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—

said

Kevin turned his wrist and

right now.

message, Kevin knew that it

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

—Wait, don't your da—

more complaints, Kevin had

but I really need to

looked presentable, Kevin entered the building through the

Wooosh—

clothes fluttered

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

be the

got a better look at the portal in the

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

residual threads of mana

more and more mana threads swirled around

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 of the squared portal. The veil

in

the building, wearing a Union

too dangerous where you're standing, head to

his back, Kevin flatly replied, "Yes, section

without saying another word, Kevin walked toward

man who had just talked to Kevin was Mike Rotondo, and he was Kevin's direct

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

how much longer till the

onto the strange-looking device in the

due to the uncontrollable

was a place that only a few humans had ever

the only one that was nervous, as beside him were nine other individuals all wearing similar attire,

alongside Kevin, were all waiting 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 back and

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

metallic frame, the

the people present, his eyes narrowed into

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

I promised to the Union, 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, and be careful of the side effects as

section chief replied, staring at the portal

"Alright, alright."

glanced at the portal one more

doing all of this work…" He silently muttered as he

the section chief turned to

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready."

towards the others and asked

There should be a few human representatives there already. By the time you arrive, they should be waiting for you at the

where a black ring

"Yes sir!"

replied at the

chief took a step

portal and do our race

words, one by one,

'This is it…'

his turn, Kevin took