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

his head, Kevin turned his

get back here right now. The portal is almost

that it

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

—Wait, don't your da—

Emma could voice out any more complaints, Kevin had

Emma, but I really need

looked presentable, Kevin

Wooosh—

brushed past Kevin as his hair and clothes

frame that stood in the

be the

Kevin got a better look at the portal

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

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

threads swirled around it, something strange suddenly

started to pulsate, and before 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 a certain

you're standing, head to your

Kevin flatly replied, "Yes,

saying another word, Kevin walked toward the

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

with each other for over a couple of months, they were quite familiar with each other, hence why when Kevin was ordered by him he immediately got to his

wonder how much longer till the portal

locked onto the strange-looking device

to the

only a few humans had ever stepped foot inside, so no one knew exactly how the place

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

alongside Kevin, were all waiting for the moment when the

"It's done."

for long. A joyful voice sounded throughout the place as an old man with a hunched back and a lab coat looked at the

to get access to long-distance portals.

his finger on its metallic frame, the old

staring at the people present, his eyes narrowed into

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

the coordinates. All you need to do is go inside. Go

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

"Alright, alright."

glanced at the portal one more time before

I get after doing all of

him, the section chief turned to

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready."

asked the same question. They too responded like

should be a few human representatives there

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

"Yes sir!"

at the

chief took a step to the

into the portal and do

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