The Author's POV

Two days have passed since Ren went to Immorra, nothing changed in Ashton city during that time.

Everything was just as calm as it had been for the past couple of years.

Of course, that was merely on the surface level.

Anyone in a high position knew that this was the calm before the storm.

…and it wasn't just any regular storm, but a large storm. One that would severely affect the conditions of the human domain in the near future.

That was due to the fact that the truce between the Union and the Monolith will expire in less than a month, ushering in the start of a new era. An era that was filled with conflict and death.

"Why are you so confident that they will declare war on us as soon as the truce is over?"

A gathering was taking place at the top of the Union tower.

Currently, all of the top tankers were present. Including Kevin, who stood beside Monica, and Donna, who was also present and standing beside him.

It was clear to see that they belonged to the same 'faction' inside of the Union. Monica's faction.

"It is not a matter of why anymore, Monica."

Daphne, the now third ranked hero spoke up.

She began to explain the situation to her.

"Over the past few years, we have observed that the Monolith has used this opportunity to consolidate their authority and influence. Their forces are stronger and more powerful than ever, and although it isn't confirmed, we can conclude from that, that there is a high chance of a war breaking out between the two of us. Also, have you not noticed Monica?"

Daphne paused while her eyes swept over everyone in the room.

"Have you not noticed how both the demons and the members of the Monolith have become so quiet right after that crack appeared in the air?"

Monica immediately became calm after hearing her remarks, sitting back in her chair and thinking to herself.

Before she could say anything else, Maximus spoke up.

"Regarding the crack, I think this will be useful for all of you to look at."

He then pressed his hand against the desk and a hologram appeared in the air.

The image of an elf appeared in the video. Everyone in the room was familiar with the video that was currently being displayed.

"A manifestation of the most recent cataclysm is the crack that has appeared in the atmosphere. The main objective of the crack is to fill the planet with as much mana as possible in order to open the door for monsters from the demon world to arrive."

"Previously, due to the planet's low mana density, dungeon creatures could not survive on the surface for very long. This isn't true, though, when there is a lot of mana in the world of humans. If it were to occur, monsters would be free to wander the earth, allowing the demons to start a blown out war against humanity."

hand against the desk once

faces of everyone present in

sure most of you have already seen the video before. With more reports talking about dungeon overflows becoming more prominent and the monsters no longer dying

Ren has stated in the past, during the press conference that almost everyone here is all too familiar with. The third calamity is no longer a question of 'if' it will come, but a matter

room rose at his words. Regardless, Maximus continued

it is within the reasonable assumption that it will take no less than ten years, and during that time, the

everyone's expression turned ugly. In a sense, everyone already knew this, but it wasn't

the room whose face didn't change was in fact Kevin who kept his head lowered

knew all

in ten

people inside the room

which Ren had largely cleared out—were going

There were a couple of remnants that survived, and might cause significant damage

of destruction, but

Octavious, how close are you from breaking through

the conversation away from the

eyes fell on Octavious

table, slowly opened his eyes. A terrifying and

their breath while they waited for him

unfortunately left

not there

everyone's hearts to clench. Even while no one was certain if Malik Alshayatin had attained the level of , just the idea that there was a rumor of him doing so was

power than those that didn't have a contract, everyone felt their heart sink at the

at

clinging to the little hope they

did not get the

"No, I'm not close."

more somber after he said

following minutes, no one said anything

end the meeting

end when Octaviois casually got up. He turned around and

example, the others also stood

faces of some of the people present, it was clear that

as she remained quiet throughout the walk

you doing

was her words that brought Kevin out of his thoughts. Lowering his head

was just thinking about

That was a lie.

faces at the moment. Although it didn't appear that way at first glance, this meeting was immensely detrimental to the Union. Especially in light of

people made up their minds to betray the Union and join

mind was preoccupied with trying to

didn't even bother thinking about changing them, no, he much