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

head, Kevin turned his wrist

back here right now. The portal

it

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

—Wait, don't your da—

Emma could voice out any more complaints, Kevin had already

Emma, but I really need to

presentable, Kevin entered

Wooosh—

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

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

should be the

steps, Kevin got a better look at the portal in

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

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

threads swirled around it, something strange

long, it slowly 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 held a mystical feel

get in

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

too dangerous where you're standing, head

his back, Kevin flatly replied,

saying another word, Kevin walked toward

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

much longer

eyes locked onto the strange-looking device

before due to the uncontrollable excitement he felt about going to the

a place that only a few humans had ever stepped foot inside, so no one knew exactly how the

the only one that was nervous, as beside him were nine other individuals

waiting for the

"It's done."

throughout the place as an old man with a hunched back and a lab

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

and tracing his finger on its metallic frame, the old scientist circled the

people

the person that Kevin referred to as 'section chief', the old

to the Union, the portal 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

The section chief replied, staring at the portal

"Alright, alright."

glanced at the

is all the thanks I get after doing all of this work…" He silently muttered as he

heard him, the section chief turned to

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready."

turned towards the others and asked the same question.

been set to the elven domain. There should be a few human representatives there already. By the time

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

"Yes sir!"

replied at the same

answer, the section chief

into the portal and do our

words, one by one, the representatives slowly started

'This is it…'

for his turn, Kevin took