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—

seconds after he said

head, Kevin turned his

here right now. The

knew that it was time for him

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

—Wait, don't your da—

voice out any more

but I really need

he looked presentable, Kevin entered

Wooosh—

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

metallic frame that stood in the middle of the room. A huge gap appeared

should be the

in his steps, Kevin got a better look at

a common thing in Ashton city. And thanks to what the Union did, humanity now had access to the technology that finally

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

more and more mana threads swirled around it, something strange

started to expand, creating a strange translucent purple veil that covered all parts of the squared portal. The

in your

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

standing, head to

Kevin flatly replied, "Yes, section

another word, Kevin walked toward the

Mike Rotondo, and he was

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

how much longer till

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

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

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

other individuals all wearing similar attire, staring

waiting for the moment when the

"It's done."

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

to long-distance portals. It's truly

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

staring at the people

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

to teleport the candidates to the elven domain. I've already set the coordinates.

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

"Alright, alright."

the old man glanced at the portal one

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

the section chief turned to

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready."

he turned towards the others and asked

a few human representatives there already. By the time you arrive, they

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

"Yes sir!"

at

the answer, the section chief took a step to

portal and

one, the representatives slowly started

'This is it…'

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