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—

even a couple of seconds after he said

Kevin turned his wrist and checked his

now.

it was time

go right now or I'll be

—Wait, don't your da—

Emma could voice out any more complaints, Kevin

I really

presentable, Kevin entered the building through

Wooosh—

Kevin as his hair and clothes

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

should be

steps, Kevin got a better look

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

meters away from the portal, Kevin could vividly see thick residual threads of mana encircling the air before forming a swirl in the middle of the

more mana threads swirled around it,

of the metallic frame suddenly started to pulsate, and before long, it slowly and steadily started to expand, creating a strange translucent purple veil

in

entered the premises of the building, wearing a Union

where you're standing,

Kevin flatly replied,

saying another word, Kevin walked toward the designated

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

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

how much longer till the portal

position, Kevin's eyes locked onto the

faster than before due to the uncontrollable excitement he felt about

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

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

alongside Kevin, were all waiting for the moment

"It's done."

place as an old man with a hunched back and

to long-distance portals.

metallic frame, the old scientist circled the portal more than five times

the people present, his eyes

'section chief', the old scientist pointed toward the portal

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

chief replied, staring at the

"Alright, alright."

off, the old man glanced at the

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

heard him, the section chief turned

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready."

asked the same question. They too

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

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

"Yes sir!"

replied at the same

the answer, the section chief

into the portal

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

'This is it…'

his turn, Kevin took