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—

couple of seconds after he said

turned his wrist

here right now.

that it was time for him

right now or

—Wait, don't your da—

any more complaints, Kevin had already hung up

Emma, but I

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

Wooosh—

and clothes fluttered wildly, almost as though he was in the middle of

metallic frame that stood in the middle of the room. A

should be the

got a better

gradually advancing, portals, which used to be very rare, were now a common thing in Ashton city. And thanks to what the Union did,

of mana encircling the air before forming a swirl in the middle of

threads swirled

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

get in

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

standing, head

back, Kevin flatly replied, "Yes, section

without saying another word, Kevin walked

talked to Kevin was Mike Rotondo, and he was Kevin's direct superior

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

how much longer till the portal

onto

the uncontrollable excitement he felt

humans

nine other individuals all

waiting for the moment when the portal would

"It's done."

old man with a hunched back and a

access to long-distance

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

and staring at the people present,

person that Kevin referred to as 'section chief',

already set the coordinates. All you need to do is go inside. Go one at

chief replied, staring at

"Alright, alright."

old man glanced at the portal one more time before

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

him, the section chief turned to

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready."

and asked

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

where a black ring rested, the section chief asked,

"Yes sir!"

replied at the

the section chief took a step to

the portal and

he finished those words, one by one, the representatives slowly started to enter

'This is it…'

while waiting for his turn, Kevin took a deep