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—

a couple of seconds after he said those

Kevin turned his wrist and

right now. The portal is

the message, Kevin knew that it was time

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

—Wait, don't your da—

voice out any more complaints, Kevin

but I really need

making sure that he looked presentable, Kevin entered the building

Wooosh—

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

metallic frame that stood in the middle of the room.

be the

better look at the portal

very rare, were now a common thing in Ashton city. And thanks to what the Union did,

threads of mana encircling the air before forming a swirl

and more mana threads swirled around it, something

pulsate, and before long, it slowly and steadily started to expand, creating a

get in your

building, wearing a Union uniform, a tall middle-aged man

where you're standing, head to your

back, Kevin flatly replied, "Yes,

without saying another word, Kevin walked

man who had just talked to Kevin was Mike Rotondo, and he was Kevin's

over a couple of months, they were quite familiar with each

wonder how much longer

in position, Kevin's eyes locked onto the strange-looking device

beating faster than before due to the uncontrollable excitement he

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

as beside him were nine other individuals all

for

"It's done."

as an old man with a hunched

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

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

the people present,

to as 'section chief', the old scientist pointed

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,

services." The section chief

"Alright, alright."

at the portal

doing all of this work…" He silently

have not heard him, the section chief turned to face

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready."

others and asked

the elven domain. There should be a few human representatives there already. By the time you

to look towards the right hand of every member present, where a black ring rested, the section chief

"Yes sir!"

replied at

by the answer, the section chief took a step

portal and do our

by one, the representatives slowly started to enter the

'This is it…'

a step forward while waiting for his turn, Kevin took a deep breath to calm his