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 suddenly started

his head, Kevin turned his

back here right now. The portal is almost

the message, Kevin knew that it was time for him

now or I'll

—Wait, don't your da—

more complaints, Kevin had already hung

I really

looked presentable, Kevin entered the building through

Wooosh—

and clothes fluttered

black metallic frame that stood in the middle of

be the

in his steps, Kevin got a better look

now a common thing in Ashton city. And thanks to what

residual threads of mana encircling the air

and more mana threads

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 to

in your

building, wearing a Union

dangerous where you're standing, head to your

back, Kevin flatly

without saying another word, Kevin walked toward

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

for over a couple of months, they were quite familiar with each other, hence why when Kevin was ordered

longer

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

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

nervous, as beside him were nine other individuals all wearing similar attire, staring at the portal in

waiting for the

"It's done."

an old man with a hunched back and a lab coat looked at the

to

finger on its metallic frame, the old

staring at the people present, his eyes

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

elven domain. I've already set the coordinates. All you need to do is go inside. Go one at a time, and be

for your services." The section chief replied, staring at the

"Alright, alright."

the old man glanced at the portal

doing all of this

not heard him, the section

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready."

he turned towards the others and asked

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

ring rested, the section chief asked, "Have you made sure to

"Yes sir!"

replied at the same

chief took a step

the portal

words, one by one, the representatives slowly started to enter the

'This is it…'

waiting for his turn, Kevin took a