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—

said those words, his watch suddenly

head, Kevin turned his

here right now. The portal

message, Kevin knew that it

now or I'll be late. Once again, talk

—Wait, don't your da—

any more complaints, Kevin had already hung up

Emma, but I really need to

looked presentable, Kevin entered the building through the

Wooosh—

brushed past Kevin as his hair and clothes fluttered wildly, almost as though he was in

of this phenomenon was a strange black metallic frame that stood in the

should be

a better look at the portal

Ashton city. And thanks to what the Union did, humanity now had access to the technology that finally enabled them

vividly see thick residual threads of mana encircling

mana threads swirled around

and 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

just entered the premises of the building, wearing a Union uniform, a tall middle-aged man pointed towards

too dangerous where you're standing, head to your

his back, Kevin flatly

without saying another word, Kevin walked

just talked to Kevin was Mike

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

longer till the

Kevin's eyes locked onto the strange-looking

beating faster than before due to the uncontrollable excitement he felt about going to the

had to be noted that this was a place that only a few humans had ever stepped foot inside, so no one

beside him were nine other

were all waiting for the moment when the portal

"It's done."

old man with a hunched back and

get access to long-distance portals. It's truly

finger on its metallic frame, the old scientist circled the portal more than five times before

people present,

to as 'section chief', the old scientist pointed toward the portal and raised his

the coordinates. All you need to do is

chief replied, staring at the portal

"Alright, alright."

off, the old man glanced at the portal one more

I get after doing all of

not heard him, the section chief

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready."

asked

the elven domain. There should be a few human representatives there already. By the time you arrive, they should be waiting for you at the other

every member present, where a black ring rested,

"Yes sir!"

replied at the same

section chief took a

the portal and do our

one by one, the representatives slowly started

'This is it…'

forward while waiting for his turn, Kevin