

turned his wrist and checked his

right now. The

that it was

or I'll be late. Once again, talk to you

—Wait, don't your da—

could voice out any more complaints, Kevin had already

I

his clothes and making sure that he looked presentable, Kevin entered the building through the glass

Wooosh—

a strong wind brushed past Kevin as his hair and clothes fluttered wildly, almost as

was a strange black metallic frame that stood in the middle of the room. A huge gap appeared in

should be

in his steps, Kevin got a better look at the

portals, which used to be very rare, were now a common thing in Ashton city. And thanks to what the Union did, humanity now had access to the technology that finally enabled them to fully

vividly see thick residual threads of mana encircling the air before forming a swirl in the

more mana threads swirled around it, something strange suddenly

to pulsate, and before long, it slowly and steadily started to expand, creating a strange translucent purple veil that covered all parts of the squared portal.

get in

entered the premises of the building, wearing a

you're standing, head to

flatly replied, "Yes, section

Kevin walked toward the designated

man who had just talked to Kevin was Mike Rotondo, and he was Kevin's direct superior at the

they were quite familiar with each other, hence why when Kevin was ordered by him he immediately got to his

how much longer till

locked onto the strange-looking device in

before due to the uncontrollable

that only a few humans had ever stepped foot inside,

nine other individuals all wearing similar attire, staring at the portal in

for the moment when the portal would

"It's done."

the place as an old

managed to get access to long-distance portals. It's truly marvelous,"

portal and tracing his finger on its metallic frame, the

staring at the people present, his

Kevin referred to as 'section chief', the old scientist pointed toward the portal and

is now ready to teleport the candidates to the elven domain. I've already set the coordinates. All you need to do is go inside. Go one at a time, and be careful of the side effects as they

section chief replied, staring at the

"Alright, alright."

man glanced at the portal one more

all of this work…" He silently muttered as he

the section

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready."

others and asked the same

a few human representatives there already. By the time you arrive, they should be waiting for you

every member present, where a black ring rested, the section chief asked, "Have you made sure to pack all

"Yes sir!"

at the

section chief took a step to the

Now get into the portal and do our race

finished those words, one by one, the representatives

'This is it…'

waiting for his turn, Kevin took a deep breath