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 those words, his watch

his head, Kevin turned his

right now.

knew that it was time

need to go right now or I'll be late.

—Wait, don't your da—

before Emma could voice out any more complaints, Kevin had already hung up

I really need to

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

Wooosh—

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

this phenomenon was a strange black metallic frame that stood in the middle of the room.

should be

Kevin got a better look at

which used to be very rare, were now a common thing in Ashton city. And thanks to what the Union did, humanity now had access

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

more mana threads swirled around it, something strange

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 it held

in

of the building, wearing a Union uniform,

standing,

flatly replied, "Yes,

without saying another word, Kevin walked toward the

to Kevin was Mike

of months, they were quite familiar with each other, hence why when Kevin was

much longer till

position, Kevin's eyes locked onto the

beating faster than before due to the

humans had ever stepped foot inside, so no one knew

were nine other individuals all wearing similar attire, staring at the portal in front of

for the moment when

"It's done."

didn't last for long. A joyful voice sounded throughout the place as an old man with a hunched

believe we finally managed to get access to

portal and tracing his finger on its metallic frame, the old scientist circled the portal more

and staring at the people

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

I've already set the coordinates. All you need to do is go inside. Go

The section chief replied, staring at

"Alright, alright."

old man glanced at the

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

him, the

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready."

asked the same question. They too

the elven domain. There should be a few human representatives there already. By the time

of every member present, where a black ring rested,

"Yes sir!"

at the

chief took a step

the portal

finished those words, one by one, the representatives

'This is it…'

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