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 wrist and

get back here right now. The portal is

message, Kevin knew that it was time for him

now or I'll be late. Once

—Wait, don't your da—

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

but I

sure that he looked presentable, Kevin entered the building through the glass

Wooosh—

clothes fluttered wildly, almost as though he was in the middle of a strong

that stood in the middle

should be the

better look at the

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

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

and more mana threads swirled around it, something strange suddenly

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

get in

just entered the premises of the building, wearing a Union uniform, a tall middle-aged

dangerous where you're standing, head to

flatly replied,

saying another word, Kevin

just talked to Kevin was Mike Rotondo,

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

wonder how much longer

locked onto the strange-looking device

to the uncontrollable

noted that this was a place that only a few humans had ever

were nine other

all waiting for the

"It's done."

voice sounded throughout the place as an old man with a hunched back and a lab coat

get access to long-distance portals. It's truly marvelous," he shouted in

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

around and staring at the people

referred to as 'section chief', the

portal is now ready to teleport the candidates to the elven domain. I've already set the coordinates. All you need to do is go inside. Go one at a time,

The section chief replied, staring at the portal in

"Alright, alright."

glanced at the portal one more time before

thanks I get after doing all of this work…"

to have not heard him, the section chief turned to face

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready."

the others and asked the same question. They too

few human representatives there already. By

of every member present, where a black ring rested, the section chief asked,

"Yes sir!"

at

chief took a step to

into the portal and do our

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

'This is it…'

for his turn, Kevin took a deep breath